Danny Rosenbluth, Regional Director for Asia Pacific and Nick Peng from Dorot China gave a talk about pressure reducing valves as a mean to reduce water loss. The talk was given in the cities of Zhengzhou and Pingdingshan, in the province Henan. In each location we spoke to 100 municipal water engineers and managers.

The growing urban centres across China are presenting a growing challenge to the water networks in these regions. The internal migration from the rural farmlands to the Megacities has put a strain on the ability to provide consistent quality drinking water.

The networks in the city centres are old and the cost of refurbishing them, both in funds and in disruption to the city life is one that everyone wants to avoid.

The main problem is that pushing more water in the pipe systems is not helpful. the more they push the more water is lost in leaks.

Using mechanical valves to regulate the water flow and pressure has proved ineffective. The constant changes in the flow are hard to manage. The lack of real-time data does not allow for a real-time response or long-term planning.

The solution as tested and proved around the world is with hydraulically controlled valves. These valves constantly sense the pressure and flow changes and respond in real-time. Using electronically controlled hydraulic control valves allows for a 2-way communication with the valve and the ability to receive real-time data and chance the set points for the valves from a distant location. (...)