Operation heating system often accompanied by uneven distribution of coolant throughout the circuit and connected devices. This can lead to pressure and temperature changes that negatively affect heating efficiency and can damage equipment. A balancing valve, various models of which are sold by Forsterm, helps prevent these consequences.
Manual balancing valve: operating principle and purpose
This device is a type of pipeline fittings and is used for the calculated distribution of coolant along the circuit and equalization of its pressure and temperature. Regardless of what design the balancing valve has, its operating principle is based on changing the throughput of the pipeline by increasing or decreasing the flow area. This is achieved by gradually moving the spool relative to the inlet of the device, and therefore the device allows for smooth adjustment.
Videos, diagrams of balancing systems
By using a flow meter, flow balancing operations are simplified since the flow value can be read and adjusted at any time without resorting to differential pressure gauges and reference graphs.
Video: circuit balancing devices
The differential pressure regulator maintains constant, at a set value, the pressure difference existing between two points in the hydraulic circuit.
Video: balancing valve - operating principle and diagram (flow stabilizer)
AUTOFLOW devices are capable of automatically balancing the hydraulic circuit, ensuring at each terminal estimated flow rate. Even if the circuit is partially closed due to control valves, the flow rates in the open circuits remain constant at nominal values. The system always provides the best comfort and provides the greatest energy savings.
Range of balancing valves for heating systems
In the catalog you can choose pipeline fittings the following types:
- manual balancing valve - such a device is regulated using a valve and is used in systems with constant pressure levels, for example home heating and water supply;
- automatic balancing valve - such valves are equipped with electric or electrothermal actuators and are suitable for installation in systems with dynamically changing pressure that require fast and accurate response.
The catalog also presents various components that optimize and expand the functionality of valves, in particular flow stabilizers and actuators.
The functionality of existing devices can significantly increase the efficiency of heating or water supply. Their use will extend the operational life of the equipment, reduce noise in the water supply and the likelihood of pressure surges. In our catalog you can find detailed information technical description, which accompanies each balancing valve for the heating system, and Forsterm employees will provide detailed instructions on the selection, installation and operation of this valve.
The larger the heating system, the more difficult it is to ensure uniform distribution of heat to all rooms without exception, no matter what distance from its source they are located. To temperature regime was uniform, into the heating network at different areas mechanisms are built in to regulate heat flow. The most common and effective of them is the balancing valve in the heating system.
- durable brass body, equipped with pipe connections, with a saddle located inside in the form of a special vertical channel;
- a cone-shaped spindle screwed into the seat body to regulate the coolant flow;
- rubber sealing rings;
- plastic (less often - metal cap).
- determination of intrasystem pressure on both sides of the valve;
- connection of a capillary type tube.
- fluoroplastic;
- dense rubber;
- metal.
Show all
general characteristics
There are several types of methods by which heat flow is regulated. In the first of them, pipes of different diameters are used to regulate the volume of coolant passing through the radiators. Another one is based on the use of special washers that correct the passage of the required amount of heated water in this area.
A detailed description of these methods is not of interest, since they are already outdated and not used. A modern mechanism for regulating the supply of coolant is the heating installation balancing valve consisting of:
The main part of the device is two special fittings responsible for:
Each of the fittings has a pressure meter, and if there is a difference in values, you need to calculate the rational amount of water flow.
Balancing valve VT.054
Operating principle
The principle of operation of a balancing valve in a heating system is to adjust the cross-section of the passage opening for the coolant inside the pipeline. Using the working elements of the valve, you can adjust the heating system at any time without stopping its operation, and achieve a comfortable thermal regime in heated rooms at minimum consumption energy.
Rotation of the adjusting handle causes the spindle to move down or up, respectively opening or closing the passage hole in the pipe or reducing its cross-section. Reducing the cross-section of the throughput hole creates an obstacle to the movement of water, artificially increasing the flow speed. As a result, water reaches remote circuits faster and with less heat loss. This ensures uniform heating of all rooms.
With constant changes in operating pressure, it is important to ensure reliable tightness of the connections inside the valve. For the production of spindle o-rings, use:
Danfoss manual balancing valves. Hydraulic balancing engineering systems
Types of valves
There are two types of valves: manual and automatic. Each of them has its own advantages. Manual balancing valve is more suitable for heating pipelines small sizes with stable pressure, usually installed in individual residential buildings and apartments. Here balancing valves are installed on each radiator.
Except customization each battery, if necessary, this configuration provides repairs individual elements systems without turning it off completely. Another advantage of a manual valve compared to an automatic one is its lower cost.
Automatic crane
Automatic devices for adjusting the flow of coolant are much more expensive than manual valves. They are installed on risers of heating systems apartment buildings, administrative buildings or industrial premises.
The operating principle of an automatic valve is not the same as that of a mechanical faucet. With manual adjustment, the amount of coolant passing through the pipe per unit time depends on the flow area, which is set using the valve.
And in automatic system the valve is constantly set to maximum water flow; the pressure and amount of coolant supplied to the pipeline is regulated using thermostats and capillary tubes installed on the radiators.
Balancing valve with internal thread STAD
Installation of balancing valve
Each balancing valve has an arrow on the body that indicates in which direction the liquid inside the body should move in order to minimize turbulence that affects the correct settings. The arrow serves as a guide when installing the mechanism on the pipeline.
The device is installed on straight sections of pipes so that the length of the flat part of the pipe in front of the valve is at least five times its diameter and at least two at the outlet. It needs to be mounted in the return branch of the system; for this you only need a plumbing adjustable wrench.
During installation work several rules must be followed consistently. First, a mandatory check is carried out, followed by flushing and cleaning the pipeline from the possible presence of metal shavings or other foreign objects in it.
If the device has a removable head, it must be removed before installation, following the instructions. This makes installation of the valve easier. Then one end of the tap is screwed onto the pipe. The other end is connected to the radiator through a coupling. To seal the threads, it is necessary to use threads made of flax fiber impregnated with a special lubricant.
Manual balancing valves - master class
Setting methods
After installing the balancing valve in the heating system, it must be set to energy-saving mode. To do this, each valve is supplied with instructions for calculating the optimal number of handle revolutions. The valve can be adjusted in two ways.
Professionals use a simple and time-tested method. By dividing the number of valve revolutions by the number of radiators, they determine the adjustment step of each tap. So, if the spindle speed is 4.5, and the number of radiators is 10, then the step is determined to be 0.45 revolutions. The system will be optimally adjusted if each valve, starting from the last radiator, is open by plus 0.45 turns.
For the faster and more accurate second method, it is necessary to use a contact-type thermometer. To adjust, you will need to heat the system to 80 degrees with all valves open and measure the temperature of each radiator separately. Temperature discrepancies are eliminated if you tighten the first and middle taps. Usually 1.5 turns are enough for the first valve, and 2.5 turns for the middle ones. After letting the system adapt, take control measurements after half an hour.
The use of both methods eliminates temperature differentiation when heating radiators and promotes uniform heating of all rooms with minimal thermal energy consumption.
Installation of balancing valves in the heating system ensures uniform heating of all rooms without exception and economical consumption energy resources. This is especially necessary for large heating systems. This device best helps distribute the coolant along its contours. But the installation technology should be considered even when designing the heating system, since the quality of the valve’s operation depends on its correct installation and configuration.
Good day to everyone who reads this post! In it I will tell you about balancing valves for heating systems. Let's start by figuring out why a balancing valve is needed in a heating system.
Why is a balancing valve needed?
In modern large heating systems, uneven heating is often observed different rooms. This is due to different coolant flow rates through the branches of the heating system. Coolant (as electricity) tries to flow along the path of least resistance, therefore, at a great distance from the heat source (thermal unit or boiler), the flow rate should be less than near it. In order to equalize the coolant flow through different branches and balancing valves are used.
As can be seen from the top figure, the flow rate in heating circuits of different lengths will be different and the temperature in the rooms will also be strikingly different. Now let's talk about the types of balancing valves.
Types of balancing valves.
Balancing valves come in two main types:
Danfoss has done very interesting video about the operation of manual balancing valves. I advise you to watch this video from beginning to end. It shows unexpected patterns of operation of this type of valve:
From the figure it is clear that internal organization An automatic balancing valve resembles a piston pressure reducer, but the functions of these devices are completely different. I bring to your attention two videos on this topic:
To simplify the setup of heating systems, special measuring instruments are connected to the balancing valves, which simplify and speed up balancing the system. Look at the picture below:
Installation of balancing valves.
The installation of a balancing valve is carried out in the same way as the installation of ball valves. The position of the valve in space does not affect its operation, but you need to pay attention to the arrow, which indicates the recommended direction of flow. If it is mixed up, the valve will create greater resistance to the flow of coolant. Valves can be installed on both supply and return pipelines.
Operating temperature and pressure may vary depending on specific model, therefore, it is better to select the equipment you need using manufacturer catalogs. You can find them on the official websites of manufacturers.
Summary.
Installation of balancing valves is necessary in large heating systems. They allow optimal distribution of coolant throughout all circuits. For the operation of such equipment, it is important correct installation and subsequent setup. It is necessary to consider the installation of valves at the design stage of the system. That's all, I'm waiting for your questions in the comments!
Conventional ball valves cannot regulate the flow of water in pipes or radiators. But for proper distribution of coolant among the batteries, such adjustment is necessary. A manual balancing valve (otherwise known as a valve) is precisely used to adjust the water heating system. In this publication we will tell you where the balance valve is installed and how to use it correctly when balancing the heating network of a private home.
Why are balancing valves needed?
Let us immediately make a reservation that not every system requires balancing as such. For example, 2-3 short dead-end branches with 2 batteries on each can immediately switch to normal operating mode, provided that the pipe diameters are selected correctly and the distances between the devices are small. Now let's look at 2 situations:
- 2-4 heating branches of unequal length with a number of radiators from 4 to 10 are connected to the boiler.
- The same situation, but with batteries equipped with thermostatic valves (described in).
Since the bulk of water always flows along the path of least hydraulic resistance, in situation No. 1, the first heating devices located close to the boiler will receive more heat. If the flow of coolant to these radiators is not limited, then latest batteries in the chain they heat up much less, the temperature difference between them can be 10 ° C or more.
To direct the required amount of coolant to distant batteries, radiator balancing valves, shown in the photo, are installed on the connections to nearby devices. They restrict the flow of water, partially blocking the flow area of the pipes and increasing the hydraulic resistance of the area.
In the same way, the coolant supply is regulated in systems with five or more dead-end branches. Manual balancing valves intended for pipelines are installed on the tie-ins close to the heat generator. Partially blocking the passage of water, they direct the main flow further along the highway.
Situation #2 is more complicated. Installing radiator thermostats with heads allows you to change the coolant flow automatically as needed. But imagine that in the room closest to the boiler the window opened, the air temperature dropped, and the thermostat opened completely. Then the last room will also become colder, because it will not have enough heat taken away by the first battery.
The purpose of the valves is to limit the coolant flow to the risers (or horizontal branches) On long branches with a large number heating devices equipped with thermal heads, balancing valves are combined with automatic differential pressure regulators, as is done above in the diagram.
Regulators connected by capillary tubes to balance valves respond to a decrease/increase in water flow and maintain the return pressure at the same level. Then all consumers have enough coolant, despite the activation of the thermal valves. The benefits of such control taps are described in detail in the video:
Where should the valve be installed?
In most private homes, only manual radiator valves are used. They are quite enough to set up normal operation of water heating in cottages up to 500 m². Installation of main-type balance valves is carried out in the following cases:
- in buildings with an extensive heating network consisting of many risers;
- V apartment buildings, heated by their own boiler room;
- at .
Once we have figured out the purpose of balancing valves, we will indicate specific locations for their installation. Radiator taps should be installed at the outlet of the batteries, and main taps should be installed on the return pipe with cooled coolant. If the element is used in conjunction with an automatic pressure regulator, then it can be installed on both the supply and return pipelines, depending on the designed circuit.
An example of a scheme with group balancing of risers Reference. In aluminum and steel radiators with a bottom connection, the balancing valve is built into special fittings designed for connecting connections to such devices.
Let us highlight the moments when it is not necessary to install control valves:
- in dead-end systems of short length with hydraulically equal “shoulders”;
- if all batteries are equipped with preset thermostatic valves;
- on the last (dead-end) radiator;
- in collector-type heating systems.
Special fittings for bottom connection equipped with built-in balancing valves Temperature regulators with presetting, located on the water supply to the battery, simultaneously play the role of a balance valve, so it is enough to install a shut-off ball valve at the outlet of the heating device. The same fittings are mounted on the connections of the last radiator in the chain, since there is no point in adjusting it; it must be completely open.
Design and operating principle
The radiator tap, designed for manual balancing of heating, consists of the following parts:
- Brass body with threaded pipe connections. Inside, a saddle is made by casting - vertical round channel, slightly expanding at the top.
- A shut-off and regulating spindle with a working part in the form of a cone, which enters the saddle when twisted and limits the flow of water.
- O-rings made of EPDM rubber.
- Protective plastic or metal cap.
The figure shows a valve from Caleffi (website – https://www.caleffi.com) Note. All well-known manufacturers - Danfoss, Herz, Caleffi and others - offer 2 types of valves - straight and angular. The principle of operation is the same, only the shape changes.
The device of the balancing valve is shown in more detail in the diagram above. It shows that rotation of the spindle leads to an increase or decrease in the flow area, and this is how the adjustment is made. The number of revolutions from the closed to the maximum open position is from 3 to 5, depending on the valve manufacturer. To turn the rod, you need to use a regular or special hex key.
Main taps differ from radiator taps in size, inclined position of the spindle and fittings designed for:
- coolant drain;
- connecting measuring instruments;
- connecting the capillary tube from the pressure regulator.
Main valve device for balancing heating branches For reference. Radiator valve models, for example, from the Oventrop brand, are also equipped with a drain pipe.
The range of balance cranes is constantly expanding due to the emergence of new high-tech products. Example – vertical valve Caleffi made in Italy, equipped with a flow meter.
The Caleffi valve with flow meter can be mounted in 2 positions - horizontal and vertical How to balance a radiator network
Typically, heating system installers set the coolant flow rate on the radiators in a simple way: divide the number of revolutions of the balancing valve by the number of heating devices and in this way calculate the adjustment step. Moving from the last radiator to the first, close the taps with the resulting difference in speed.
Example. On one “arm” of the dead-end system we have 5 radiators with Oventrop manual valves with 4.5 spindle turns. Divide 4.5 by 5, we get an adjustment step of about 0.9 turns. This means that we open the penultimate heating device by 3.6 turns, the third by 2.7, the second by 1.8, and the first by 0.9 turns.
The method is quite approximate and does not take into account the different power of batteries, and therefore can be used as a preliminary setting with adjustments during operation.
A contact thermometer that measures the surface temperature of pipes and radiators will help you balance your heating more accurately. Our experienced one offers another technique based on measuring the actual surface temperature of the heaters. The step-by-step balancing instructions look like this:
- Open all balancing valves as much as possible and put the system into operating mode with a supply temperature of 80 °C.
- Use a contact thermometer to measure the temperature of all heating devices.
- Eliminate the resulting difference by tightening the taps of the first and middle radiators; do not touch the end ones. Open the near battery by 1-1.5 turns of the valve, the middle ones by 2-2.5.
- Allow the system to adapt to the new settings for 20 minutes and repeat the measurements. Your task is to achieve a minimum temperature difference between the battery farthest and closest to the boiler.
Note. The weather and outside temperature do not matter, only the difference in the heating of the radiators is important. By the way, in normal operating mode at 50-70 °C at the supply temperature delta will become even lower. How the system is hydraulically balanced using balancing valves, watch the video from an expert:
Final Conclusion
If you install heating yourself, you will probably encounter balancing problems. When all radiators, except the last one, have balancing valves, the procedure will not cause much trouble. It is better to take valves that are adjusted with a key or a screwdriver, rather than with a plastic handle, so that children cannot reach them. It is possible that in winter the position of the spindles will have to be adjusted, because the rooms are different. The only caveat: do not make sudden movements and open the taps in cold rooms slowly, ¼ turn at a time.
When designing heating systems, it is important to take into account a lot of features. It is necessary not only to select suitable pipes, but also maintenance equipment that can protect the system from overloads and stabilize its functioning in a wide variety of conditions.
- a product that deals with just such tasks. A balancing valve is needed when organizing heating pipelines and, less commonly, hot water supply. This is what we will talk about now.
Contents of the article
Purpose and functions
Many people are directly interested in what this tap or valve is actually needed for. What functions does it perform?
This question can only be answered by first considering the conditions in heating systems.
A standard heating system constantly drives media through its pipes from one unit to another. The main heating is carried out by supplying media to radiators or other similar systems. The radiator, if there is a sufficient amount of liquid inside and normal temperature, transfers heat to the room with great efficiency.
However, this is how the pipeline system operates under conditions close to ideal. Unfortunately, ideal conditions are often unattainable or partially achievable.
In a pipeline with constantly heated water, the pressure level and temperature of the medium may change. This leads to uneven distribution of flow through the pipes. Which, of course, I would like to avoid.
Only pipes in the end receive more heat, others receive less. For a heating system, this scenario is the worst. This is what a balancing valve or tap is used for.
Its task is to automatically control the level of pressure and heating of the media, as well as adjust its supply in case of changes in the parameters described above.
The faucet is easy to set up and operates using a simple spring and a few additional elements. At the same time, it performs truly titanic work, cutting off individual branches of the system into logical parts and monitoring the state in them.
On large pipelines, one tap will not solve the problem; you will have to install more of them. But believe me, it's worth it.
There are a lot of such products on the market from different manufacturers. The most popular brands are Stremax, Cimberio, Stad and others. They are the ones who have reliably held their position in the market for many years.
General operating principle and design
A standard balancing valve is very similar to a pipeline valve, but there are a few differences.
This is also a fitting, but a fitting designed not to completely shut off the system (although some models Shtremax, Cimberio, Stad can do such things as part of the standard balancing load) but to regulate it.
The basis of balancing valves is a special spring, which is adjusted by rotating two knobs. Handles affect its rigidity. The stiffer the spring, the more pressure she can stand it.
The interaction of the spring with the level of nominal pressure makes it possible to easily control the flow force in the pipe, while taking into account its additional characteristics.
All mechanisms are sealed with rubber gaskets. Near the spring there is a cartridge that simplifies the operation of the valve. The flow is closed by the movement of the spool towards the fitting. The spool is most often also controlled by the action of a spring.
In advanced models such as Stremax, Cimberio and Stad, you can set border conditions for the valve, at which it will completely close or open the flow.
Design of one of the balancing valve models (video)
Using Flow Meters
Sometimes the valves are equipped with a flow meter. Using a flow meter gives us several advantages, including the ability to:
- follow the flow;
- fine tuning;
- automation of the regulation process.
In the same time valves with a flow meter are quite expensive, and can cost you at least several times more than usual.
Typically, if a device is equipped with a flow meter, it is classified as upper class fittings, therefore, automation will also be installed on it.
There are also advanced valves that operate entirely using electronic parts, capable of independently assessing the situation, equipped with sensors and controlled from a single center. IN civil engineering Such solutions are almost never used due to their high cost.
Types and differences
To a greater extent they repeat each other's design. The main division occurs due to several details.
First of all, they are divided according to the type of drive or control into:
- Manual.
- Automatic.
The former require manual configuration and control, the latter are complete automatic machines, mainly capable of organizing into a single system. The price difference between them is very significant.
Equally important is the presence of additional details. Cranes are often equipped:
- flow meter;
- sensors;
- automation;
- protection;
There are plenty of variations. You just need to understand that you don’t have to buy the most expensive and sophisticated option. It is quite possible that you will not need the same pressure gauge or flow meter at all. And it costs a fair amount of money.
Connection methods
Something else worth paying attention to is the method of connecting the balancing valves.
This connection must be reliable, but at the same time mobile. That is, it is necessary to be able to remove the device at any time, replace it or repair it. The best option in this case, use the flange method.
The flange connection method is widely used in industry. The flanged valve is equipped with its own flanges and is connected to the same counter products at the ends of the pipes.
Flange valve easy to secure by tightening just a few bolts, it can be removed just as quickly, but at the same time has one important feature. It is understood that a flanged valve, when equipped with a dismountable assembly, has an amazing level of tightness.
A flanged valve does not need to be tightened or inspected from time to time, and the likelihood of flanges becoming loose is extremely low, provided you have installed them correctly.
The best manufacturers
The choice of manufacturer, of course, also affects the quality of the product. In today's market, the leaders have long been known. These include companies producing cranes Shtremax, Cimberio, Stad and others.
The Austrian company Herz produces Stremax cranes designed for a wide variety of tasks. Their advantages are reliability and practicality at a convenient price. Shtremax taps do not let their owners down, which plays a big role in a heating system.
Cimberio taps from Italian manufacturer are no less popular. Cimberio valves are presented on the market in a large number of models, which allows the buyer to make their choice more confidently based on a wide catalog base.
Stad taps and valves are top quality products. The Stad crane is a standard of technical and engineering thought. The company produces them in small quantities, but each option is extremely versatile and easy to use.
As you can see, different manufacturers and brands have their own charms. All of them provide products of the highest quality, the reason for this is their many years of presence in the market as leaders. Therefore, the final choice will fall on your shoulders.
