Automatic Recirculation Valves

One Step Centrifugal

Pump Minimum Flow
Protection

HPM Series

ENGINEERING Inc.
205 Portage Avenue, Three Rivers, MI 49093 USA
Phone: 616-279-2035 Fax: 616-278-6745

Centrifugal Pumps Require Protection

If you use centrifugal pumps for any

process flow removes the generated heat

High specific speed pumps have power

liquid-boiler feed water, condensate, or

from the pump. The temperature

curves which rise as the flow reduces.

process fluids, a significant investment

increases as the flow through the pump

If adequate flow is not maintained,

has been made in the pump, driver and

is reduced. Frictional and hydraulic

motor overload will result.

related controls. Minimum flow

losses generate heat, while the quantity

protection is vital upon pump start up

of fluid to which this heat is transmitted

and low demand conditions. If reliable

is reduced. The rise in temperature

protection does not exist, the following

results in the formation of vapor. The

unfavorable effects can interfere with the

elevated temperature / vapor pressure of

performance and reliable operation of

the liquid results in problems ranging

the pump.

from damaged seals and bearings to

H-Q

Curv

Head

complete failure of the rotating element.

Internal recirculation occurs

within this operating area

The liquids temperature will rise due to

friction and hydraulic losses within the

Internal recirculation within the pump,

pump. Figure 2a illustrates the

often termed incipient recirculation, can

temperature rise in relationship to the

cause a form of cavitation leading to

H-Q curve. The curve indicates that at or

impeller damage. Internal recirculation

near the best efficiency point, the

is illustrated in Figures 2b and 2c.

temperature rise is minimal and not

Capacity
Minimum Flow
for Thermal
Minimum Flow
Protection
for Stable
Operation

Figure 2b

significant to the pump operation. The

Pumping Temperature: 250F

Specific Gravity: 0.943

2200

40

Entering Flow
H-Q

Recirculating Flow

Cur

ve

1800

Total Head (ft.)

35
30

1600

25

1400

20

1200

15

1000

10

800

Temperature Ris

600

Temperature Rise (F)

2000

400

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Capacity (GPM)
Typical characteristic curve of a multistage centrifugal pump
illustrating temperature rise versus capacity.

Figure 2a

Pump impeller section illustrating

the recirculation of liquid at the inlet
during operation at low flows.

Figure 2c

Minumum Flow Protection Methods

Centrifugal pumps can be protected by

Instrument Controlled System

one of three methods:

Recirculating occurs only when the

HBE Automatic Recirculating

Valves

process flow demand drops below the

The automatic recirculating valve

Continuous Recirculating System

required minimum flow rate. Instrument

performs all flow sensing, bypass

The desired minimum flow volume is

controlled systems eliminate the

pressure reduction, reverse flow

recirculated regardless of the system

inefficient and costly to operate constant

protection and modulating recirculating

demand for fluid. Fixed orifices reduce

recirculating systems. However, the

flow in an integral three port valve. The

the pressure before discharging.

necessary system components; check

valve performs the same function of an

Continuous recirculating provides

valve, flow meter, pressure reducing

instrumented system without the

reliable pump protection, however, it is

valve and related piping result in a

multitude of components, piping

very inefficient and costly. The pump

considerable expense to purchase,

connections and system design expense.

and driver must be sized to allow for the

install and maintain. See Figure 3b.

The valve is flow operated and does not

additional flow that is recirculating even

require any air or electricity to operate.

when the flow demand rate exceeds the

See Figure 3c.

required minimum flow. See

Figure 3a.

To
Process
To
Process

To
Process

Mainline
Control
Valve

Fluid
Source

Mainline
Control
Valve

Mainline
Control
Valve

Fluid
Source
Breakdown
Orifice

Bypass Pressure
Breakdown Orifice

Bypass
Control
Valve

HBE Engineering
Combination
Recirculation and
Check Valve

Anti-Flash
Valve

Solenoid
Valve

Fluid
Source

FIC

Mainline
Check
Valve

Mainline
Check
Valve
Pump

Flow
Meter
Pump

Pump

Continuous Recirculation System

(very wasteful of energy)

Conventional Multi-Component System

(many components to install and maintain)

HBE Engineering System

(simple, energy efficient and reliable)

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 3c

HBE HPM Automatic Recirculation Valve

ANSI Class 600-2500
Introduction

pressure reduction, pulsation dampener

bypass is completely open, recirculating

The HPM Series Automatic

and bypass line check valve, the valve

the necessary minimum flow. Once

Recirculation Valve was developed for

eliminates at least seven components

process demand starts, the spring loaded

high pressure centrifugal pump

necessary with a conventional system.

disc is lifted and held in position by flow

protection. Popular applications include

The valve operates without air or electric

demand. Until main flow demand

boiler feed water, petroleum fluids, and

power and is easily installed with three

exceeds recommended minimum flow,

steel mill hot strip descale water.

connections.

the valve will modulate. As the main

flow demand increases beyond

The HPM provides economical and

Principle of Operation

recommended minimum flow, the bypass

reliable protection against low and

The valve is installed on or close to the

will close and all flow will go to the

reverse flow. By combining the functions

pump discharge, just as an ordinary

process.

of main line check valve, flow sensing

check valve would be. Upon pump start-

element, bypass flow control, bypass

up and without process demand, the

One ValveMany Functions

The HPM Series Automatic Recirculation Valve is the one
valve that provides at least five essential functions.
4

Following are those functions:

1. Check Valve Disc prevents reverse flow and positions

2

the bypass for open, closed or modulating flow by

detecting the process flow demand.
2. Bypass modulates open when main flow demand falls
below the recommended minimum pump flow. Multiple
stage pressure reduction prevents flashing/cavitation.
3. Flow Straightener eliminates turbulent discharge. Fluid
exits valve as a spray rather than a jet. Reduces erosive
wear on downstream piping.
4. Integral Pulsation Dampener protects system from
waterhammer if sudden changes in flow demand occur.

5. Integral Check Valve in bypass prevents reverse flow

when bypass is routed into a common return line.

Materials of Construction
02

Pos.

Description

Material

Specification

01

Lower Body

A105 Carbon Steel

ASME A 105

02

Upper Body

A105 Carbon Steel

ASME A 105

03

Valve Stem Guide

A105 Carbon Steel

ASME A 105

04

Guide Bolt

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A 582

06

Spring

302 Stainless Steel

AISI 302

07

Check Valve

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A 582

08

Liner

304 Stainless Steel

ASTM A 276

09

Bypass Branch

A105 Carbon Steel

ASME A 105

10

Vortex Housing

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A 582

11

Control Head

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A 582

12

Vortex Plug

431 Stainless Steel

MIL-S-18732D

13

Lever

431 Stainless Steel

MIL-S-18732D

14

Pivot Pin

316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316

15

Vortex Bushing

431 Stainless Steel

MIL-S-18732D

16

Piston

431 Stainless Steel

MIL-S-18732D

21

Vortex Plate

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A 582

23

Flow Straightener

431 Stainless Steel

MIL-S-18732D

25

Guide Pin

316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316

26

Stud

A193-B7 Steel

ASTM A 193-B7

27

Stud

A193-B7 Steel

ASTM A 193-B7

28

Hex Nut

A194-2H Steel

ASTM A 194-2H

29

Hex Nut

A194-2H Steel

ASTM A 194-2H

30

O-Ring

31

O-Ring

32

O-Ring

33

O-Ring

33.1 Glyd-Ring
34

O-Ring

34.1 Glyd-Ring
35

O-Ring

35.1 Glyd-Ring

03
26
28
04
30
08
07

06

01

03

HPM 600 lb.-2500 lb.

34
34.1

+
+
+
+

11

16

25

31

29

27

36

09

Filled PTFE

+
Filled PTFE

+
Filled PTFE

36

O-Ring

>>>

Recommended spare parts.

Provided as "complete bypass assembly".

+ Application Dependent
For other body materials available, contact
HBE with your service conditions.

Pos.
10

Description

Material

Bypass Bushing

416 Stainless Steel

13

33
33.1

35
35.1

Specification

15

25

ASTM A582

11

Control Head

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A582

Lever

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A582

14

Pivot Pin

316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316

15

Crank Arm

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A582

16

Control Brushing

416 Stainless Steel

ASTM A582

23

Flow Straightener

431 Stainless Steel

MIL-S-18732D

25

Guide Pin

316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316

27

Stud

A193-B7 Steel

ASTM A-193-B7

29

Hex Nut

A194-2H Steel

ASTM A-194-2H

30

O-Ring

31

O-Ring

36

O-Ring

Provided as "complete bypass assembly".

+ Application Dependent

21

11

32

12

10

23

HPM 600 lb.-2500 lb. Bypass Detail

13

>>> Recommended spare parts.

14

13 14

15 16 11

36

31

10 23

LPM 150 lb.-300 lb. Bypass Detail

5

Dimensions, Weights
and Flow Ratings
Valve Size

Max. Main Flow

S
L

Max. Bypass Flow

Weight

Dimensions

Bypass
Max. Cv
Main

1-1/2

2-1/2

10

12

Bypass

ANSI

150
300
600
900
1500

150
300
600
900
1500

1-1/2

150
300
600
900
1500

1-1/2

150
300
600
900
1500

150
300
600
900
1500

2-1/2

150
300
600
900
1500

150
300
600
900
1500

150
300
600
900
1500

150
300
600
900
1500

150
300
600
900
1500

GPM

150

220

330

500

900

1100

2000

3300

4400

6600

M3h

34

50

75

114

204

250

454

749

999

1498

GPM

60

60

150

150

250

400

550

900

1230

1900

Lbs.

Kg.

L
(in)

L
(mm)

H
(in)

H
(mm)

S
(in)

S
(mm)

14

2.9
2.9
1.3
1.1
0.9

42
70
70
70
95

17
32
32
32
43

7-7/8
101/4
101/4
11-13/16
12-3/16

200
260
260
300
310

2-5/16
3-9/16
3-9/16
4-516
4-3/4

75
90
90
110
120

6-1/8
7-1/2
7-1/2
7-7/8
8-7/16

155
190
190
200
215

14

3.7
3.7
2.7
1.7
1.6

59
90
106
106
130

27
41
48
48
59

9-1/16
11-13/16
11-13/16
13-3/8
13-3/4

230
300
300
340
350

3-9/16
4-1/2
4-5/16
5-1/8
5-1/8

90
115
110
130
130

6-7/16
7-5/16
7-5/8
8
9-3/16

163
185
193
203
233

34

6.8
6.8
3.5
2.6
2.4

92
132
152
152
196

41
59
68
68
88

11-7/16
13-3/8
13-3/8
14-15/16
15-3/4

290
340
340
380
400

4-5/16
4-15/16
4-15/16
5-1/2
5-11/16

110
125
125
140
145

6-7/8
7-13/16
8-11/16
9-1/16
9-13/16

174
199
220
230
250

34

10.1
10.1
5.2
4
3.5

114
163
185
185
268

51
73
83
83
121

12-3/16
14-15/16
14-15/16
16-1/8
17-11/16

310
380
380
410
450

4-1/2
5-1/2
5-1/2
5-7/8
6-1/2

115
140
140
150
165

7-13/16
8-11/16
9-7/16
9-13/16
10-13/16

200
220
240
250
275

57

12.3
12.3
8.5
5.6
5.2

178
246
277
277
431

80
111
125
125
200

13-3/4
16-15/16
16-15/16
17-11/16
20-1/2

350
430
430
450
520

4-15/16
6-1/8
6-1/8
6-5/16
7-1/2

125
155
155
160
190

8-5/16
9-7/16
10-1/2
11
11-13/16

211
240
266
280
300

91

21.7
21.7
11
9.5
6.5

268
400
455
455
638

121
180
205
205
287

15-3/4
19-11/16
19-11/16
20-11/16
25-9/16

400
500
500
525
650

5-5/16
6-7/8
6-7/8
7-5/16
9-1/4

135
175
175
185
235

10-1/2
11-7/16
12-3/16
12-3/16
13-7/16

266
290
310
310
341

125

31
31
14
12
10

398
601
636
636
977

179
270
286
286
440

18-7/8
21-5/8
21-5/8
23-1/16
27-9/16

480
550
550
585
700

6-1/2
7-1/2
7-1/2
7-7/8
9-13/16

165
190
190
200
250

12-1/2
12-5/8
13-3/16
13-3/4
15-15/16

318
320
335
350
405

204

51
51
22
20
16

774
1027
1102
1102
1727

348
462
496
496
783

23-5/8
25-9/16
25-9/16
26-9/16
33-7/16

600
650
650
675
850

7-7/8
8-7/16
8-7/16
8-7/8
11-5/8

200
215
215
225
295

15
15-13/16
15-15/16
15-15/16
18-11/16

381
402
405
405
475

279

86
86
35
25
22

1355
1571
1813
1885
2825

615
712
822
855
1281

28-3/4
30-1/2
31-1/2
31-1/2
38-3/8

730
775
800
800
975

9-7/16
10-1/4
10-5/8
10-5/8
13

240
260
270
270
330

19-1/2
20-1/4
20-1/2
20-1/2
22-7/16

495
515
520
520
568

431

116
116
55
35
30

2825
3265
3771
3920
5876

1281
1481
1710
1778
2665

33-7/16
35-1/2
41-3/8
41-3/8
45-1/4

850
902
1051
1051
1149

11
11-13/16
14-3/16
14-13/16
15-3/4

280
300
360
360
400

20-7/8
21-11/16
25-9/16
25-9/16
27-9/16

530
551
649
649
700

M3h

Flow ratings are based on 60 F water with specific gravity of 1.

Contact HBE for 2500 lb. valve data and applications with flows higher than 12" rating.
Dimensions 1/8". Dimensions are the same for Flanged and BWE.

Start Up Internals
One of the most common means of valve

provide continuous flow during start up

damage is start up debris. Regardless of

and flush out any debris.

how clean the system is, weld pearls,

wear ring particles and other items seem

The internals are field

to end up inside control valve internals

adjustable if flow changes

and damage seating surfaces enough to

are required.

cause premature leakage.

After completion of start up
Take the risk out of start up operations

the internals are easily

by using start up bypass internals. These

removed and replaced with

factory installed internals take the place

operating internals.

Start Up Internal Detail

of the standard operating internals and

Pump Run Out Protection

Normally pump protection valves are

flow reaches the maximum desired flow

limited to minimum flow protection;

rate. At full lift the orifice holes in the

however, severe damage can occur to the

body insert and disc

pump and driver by exceeding the

line up stopping

intended operating range of the pump.

additional flow.

Damage due to excessive flow can be

Maximum flow

eliminated by designing a Maxi-Flow

protection prevents

as an addition to the standard minimum

exceeding the steam

flow valve.

drum desired water

level if the drum level

Excessive flow protection is achieved by

control valve failed

installing an insert with a row of orifice

open in boiler feed

holes into the main valve body. During

service. For process

normal main flow operation the fluid

fluids and sea water in

passes through the holes with a minimal

which pipe corrosion

pressure head loss. In addition a special

is a concern the

disc is provided which has a sleeve

maximum flow

around the diameter with a row of orifice

protection provides

holes.

run out protection if

piping leaks occur from

The disc is at full lift when the forward

corrosion.

Run Out Protection Detail

7

How to Order and Specify

The centrifugal pump shall be protected by the HPM Model

Valve design will incorporate a radial split body spring assisted

automatic recirculation valve which is completely self-

check valve disc and multi-stage vortex plug bypass assembly.

contained and fully automatic via flow activation.

Materials of construction will consist of a A-105 forged carbon

steel body housing with stainless steel internals. If service

The valve protects the pump from reverse flow and prevents

conditions dictate other materials are available such as stainless

overheating during low process demands.

steel, low temperature steel and other alloys.

Operation of the valve bypass will be modulating so the sum

of the main and bypass flow will never be less than the
minimum flow requirement of the pump.

Main Flow
Minimum
Maximum
Normal
Minimum Pump Flow

______
______
______
______

Pump Discharger Pressure @

Normal Flow
Bypass flow
Shut off

______ PSIG (kpa)

______ PSIG (kpa)
______ PSIG (kpa)

Temperature
Normal
Maximum
Liquid
* Specific Gravity
* Vapor Pressure
* Viscosity
(* if other than water)

cavitation occurring during bypass operation. Any necessary

accessories such as orifices or anti-flash valves will be provided
by HBE to prevent flashing or cavitation in the bypass piping.

Required Application
Data

Bypass Backpressure

The valve will be designed to operate without flashing or

GPM (m3/hr)
GPM (m3/hr)
GPM (m3/hr)
GPM (m3/hr)

Valve Model Legend

HPM-24-150-XXXX

Model Designation
LPM - Low pressure modulating
automatic recirculating valve
with forged body housing.
150 and 300 lb. ANSI Class.
HPM - High pressure modulating
automatic recirculating valve
with forged body housing.
600, 900, 1500 and 2500 lb.
ANSI Class.
Size Code
04 = 1"
06 = 1.5"
08 = 2"
12 = 3"
16 = 4"

______ PSIG (kpa)

______ F (C)
______ F (C)

Pressure
Class Code
015 = 150
030 = 300
060 = 600
090 = 900
150 = 1500
250 = 2500

The example translated is an HPM model, 6 - 1500 lb. flanged

______
______ psia
______ centipoise

valve with an HBE file locator number. A written description

of the material of construction and end connections follows this
model number.

ENGINEERING Inc.
8

20 = 5"
24 = 6"
32 = 8"
40 = 10"
48 = 12"

Quote/Order
File Number

205 Portage Avenue, Three Rivers, MI 49093 USA

Phone: 616-279-2035 Fax: 616-278-6745