What Does
Flow Control Mean?
Flow control is defined as a method by which the flow of water or waste in a sewer or drain pipe is halted, slowed, or diverted in order to facilitate repairs or block supply lines. Flow control systems are used In trenchless technology when repairing sewer and storm water drainage pipes.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Flow Control
Flow control is an essential element of underground work. Valves or gates are needed to control the flow of water to facilitate repair work when water cannot be bypassed, such as in open systems. Flow control systems can be used to repair large diameter pipes, which carry a large amount of waste water at great depths and long distances. The Michigan Interceptor project is a great example of using flow control to carry out the repair and rehabilitation of a system that involved a pipe of 13 feet diameter, up to 110 feet below the surface, and almost 7 miles long. The control of flow was achieved by installing new gate structures, retrofitting existing control gates, a new pump station, and upgrading an existing pump station. While the crew worked during day, the upstream portion was used as a storage area. At night, the gates were opened and sewage was allowed to flow. This flow control system enabled crews to seal leaking pipes and fill voids on the exterior of the pipe.