Water mains pressure reducing system and method for controlling pressure in water networks

Abstract

The invention defines a water mains pressure reducing system comprising: â¿¢ a valve comprising a valve body having an interior comprising a fluid-flow chamber through which liquid can pass, an inlet to the chamber and an outlet from the chamber, a valve element, which is moveable between a closed position wherein the valve element prevents liquid from passing through the chamber and one or more open positions wherein liquid may flow from the inlet, through the chamber and out through the outlet and a substantially incompressible connector connected at a first end to the valve element and at a second end to a controllable motor drive. â¿¢ a flow meter â¿¢ a controller arranged to receive flow data from the flow meter and to control the motor drive for withdrawal or advancement of the valve element in accordance with the flow rate measured by the flow meter and the relationship between fluid flow and fluid pressure The invention also defines a method of controlling water pressure in a local network.