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WaStop DN700 Short with Bell Bolt Flange

Münster in Hessen| Flood protection

The problem

The city of Münster in Hessen, Germany, faced a critical challenge with Lake Semme. A beaver had constructed a dam, obstructing the water flow and causing backflow into an DN 800 outlet pipe that normally discharged water back into the lake. This backup pushed water 150 meters upstream to the upper edge of a threshold at a nearby pumping station—just 40 centimeters from overflowing. If the water breached this threshold, the station would be forced to pump excess water to the sewage treatment plant, significantly increasing energy costs. Even more concerning, prolonged backflow threatened to flood a nearby industrial area, endangering buildings and businesses, which happened in the past.

A simple installation of a WaStop Inline check valve at the lake outlet wasn’t feasible, as water would simply bypass it by flowing into a nearby chamber a few meters downstream. A more strategic solution was required.

Solution

WaStop® Inline Check valve

To effectively address the issue, we installed a specialsolution WaStop 50 meters downstream in a narrow, one-meter-wide chamber. Since the pipeline was constantly submerged, a diver measured the exact inner diameter, as traditional access was impossible. Given the chamber’s tight dimensions, we custom-trimmed the Wastop to be even shorter than the standard short version. Additionally, we integrated the reinforcement ring, normally installed separately, directly into the unit to ensure a perfect fit within the confined space.

The choice of membrane was crucial for this application. We selected the soft S2 membrane, designed to open at just 18.5 centimeters of differential pressure. This allowed the valve to function underwater despite backpressure, effectively preventing water from cresting the pumping station’s threshold. By modifying the body, trimming the bottom, and utilizing the uniquely responsive S2 membrane, we provided the only solution on the market capable of operating under these conditions, opening even with backpressure at minimal differential pressure.

For installation, we sealed one end of the pipeline, pumped out the water, and carefully positioned the Wastop. This setup successfully prevented backflow at an early stage, protecting the industrial area while keeping energy costs in check, all despite the complex and restrictive environment.

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Kerry Olsson

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Kerry Olsson
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