Automatic Recirculation Valve (ARC Valve)
Self-acting multifunction valve that protects centrifugal pumps from low-flow / minimum-flow damage by automatically recirculating excess flow.
An Automatic Recirculation Valve (ARC valve) protects centrifugal pumps — especially boiler feed and high-energy pumps — from the overheating and cavitation that occur when flow drops below the pump's minimum continuous safe flow. It combines a main non-return check, a flow-sensing element, and a modulating bypass (with pressure breakdown) in a single self-acting body, requiring no external power, sensors, or control loop.
How an ARC Valve Works
- A spring-loaded check disc senses forward flow to the process
- When main flow falls below the set minimum, the disc modulates a bypass port open
- Excess flow is recirculated back to the tank/deaerator through a multi-stage pressure-breakdown bypass
- As demand returns, the bypass closes — fully automatic, no instrument air or power needed
- One valve replaces a check valve, orifice, control valve, and bypass piping
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an automatic recirculation valve do?
It guarantees a pump always sees its minimum continuous safe flow. When process demand drops too low, the ARC valve automatically opens a bypass and recirculates excess flow, preventing the overheating, cavitation, and mechanical damage that low flow causes.
Where are ARC valves used?
They are used on boiler feed pumps, high-pressure process pumps, and other high-energy centrifugal pumps in power, oil & gas, and petrochemical plants.
Why use an ARC valve instead of a control valve and check valve?
An ARC valve combines check, minimum-flow bypass, and pressure breakdown in one self-acting body — no instrumentation, power, or control loop — which is simpler, more reliable, and lower maintenance than a separate flow meter, controller, and modulating bypass valve.
Protecting a Pump? Ask About ARC Valves.
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