In the late 1980’s, Ames Company took a look at the common complaints about backflow prevention devices and designed the Silver Bulletâ Family of backflow prevention devices. The following list reviews the six issues the Ames Company identified during their review and discusses how the design of the Silver Bulletâ Family addresses each issue.

Problem One: Current cast and ductile iron valve units are very heavy.

Ames Solution: Through the use of stainless steel, the weight of the backflow device is on average reduced by one half. For example, on a 10" device, a typical cast or ductile iron unit weighs 1800 pounds. The Ames Silver Bulletâ in the same size weighs 220 pounds.

Problem Two: The use of cast or ductile iron requires a protective epoxy coating to prevent corrosion of the assembly. In time, the protective coating can become damaged by threading for test ports or seats or by debris passing through the valve. The damaged coating allows corrosion to begin. Corrosion leads to the exudation of rust nodules which may eventually cause failure of the device or ultimately a hole in the body can develop.

Ames Solution: Through the use of stainless steel for the valve body and parts, the need for a protective coating is eliminated. The potential for corrosion is eliminated and the body of the valve has a nearly infinite life span.

Problem Three: The length of the current cast or ductile iron designs requires large amounts of space for installation of the unit. Additionally if the unit needs to be replaced, owners often left with little choice but to replace the unit in kind.

Ames Solution: Standard length of the Ames Silver Bulletâ unit are shorter than any other standard length. A typical 10" unit for other manufacturer may be as much as 72" long. Ames 10" Silver Bullet is only 30" long. The compact design of the Ames Silver Bulletâ allows it to be used for replacement of other manufacturer’s cast or ductile iron valves with minimal rework expense to the owner. End users do not have to make the same mistake twice!

Problem Four: Current cast and ductile iron backflow devices can be dangerous to service, require special tools and have many parts to replaces

Ames Solution: All parts of the Silver Bullet are non-corrosive stainless steel or Norylâ polymer modules. The Norylâ modules contain all of the parts that require maintenance. Each module fits several sizes of backflow preventers yet cost the same as many manufacturer’s rubber repair kits.

Problem Five: Current cast and ductile iron backflow devices are plagued by a head loss of 8 PSI or more. The unit's size often dictates line size and high head loss can be a problem for retrofits on existing systems.

Ames Solution: The Ames patented CamCheckâ design provides a 5 – 8 PSI reduction in head loss at average usage compared to other backflow preventers. The documented lowest head losses in the industry make the Ames unit ideal for fire and retrofit applications.

Problem Six: Current cast and ductile iron backflow devices require extended downtimes for maintenance and repair.

Ames Solution: The Ames Silver Bulletâ requires removal of just two bolts to open compared to 16 for other manufacturers. Parts are modular so complete maintenance can be done with replacement of two modules.

The Ames Silver Bulletâ Family of Backflow Prevention Devices addresses the common complaints of the waterworks industry at a first time cost that matches iron designs. The stainless steel body and modular design of the CamCheckâ make the long term cost benefits of the Ames valves far superior to iron designs. The Ames Silver Bulletâ units are long term investments that can pay for themselves through maintenance and spare parts costs savings compared to existing iron units.

Finally, the Ames Silver Bullet Family of Backflow Preventers are the safest devices in the industry. Access to the valve seats can be accomplished without the use of special tools or the removal of a spring. The springs are always retained eliminating the potential for injury to repair personnel.