Functioning heating system often accompanied by an uneven distribution of the coolant along the circuit and connected devices. This can lead to pressure and temperature fluctuations that adversely affect heating efficiency and can damage equipment. The balancing valve, various models of which are sold by Forsterm, helps to prevent these consequences.
Manual balancing valve: principle of operation and purpose
This device is a type of pipeline fittings and is used for the calculated distribution of the coolant along the circuit and equalization of its pressure and temperature. Regardless of the design of the balancing valve, its principle of operation 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, in connection with which the device provides the possibility of smooth adjustment.
Video, balancing system diagrams
Through the use of a flow meter, flow balancing operations are simplified as the flow rate can be read and adjusted at any time without resorting to differential pressure gauges and reference charts.
Video: circuit balancing devices
The differential pressure regulator keeps constant, at the set value, the pressure difference existing between two points of the hydraulic circuit.
Video: balancing valve - principle of operation and diagram (flow stabilizer)
AUTOFLOW devices are able to automatically balance the hydraulic circuit, providing each terminal with estimated flow. Even if the circuit is partially shut off due to actuation of the 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.
Assortment of balancing valves for the heating system
In the catalog you can choose pipe fittings the following types:
- manual balancing valve - such a device is regulated by a valve and is operated in systems with constant pressure indicators, for example home heating and water supply;
- automatic balancing valve - such fittings are equipped with electric or electrothermal actuators and are suitable for installation in systems with dynamically changing pressure, requiring fast and accurate response.
The catalog also contains various accessories 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 life of the equipment, reduce noise in the water supply and the likelihood of pressure surges. In our catalog you can find detailed technical description, which accompanies each balancing valve for the heating system, and Forsterm employees will instruct in detail 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 how far from its source they are. To temperature regime was uniform, into the heating network for different areas embed mechanisms to regulate heat flow. The most common and effective of them is the balancing valve in the heating system.
- durable brass body, equipped with pipes for connecting pipes, with a saddle located inside in the form of a special vertical channel;
- a cone-shaped spindle screwed into the seat body to adjust the flow of the coolant;
- rubber sealing rings;
- plastic (less often - a metal cap).
- determination of intrasystem pressure on both sides of the valve;
- capillary tube connection.
- fluoroplast;
- 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 amount of heated water needed in this area.
A detailed description of these methods is not of interest, since they are already outdated and are not used. A modern mechanism for adjusting the supply of coolant is the installation for heating balancing valve, consisting of:
The main part of the device - two special fittings responsible for:
Each of the fittings has a pressure meter, and in case of a difference in values, it is necessary to calculate the rational amount of water flow.
balancing valve VT.054
Operating principle
The principle of operation of the balancing valve in the heating system is to adjust the cross section of the through hole for the coolant inside the pipeline. With the help of the working elements of the valve, it is possible to adjust the heating system at any time without stopping its operation, to achieve a comfortable thermal regime in heated rooms with minimal energy consumption.
Rotation of the adjusting handle causes the spindle to move up or down, respectively opening or closing the through hole in the pipe or reducing its cross section. Reducing the cross section of the through hole creates an obstacle to the movement of water, artificially increasing the flow rate. As a result, water reaches the 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 product of spindle o-rings use:
Danfoss manual balancing valves. hydraulic balancing engineering systems
Valve types
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 repair individual elements systems without turning it off completely. Another advantage of a manual valve over an automatic valve is its lower cost.
Automatic faucet
Automatic devices for adjusting the supply of coolant are much more expensive than manual valves. They are installed on the risers of heating systems apartment buildings, administrative buildings or industrial premises.
The principle of operation of the automatic valve is not the same as that of a mechanical crane. 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 valve is permanently set to maximum flow water; the pressure and quantity of the coolant supplied to the pipeline is regulated by means of thermostats and capillary tubes installed on the radiators.
Balancing valve with internal thread STAD
Balancing valve installation
Each balancing valve has an arrow on the body that indicates in which direction the fluid should move inside the body in order to minimize turbulence that affects the correct settings. The arrow serves as a guide when mounting 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 of its diameters and at least two at the outlet. You need to mount it in the return branch of the system, for this you only need a plumbing adjustable wrench.
During installation work several rules must be followed. First, a mandatory check is carried out, followed by flushing and cleaning the pipeline from the possible presence of metal chips or other foreign objects in it.
If the device has a removable head, it must be removed before installation, following the instructions. This makes it easier to install the valve. 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 thread, it is necessary to use flax fiber threads 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 revolutions of the handle. The valve can be adjusted in two ways.
Professionals use a simple and time-tested method. By dividing the number of valve turns by the number of radiators, they determine the corrective step for each valve. So, if the spindle speed is 4.5, and the number of radiators is 10, then the step is determined by 0.45 turns. The system will be optimally adjusted if each valve, starting from the last radiator, is open plus 0.45 turns.
For a 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 discrepancy is eliminated by screwing the first and middle taps. Usually 1.5 turns are enough for the first valve, and 2.5 turns for the middle ones. After allowing the system to adapt, after half an hour to make control measurements.
The use of both methods eliminates temperature differentiation when heating radiators and promotes uniform heating of all rooms with a minimum consumption of thermal energy.
The 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 of all helps to distribute the coolant along its contours. But the technology of installation work should be considered even when designing the heating system, since the quality of the valve 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. To begin with, we will understand why a balancing valve is needed in the heating system.
Why do you need a balancing valve?
In modern large heating systems, uneven heating is often observed. different rooms. This is due to the different flow rate of the coolant 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 (heating unit or boiler), the flow rate should be less than near it. In order to equalize the flow rate of the coolant through different branches and use balancing valves.
As can be seen from the upper figure, the flow rate in heating circuits of different lengths will be different and the temperature in the rooms will also be very different. Now let's talk about the types of balancing valves.
Types of balancing valves.
Balancing valves are of two main types:
Danfoss has done very interesting video about the operation of manual balancing valves. I recommend that you watch this video from start to finish. It shows unexpected patterns of operation of this type of valve:
It can be seen from the figure 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 adjustment of heating systems, special measuring instruments are connected to the balancing valves, which simplify and speed up the balancing of the system. Look at the picture below:
Installation of balancing valves.
The installation of the balancing valve is carried out in exactly 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 that indicates the recommended flow direction. If it is mixed up, then the valve will create more resistance to the flow of the coolant. Valves can be installed both on supply and return pipelines.
Operating temperature and pressure may vary depending on specific model, so the selection of the equipment you need is best done using manufacturers' catalogs. You can find them on the official websites of manufacturers.
Summary.
The installation of balancing valves is necessary in large heating systems. They allow you to optimally distribute the coolant over all circuits. For the operation of such equipment, it is important correct installation and subsequent setup. Consideration should be given to the installation of valves at the design stage of the system. That's all, I'm waiting for your questions in the comments!
Ordinary ball valves cannot control the flow of water in pipes or radiators. But for the correct distribution of the coolant among the batteries, such an adjustment is necessary. The manual balancing valve (otherwise - the valve) just serves to adjust the water heating system. In the publication, we will tell you where the balance valve is placed and how to use it correctly when balancing the heating network of a private house.
Why are balancing valves needed?
Let's make a reservation right away that not every system requires balancing as such. For example, 2-3 short dead-end branches with 2 batteries each are able to immediately turn on in normal operating mode, provided that the pipe diameters are correctly selected and the distances between the devices are small. Now let's look at 2 situations:
- 2-4 heating branches of unequal length with the number of radiators from 4 to 10 are connected to the boiler.
- The same layout, but with batteries equipped with thermostatic valves (described in).
Since the bulk of the water always flows along the path of least hydraulic resistance, in situation No. 1, the first heaters 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 weaker, the temperature difference between them can be 10 ° C or more.
In order 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 limit the flow of water, partially blocking the flow area of the pipes and increasing the hydraulic resistance of the site.
In the same way, the coolant supply is regulated in systems with five or more dead-end branches. On the tie-ins close to the heat generator, manual balancing valves are installed for pipelines. Partially blocking the passage of water, they direct the main flow further along the highway.
Situation #2 is more complicated. The installation of radiator thermostats with heads allows you to change the coolant flow in automatic mode as needed. But imagine that a window opened in the room closest to the boiler, the air temperature dropped, and the thermostat opened completely. Then it will also become colder in the last room, because it will not have enough heat taken away by the first battery.
The task of the valves is to limit the coolant flow to the risers (or horizontal branches) On long branches a large number heating appliances 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 operation of thermal valves. The benefits of such control valves are described in detail in the video:
Where should the valve be placed?
Most private homes use only manual radiator valves. They are quite enough to set up the normal operation of water heating in cottages up to 500 m². Installation of balance cranes of the main type is carried out in such cases:
- in buildings with an extensive heating network, consisting of many risers;
- V apartment buildings heated by own boiler house;
- at .
When we figured out the purpose of the balancing valves, we will indicate the specific places for their installation. Radiator valves must be installed at the outlet of the batteries, and main valves - on the return pipe with a cooled coolant. If the element is used in tandem with an automatic pressure regulator, then it can be installed both on the supply and return pipelines, depending on the designed scheme.
An example of a scheme with group balancing of risers Reference. in aluminum and steel radiators with a bottom connection, the balancing cock is built into a special fitting designed to connect the connections to such devices.
Let's highlight the moments when it is not necessary to install control valves:
- in dead-end systems of small length with hydraulically equal "shoulders";
- if all batteries are equipped with thermostatic valves with presetting;
- on the last (dead-end) radiator;
- in collector type heating systems.
Special fittings for bottom connection equipped with built-in balancing valves Temperature controllers with presetting, standing 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 heater. The same fittings are mounted on the connections of the last radiator in the chain, since it is pointless to regulate it, it must be completely open.
Design and principle of operation
The radiator valve, designed for manual balancing of heating, consists of the following parts:
- Brass body with threaded pipes for connecting pipes. Inside the saddle is made by casting - vertical round channel, slightly widening at the top.
- Locking and regulating spindle with a working part in the form of a cone, which enters the saddle when twisting and restricts the flow of water.
- O-rings made of EPDM rubber.
- Protective plastic or metal cap.
The figure shows a Caleffi valve (website - https://www.caleffi.com) Note. All well-known manufacturers - Danfoss, Herz, Caleffi and others - offer 2 types of valves - straight and angle. The principle of operation is the same, only the form changes.
The balancing valve device is shown in more detail in the diagram above. It can be seen from it that the rotation of the spindle leads to an increase or decrease in the flow area, and this is how the adjustment is performed. The number of turns from closed to maximum open position is from 3 to 5 depending on the valve manufacturer. To turn the stem, you need to use a regular or special key in the form of a hex.
Main valves differ from radiator valves in size, inclined position of the spindle and fittings designed for:
- coolant drain;
- connection of measuring devices;
- connecting the capillary tube from the pressure regulator.
Main valve device for balancing heating branches For reference. The drain pipe is also equipped with radiator valve models, for example, from the Oventrop brand.
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.
Caleffi valve with flow meter can be mounted in 2 positions - horizontal and vertical How to balance the radiator network
Typically, installers of heating systems set the flow rate of the coolant on the batteries in a simple way: Divide the number of revolutions of the balancing valve by the number of radiators and in this way calculate the adjustment step. Moving from the last radiator to the first, they close the taps with the resulting difference in speed.
Example. We have on one "shoulder" of the dead-end system 5 radiators with Oventrop manual valves for 4.5 turns of the spindle. We divide 4.5 by 5, we get an adjustment step of about 0.9 turns. This means that we open the penultimate heater by 3.6 turns, the third - by 2.7, the second - by 1.8, the first - by 0.9 turns.
The method is quite approximate and does not take into account the different power of the 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 batteries will help to more accurately balance the heating. Our experienced one offers another method based on measuring the actual surface temperature of the heaters. Step by step instructions for balancing looks like this:
- Open all balancing valves to the maximum and bring the system into operation with a flow temperature of 80 °C.
- Use a contact thermometer to measure the temperature of all heating appliances.
- Eliminate the resulting difference by turning the taps of the first and middle radiators, do not touch the final ones. Open the nearest 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. Weather and temperature on the street does not play a role, only the difference in heating of radiators is important. By the way, in the normal operating mode at 50-70 ° C at the supply, the temperature delta will become even less. How the system is hydraulically balanced using balancing valves, watch the video from the expert:
Final Conclusion
If you yourself are engaged in the installation of heating, then you will surely encounter balancing. 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 adjustable with a key or a screwdriver, and not with a plastic handle, so that children do not get to 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 of a turn.
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 service 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 often, hot water supply. About him now and will be discussed.
Article content
Purpose and functions
Many people are directly interested in what this faucet 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 node to another. The main heating is carried out by supplying the carrier to radiators or other similar systems. The radiator, if there is enough liquid inside and normal temperature, gives off heat to the room with great efficiency.
However, this is how the piping 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 the temperature of the carrier may change. This leads to an uneven distribution of flow through the pipes. Which, of course, I would like to avoid.
One pipe in the end receive more heat, others less. For a heating system, this scenario is the worst. That's what a balancing valve or faucet is used for.
Its task is to automatically control the level of pressure and heating of the carrier, as well as adjust its supply in case of changes in the above parameters.
The crane is easy to set up, it works due to a simple spring and several additional elements. At the same time, it performs a truly titanic work, cutting off individual branches of the system into logical parts and controlling the state in them.
On large pipelines, one crane will not solve the problem, you will have to install them in larger numbers. But trust me, it's worth it.
There are a lot of such products on the market from different manufacturers. The most popular brands are Stremaks, Cimberio, Stad and others. They have been holding their positions in the market for many years.
General principle of operation and design
The standard balancing valve is very similar to the pipeline valve, only it has a few differences.
This is also a fitting, but a fitting designed not to completely cover the system (although some models of Stremaks, Cimberio, Stad can do such things in addition to standard balancing) but to regulate it.
Balancing valves are based on a special spring, which is adjusted by turning two knobs. Handles affect its rigidity. The stiffer the spring, the more pressure she can endure.
The interaction of the spring with the nominal pressure level 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 is equipped with a cartridge that simplifies the operation of the valve. The flow is closed by the movement of the spool towards the fitting. The spool, most often, is also controlled by the action of the spring.
In advanced models such as Stremaks, Cimberio and Stad, you can set the boundary conditions for the valve, under which it will completely close or open the flow.
The design of one of the balancing valve models (video)
Using flowmeters
Sometimes valves are equipped with a flowmeter. Using a flow meter gives us several benefits, 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 regular ones.
As a rule, if the device is equipped with a flow meter, then it refers to upper class fittings, therefore, it will also be equipped with automation.
There are also advanced valves that operate entirely due to electronic components, capable of self-assessment of the situation, equipped with sensors and controlled from a single center. IN civil engineering such solutions are almost never used due to high cost.
Types and differences
To a large extent, they repeat the design of each other. 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 need manual adjustment and control, the latter are complete automata, mostly 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 too many variations. You just need to understand that it is not necessary to buy the most expensive and fancy option. It is quite possible that you will not need the same pressure gauge or flowmeter at all. And he's worth the money.
Connection methods
Another thing to pay attention to is the way the balancing valves are connected.
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 - the flange method.
Flanged connection method is widely used in industry. The flanged valve is equipped with its own flanges and is connected to the same mating products at the ends of the pipes.
Flanged faucet easy to install with just a few bolts, it can be removed just as quickly, but it has one important feature. It is understood that the flanged valve, in the presence of a collapsible assembly, has an amazing level of tightness.
A flanged faucet does not need to be tightened or inspected from time to time, the chances of the flanges coming loose is extremely low, provided you have done the installation correctly.
Top Producers
The choice of manufacturer, of course, also affects the quality of the product. In today's market, leaders have long been known. These include companies producing cranes Stremaks, Cimberio, Stad and others.
The Austrian company Herz is engaged in the production of Stremaks cranes designed for a wide variety of tasks. Their advantages are reliability and practicality at a convenient price. Shtremax cranes do not fail their owner, which plays a big role in the heating system.
Cimberio cranes from Italian manufacturer are no less popular. Cimberio valves are presented on the market with a large number of models, which allows the buyer to confidently make his choice based on a wide catalog base.
Stad taps and valves are top quality products. The Stad crane is a benchmark in 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 being on the market as leaders. Therefore, the final choice will fall on your shoulders.
