Operation and Maintenance Instructions

VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve

KAT-B 2021-B1 Edition 1.3 2017-12-13

 VAG reserves the right to make technical changes and use mate-
Contents rials of similar or better quality without ex-press notice. The pic-
tures are non-binding.
1 General 1
1.1 Safety 1
1.2 Proper use 1
1.3 Identification 1

2 Transport and Storage 1

2.1 Transport 1
2.2 Storage2
3 Product features 2
3.1 Features and function description 2
3.2 Applications 3
3.3 Performance limits 3
3.4 Permissible and impermissible modes of
operation  3

4 Installation into the pipeline 3

4.1 Conditions required on site 3
4.2 Installation location 4
4.2.1 Installations in the pipeline upstream
and downstream of the valve 4
4.2.2 Stable flow 4
4.2.3 Flow velocity  4
4.2.4 Valve-specific particularities 4
4.3 Installation position 5
4.4 Assembly instructions and fittings 5

5 Set-up and operation of the valve 5

5.1 Visual inspection and preparation 5
5.2 Function check and pressure test  5
6 Actuators6
6.1 General 6
6.2 Operating torques 6
6.3 Assembly of the electric actuator 6

7 Maintenance and repair7

7.1 General safety instructions 7
7.2 Inspection and operation intervals 7
7.3 Maintenance work and replacement of parts 8
7.3.1 Design 8
7.3.2 Recommendations for the replacement
of parts  8
7.3.3 Replacement of seals 8
7.3.4 Relubrication of the gearboxes 8
7.3.5 Cleaning and lubrication 8
8 Trouble-shooting  9

9 How to contact us 9

2 • VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions

 pressure, medium, temperature) please refer to the product-rela-
1 General
ted documentation (KAT-A 2021).

1.1 Safety For any deviating operating conditions and applications, the
manufacturer’s written approval must be obtained!
These Operation and Maintenance Instructions must
be observed and applied at all times along with the These Operation and Maintenance Operation Instructions contain
general “VAG Installation and Operation Instructions important information on the safe and reliable operation of the
for Valves” (see www.vag-group.com / Category: Ins- VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves.
tallation and Operation Instructions).
Observing these Operation and Maintenance Instructions helps
Arbitrary alterations of this product and the parts supplied with it you to:
are not allowed. VAG will not assume any liability for consequenti-
• Prevent hazards
al damage due to non-compliance with these instructions.
• Reduce repair costs and down-time of the valve and/or the en-
When using this valve, the generally acknowledged rules of tech- tire equipment
nology have to be observed (e.g. national standards). The instal-
lation must only be carried out by qualified staff (see also Section • Improve the operational safety and useful life of the equipment.
7.1 General safety instructions). For further technical information
such as dimensions, materials or applications, please refer to the 1.3 Identification
respective documentation (KAT-A 2021).
According to DIN EN 19 all valves bear an identification label spe-
VAG valves are designed and manufactured to the highest stan- cifying the nominal diameter (DN), nominal pressure (PN), body
dards and their safety of operation is generally assured . However, material and the manufacturer’s logo.
valves may be potentially dangerous if they are operated impro-
perly or are not installed for their intended use. A rating plate is attached to the body and contains at least the
following information:
Everyone dealing with the assembly, disassembly, operation, VAG Manufacturer’s name
maintenance and repair of the valves must have read and under- Valve type
stood the complete Operating and Maintenance Instructions (also
DN Nominal diameter of the valve
Accident Prevention Regulations and ANSI Z535).
PN Flange drilling hole pattern PN
Before removing any protective devices and/or performing any PS maximum admissible operating pressure
work on the valves, depressurise the pipeline section and ensure
it is free of hazards. Unauthorised, unintentional and unexpected Date of manufacture
actuation as well as any hazardous movements caused by stored
energy (pressurised air, water under pressure) must be prevented.
2 Transport and Storage
In case of equipment that must be monitored and inspected, all
relevant laws and regulations, such as the Industrial Code, the 2.1 Transport
Accident Prevention Regulations, the Ordinance of Steam Boilers
and instructional pamphlets issued by the Pressure Vessels Study For transportation to its installation site, the valve must be packed
Group must be complied with. In addition, the local accident pre- in stable packaging material suitable for the size of the valve. It
vention regulations must be observed. must be ensured that the valve is protected against atmospheric
influences and external damage. When the valve is shipped under
If a valve serving as an end-of-line valve is to be opened in a pres- specific climatic conditions (e.g. overseas transport), it must be
surised pipeline, this should be done with the utmost care to pre- specially protected and wrapped in plastic film and a desiccant
vent the emerging fluid from causing damage. Care must also be must be added.
taken when closing the valve in order not to crush any limbs
A B
When a valve needs to be dismantled from a pipeline, fluid may
emerge from the pipeline or the valve. The pipeline must be emp-
tied completely before the valve is dismantled. Special care needs
to be taken in case of residue which may continue flowing.

1.2 Proper use

The VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve is a highly effective
control and shut-off valve (discharge control valve) and is desig-
ned for flange connection to the pipeline.
C

VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves are suitable to be used

for control functions in water supply systems. They are main-
ly used as discharge control valves and bottom-outlet valves in
dams to dissipate the kinetic energy generated while the water is
being discharged to prevent damage. Their principle of operation
fundamentally differs from that of other valves, as they produce Picture 1: Transport position - horizontal, use A (or alternative C) and B
a hollow jet which is soft and aerated. Additionally, these valves
have excellent control properties and need only low actuation The factory-applied corrosion protection and any assemblies
forces. must be protected against damage by external influences during
transport and storage.
For the respective technical application ranges (e.g. operating

VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions • 1

When transporting the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve, appropriate, also the hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator and the
it needs to be ensured that the cylindrical sleeve remains open. seals against dust and other dirt by adequate covering.
This is done to protect the sliding rails on the body shell below the
cylindrical sleeve. To lift the valve using a crane, ropes and shack- Do not remove the protective caps of the connections / flanges
les, use the lifting eye bolts marked with an arrow in Picture 1. and the packaging materials until immediately prior to assembly.

The valve can be stored in ambient temperatures ranging from -20

°C to + 50 °C (protected by adequate covers). If the valve is stored
at temperatures below 0 °C, it should be warmed up to at least +5°
C before installation and before it is put into operation.

3 Product features

3.1 Features and function description

VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves are designed to ope-
rate as control valves in water supply systems. Unlike butterfly
valves and gate valves, which are used for shut-off purposes only,
hollow-jet discharge valves meet the specific requirements of
control operation.

The VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve has an axisymme-

tric flow pattern with an annular opening cross section in any in-
termediate throttling position. The interior pipe hood ensures that
the flow will always break away at the front edge and that there
will be no partial breakaways inside the valve which may result
in vibrations. The jet guiding cone transforms the jet emerging at
high speed into a conical hollow jet which is atomised due to lar-
ge-surface air friction. In the process, an intensive conversion of
energy takes place. The kinetic energy of the jet decreases in the
direction the jet spreads to the fourth power of the jet diameter.
This softens the impact of the jet so considerably that no special
reinforcement of the outlet equipment is necessary (see Picture 3).

As a standard, the valve is supplied equipped with a double-bevel

gearbox and an electric actuator (see Picture 4) which, if required,
can also be located in the superior operation level and actuated
via remote operation gear and headstock.

Picture 2: Transport position - vertical on the connection flange

If appropriate, smaller VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves

(DN < 1000) may also be transported in an upright position with
the connection flange facing down (see Picture 2).
If the valve is equipped with actuators, it must be made sure that
the actuators are safely stored/anchored and that the connections
are not exposed to shunt loading.

For transport purposes and also to support assembly, lifting de-

vices such as cables and belts must only be attached to the valve
body. The length and positioning of the cables/belts must ensure
that the valve is in a horizontal position during the entire lifting
procedure.

For valves that have been factory-packed in transport crates Picture 3: VAG KSS Hollow-Jet Valve with pipe hood and integrated aeration
(wooden crates), the centre of gravity of the entire unit must be
taken into account. The centre of gravity is marked on each side The rotary motion initiated by the actuator is symmetrically trans-
of the crate at our factory and must be considered for all lifting mitted to both sides via the double-bevel gear. There two bevel
operations. gearboxes are located which in turn transmit the rotary motion to
two threaded stems. These threaded stems ensure the opening
2.2 Storage and closing of the cylindrical sleeves in axial direction.

The VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve must be stored in

open position and, if necessary, be placed horizontally on its base.

The elastomeric parts (seals) must be protected against direct

sunlight and/or UV light as otherwise their long-term sealing func-
tion cannot be guaranteed. Store the valve in a dry and well ae-
rated place and avoid direct radiator heat. Protect any assembly
units important for the function such as the stem, stem nut and, if

2 • VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions

 • Replacement of the main seal possible without disassembly of
the cylindrical sleeves
For the respective operating temperature limits, please refer to the
product-related technical documentation (KAT-A 2021). In case of
deviating operating conditions and applications, please consult
the manufacturer.

3.3 Performance limits

The throughput depends on the head of water and the intended
nominal width of the hollow-jet discharge valve. Both values can
be calculated using VAG UseCAD®.

The maximum flow velocity inside the hollow-jet discharge valve

should not exceed 25 m/s.

Picture 4: VAG KSS Hollow-Jet Valve with electric actuator 3.4 Permissible and impermissible modes of
operation
As actuation alternatives, a handwheel or a hydraulic actuator are
available as well as a pipe hood to bundle the emerging water jet The maximum operating temperatures and operating
(see Picture 3). If required, venting equipment can be provided or pressures specified in the technical documentation
customised valves and actuators can be supplied. (KAT-A 2021) and on the valve rating plate must not be
exceeded. The pressure applied to the closed valve
Due to the welded design of hollow-jet discharge valves, the must not exceed its rated pressure.
valves can be customised to meet the requirements of many cus-
tomer-specific installation situations. Nominal diameters range Permanent operation at an opening range of less than 10%
from DN 400 to DN 2000. should be avoided to prevent excessive wear of the valve seal lo-
cated behind the discharge cone. When the VAG KSSplus Hollow-
3.2 Applications Jet Discharge Valve opens, the water jet is deflected at the outer
edge of the cone in a labyrinthine fashion and diverted towards
The VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve in its standard ver- the profile seal ring that is exposed to the jet for some seconds
sion can be used for the following media due to its sealing mate- while the valve begins to open. While the valve opens further, the
rials NBR: jet, due to its hollow, conical shape changes direction and spreads
• Water radially like an umbrella (45°). In this way, the valve can control the
water between 8 and 100% opening position.
• Raw water and cooling water

Other applications: 4 Installation into the pipeline

• Hydropower stations
• Dams 4.1 Conditions required on site
• Drinking water reservoirs
When the valve is installed between pipeline flanges (e.g. when
• Man-made reservoirs
supplied as hollow-jet discharge valve with ventilation pipe and/
• Storm water retaining basins or jet guiding pipe) the flanges/pipelines must be plane parallel
and in true alignment. Misaligned pipelines must be aligned before
Specific properties: the valve is installed as otherwise the pipeline will be exposed to
• axisymmetric flow pattern impermissibly high forces during operation. It may be useful to ins-
tall a lockable dismantling piece which eliminates and/or transmits
• high flow velocity possible (up to 25 m/s) the axial pipeline forces. In some installation situations it needs to
• vibration-free operation be ensured that a removable intermediate or dismantling piece of
sufficient length is provided which allows the installation and/or
• cavitation-free operation
dismantling of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve.
• free discharge of sediments
• simple, robust design In case of civil or construction works around the valve causing dirt
(e.g. painting, masonry or working with concrete), the valve must
• low maintenance and maintenance-friendly
be protected by adequate covering. Special attention needs to be
• mechanical, electrical or hydraulic operation paid to the welded-on sliding rails surfaces located on the cylind-
• drop-tight seal rical pipe of the hollow-jet valve body, on which the rear sliding
shoes run. Make sure that they are perfectly clean. This surface
• excellent control properties should not be greased to prevent caking of dirt.
• relatively low actuation forces required
• up to DN 1600 no foundation (valve support) required For assembly in drinking water pipelines, suitable sealing mate-
rials, lubricants and process materials must be used which are
• energy conversion at the emergence of the water jet, which en- approved for use in drinking water pipelines.
sures low strain of the material
• submerged installation possible, if required Before putting the valve into operation, clean and purge the corre-
• jacket pipe/sliding face of the cylindrical sleeves and sliding sponding pipeline sections.
rails made of stainless steel
• can be adapted to customer-specific installation situations if
this can be realised by welding
• adjustable/re-adjustable sliding shoe guides
VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions • 3
4.2 Installation location
The installation location of the valve must be selected to provide
sufficient space for function checks and maintenance works (e.g.
dismantling and cleaning of the valve).

DN
If the valve is installed in the open, it must be protected against
extreme atmospheric influences (e.g. formation of ice) by adequa-
te covers.
5 x DN
If the valve is installed as an end-of-line valve, it must be made
sure that the free outlet side cannot be accessed by non autho-
rised persons.
Picture 5: Arrangement in the pipeline
Attention: pressure on the closed valve must not ex-
ceed its nominal pressure (see KAT-A 2021). If it is not possible to provide the required damping
section or if it is not long enough, this may result in tur-
bulences in the flow accompanied by disturbing noise
To ensure the trouble-free function and long service life of the val- and vibrations which may affect the proper function of
ve, several factors have to be taken into account when positioning the equipment and/or deteriorate its control behaviour.
the valve.
4.2.3 Flow velocity
• Prevent pollution on the outside
The VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve is suitable for ope-
• Horizontal installation position
ration at a maximum flow velocity of about ca. 25 m/s.
• Function check at least once per year by opening / closing the
valve The higher the flow velocity, the more important it is to provide a
sufficiently long damping section upstream of the VAG KSSplus
• Provide access for inspection / suspension eyes (for disassem- Hol-low-Jet Discharge Valve (cf. Section 4.2.2).
bly) at the top of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve
If a damping section cannot be provided, the minimum flow ve-
• Provide a stilling basin of sufficient size locity needs to be reduced according to the installation situation.

• If necessary, provide a water-free, grated ventilation access 4.2.4 Valve-specific particularities

opening (in case of VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves
with ventilation pipe) Basic calibration of the VAG sliding shoes may only be
carried out by specialised VAG personnel. Valves may
• Make sure axial forces are properly absorbed not be under pressure during the calibration process.
It is also necessary to replace the locking washers.
• Counter-flange of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve
sufficiently supported by axial fins • The standard versions of VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge
Valves in nominal diameters of DN 400 to DN 2000 are designed
• From DN 1600 on, brackets are to be provided under the VAG for a maximum head of raised water of 100 m. All flange drilling
KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve to absorb weight patterns from PN 10 to PN 25 can be combined with the stan-
dard version.
4.2.1 Installations in the pipeline upstream • VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve: discharge in a radial
and downstream of the valve slope of 45°
• VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves are equipped with
If any further shut-off or safety valves should be installed upstream (re)adjustable sliding shoes, which reduces vibrations and re-
of the hollow-jet discharge valve, it needs to be made sure they sults in a longer service life.
can resist the flow velocity corresponding to the crosssection of
the pipeline or can be operated at maximum operating conditions, • VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve with / without ventila-
respectively. To prevent asymmetric flow, no elbows, T-pieces or tion and pipe hood (air-enriched, softened discharge to the front
components disturbing the flow should be installed immediately in flow direction)
upstream of the hollow-jet discharge valve. Additionally, due to • VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve with annular flange
the high flow velocity, the pipeline upstream of the VAG KSSp- and/ or wallpipe for mounting with anchor bolts or embedding
lus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve needs to be supported by suitable in concrete
foundations. • VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve with mechanical ope-
• The upper and lower temperature limits of the flow medium ration:
must not be exceeded. -- can be operated via a handwheel
• The pressure PS is the maximum admissible operating pressure -- with electric actuator
that may be exerted on the closed valve. -- directly mounted
• The extension of operating elements by levers etc. is prohibited -- with headstock / extension rods
• VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve, hydraulically opera-
4.2.2 Stable flow ted:
-- via hydraulic cylinders mounted to the side
Quiet and even flow ensures vibration-free and low-noise move- -- within the face-to-face length (in the stilling water area)
ment of the water through the valve and pipeline. To achieve sta- -- upstream of the connection flange (in the preceding dry zone)
ble flow, a straight damping section sized approx. 5 x DN should
be provided upstream of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge • VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve can be customised
Valve (see Picture 5). to suit customer-specific requirements / installation situations

4 • VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions

4.3 Installation position The valve must only be suspended via its body. Any other ways of
suspension may cause damage.
The VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valves must be installed
in a horizontal position. Any other installation position is not per- When connecting the valve with the pipeline flange, hexagon bolts
missible. and nuts with washers from flange to flange must be used in the
through holes.

Permissible Fasten the bolts evenly and crosswise to prevent unnecessary

tension and the resulting cracks or breaks. The pipeline must not
Horizontal be pulled towards the valve. Should the gap between valve and
installation position flange be too wide, this should be compensated by thicker seals,
unless it can be compensated by a dismantling piece.

We recommend using steel-reinforced rubber seals to DIN EN

1514-1 Shape IBC. If you use flared flanges, these seals are man-
datory.

In case of concrete-embedded valves or wall pipes, the working

surfaces on the body shell and the guiding rails must be protec-
ted against damage. If they are dirty, clean them immediately and
check for possible damage.

While the valve is being installed, it must be ensured that the flan-
ges of the upstream pipeline it is connected to are aligned and
level with each other. Welding works on the pipeline must be per-
Impermissible formed before the valve is installed to prevent damage to the seals
and the corrosion protection. Welding residues must be removed
before the equipment is put into operation.

The pipeline must be laid in a way that prevents harmful pipeline

forces from being transmitted to the valve body. Should construc-
tion works near or above the valve not be completed yet, the valve
must be covered to protect it from dirt.

5 Set-up and operation of the valve

5.1 Visual inspection and preparation

Before putting the valve and the equipment into operation, per-
form a visual inspection of all functional parts. Check whether all
bolted connections have been properly fastened.
Picture 6: Installation position of the valve
For assembly, storage and transport the valves are factory-lubri-
4.4 Assembly instructions and fittings cated. If the valves are used in drinking-water pipelines, lubricants
approved for use with foodstuffs or drinking water must be ap-
Check the valve for possible damage that it may have suffered plied.
during transport and storage. Protect the valve against dirt caused
on the construction site by adequate covering until installation. Recommended lubricants:
Prior to installation, all components essential for proper function, • Cylindrical sleeve and seals: KLÜBERSYNTH VR 69-252 (with
such as the welded-on slide rails on the body shell, the guiding KTW approval for drinking water)
fins and the seat ring with rubber seal must be thoroughly cleaned
• Stem and stem nut: KLÜBERPLEX BE 31-502, in particular if
to remove any dirt. The cylindrical sleeve must also be thoroughly electric actuators are used
cleaned to remove all dirt particles. VAG does not assume any
liability for consequential damage caused by dirt, shot-blasting Manufacturer: Klüber Lubrication, Munich, Germany
gravel residues etc.
5.2 Function check and pressure test
The moving parts should be checked for proper operation prior to
installation. After installation, the moving parts of the cleaned valve have to
be opened and closed completely at least once and should be
Should the valves be repainted later on, it must be ensured that checked for trouble-free operation.
no paint is applied to the moving parts. The identification plates
must not be painted over either. If the equipment is sandblasted Warning! The pressure exerted on the closed valve
for cleaning prior to installation, these parts must be adequately must not exceed its maximum admissible operating
covered. If solvents are used for cleaning, it must be ensured that pressure PS (see technical data sheet KAT-A 2021). In
the solvents do not destroy the seals of the pipeline or the valve. the standard version PS is 10 bar (100 m water column)!

For the assembly of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve The sizes of the stems and actuators allow the operation of the
it must be ensured that proper load suspension devices as well as valve via a handwheel by one person. Extensions for operation
means of transport and lifting devices are available. are not permissible and may cause damage to the valve due to
overloading.

VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions • 5

In its standard version, the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge The cylindrical sleeve of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge
Valve is operated via an electric actuator which has been pre-ad- Valve travels axially and its travel is limited by the “setting of the
justed during the factory test. To put the valve into operation, first actuator” when the valve is in open position and by the seat ring
bring it to intermediate position manually. Check the direction of with seal when the valve is in closed position.
rotation of the motor again by shortly starting the valve electrically.
Afterwards check the shut-off function of the torque switches and Limit position and torque adjustment are to be made according to
limit switches in both directions by manual operation of the swit- the operation manuals provided by the respective manufacturers
ches in intermediate position. If required, reverse the polarity of of the electric or hydraulic actuators.
the switches. The valve must not be electrically operated over its
entire travel before the correct sense of rotation and the shut-off Non-compliance with these regulations may result in danger of
func-tion have been checked and ensured. life and limb and/or cause damage to the pipeline system. If actu-
ators powered by external sources of energy (electric, pneumatic
If the sense of direction is wrong, the limit switch and torque or hydraulic) have to be disassembled from the valve, the safety
switch have no effect! If a headstock or driving linkage is used, it instructions under Section 1.1 need to be observed and the exter-
must be made sure that the input shaft of the gear and the shaft nal source of energy must be switched off.
of the electric actuator are not rotated as the hollow-jet discharge
valve was checked with the electric actuator mounted and the 6.2 Operating torques
actuator was adjusted in the process.
Operating torques are the maximum required torques [in Nm] ac-
ting on the actuator stem at full differential pressure including a
6 Actuators safety factor of 1.5. If required, you can contact us for information
about the respective torques and/or controlling torques for elec-
tric actuators.
6.1 General
6.3 Assembly of the electric actuator
The adjustment of the limit stops (OPEN, CLOSE) must not be
changed without the manufacturer’s consent. The electric actuator is mounted to the input flange of the gear.
The actuator size is selected according to the maximum actuation
For detailed information on gears and actuators, please refer to elements.
the operation manuals issued by the manufacturers of these com-
ponents (e.g. AUMA, Rotork). In some cases the manuals need to The valve is switched off
be obtained by the user himself. • position-dependent in Open position
• position-dependent in Closed position

Picture 7: Gearbox markings

6 • VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions

The switching points are factory-adjusted. The torque switches Any damage caused by electric current (amperage) and current
serve as overload protection in the intermediate positions. If the flow must be prevented. For electrical connections, the general
valve is retrofitted with an electric actuator, the position switches guidelines according to VDE must be observed. Couplings and
have to be adjusted after the actuator has been mounted. For the connections must never be disassembled when they are under
adjustment procedure, please refer to the operating manual issu- pressure.
ed by the manufacturer of the electric actuator.
Servicing, maintenance and inspection work as well as the repla-
The relevant safety regulations of the VDI / VDE and the instruc- cement of spare parts must only be done qualified staff. The plant
tions of the manufacturer of the electric actuator must be obser- operator is responsible for determining the suitability of the staff or
ved. for ensuring that they have the relevant qualifications.

When the items are delivered, the adjustment screws and the If the operator’s employees do not have the qualifications requi-
connection bolts of the gear and the electric actuator are sealed red, they need to attend a training course. This training course can
with labels and/or identified by colour markings. The removal e.g. be held by VAG Service employees.
or breaking of these identifications will result in the loss of the
manufacturer’s warranty. If foreign matter gets stuck while the val- In addition to this, the plant operator needs to ensure that all em-
ve is being operated, the torque switch for the respective direction ployees have understood these Operation and Maintenance Inst-
is activated and switches the motor off. Then the electric actuator ructions as well as all further instructions referred to in them.
can no longer be started in this position. First, the valve must be
inspected and then it must be operated in the opposite direction. Protective equipment such as safety boots, safety helmets, gogg-
les, protective gloves etc. must be worn during all work requiring
Operation in inching mode is permissible as described below: such protective equipment or for which such protective equip-
ment is prescribed.
If the torque switch responds in intermediate position, the valve
must be operated in opposite direction until the torque switch Improper or wrong use of the valve should be avoided. Prior to the
completely returns to its resting position. Only then must the valve performance of any work on the valve and equipment it must be
be operated in the direction in which the malfunction occurred. ensured that the relevant pipeline section has been depressurised
By this procedure, the torques are reached which correspond to and/or de-energised.
the torques adjusted at the torque switch. Additionally, the foreign
matter may come loose and be washed out of the seat area. 7.2 Inspection and operation intervals
Emergency manual operation (handwheel): The valve should be checked for tightness, proper operation and
corrosion protection “at least once per year” (DVGW Instruction
If the valve is operated via the handwheel of the electric actuator, Sheet W 392).
the torque switches do not have any safety function. If foreign
matter is jammed while the valve is in intermediate position, the In case of extreme operating conditions inspection should be per-
higher operating forces required may damage the actuator com- formed more frequently.
ponents – especially in case of high reduction gearing.
For inspection and maintenance work, no protective devices must
Attention: If you feel resistance during manual emer- be removed before the pipeline section in which the valve is ins-
gency operation of the valve, turn the handwheel into talled has been shut off and depressurised.
the opposite direction by making several turns, befo-
• Check the exterior condition of the valve including its actuator,
re turning it back into the direction in which the mal-
clean if necessary and repair damaged places.
function was identified (washing out of foreign matter).
Operate the valve very carefully, avoiding excessive • Check the flanges for leak-freeness
force, and flush the pipeline, if necessary.
• Check whether the valve and actuator run smoothly and operate
them over the entire travel, if possible (see Section 4).
7 Maintenance and repair • Check the body seal for tightness
• Check the gearbox connections for tightness
7.1 General safety instructions • Clean the working surfaces

Prior to the performance of inspection and maintenance work • Check the condition of the cardan shafts and liners
on the valve or its assemblies, shut-off the pressurised pipeline,
depressurise it and secure it against inadvertent activation. De- We recommend operating the valve at regular intervals (several
pending on the kind and dangerousness of the fluid conveyed, times per year) over its entire travel (open – close) to prevent de-
comply with all required safety regulations! posits accumulating on the slide faces of the cylindrical sleeves.

After completing the maintenance works and before resuming

operation, check all connections for proper fastening and tight-
ness. Perform the steps described for initial set-up as described
under Section 5 “Set-up and operation”.

A VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve is not self-locking.

The actuator/the gear must not be disassembled as long as the
valve is pressurised. This also applies in case the complete valve
is dismantled.

Statutory and local provisions as well as the safety and accident

prevention regulations must be observed and complied with at all
times.

VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions • 7

7.3 Maintenance work and replacement
of parts
The required spare parts and the parts subject to wear and tear
can be found in the order-related documentation.

7.3.1 Design
The design is composed of simple cylindrical and annular ele-
ments. This allows the manufacture of the entire hollow-jet di-
scharge valve as a welded assemblage. The valve consists of a
cylindrical body pipe with a jet guiding cone at the outlet. The
body is equipped with slide rails on which the (re)adjustable sli-
ding shoes screwed in the cylindrical sleeve run. By way of the
cylindrical sleeve, the discharge cross section between the cone
surface and the jacket pipe is changed and thus the discharge
rate is controlled. The valve can be actuated via an electric ac-
tuator or a handwheel. The output drive is effected via a double-
bevel gearbox with branches to the lateral bevel gearboxes which
move the cylindrical sleeve via threaded spindles. The controller, Picture 8: Metallic and elastic sealing in the seat
actuator and gearbox are located outside the valve body and thus
are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance. The requi-
red actuating forces are relatively low, as essentially only frictional
forces along the slide rail and inside the actuator must be over-
come whose size hardly changes over the area of motion. The ad-
ditional forces caused by the water flowing along the inner surface
and end face of the cylindrical sleeves are very low.

The largest torque results when the cylindrical sleeve is pushed

onto the sealing seat.

7.3.2 Recommendations for the replacement

of parts
Sealing rings must be replaced whenever necessary. The replace-
ment intervals depend on the operating conditions.

7.3.3 Replacement of seals

The tightness of the VAG KSSplus Hollow-Jet Discharge Valve
in closed position is ensured by stainless sealing faces provided Picture 9: Profile seal
with an additional elastic auxiliary seal (profile seal ring) (Picture 8).
7.3.5 Cleaning and lubrication
A separate seat ring transmits the sealing pressure. This threaded
sealing ring can be removed and thus allows the replacement of The two threaded stems and the stem nuts must be free from
a damaged elastic seal. An annular quadring seal prevents the dirt and always properly lubricated. For this purpose, lubricants
leakage of fluids between the cylindrical sleeve and jacket pipe approved for use with foodstuff and/or drinking water must be
(Picture 9). applied.

Should leaks occur at the body seal or the valve seal, these seals Recommended lubricants:
can be replaced. After the disassembly of the seat ring, the pro- • Stem and stem nut: KLÜBERPLEX BE 31-502, in particular if
file ring on the pipe cone can be removed. To disassemble the electric actuators are used
quadring seal (rear seal at the body shell (Picture 9) the cylindrical
sleeve must be moved beyond closed position and disassembled. Manufacturer: Klüber Lubrication, Munich, Germany
To be able to move the cylindrical sleeve beyond the sealing ring,
the rear and front sliding shoes first need to be removed from the
cylindrical sleeve.

When installing the cylindrical sleeve, it must be made sure that its
adjustment is plane-parallel (can be adjusted via the lateral fixing
of the stem nuts).

7.3.4 Relubrication of the gearboxes

Remove the cover of the double-bevel gearbox. Fill the hollows of
the gearbox with grease, replace cover and seal.

Lubricant:
• FUCHS RENOLIT FEP 2 (article number A 7451125)
Relubricate every five years.

8 • VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions

8 Trouble-shooting

For all repair and maintenance work, please observe

the general safety instructions described in Section
7.1!

Problem Cause Remedial action

Unfavourable installation position and thus unfavourable flow Change installation position
towards the valve (e.g. too close downstream of an elbow, etc.)

KSSplus Valve Check design and/or operation data, change flow resistance in the
Valve is operating beyond its design limits
makes excessive noise valve, if required, by using different internals

Uneven wear of the sliding shoes Calibration of the sliding shoes by specialised VAG personnel

Foreign matter jammed in the seat area Flush valve, dismantle, if necessary, and remove foreign matter
KSSplus Valve Gear blocked Undo block
cannot be operated
No electrical connection of the electric actuator Establish electrical connection

Valve not completely closed yet Close valve completely

Leaks in the body seat
Valve seal damaged or worn Replace seal

Operating data has been changed Check size, design and/or operating data

Flow rate too high Water level too high Lower water level

Valve open too wide Place valve in correct position

Operating data has been changed Check size, design and/or operating data
Desired flow rate
is not reached Water level too low Increase (dam up) water level
Valve not fully open Check position of valve

Foreign matter jammed between body shell and cylindrical sleeve Close and reopen valve

Check stem for scuffing, otherwise clean parts and relubricate.

Stem/stem nut damaged
Cylindrical sleeve Replace, if necessary
jammed Open valve (up to 10-30% of the travel) and close again; repeat
Foreign matter jammed in the seat area several times, if necessary
Hardened residues in the medium block working surfaces of the Clean working surfaces
cylindrical sleeves

Dirt accumulation on the working surfaces of the cylindrical sleeves Bring valve to closed position and clean working surfaces
High operating forces
Stem/stem nut has run dry Relubricate parts

Open valve (up to 10-30% of the travel) and close again. This may
Foreign matter jammed in seat have to be repeated several times. Remove foreign matter.
Leak at cylindrical
sleeve in the seat
Profiled seal damaged Replace profiled seal

Leak at cylindrical sleeve Profiled seal damaged Replace seal, clean working surface
of the discharge outlet

9 How to contact us

Head office Service

VAG GmbH Our service hotline can be reached 24/7 world-wide. In case of
Carl-Reuther-Str. 1 emergency, please contact us by phone.
68305 Mannheim
Germany Service hotline: +49 621 - 749 2222

Telephone: +49 (621) 749-0 Service per email: service@vag-group.com

Fax: +49 (621) 749-2153

info@vag-group.com
www.vag-group.com

VAG Operation and Maintenance Instructions • 9

info@vag-group.com
www.vag-group.com
KAT-B 2021-B1 Edition 1.3 2017-12-13