WHAT IS BACKPRESSURE & HOW DOES IT OCCUR IN AN INDUSTRIAL SETTING?
Backpressure is a form of Backflow. Backflow is the reversal of flow of any substance into the safe drinking water distribution system. Backflow is due to backpressure.
In the example below we are talking about backpressure.
When certain conditions occur, such as in the example below, any unprotected cross-connections on premises can cause contamination within the city’s drinking water. Backpressure occurs when a process develops greater pressure than the Municipal water pressure.
FIGURE 1:
In this example, everything is operating correctly. The Water Source (1) (the place where our water comes from) is the water tower. The water then flows out of the tower into the city’s main water lines (2), then from there each premises is connected to the main water line, also known as a service connection or a cross-connection (3).
FIGURE 2:
In this example, this industrial company has a high pressure boiler that is treated with chemicals and connected to the potable water supply. The pressure pump nearest us has malfunctioned and is creating a higher pressure than the pressure in the main water line (2). Due to the higher pressure from the malfunctioning pressure pump, backpressure may occur and any unprotected cross-connections on your premises can cause backflow & contamination within the city’s drinking water. Backflow & contamination (noted red water lines) is passed onto your neighbors and anybody else connected to the main water line.
