Brad Gresham, a graduate of Emory University, is the South Region Business Development Director for Xylem Inc’s Wachs Water Services and Pure Technologies, Ltd. Brad has worked in the water industry over 20 years with experience in the development and implementation of water sector asset management condition assessment solutions. He has participated in multiple National and Regional conference presentations and technical sessions throughout the United States focusing primarily in the southeast region.

I have given presentations at almost every water related conference in the southeast United States as well as technical sessions and continuing education classes.

Title:

The Importance of Air Release Valve (ARV) Inspections

Description:

Overview and lessons learned during the establishment of an inspection program of ARVs on Sanitary Sewer Force Mains at JEA

Abstract:

For many utilities, an important component for removing, preventing, and effectively coping with the presence of air in pipelines is the air release valve.  Despite their effectiveness, these valves can be highly problematic if not well designed and maintained.  This presentation reviews the current design, application, functionality, and inspection of ARVs.  The specific scope of work at JEA includes the physical inspection of a subset of the approximately one thousand seven hundred (1,700) existing ARVs installed on sanitary sewer force mains with work scheduled and performed in phases.

ARVs are often out of sight, out of mind and unfortunately not part of asset management programs.  Considering the operational and maintenance issues related to air valves, efficient operation of these assets requires broad-based annual inspection and maintenance program.  Brad Gresham will speak about the obvious benefits of including Air Release Valves in asset management programs for utilities