FlowGuard LP™ Automatic Recirculation Valve

Reliable and Economical Pump Protection for Low-Pressure Industrial Applications

The FlowGuard LP™ Automatic Recirculation Valve (ARC Valve) is a compact and reliable self-actuated pump protection solution designed to automatically maintain minimum safe flow through centrifugal pumps operating in low-pressure industrial systems. Engineered for water treatment, mining, general process industries, utility services, petrochemical support systems, and industrial process applications, the FlowGuard LP™ protects centrifugal pumps against cavitation, overheating, unstable low-flow operation, vibration, and premature mechanical wear.

The FlowGuard LP™ combines automatic flow sensing, bypass recirculation control, and integrated check valve functionality into one compact valve assembly, eliminating the need for complex external control systems, instrumentation, electrical power, or pneumatic actuation. Its intelligent self-regulating operation ensures continuous pump protection under varying process conditions while improving overall system reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.

As process demand decreases below the pump’s minimum required operating flow, the FlowGuard LP™ automatically opens the bypass recirculation system to maintain the required minimum flow through the pump. When process demand increases, the bypass progressively closes, allowing full pump capacity to flow directly to the process system. Even under zero main flow conditions, the valve continues to maintain safe recirculation flow through the bypass system, protecting the pump from overheating and low-flow damage.

The FlowGuard LP™ features a simple and highly reliable internal design with minimal moving parts, providing stable long-term operation and reduced maintenance requirements. Its large-capacity bypass configuration allows for high bypass flow capability, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring substantial recirculation flow under low differential pressure conditions.

Designed for flexible installation, the valve can be mounted vertically or horizontally on the pump discharge line, allowing easy integration into existing pumping systems with minimal piping modifications. The compact integrated design reduces installation space requirements while simplifying system layout and reducing overall system complexity.

Manufactured using high-quality cast carbon steel, stainless steel, and other optional materials, the FlowGuard LP™ is suitable for various liquid media including water, oils, methanol, hydrocarbons, and general industrial fluids across a wide operating temperature range. The valve is available in multiple pressure classes, sizes, and end connection configurations to accommodate different industrial operating conditions and application requirements.

The integrated check valve functionality prevents reverse flow from returning to the pump during shutdown or upset conditions, further improving system reliability and equipment protection. Optional bypass non-return functionality is also available for additional operational safety and system performance optimization.

Key Features

• Automatic minimum flow protection for centrifugal pumps
• Self-actuated operation without external power or controls
• Compact and economical pump protection solution
• Integrated check valve and bypass control functionality
• Reliable operation with minimal moving parts
• Large bypass capacity for high recirculation flow applications
• Reduced cavitation, overheating, and vibration
• Improved pump reliability and operational stability
• Flexible vertical or horizontal installation
• Compact design with reduced installation footprint
• Low maintenance and long service life
• Suitable for low-pressure industrial applications

Applications

• Water treatment systems
• Industrial utility services
• Mining process water systems
• Cooling water circulation
• General process industries
• Petrochemical support systems
• Industrial pumping systems
• Hot water circulation systems
• Process water transfer
• Municipal and industrial water applications

Technical Overview

• Valve Sizes: DN25 – DN400 (1” – 16”)
• Pressure Ratings: ANSI Class 150 – 300
• Maximum Differential Pressure: Up to 2 MPa
• End Connections: RF, RTJ, BW, SW, FF
• Body Materials: Cast Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Special Materials
• Installation Options: Vertical or Horizontal

The FlowGuard LP™ Automatic Recirculation Valve provides intelligent and cost-effective centrifugal pump protection for modern industrial systems where reliable operation, reduced maintenance, and equipment protection are essential. Designed to deliver stable and efficient minimum flow control under varying operating conditions, the FlowGuard LP™ represents a dependable ARC valve solution for low-pressure industrial pump protection applications.