To adjust the amount of fluid passed through in different sections at a given flow rate into several holes, a balancing valve is used. These devices have manual or automatic adjustment, allowing you to regulate the pressure in the pipeline system. This function also uses valves to regulate flow rates, but unlike them, only a balancing valve can regulate the hydraulic local resistance.
Modern large heating systems are unable to cope with uneven movement warm water, which leads to improper heating of rooms in different rooms. Often, incorrect calculation of water supply leads to the fact that the coolant consumption is very high, and not all the liquid reaches the radiators in the back room.
To equalize the flow of warm water supplied by boilers in different branches of the heating system, balancing valves are used, which ensure high-quality operation of the coolants.
The purpose of the product can be different - it is used both in a pipeline hot water, for residential premises various types and sizes, including if electric heat pumps are installed in the pipeline.
Most often, this device is used by specialists in hydraulic systems to regulate the local level of hydraulic resistance by reducing or increasing the cross-section inside the mechanism. It is simple in design and, thanks to its mechanical operation, can function smoothly. Once we have figured out what it is, we can proceed to selecting the product and installing it.
Operating principle and design
The balancing valve design is similar to that of a conventional ball valve, but it has distinctive details:
- Shutter indicator;
- Measuring diaphragm;
- The pipe on which the faucet is installed;
- Position lock.
The body is usually made of brass or steel. Also, for proper functioning, a membrane in the form of a seal is installed in the structure. The seat and valve monitor fluid flow. The designer also contains a valve stem; it comes in four types: straight, oblique, rising or falling. To understand how this device works, you can see the figure below.
As can be seen in the image, the rod has an oblique shape, which reduces hydraulic resistance. Such a unit has high precision control of liquid flow by differential pressure regulators and excellent performance in terms of service life despite the coolant temperature.
What is the difference between a tap and a valve?
To regulate the flow of fluid, it is a cheap analogue of the original valve, which allows you to regulate the flow area more smoothly and accurately. Also, the second one has holes in its design for measuring the amount of liquid passed by a flow meter.
The valve is essentially a simpler balancing valve, since it also serves to regulate the resistance of the passing liquid, but it does not have holes for measuring the amount of heated liquid material.
Another product that controls coolant flow is balancing valves. It works on the same principle as standard valves, although there are models with holes for measurements. The ability to take measurements is an important indicator for the correct installation of such devices, so when choosing products, focus on those that have holes in their design for this.
Types of valves
There are two types of products for hydraulic balancing of heating systems:
- Automatic or dynamic, designed to maintain constant pressure differences in two-pipe heating systems or to control flow in a single-pipe heating system.
- Manual valve for balancing - used as a diaphragm where it is impossible to limit the limit values of liquid flow; this includes a valve-type device.
In addition, these products are classified according to various dependencies: type and parameters working environment, type of room, functions and types of connections. For example, there are models for installation in an apartment building, and there are examples for installation in a private house. There are also subtypes of balancers for installation in “liquid heated floors”.
How to choose
If you decide to install a shut-off and balancing valve in your heating system, then decide in advance which product is suitable in your case based on four factors:
- Control type – automatic or manual balancing valve;
- Functions – why and for what purpose will you install the device; the product will be installed for a multi-story or one-story private house;
- Mounting method – fixing flanges or threaded;
- Popularity of the manufacturer - you should not purchase crafts from unknown companies; pay attention to models from such companies: Danfoss, Watts, HERZ, Cimberio.
When you have made your choice, you can safely purchase the product. You can carry out the installation yourself, but it is better to contact a specialist: the problem is that they are configured with a special device, without which it will not be possible to install the unit correctly.
DIY installation
Installation in a hot water supply system or heating system is only possible if the device is provided for by its design and there are problems with the distribution of liquids.
You can install the unit yourself, the main thing is to take into account the installation rules and certain features of the work. You need to have water supply or heating piping diagrams on hand.
Installation Rules
- In order to avoid turbulence inside the circuits, the product must be installed on a straight section of the pipe;
- Observe the direction of flow of hot liquid, it is indicated on the body of the product; the same rule is appropriate if an additional check valve is installed;
- Before installation, be sure to flush the heating pipeline and drain all liquid from it;
- After installation has been completed, the balancing valve must be adjusted to allow the device to function correctly in the future;
- During installation, monitor the position of the spindle and other structural parts; they must comply with the standard;
Video editing
Detailed description of the design and operating principle, as well as correct installation balancing valves in the heating system is shown in this video, using the Cimberio Cim 777 model as an example.
This video describes how to properly adjust balancing valves. The video will help both a specialist in the installation of heating systems and an ordinary householder who decides to install the product and adjust it correctly without calling a technician. A specialist in the installation of hydraulic structures will calculate the capacity of the pipeline, calculate the required pressure and select indicators that are suitable for your case.
Any heating system needs timely and high-quality adjustment; these manipulations can be carried out in a variety of ways.
Only if all parameters in individual sections of the network are as close as possible to the calculated data will it be possible to achieve high operating efficiency.
That is why, for high-quality adjustment, a universal balancing valve for the heating system is used.
Requires precise configuration of all data for maximum efficiency
Brief description
Every heating system needs professional hydraulic tuning. The main task of such adjustment is to regulate fuel consumption to the initial calculated indicator, so that for each installed battery the required amount of heat was supplied. The system setup itself displays the final water consumption for a certain area, which was previously calculated.
It must be remembered that any water system requires initial setup Traditional schemes involve ensuring optimal flow rates with a special pipe diameter. If the heating system has more complex configurations, then the adjustment is carried out with universal washers.
Each of them has a certain passage diameter, due to which the required volume of water is supplied.
Of course, such configuration methods do not apply to innovative technologies, since in the modern world it is common to use an automatic balancing valve for the heating system. It is customary to add two fittings to this mechanism, which constantly test the pressure in different zones in relation to the main control device.
Such parts are also used for mounting a specific capillary tube. Experts say that modern fittings interact perfectly with various elements management.
In this video you will learn how the balancing valve works:
Features and Benefits
Those who have already worked with control valves note that their characteristics are almost similar to other pipeline elements. For the manufacture of such parts, brass and bronze are used, but galvanized products can also be found. Interesting fact It is believed that more than 90% of the total assortment on the world market is occupied by brass valves. This trend arose due to their reliability and durability.
Reliability and durability are the main factors when choosing a valve Among the many positive characteristics Balancing valves for heating systems include the following:
- Affordable price.
- The work associated with the planned setup of the system is significantly simplified.
- High degree of reliability.
- The master has an excellent opportunity to fine-tune the temperature and pressure level.
- Long service life.
There are practically no negative characteristics of such products. In addition, in domestic use there is simply no alternative to balancing valves.
Types of valves and their design features
Today, there are two types of control valves, each of which has its own performance characteristics. Before buying a particular model, you need to carefully study their basic description. Most often, all specialists install the following balancing valves:
- Universal unit with automatic system management. A special feature of such products is that they completely control the heating system without human intervention. The functionality of the valve allows you to maintain a constant pressure difference between the return and supply two-pipe system. As for single-pipe heating, the device controls the continuous flow of coolant. There are multifunctional models on sale that work perfectly in tandem with each other. The use of such units leads to changes in the flow rate and pressure difference in the pipeline. It is worth noting that the coordinated operation of such valves occurs thanks to a special impulse tube. The internal part of the automatic device is more like a piston pressure reducer. But they should not be confused, because they perform completely different functions.
- Manual valve. This device occupies a leading position in demand due to affordable price and durability.
Any quality part should include o-rings, for example But among the main ones design features experts note several nuances. The thing is that a high-quality part must consist of the following elements:
- Universal adjustment spindle. The main working part is presented in the form of a cone, screwed into a special saddle. At the moment the spindle is activated, the coolant flow is completely blocked.
- The cap, which can be made from various materials, but most often made of plastic. It is worth noting that metal products are considered to be of the highest quality and most durable.
- Durable brass body, which is equipped with all the necessary threaded pipes so that the user can connect the pipes. In the internal compartment of the device there is a special saddle in the form of a small vertical channel.
- O-rings made of high quality rubber.
But the main feature of such a valve is that it is equipped with two fittings at once.
These units perform the following functions:
- They control the pressure level inside the system both before and after the valve.
- Provide reliable fixation of the capillary tube.
Each fitting necessarily measures the pressure level, and if during operation sudden changes in values were detected on the regulating mechanism, then the water flow is calculated.
Three-way valve for heating systems:
Operating principle according to the standard scheme
Novice craftsmen are often interested in why a balancing valve is needed in a heating system. But before you get acquainted with the functionality of this unit, it is necessary to study the principle of setting up the system. It is enough for the master to imagine a dead-end branch with several standard batteries, which act as a kind of source of energy consumption. A certain volume of heated coolant is supplied to them.
It is worth noting that the design temperature is selected based on the fact that it is enough to heat a certain room.
The exact cost figure will be known only after the master has carried out all the necessary calculations.
Difficulties arise when special thermostatic valves are not installed on the radiators. The thing is that any hydraulic adjustments will be made using a manual balancing valve. Fix this part on the return pipeline. When everything necessary calculations produced, then the valve is set to a certain number of revolutions. As practice shows, a constant flow rate is always observed in the regulated branch.
During installation, you will save on radiators Despite this, many owners of private houses are wondering how to properly adjust the valve when the flow changes periodically. Initially, it should be noted that this situation occurs when conventional radiators are equipped with universal thermostatic regulators responsible for heating the room. Such details can create an additional obstacle in the path of water, which will affect the flow intensity. In this case, the flow rates will change significantly in the return pipeline.
Timely installation of balancing devices will allow you to achieve the effect when you do not need to install too many radiators (usually 5 pieces are enough). If the master decides to limit the thermostat control limits, he will be able to quickly adjust the heating circuit.
Of course, there can be more than five radiators, but they will definitely go to waste. If you block the flow of coolant from the thermostat of the first radiator, the technician will be faced with an increase in flow to the second battery. The valve will definitely close, and the flow will go to the next unit. It is this principle of operation that will be considered relevant for all heat consumers. If the technician does not take urgent measures, then some radiators will overheat very much, while others, on the contrary, will not have enough coolant.
Balancing valve with internal thread STAD:
Professional installation
Installation and adjustment of the balancing valve is not considered difficult, since Every man can cope with these tasks. The main difficulty can only arise from the fact that it will be difficult for the master to achieve a certain position of the unit. The arrow on the body must be in the direction of water movement. Only in this case can you obtain the optimal design resistance and correct flow rate. Some modern manufacturers allow installation of the valve both in the direction and against the main flow. Depending on the chosen model, the rod may occupy different positions.
A high-quality valve must provide for the need for reliable protection of the working parts of the valve: the ingress of various mechanical contaminants is unacceptable. It is for this purpose that a special mud trap or filter is mounted in front of the device. To avoid turbulent water flow, it is necessary to provide straight sections of pipe of sufficient length both before and after the valve.
It is worth noting that this very requirement is included in the accompanying documentation of reliable manufacturers.
Network balancing
Most often, those masters who professional level engaged in the installation of heating systems, determine the coolant flow on the batteries very in a simple way : take the total number of revolutions of the balancing valve and divide by the number of used heating devices. Such simple steps help to find out the optimal adjustment step. Gradually moving from the last radiator to the first, carefully close the taps with the resulting difference in speed.
In addition to the main adjustment method, there is an additional, possibly more accurate Of course, this method is approximate, since it does not provide for the option that batteries can be of different power. That is why it is better to use it for preliminary tuning, which allows for certain corrections to be made during active operation.
A completely different method, which is based on measuring the actual surface temperature of batteries, deserves special attention. The balancing valve can be adjusted correctly as follows:
- Initially, you need to gradually open absolutely all the valves and put the system into operating mode with a supply temperature of +80˚C.
- Using a contact thermometer, it is necessary to measure the temperature of each heating device.
- All differences in data must be eliminated by tightening the taps of the middle and first batteries. It is forbidden to touch the latter. The near radiator should be opened slightly by 1.5 turns of the valve, but the middle ones by 2.5.
- The system needs to be given a little time to adapt to completely new operating conditions. After 30 minutes, you need to take measurements again. The main task of the master is to achieve a minimum temperature difference between the batteries closest and farthest to the boiler.
It is also worth considering that weather conditions and the temperature outside the window do not affect the performance at all, only the difference in the heating of the radiators is important.
Disassembly of automatic balancing valves ASV series:
Experienced installers of heating systems note that any adjustment work should be carried out on the basis of calculated data, which is especially important when drawing up project documentation. To prevent errors, you need to use a special valve diagram and measurements taken in advance. The adjustment process begins only when the handle rotates and the spindle moves. If the master does not have all the necessary measurements at hand, then the adjustment process itself will be considered conditional. In this case, efficiency and accuracy cannot even be discussed.
As for straight pipe sections that prevent water turbulence, their length must be at least 10 cm. If we are talking about an automatic device, then the main unit must have a fitting, which plays an important role in filling the circuit with the inlet valve closed.
Content
For the heating system to function effectively, the actual parameters of its operation must be close to the calculated values. It is important to ensure proper distribution of coolant flows along the circuits, stable pressure and temperature conditions. This range of problems can be solved special device– balancing valve for the heating system.
Balancing valves used for heating systems
Purpose of the device
All branches of the heating system must receive the calculated amount of coolant. Earlier simple systems regulated through the use of pipes of different diameters. In complex ones, special washers were installed, by moving which it was possible to change the cross-section of the pipeline. Today, a special valve is used that operates on the principle of a valve.
The balancing valve is equipped with two fittings, thanks to which:
- the pressure of the coolant flow is measured before and after passing through the valve;
- a capillary tube is connected to allow adjustment.
Based on the readings of the device, it is possible to determine the pressure drop when water passes through the regulator, and calculate, according to the instructions, how many turns of the handle are required to optimize the operation of the heating system.
Pay attention! A number of manufacturers offer balancing valves with a digital display, but such devices are more expensive.
Cross-section of balancing valve Operating principle
Let's look at why balancing the heating system is necessary and how it happens. If several heating radiators are connected to a dead-end pipeline branch and are not equipped with thermostats, the coolant flow for each heating device will be constant. To ensure that the required amount of heated water reaches each of the devices, a manual regulator is installed on the return line, at the point where the pipe connects to the common line. Its valve is set to a certain number of revolutions in order to reduce or increase the diameter of the passage hole.
But this option is not suitable for a system with constantly changing coolant flow. In this case, a balancing valve is required, the principle of which allows you to reduce the volume of heated water supplied by creating an obstacle in the flow path.
The manual balancer is designed to stabilize the coolant flow for 4-5 heating devices. If in the system larger number radiators, their heating will be uneven.
By setting the balancing valve for the heating system to maximum flow, we get the following situation: the thermostat responsible for regulating any of the radiators will reduce the consumption of the heated coolant, as a result of which the pressure in the system will begin to gradually increase.
The balancing valve will receive a signal of increasing pressure (a capillary tube is used for this) and will operate, adjusting the flow of liquid. Due to the fact that the thermostats on the remaining radiators will not have time to shut off the coolant supply, the pressure in the system and coolant consumption will be balanced.
Design
Control valves vary in design. IN classic version the device is equipped with a straight rod and a flat spool; adjustment occurs by changing the flow area between the spool and the seat. The forward movement of the spool is ensured by rotation of the handle.
Balancers are also available with a rod located at an angle relative to the coolant flow; the spool can have a cone-shaped, radial or cylindrical shape, and driven by a servo drive.
Balancing valve design Types of devices
A balancing valve for a heating system, the operating principle of which depends on the design features, can be mechanical (manual) or automatic.
Mechanical balancer
A manual balancing valve is installed instead of classic adjusting washers and similar devices. The mechanical regulator is designed to operate in a system with constant pressure of the transported medium. Using a mechanical valve, you can not only ensure the required cross-section of the pipeline, but also disconnect a separate heating device from the network and drain the coolant from it through a special tap. The manual valve is inexpensive and can be equipped with devices for measuring the pressure in the system on both sides of the regulator and the actual flow of the transported medium.
Mechanical balancing valve Automatic balancer
An automatic balancing valve is a device that allows you to quickly change the operating parameters of an autonomous heating network in accordance with pressure drops and consumption of heated coolant. Automatic balancers are installed in pairs on each pipeline.
The balancer and shut-off valve on the supply pipeline sets a limit on the coolant flow in accordance with the design requirements. A valve is installed on the return line to prevent sudden pressure changes. This approach makes it possible to divide the heating system into separate sections that can function independently of each other. Pressure equalization and coolant supply adjustment are carried out in automatic mode.
Automatic balancing valve Application options
The balancing valve is also activated:
- In a small circulation circuit of a solid fuel heating boiler closed to a heat accumulator. The regulator makes it possible to do without installing a mixing unit to maintain the temperature of the coolant in the circuit at a level of at least 60 degrees. The balancing valve on the supply pipe is responsible for ensuring that the coolant flow in the boiler circuit is higher than in the heating circuit.
- To regulate the operation of an indirect heating boiler. The balancer regulates the supply of heated coolant directly from the boiler to the coil installed in a container with water for domestic hot water.
Working Application of Balancing Valve Installation and operation
The balancing valve is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. If there is an arrow on the body, the device is mounted in such a way that the direction of the arrow coincides with the direction of flow of the transported medium so that the valve can create the calculated resistance. Some manufacturers produce balancing valves that can be installed in any direction. The spatial arrangement of the rod is not important in most cases.
To prevent the valve from failing due to mechanical damage, a proprietary filter or a standard sump filter is installed in front of it. To eliminate unwanted turbulence, it is recommended to install valves on straight sections of the pipeline, the minimum length of which is indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the heating system is equipped with automatic valves, it should be filled through special filling fittings installed next to the valves on the return pipe, while the balancing valves on the supply pipe are closed.
Setting up the balancing valve is carried out using a table with indicators of pressure drop and coolant flow (attached to the device) or using a flow meter for balancers. But the initial calculation of flow and operational parameters must be performed at the design stage of the heating system.
Assembled balancing valve design In order for each balancing valve in the heating system to function properly, it is advisable to give preference to products from reputable manufacturers. These include regulators manufactured under the Danfoss brand (Denmark) and the Venturi series from BROEN BALLOREX (Poland).
Conclusion
It is recommended to use balance valves on all branches of the heating system, including underfloor heating circuits, as well as in the domestic hot water system. This will optimize their operation and save energy. It is important to choose high-quality devices, install them correctly and configure them correctly.
How often do the Housing Office receive questions regarding heating of residential premises? Constantly! Some residents have a constant cold in their house, others – on the contrary, it is hot, and still others hear irritating sounds from the pipes. But, unfortunately, utility services cannot please all residents at the same time. But there is a solution to this problem, and this is a balancing valve for the heating system.
Reasons for uneven heat distribution in rooms
Modern high-rise buildings and private houses are heated using a heating system consisting of radiators and piping. Both elements form one structure through which a flow of hot water spreads evenly to heat the living space.
However, despite the fact that the water supply pipes are made of durable metal, and professionals design the heating system, problems often arise with an uneven supply of hot water through the pipes. Additional reasons may also be low pressure, high water flow rate or large number cold air inside the pipes.
Figure 1: Pipe pressure measuring device
What is a balancing valve for?
There are several ways to solve the problem of uneven heat distribution in rooms. Due to their internal malfunction. In other cases, such as self-adjustment of the flow of hot water or decreasing/increasing pressure inside the pipes, it is necessary to use a balancing valve for a two-pipe heating system.
It is made in the form of a small fitting with a valve on top. The balancer is built into the heating system and regulates the flow of warm water through the pipes. At the same time, he also ensures that the pressure in the water supply remains within normal limits. Then the liquid inside the structure does not stagnate, gradually moves through the pipes and distributes heat evenly.
Figure 2: Balancing valve structure In addition, installing a balancing valve provides the following advantages:
- Saving money on heating bills.
- Creating the most comfortable air temperature in the room.
- Makes it easier to start the heating system.
Another important advantage of this device is the fact that it can extend the life of the batteries. Sooner or later, any heating system has to be balanced due to constant pressure surges and harsh operating conditions during the cold season. That's why old system heating system may fail. IN best case scenario, it will stop heating one part of the building; in the worst case, the pipes will not withstand the pressure and their contents may begin to leak.
Figure 3: Benefits of installing a balancing valve (1 - saves money, 2 - creates a comfortable air temperature in the room, 3 - makes it easier to start the heating system, 4 - extends battery life) Types of balancing valves
You can install a balancing valve on any heating system. But besides the usual double-pipe indoor one, there are other pipelines. For them, designers have invented other device options that can be classified according to different operating principles.
- Based on their operation, valves are divided into manual and automatic. Such a device can be placed on one of the sections of the battery, where you can easily reach it. If a person plans to use the balancing valve constantly, then it is better to use the manual version of the device. It looks like a pipe attachment with a valve, with which you can control the flow of hot water. If the room is hot enough, then just turn the valve, and the valve will create an obstruction inside the pipe. This way the battery has less source of heat and gradually cools down.
There are also options for manual balancers, which are designed to adjust several radiators at once. This version of the device helps a person set the same air temperature in all rooms of his living space.
Automatic type balancing valves carry out this process independently without human intervention. Usually they are installed in pairs on one pipeline, then the minimum is selected and maximum quantity heat that the batteries must produce (calculation is made by professionals). And the balancing valve regulates the heat supply in accordance with the schedule entered into the device.
Figure 4: Manual balancing valves for different types batteries - By engineering system valves are divided into combined and specific. From the name it is clear that balancing of a specific type is intended for a narrow purpose. One type of valve provides only heating in the room, others provide water supply, and still others provide air conditioning. Combined ones combine all three purposes, while having a more complex design and higher cost.
- According to the method of locking mechanism inside the pipe, valves and balls are distinguished. Inside the device there is a part with the help of which the water flow is regulated. Most often, buyers prefer mechanisms with valves. In their opinion, they are more accurate during the adjustment process. But ball valves, on the contrary, are less accurate. But if not ordinary hot water flows through the pipes, but a viscous substance with good heat transfer, then the second type of valves will be more successful in use.
Figure 5: Balancer mechanism with locking valve (sectional view) - According to the adjustment parameter. Balancing valves are divided into four types: flow valves - count the fluid flow in the pipes, temperature valves - monitor the set temperature, to balance pressure, and combined valves - combine all adjustments of other types.
However, it is worth remembering that setting the flow of hot water in the heating pipe is not the only variable in this process. Along with a decrease in heat supply, pressure begins to increase inside the pipes. That's why to an ordinary person It’s not enough to just choose your balancer settings. Before you start using it, the device must be connected to the heating system, and then set the starting settings for the minimum and maximum liquid flow. Only a professional can do this. After the installation process, an ordinary user can make his own adjustments to the operation of the device within the settings of the wizard.
Figure 6: balancer adjustment parameters (1 - consumables use a meter to control the amount of water used, 2 - adjust the water flow, 3 - adjust the air temperature, 4 - regulate the pressure in the pipes, the picture shows a device for testing) Balancing Valve Installation
The only classification that was not indicated in the previous paragraph concerns the installation of an apartment balancing valve in the heating system. They are divided into several types according to the method of fastening the reinforcement:
- Threaded;
- Flanged;
- Welding.
Figure 7: The image shows a manual valve with threaded fittings for installation The strength of the balancing valve does not depend on the method of attaching it to the main structure of the heating system. This already depends on the plant that assembled and developed the device.
However, in order to keep the overall structure strong and reliable, and serve its owner for many years, there are several tips.
Firstly, on the body of the balancing valve there is already a hint on how to install it correctly. At the junction of the fittings and the pipe there is an arrow, which during installation must coincide in the direction of the fluid flow. Thus, the closing valve or ball itself will create resistance during temperature adjustment.
If there is no such arrow, then the manufacturer has made sure that the valve is installed regardless of the direction of flow.
Secondly, before you begin installing the valve, you need to take care of its safety in case of possible mechanical damage. To do this, you need to make a layer of filter and sump in front of the valve.
Thirdly, mechanical stress on the valve may be due to turbulence. To reduce its impact on the structure, the valve should be installed only on straight sections of the pipe. The distance at which the pipeline bend and the valve should be is indicated in the instructions for the device. This parameter may be different for each model.
Balancing Valve Setting
After the valve has been installed, the balancing valve adjustment process begins. Of course, the heating system itself already has its own characteristics of in which direction the liquid should flow through the pipes, at what speed and under what pressure. However, over time it experiences failures. And therefore the balancers regulate this process instead of it.
Before you begin individual settings of the balancer, you need to find out the characteristics of the pipeline itself, and adjust the device values to suit them. But even this is not done according to any formula from school curriculum and a calculator.
To do this, the balancer installation technician must have a special table in which the main values of all variables in the pipeline are selected and their compliance with the standards of the device itself. For more precise adjustments, you may need special tools, such as a flow meter.
Figure 8: the image shows a device for checking pressure in pipes and other parameters - a flow meter Conclusion
A balancing valve is an excellent alternative to other heat sources, such as space heaters, for several reasons. Firstly, they are implemented directly into the heating system. Secondly, they save cash to pay utility bills. Thirdly, they extend the life of the pipeline indoors. Fourthly, it does not take up much space. And an equally important fifth plus, which makes it worth purchasing this device, is its simple controls.
The device built into the balancing valve for the heating system is very easy to use when it comes to room appliances. To adjust the temperature in them, just turn the valve a little, and the device itself will make all the other settings for the person. The automatic type of device does not require human participation at all. It adapts to environmental conditions.
Therefore, the only thing that depends on the buyer today is to make his choice in favor of quality manufacturer, and not a cheap balancing valve, you also need to find a suitable technician to help with its installation.
Large multi-circuit heating systems quite often encounter the problem of uneven heating different rooms. The coolant flows along the path least resistance, which is why the farther from the heat source, the lower the consumption of thermal energy than next to it. A manual or automatic balancing valve for a heating system (otherwise known as a valve) is used to equalize the coolant flow in different branches.
The design of the radiator element, which serves for manual balancing of heating branches, consists of the following parts:
- A body with threaded pipes used to connect pipes, made of brass. Using casting, a so-called saddle is made inside, which is a round vertical channel that expands slightly upward.
- A shut-off and regulating spindle, the working part of which has the shape of a cone, which enters the saddle during twisting, thereby limiting the flow of water.
- O-rings made of EPDM rubber.
- Protective cap made of plastic or metal.
Everyone has famous manufacturers Products come in two types - angular and straight. Only the shape has changed, but the operating principle is the same.
How a valve works in a heating system: as the spindle rotates, the flow area decreases or increases, thereby making adjustments. The number of revolutions, from closed to open, to the maximum level varies from three to five revolutions, depending on who the manufacturer of the product is. To turn the rod, use a regular or special hexagon-shaped key.
Compared to radiator valves, main valves have a different size, an inclined position of the spindle, and excellent fittings, which are necessary for:
- to drain the coolant if necessary
- connecting metering and control devices;
- connecting the capillary tube coming from the pressure regulator.
It is also necessary to mention that not every system needs balancing as such. For example, 2-3 short dead-end branches, equipped with 2 radiators on each, can immediately enter normal operating mode, provided that the diameter of the pipes is selected accurately and the distances between the devices are not very large. Now let's look at 2 situations:
- There are 2-4 heating branches of unequal length leading from the boiler, the number of radiators on each is from 4 to 10.
- The same thing, only the radiators are equipped with thermostatic valves.
Since the bulk of the coolant always flows along the path with the least hydraulic resistance, in the first case, most of the heat will be received by the first radiators, which are closest to the boiler. If the flow of coolant to these batteries is not limited, then those standing at the very end of the batteries will receive the least amount of thermal energy, and thus the difference between temperature conditions will be from 10°C or more.
In order for the furthest batteries to be provided with the required amount of coolant, balancing valves are installed on the connections to the nearest radiators from the boiler. By partially blocking the internal cross-section of the pipes, they limit the flow of water, thereby increasing the hydraulic resistance of this section. In a similar way, the supply is regulated in systems where there are 5 or more dead-end branches.
In the second case, the situation is somewhat more complicated. Installation of radiator thermostats makes it possible to change the water flow automatically if necessary. On long branches with a large number heating devices that are equipped with thermostats, balancing valves are combined with automatic differential pressure regulators.
The latter, using a capillary tube, are connected to a balance valve, react to a decrease or increase in coolant flow in the system and maintain the return pressure at the required level. Thus, the coolant is evenly distributed among consumers, despite the fact that the thermostats are activated.
What types of balancing valves are there?
Standard ball valves for heating radiators are unable to regulate the distribution of thermal energy in pipes and radiators. But nevertheless, in order to distribute heat evenly in the rooms, such adjustment is simply necessary.
There are two types of balancing valves - manual and automatic. Manual ones are necessary in order to configure the network during its installation, and automatic ones change the parameters of the heating network at the time of heating.
When selecting a valve, you need to take into account many characteristics, which include:
- type and characteristics of the coolant;
- installation location in the system;
- adjustment characteristics;
- adjustment parameters;
- classification of buildings;
The types of heating systems directly depend on the coolant they use. It can be antifreeze, steam, water. They directly affect the performance of the system.
An important characteristic is the purpose of the system. The parameters of hot and cold water supply and heating systems differ quite greatly. For example, in a domestic hot water system only thermostatic balancing valves are used.
Enough great importance has the type of building where the balancing valve will be installed. The installation location of the valve also plays a fairly important role, since the return and supply pipelines differ quite significantly from each other in characteristics. And because of this, the balancing devices that will be mounted on them will have significant differences.
Where and when is the main valve installed?
Most private homes use manual radiator valves. They are quite enough for normal adjustment of water heating in cottages whose area does not exceed more than 500 m². Installation Installation of main-type balancing valves in the heating system is done in the following cases:
- in buildings where an extensive heating network with a large number of risers is installed;
- V apartment buildings, which are heated by their own boiler room;
- when connecting a solid fuel boiler with a heat accumulator.
Once you have an idea of the purposes of balancing valves, you need to understand the specific locations of their installation. Radiator valves must be installed at the outlet of the heater, that is, on the return line, and main valves must be installed on the pipeline that brings cooled water from consumers to the boiler room. In the case when the element works in tandem with automatic regulator pressure, it can be installed both in the return and in the supply pipeline, depending on how the circuit itself is designed.
Note: aluminum and steel radiators with a bottom connection are already equipped with a balancing tap, which is built into the special fittings that are necessary for connecting the connections to such devices.
We list the points in which it is not necessary to install control valves:
- in short-term dead-end systems, which have identical hydraulic “shoulders”;
- in the case when the batteries are equipped with thermostatic valves with presetting;
- in collector-type heating systems.
- on the last (dead-end) heating radiator;
Temperature regulators with presetting, which are installed on the water supply to the battery, also act as a balance valve, therefore it is necessary to install a shut-off ball valve at the outlet of the heating device. Such fittings are installed on the connections to the last radiator in the chain, since there is no particular point in adjusting it, and it must be completely open.
How to balance a heating system?
As a rule, heating system installers determine the coolant flow in the batteries quite simple method: the number of revolutions of the balancing valve is divided by the number of heating devices and thus the adjustment step is calculated. Moving from the last radiator to the first, the taps are tightened with the resulting speed difference.
For example, one arm of the dead-end system is equipped with 5 radiators with manual valves for 4.5 spindle turns. 4.5 must be divided by 5, as a result we get approximately 0.9 revolutions. And thus the penultimate device must be opened by 3.6 turns, the third by 2., the second by 1.8 and finally the very first by 0.9 turns.
The method is very approximate and takes into account different radiator powers, and is therefore used exclusively as a preliminary setting with adjustments during operation.
During installation, the following manipulations must be performed:
- check the system installation;
- in the place where the valve is to be installed, it is necessary to cut a thread;
- prepare the valve for installation;
- install the valve in its place in the system;
- A filter must be installed in front of the valve.
After the balancing valve is installed in the heating system, you need to begin the process of setting it up. This operation can only be performed by specialists, as it requires additional knowledge and equipment.
Step-by-step instructions for balancing can be presented as follows:
- All balancing valves must be opened to the limit and the system must be brought into operating mode, whose supply temperature will be 80°C.
- Using a contact thermometer, it is necessary to measure the temperature of all heating devices.
- In order to eliminate the resulting difference, it is necessary to close the taps of the first and middle batteries; there is no need to touch the end batteries. The near heating radiator must be opened by 1-1.5 turns, and the middle ones by 2-2.5.
- The system will need about 20 minutes to adapt to the new settings, after which it is necessary to take measurements again. The main task is to achieve a minimum temperature difference between the nearest and farthest radiators.
Note. Weather and street temperature do not matter; the only important characteristic is the difference in heating of the batteries.
Installation of balancing valves is necessary for large systems heating. They help to optimally distribute the coolant throughout all circuits. For such equipment correct work achieved by proper installation and configuration. The installation of valves should only be considered when designing the system.
To the owner of the house who is engaged in self-installation equipment for the heating system, you will certainly have to deal with balancing. It is quite easy to implement if all devices except the last one have balance valves.
The best choice would be models that can be easily adjusted with a screwdriver or wrench, rather than using a plastic handle that children can reach. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the spindles in winter, since heat loss in the rooms varies.
Advice: there is no need to make sudden movements, and open taps in cold rooms slowly by ¼ turn.
