Pointer Positioning Method: The Most Intuitive Signal of Valve Status
The simplest way to determine the open/closed status of a diversion valve is to simply look at the pointer! Much like a car's tachometer displaying engine RPM, the valve's pointer clearly indicates its current state:
Fully Closed: The pointer points to the "0" mark; the valve is completely shut, and no water can pass through.
Semi-Open: The pointer points to a middle mark; the valve is partially open, allowing for a moderate water flow rate.
Fully Open: The pointer points to the maximum mark; the valve is wide open, and the water flow reaches its maximum capacity.
Pro Tip: Some diversion valves feature colored indicator rings-typically green for "open" and red for "closed." Observing these color changes allows for a quick and easy assessment of the valve's status.
Water Flow Sensing Method: Using Your Body as a Detector
Touch Inspection: Place your hand at the valve's outlet to feel the force of the water flow. When fully open, the flow is strong and forceful; when semi-open, it is gentle; and when closed, there is absolutely no flow.
Auditory Assessment: Move close to the valve and listen to the sound of the water flow. When fully open, there is a distinct sound of turbulent flow; when semi-open, the sound is fainter; and when closed, it is completely silent.
Temperature Change: If the valve is connected to a hot water line, the outlet water temperature rises rapidly when fully open, rises slowly when semi-open, and remains cold (or non-existent) when closed.
Caution: Exercise care during inspection to avoid burns or injury from high-pressure water jets; wearing protective gloves is recommended.
Pressure Testing Method: Scientifically Verifying Valve Status
For scenarios requiring precise control, pressure testing is the most reliable method:
Connect Pressure Gauges: Install pressure gauges both upstream (before) and downstream (after) the diversion valve to observe changes in pressure differential.
Fully Open: The pressure differential between the upstream and downstream sides is minimal, closely approximating the system's original pressure.
Semi-Open: A distinct pressure differential is evident, with the downstream (outlet) pressure being lower than the system pressure.
Fully Closed: The downstream (outlet) pressure drops to zero or approaches zero.
Practical Example: In a residential water supply system, a fully open diversion valve allows the water pressure to stabilize within the range of 0.2–0.3 MPa; when semi-open, the pressure may drop to 0.1–0.15 MPa; and when fully closed, there is absolutely no pressure downstream.
