Some customers may be confused about the difference between AWWA C509 and AWWA C515 when purchasing an AWWA gate valve. As a professional manufacturer of AWWA gate valves, we offer the following suggestions. 

AWWA C509 and AWWA C515 are two different types of resilient-seated gate valve standards published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Here are detailed descriptions and differences between these two standards:

AWWA C509 Standard

Definition:

The AWWA C509 standard covers the design, manufacture, materials, and performance requirements for resilient-seated wedge gate valves for water systems.

This standard primarily covers gate valves with an all-metal body, traditionally manufactured in cast iron or ductile iron.

Key Points:

Body Material: Typically cast iron or ductile iron.

Seat Material: Seats are typically made of a resilient material (such as rubber) that seals against the wedge gate.

Pressure Rating: Designed for operating pressures between 150 psi and 250 psi.

Size Range: Typically between 2 inches and 48 inches.

AWWA C515 Standard

Definition:

The AWWA C515 standard covers the design, manufacture, materials, and performance requirements for lightweight resilient seated wedge gate valves for water systems.

Compared to AWWA C509, the gate valves covered by AWWA C515 are typically lighter, use less material, and are typically made of ductile iron.

Key Points:

Body Material: Typically ductile iron, but designed to be lighter with optimized wall thickness.

Seat Material: Also a resilient material (such as rubber) that seals against the wedge gate.

Pressure Rating: Designed for operating pressures between 150 psi and 250 psi.

Size Range: Typically between 3 inches and 36 inches.

Differences Between AWWA C509 and AWWA C515

Body Design:

AWWA C509: Traditional all-metal body design with a thicker, heavier body.

AWWA C515: Lightweight design with thinner body walls and lighter weight, using optimized materials.

Materials Used:

AWWA C509: Typically made of cast iron or ductile iron with a relatively conservative design.

AWWA C515: Primarily made of ductile iron with a more modern design focused on reducing weight and increasing efficiency.

Structure and Performance:

AWWA C509: Thicker body walls provide higher durability and strength.

AWWA C515: By thinning body walls and optimizing the design, the weight is reduced while still maintaining adequate strength and durability.

Applications:

AWWA C509: Suitable for applications that require higher durability and strength, such as underground installations and high-pressure water systems.

AWWA C515: Suitable for applications that require lightweight and cost-effectiveness, such as medium- to low-pressure water systems and locations that require frequent maintenance.

Summary

Both AWWA C509 and AWWA C515 are standards for resilient-seated wedge gate valves, but the C515 standard is an improvement and optimization of the C509 standard, primarily focused on reducing weight and optimizing materials. The choice between valves conforming to either standard depends on specific application requirements and operating environments.