FAQ's
General FAQ's:
Product FAQ's:
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1. Who is VoV Enterprises Inc.?
VoV Enterprises, Inc. is an innovator in Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
using SCADA operated flow control. We manufacture the VoV and VoSmart
(V-Smart) Valves, hydraulically operated flow control valves designed to
eliminate the entrainment of air with operations using injection or ASR wells.
Elimination of
Cascading Water: At startup and during recharge, the valve is set in the
closed position allowing the drop pipe to fill with water. The air in the pipe
is evacuated through an air-vacuum valve at the well head ensuring the
elimination of cascading water. Elimination of Air Entrainment: Air
entrainment in recharge or injection wells leads to air fouling of the
formation, increased bio-fouling and calcite formation along with the costs of
well rehabilitation. The correct operation of this valve effectively
eliminates air entrainment. Near Linear Flow Control: The recharge rate may be
set using a manual or electric hydraulic control valve with local and/or SCADA
control. Flow may be adjusted using a null loop, a dead band, a magnetic flow
meter and the dynamic water level along with a PLC to control the water flow
through the "D" ports for near linear control. Shock Reduction: The VoSmart
Valve is designed to smoothly start a recharge well, adjust the flow linearly,
place the water into the formation gently under laminar conditions.
VoV Enterprises Inc. helps contractors and water purveyors over the world.
We have patents in the USA, Canada, Australia and 23 pending in Foreign.
Actually we solve problems in all countries where technology
solutions to water storage issues either occur.
In addition to our unmatched experience and size, VoV Enterprises Inc. offers
one of the most open, flexible solutions in the industry and exceptional
technical support throughout the installation process.
VoV
Enterprises, Inc., is incorporated in Nevada and California, specializing in
valves for flow control and down hole flow control for dedicated recharge
wells, salt water barrier wells, water banking wells, plus aquifer storage and
recovery (ASR) wells. Research and development was started in 1993 with a
prototype installed in November 1993. During testing and analysis the
patenting process was instituted and subsequently completed in April 1996. VoV
(Variable Orifice Valve) Enterprises, Inc. has focused product development on
hydraulically-operated flow control valves designed to eliminate the
entrainment of air in injection or ASR wells. Presently the valves are covered
by U.S. Patent #5,503,363, #5,618,022, #5,871,200, #6,073,906 and #6,338,466,
Canadian Patent 2,293,391 with 23 International Patents Pending.
To
economically and cheaply store a valuable resource, Water (Water Banking). Nearly every
water district faces the daily dilemma of water management and perishable
water inventory. Water production facilities may run below capacity. Ground
water is one of the Nations most important natural resources. It is the
principal source of drinking water for about 50 percent of the United States
population, providing approximately 96 percent of the water used for rural
domestic supplies and 40 percent of the water used for public supplies. In
addition, more than 30 percent of the water used for agricultural purposes is
withdrawn from wells. Ground water also is a significant, but often
unrecognized, component of the Nations surface-water resources. Much of the
flow in streams and the water in lakes and wetlands is sustained by the
discharge of ground water, particularly during periods of dry weather.
To
contact VoV Enterprises Inc. directly call 714-638-1774 between the
business hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday PST.
Yes. The materials
used in the valves metals are 316L stainless steel, 304L stainless steel
or Nitronics 60, Delrin AF and polyurethane seals. The valves are manufactured
domestically.
Yes.
1.
Keep the hose
fittings closed except when connecting fittings or bleeding air from the
hydraulic fluid.
2. Maintain a positive slope from the valve to the power unit during the time
of bleeding air from the system. This enables the bubbles to return to the
power unit reservoir.
3. At each column pipe coupling (20 feet) install a stainless steel strap
around the pipe and hoses.
4. A seal must be provided between the hoses and the well plate. We recommend
a strain relief fitting.
Yes. Air
entrainment, air bubbles within the Aquifer choking off water flow and can
promote Bio-fouling by providing additional oxygen. Calcite formation is
another side effect that is promoted by cascading water or air entrainment. This condition slowly
closes the openings in the well screen as well as reducing the permeability of
the aquifer.
Yes in some cases, and to some degree by a
stripping action provided during pumping the well. The process in not totally
reversible. In general these effects tend to be accumulative with repeated
start up cycles with reduced permeability for each starting cycle.
Yes, the Drilling Contractor normally installs the Valves, Hoses, Hydraulic
Components and Power Units. On site supervision is an optional item offered.
12.
Can I get valve
application or installation assistance?
Simply call VoV Enterprises at: 714-638-1774, 9:00 Am to 5:00 Pm Monday-Friday PST. Field supervision is available on a time and material basis. Separate line items are provided in our quotations.
From
pumping rate of the well or estimated pumping rate of the well times 1.5.
A number of considerations are taken into account, such as drop pipe size,
casing size, injection rate and we make recommendations on the size the valve based
on the information provided. This data is used to
provide you with an estimated flow curve for your specific well based on this
information. After testing we will provide you with a flow curve based on
field test.
The
VoV and VoSMART Valves are started in a closed position. This allows the
air in the drop pipe to be evacuated or released through an air/vacuum valve
at the well head. This starts the system with a full pipe of water. Then the valve can
be modulated open slowly starting the recharge operation smoothly and
gradually. The recharge rate may be adjusted to a desired rate or modified at
any time to meet optimum conditions. The result, NO AIR ENTRAINMENT.
Air in the form of fine bubbles
is carried into the aquifer and binds to the sand/gravel particles. This forms
a condition called air fouling. Air fouling slowly reduces the permeability of
the aquifer, effectively closing off the ability to recharge water.
Two ways, first a pilot
operated locking feature of the solenoid valve automatically hydraulically
locks the position of the valve in position when the solenoid is shifted to
the neural position. The hydraulic fluid remains locked until the solenoid
valve is operated or shifted to an open or closing position. The secondary
lock are the seals within the valve. They take a set or static lock on the fixed section when
the valve is stopped, effectively locking the valve in position. To move the
valve hydraulic pressure must overcome this static friction and then the force
drops and the valve moves under dynamic pressure.
The VoV and VoSmart
Valves are adjusted hydraulically through high-pressure hoses by an
electrically driven power unit and 3 way 4 position solenoid valve. Position
is changed by the use of a local pendant switch or a remote PLC SCADA control
Every time the valve is removed from the well, but no longer than 5 -10years.
19. With a SCADA/PLC control to position the valve. How accurate does the valve control the flow and is it repeatable?
We have installations that control the flow within 5 GPM at 550 GPM flow rate.
On repeatability this falls within the dead band zone established by the SCADA
unit. Should the flow rate move beyond the dead band zone due to surges or
other system changes the valve will automatically adjust and return to its set
position.
We recommend that the valve be set at least 20-30 feet below the static water
level.
No. While the pump is rated for continuous duty, we recommend the power unit
be shut down if flow adjustments intervals are over 15-30 minutes.
The angles of the VoSmart orifices are designed to direct the cavitation away
from the metal or valve surfaces should cavitation occur.
The VoV Valve is normally 8-10 weeks ARO. The VoSmart Valve is normally
12-14 weeks, depending on shop work load. Flow characteristics of these units is near linear. Specific curves are
provided for each application. VoV offers the option of one (1) trip, with one (1) day of field
time/valve for installation and startup on a time and material basis as an
optional and separate cost. Travel time is an additional cost and
may be required depending on the location and specific requirements. Air entrainment in a recharge well is the same effect as seen in a water
fall. In starting a well this condition occurs in the drop pipe and continues
until the pipe is full. 1. The power unit is powered up.
2. The adjustment is made to the flow rate either manually or by the SCADA
unit.
3. The power unit is powered down. With the SCADA unit this operational
sequence is automatic.
Hydraulic fluids are available.
1. We recommend and supply A Food Grade Mineral Oil as used with vertical turbine pumps.
2. A biodegradable vegetable oil.
No problem, it is safe in potable water applications.
With velocities in the drop pipe of 20 feet per second we see velocities in
the range of 60 to 140 feet per second through the orifice. The velocity is in
direct relationship to the dynamic head, pressure at the well head and the
size of the orifice. This information is included on a site specific basis
with the Flow Graphs provided for each valve.
In the fall of 1993. The unit was an 8" VoV Valve. 31. Why can't I just use a control valve above the well or at the well head to control the recharge rate?
You cannot eliminate the air entrainment by placing a control valve above the
static water level. With a control valve at the well head you will have the
water at start up cascade or water fall and entrain a great deal of air in the
water. This air is largely carried into the well and only a small amount
escaping through the air-vacuum valve.
This follows recommendations of several contractors for ease of installation,
plus the ability to salvage the hose should the valve or pump need to be
removed. We have found this to be a valuable and prudent recommendation due to
the ease in handling the hoses verses the stainless steel tubing. We recommend
a hose with a working pressure rating of 10,000 PSI, this hose is required to
minimize volume metric expansion. The inner hose is nylon tube with an
intermediate layers of high strength steel wire braid and a elastomer cover.
During installation we purge the hoses and valve of all air and conduct a
functional test before going down hole with the valve. The hoses may be
disconnected and capped to maintain a full condition. Connecting the hoses
then is a straight forward process and air in the system is non-existing or
minimal at startup.
© Copyright 2000-2002 VoV Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
U.S. Patents #5,503,363, #5,618,022, #5,871,200, #6,073,906 and
#6,338,466, Canada Patent #2,293,391,
Australian #748767
Plus 23 International Patents Pending.
