Backflow Relief Valve Test Stand

Author(s) Information

Olivia McNulty, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Wiill Halvorsen, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Ryan Dubois, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
David Leaman, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2023

Primary Advisor

Peter Schuster, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

This Final Design Review (FDR) document details the final design, manufacturing, testing, and results of the Zurn Wilkins Backflow Relief Valve Test Stand Project under the sponsorship of Brian Yale and Rueben Westmoreland. This project involves simulating real-world conditions of static pressure and water hammer cycling. The stand will give Zurn Wilkins’ engineers a method by which to test their relief valves prior to a rigorous, yearlong University of Southern California (USC) testing procedure. Our design involves using city water, a pump, a Zurn backflow preventer, and a control system to apply specific pressures to each end of the relief valves and allow for automatic pressure cycling. Various manufacturing methods were used to create the final verification prototype, particularly welding and assembling brass piping. The final stand design was tested to determine if the test cycles work, and it was discovered that static pressure cycling functions as desired. However, the water hammer cycling did not produce the pressure spikes outlined in the engineering specifications. Although the water hammer cycle did not work, the stand interfaces with the current relief valves at Zurn Wilkins and will still be useful for testing the relief valves prior to the USC tests.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/731