The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator System is designed to maintain a constant and accurate flow (+/- 5%) from a minimum of 16 gpm (1 L/s) to a maximum of 4 000 gpm (250 L/s) for upstream water levels varying from 0 to 40 feet (12 m). The ACU-FLO balance regulator has been used for flow control in combined sewer systems (CSO), sanitary sewer systems (SSO) and effluent from batch process plants and is well suited to regulate very small to medium discharges. The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator is installed on the downstream side of the control point in a dry well and requires a differential head for proper operation.
ACU-FLO
ACU-FLO (Balance Regulator)
Features
- 16 gpm to 4 000 gpm (1 to 250 L/S)
- Headwater up to 40 feet (12 m)
- May be used to monitor flows
- May be equipped for remote operation
- Automatic self-flushing effect prevents blockage
- Design discharge can be adjusted on site
- Easy to retrofit into existing installations
- Stainless steel construction
Range of Application
The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator System can vary from a model GAF-R-15 to GAF-R-40. The GAF-R-15 has an inlet diameter of 6 inches (15 cm) with a flow range of 16 to 80 gpm (1 to 5 L/s) and the GAF-R-40 has an inlet diameter of 16 inches (40 cm) with a flow range of 1 300 to 4 000 gpm (80 to 250 L/s). The ACU-FLO’s model selection is based entirely on the flow range required.
System Operation
The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator maintains a constant discharge at a set value independent of the upstream water level. The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator is effectively balancing the mass of the water flowing through it against the fixed counterweight. The most important functional elements are the pivoted radial gate, the weighing trough and the regulating counterweight. During low flow periods, the pivoted radial gate remains in the fully open position. As the influent discharge increases, it flows through the regulator housing into the weighing trough. The increasing weight of the water pushes the weighing trough down and the regulating counterweight up. Both movements are transferred to the pivoted radial gate by means of coupled levers which initiate the regulating process. As the weight of the water on the weighing trough increases, the pivoted radial gate closes thereby decreasing the discharge opening. The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator opening is automatically adjusted to match the upstream water level, resulting in a constant regulated discharge.
The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator has an automatic self-flushing effect to prevent blockage. If a blockage occurs, then the flow through the regulator decreases, resulting in a corresponding decrease of the regulating weight of the water on the weighing trough. This causes the weighing trough to rise and the radial gate to open fully. This flushes the blockage out under the pressure of the upstream water level after which the regulating process resumes.
Each ACU-FLO Balance Regulator is calibrated on a fully functional, full scale test stand. Each ACU-FLO Balance Regulator is shipped to site pre-set to the desired design flow. In addition, set points are clearly indicated for future in-situ flow adjustments (should it be required). The regulator can then be installed and put into operation without requiring time consuming and cost intensive in-situ flow calibration or measurement.
The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator can be equipped with a servo-control unit to modify the design flow from fully open to closed. An ACU-FLO Balance Regulator can be controlled using the local control or remotely from a central control location. In case of power outages, the regulator will continue to operate automatically maintaining the constant discharge it was last set at.
The ACU-FLO Balance Regulator can be equipped with a flow monitoring device.
