The Reg-U-Flo^® Vortex Flow Control provides superior hydraulic performance over conventional flow controls. Its unique features reduce the chance of blockages and reduce runoff detention volumes by up to 30%.

This self-activating device uses vortex principles to control and slow the runoff rate of stormwater without the need for moving parts or external power requirements.

Three series of Reg-U-Flo® Vortex Flow Controls are available to suit various applications and design constraints (the S, V, and C series).

Applications

• Used as the outlet flow control for retention/detention systems for stormwater or combined sewers
• A retrofit solution in Runoff Volume Reduction schemes where detention/retention ponds are retrofitted to capture more site runoff
• Reduction of runoff volume from sites, when used as a flow control to the inlet of the drainage system
• Green Infrastructure schemes such as "Blue Roof" stormwater detention schemes
• Outlet flow control for structural flood control schemes such as dams

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Advantages

• When used as an outlet flow control, reduces storage requirements by up to 30%
• When used for runoff volume reduction and green infrastructure schemes, controls more flow than an equivalent orifice for greater on-site detention/retention capacities
• Up to 50% savings in project costs
• Self-activating with no moving parts or power requirements
• Area of opening is 3-6 times larger than the equivalent orifice
• Virtually maintenance free
• Performance proven with 17,000 installations worldwide 

Flow enters the volute tangentially through the inlet. Under low flow conditions, the Reg-U-Flo^® acts as a large orifice and water passes directly from the inlet to the outlet as shown in the Free Flow graphic below.

As flow increases and reaches the flush flow point, high peripheral velocities start throttling action. As head increases, the valve approaches the kickback point and an air-filled core starts to form in the volute. As head continues to increase, the air core fully stabilizes and the valve discharge is throttled to that of a smaller orifice as shown in the Controlled Flow graphic below. 

Free Flow

Q. What is a Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control?

A Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control is a no-moving parts, self-activating vortex flow control device. When the upstream water level reaches a suitable level the water entering the unit spins within it. This causes the formation of an air-filled core which takes up a significant proportion of the outlet of the unit. Water discharges around the periphery of the outlet from the Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control only which enables the use of a significantly larger outlet than if a simple orifice was used. The outlet cross-sectional area can be greater than 400% of the equivalent orifice required to meet the same head / discharge condition.

Q. Do they work under downstream surcharge conditions?

Yes, but an air vent pipe may be required to ensure that the air core can form. The flow through a Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control is dependent upon the physical size of the unit itself and the differential head of water acting upon it.

Q. How much maintenance does a Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control require?

Quite simply, this is site-dependent. It depends upon the size of the Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control itself (the larger the unit the less the likelihood of a blockage occurring), the nature of the influent (for example a unit of a given size would be more susceptible to blockage were it placed on a foul system than on a purely surface water system) and physical characteristics of the control chamber itself (adequate benching is essential). We have minimum recommended sizes for use within surface and foul water systems and a range of Reg-U-Flo^® shapes, each having defined discharge characteristics, to ensure that we tailor the most suitable unit to the specific site conditions in question.

Q. Why should I use a Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control as opposed to a simple orifice which is cheaper?

There are many benefits in using a Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control. Firstly the outlet cross-sectional area of a Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control is typically four times that of an orifice which should result in a significant reduction in the likelihood of a blockage occurring. Thus maintenance costs and problems are also reduced. Secondly, at low upstream heads experienced in the early stages of a storm the vortex does not initiate. Consequently higher flows are passed forward than were an orifice installed (as the Reg-U-Flo^® Flow Control outlet is larger) which results in less water being held back in storage. This means that a smaller storage tank can be used with associated cost savings. Typical volume reductions can range from 5 – 30% depending upon the system layout / design storm characteristics.