FlowGuard HP™ Automatic Recirculation Valve

High-Pressure Intelligent Pump Protection for Critical Industrial Applications

The FlowGuard HP™ Automatic Recirculation Valve (ARC Valve) is a high-performance self-actuated pump protection solution engineered specifically for severe-service and high differential pressure industrial applications. Designed to automatically maintain minimum safe flow through centrifugal pumps, the FlowGuard HP™ protects critical pumping systems against cavitation, overheating, flashing, vibration, instability, and premature mechanical failure during low-flow operating conditions.

Developed for demanding industries such as power generation, refinery, petrochemical, mining, boiler feedwater, and high-pressure process systems, the FlowGuard HP™ combines intelligent flow sensing, integrated check valve functionality, automatic bypass recirculation control, and advanced multi-stage pressure reduction technology into one compact and highly reliable valve assembly.

As process flow decreases below the pump’s minimum required operating flow, the FlowGuard HP™ automatically opens the bypass recirculation system, safely redirecting excess flow back to the deaerator, tank, or process system. When process demand increases, the bypass closes progressively, allowing full pump capacity to flow directly to the process line. This automatic self-regulating operation ensures continuous pump protection under all operating conditions without the need for external electrical power, PLC control systems, instrumentation, pneumatic actuation, or complex control loops.

The FlowGuard HP™ is specifically designed for applications involving high bypass pressure differentials where cavitation, flashing, noise, and fluid velocity control are critical. The valve incorporates an advanced multi-stage decompression M-type bypass system that reduces fluid pressure and velocity in controlled stages before recirculation. This significantly minimizes cavitation erosion, flashing damage, vibration, and excessive operational noise while improving overall system stability and equipment reliability.

Its heavy-duty forged valve body construction provides exceptional strength and durability under high-pressure operating conditions, making the FlowGuard HP™ suitable for severe-service applications including boiler feedwater systems, condensate extraction, refinery charge pumps, and high-pressure hydrocarbon processing systems.

The integrated non-return function prevents reverse flow from returning to the pump during shutdown or upset conditions, further protecting critical rotating equipment and improving operational safety.

Available in a wide range of pressure classes, sizes, and material configurations, the FlowGuard HP™ can be customized to meet demanding process requirements across various industrial sectors. Optional manual bypass startup functionality is also available for emergency operation and commissioning support.

Automatic Recirculation valve - FlowGuard

Key Features

• Automatic minimum flow protection for centrifugal pumps
• Self-actuated operation without external power or control systems
• Advanced multi-stage decompression bypass design
• Superior cavitation and flashing suppression
• Reduced vibration and operational noise
• Integrated check valve and bypass recirculation functionality
• Heavy-duty forged steel body construction
• High-pressure and severe-service capability
• Standard bypass non-return functionality
• Optional manual bypass startup operation
• Improved pump reliability and system stability
• Reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs
• Suitable for extreme differential pressure applications

Applications

• Boiler feedwater systems
• Power generation plants
• Refinery process pumps
• Petrochemical facilities
• Condensate extraction systems
• High-pressure mining applications
• Hydrocarbon processing systems
• High-pressure process water systems
• Chemical processing plants
• Critical industrial pumping systems

Technical Overview

• Valve Sizes: DN25 – DN500 (1” – 20”)
• Pressure Ratings: ANSI Class 150 – 2500
• Maximum Differential Pressure: Up to 30 MPa
• End Connections: RF, RTJ, BW, SW, FF
• Body Materials: Forged Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Special Alloys
• Installation Options: Vertical or Horizontal

The FlowGuard HP™ Automatic Recirculation Valve delivers intelligent high-pressure centrifugal pump protection for the world’s most demanding industrial applications. Engineered for maximum reliability, cavitation control, and operational safety, the FlowGuard HP™ represents advanced ARC valve technology for critical process systems where uptime, equipment protection, and long-term performance are essential.