Balancing valve for heating system: manual and automatic
5 (100%) votes: 1For any heating system to work effectively, it must be configured correctly. According to experts, the main method of adjustment is considered to be a balancing valve for the heating system. From the article you will learn about the functions and operating principle of this device, its types and manufacturers.
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Balancing valve static MSV-BD Danfoss
What is it for?
The name of the device speaks for itself - it is used to achieve balance in the heating system. The primary task of these operations is the uniform distribution of thermal energy in all circuits of the heating main. It turns out that each of the supplied batteries will receive the required volume of coolant at a specific temperature.
When we talk about adjusting the system, we mean the preliminary flow of coolant for the highly efficient operation of each section.
If the pipeline is simple, then establish a balance heat consumption possible by making a high-quality selection of pipe diameters. If the system is complex and has several branches, then the volume of heat energy for a separate circuit is adjusted using special washers (their displacement makes it possible to set the required pipe diameter for circulation of the coolant).
Balancing valve device
However, it is worth saying that all of the above methods are outdated. Currently, a special control valve is installed in heating systems, which is assembled similarly to a valve. The product body has a pair of fittings that are used for:
- Measuring the water pressure in the system before and after circulation through the valve.
- Connecting a special capillary tube to adjust its operation.
In the process of measuring pressure, each fitting used assigns its value and differential values after passing through the regulator. Based on these parameters, according to the instructions for the valve, you can calculate the required number of turns of the handle for rational consumption water in the heating system.
Balancing valves for heating systems of popular brands, for example, Danfoss, are equipped with a digital display. The user, looking at the panel, can be aware of the volume of water circulating through the pipes. However, such devices are quite expensive.
Species
Based on what functions are assigned to the balancing valve, the following types are distinguished:
- Manual type valve (static) ensures optimal operating properties in the presence of stable system pressure, and also provides the ability to turn off and empty individual system elements using a drain valve, carrying out repairs on site without shutting down the entire system.
- Automatic balancing valve (dynamic) mounted on the return circuit. It is connected by a tube to stopcock on the supply line and maintains the required parameters, changes them to acceptable ones when pressure and temperature changes. These valves are suitable for system division into independent zones with different start times (which distinguishes them from manual models).
Operating principle
The main difference between the valve in question and a shut-off valve is the ability to operate when the valve is in an intermediate state. It must be said that the design of the balancing device can be different. There are valves with the stem positioned at an angle relative to the flow. Their spool can be either straight or in the shape of a cone or cylinder.
Let us dwell on the principle of operation of a valve with a straight stem and a flat spool.
When the valve operates, a change occurs flow area between the spool and the seat. Because of this, the system is balanced. The spool is located in a plane that is parallel to the pipeline axis. At this time, in a plane that is perpendicular to the pipeline axis, a threaded spindle with an attached spool is located. The body of the balancing device has a fixed threaded nut, which together with the spindle create a running pair.
Due to the rotation of the adjustment handle, a message is transmitted to the spool through the spindle and the fixed threaded nut. After this, the spool moves from the lowest position to the highest. When located at the very bottom, the spool is attached to the seat in the valve body and thus tightly blocks the flow.
The seal between the valve and the seat, which is created by fluoroplastic rings, rubber rings or metal-to-metal type (depending on the type of thermal fluid used), forms a durable and high-quality shutoff of the flow. Due to changes in the flow area, the throughput of the balancing valve also changes. Under throughput(through a fully open valve, with a pressure loss of 1 bar) we mean a value equal to the flow rate (indicated in m³/h). From the valve data sheet you can find out the flow capacity depending on the change in the position of the valve.
Automatic and manual balancing valves in the heating system
Where else is a balancing valve used?
A balancing valve for a heating system is used to regulate individual branches, but this is not the only way to use it:
- The device can be mounted on a small circulation circuit solid fuel boiler in case of short circuit to buffer tank. The idea is to maintain the heating of the liquid in the circuit at a minimum of 60 ºС without using a mixing unit for this purpose. However, in in this case, the flow rate in the boiler circuit should be higher than in the heating circuit. This is the task of the balancing valve, which is mounted on the supply.
- The second method of application is to regulate the supply of liquid to the boiler coil indirect heating. The boiler is usually connected directly from the boiler room. Thus, it would be better to limit the amount of water used to heat the boiler.
It would be good to install balancing valves on all system branches, including underfloor heating and hot water supply circuits. These actions will make the system highly efficient and will certainly lead to coolant savings.
Manufacturers
You can find models of the devices in question on the market various companies, both foreign and domestic.
Among the most popular manufacturers of balancing valves are the following brands: BROEN (Denmark) and Danfoss (Denmark), as well as Vexve (Finland), GIACOMINI (Italy), ADL (Russia). Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Set BROEN BALLOREX DP and BALLOREX FODRV 50
BROEN is a company from Denmark. Its Ballorex Venturi series features high-precision manual balancing valves. These are devices that are, firstly, a valve with manual adjustment, and secondly, a shut-off ball valve.
Ballorex DP series are automatic balancing valves. They are mounted on the return circuit and provide the required pressure drop at different loads on the circulation ring. Due to the presence of zonal balance settings, it is possible to start devices in several stages. With the use of automatic models, various noises caused by increased pressure are removed.
Vexve is a leading Finnish company that has been supplying the market with pipeline valves since 1960. Today, 80% of all products are exported to Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Russia, China, Lithuania and other countries.
Danfoss is a company from Denmark that, since 1933, has been producing and producing balancing valves of static and dynamic types for various pipelines of engineering equipment of buildings (heating systems, cold and hot water supply of ventilation and air conditioning devices, hot and cold water supply systems). Danfoss is the undisputed market leader in many countries, including the Russian Federation.
GIACOMINI dates back to 1951. It is an Italian manufacturer with a turnover of about 170 million euros, of which 80% comes from foreign markets. The company has three factories in Italy, 18 international branches, 900 employees and processes 90 tons of brass every day. These figures place GIACOMINI among the world leaders in its field of production of elements and systems for heating, water supply for use in the residential, industrial and service sectors.
ADL is a domestic manufacturer in the areas of development, production and supply engineering equipment for the housing and communal services and construction sectors. The company was founded in 1994. Its products undergo 100% quality control in accordance with current regulatory and technical documentation.
Manual balancing valve VIR 9505 and automatic GRANBALANCE® KBA
A balancing valve for a heating system is a fairly useful and sought-after device. However, you need to install it wisely. Let’s say that it is irrational to install this valve on non-functioning circuits configured using washers. In the case of dismantling, when new heating devices are added to the circuits or new construction is carried out, balancing valves must be used for adjustment.
The heating system requires periodic adjustment. The coolant must be evenly distributed over it, which means it requires special equipment, which will help make adjustments correctly. This device is often a balancing valve.
By hydraulic balancing, the coolant is distributed throughout all areas of the heating circuit without exception.
Simple system options involve adjusting the coolant flow by selecting the optimal pipe diameter around the perimeter.
Special washers are also used, the passage in which is designed for uninterrupted flow of water and uniform heating of the elements.
Each of these options has been used in heating schemes old style. New method– installation of a balancing valve, which is a regular valve that regulates the amount of coolant supplied.
Design Feature
A high-quality part includes reliable components:
- Robust brass body with threaded fittings for connecting pipes. Inside the product there is a saddle in the form of a special vertical channel.
- Adjustment spindle. The working part is represented by a cone, which is screwed into the saddle. As a result of spindle activation, the coolant flow is blocked.
- Rubber O-rings.
- The cap is usually made of plastic. There are also metal options.
A distinctive feature of the device is the presence of two special fittings.
They are responsible for the following functions:
- Determine the pressure inside the system both before and after the valve.
- Connect a capillary type tube.
Each of the fittings measures the pressure, and if a difference in values is detected on the control mechanism, the water flow is calculated.
Operating principle
Balancing valves are designed to help achieve maximum performance from all heating elements system, and also adjust it at any time.
Different amounts of heated coolant entering the radiators lead to uncontrolled heating of the air in the rooms. Side branches of the heating system even when installed circulation pump can receive less thermal energy than the main cycle. Static valves are designed for manual control of temperature, pressure and coolant supply to radiators. They are produced in the form of valves of various designs.
Types of static valves
Manual pressure/temperature balancing is performed by increasing or decreasing the flow area between the seat and the spool. Depending on the model, the valve may have a control core that functions like a butterfly valve. Many manufacturers deliberately combine two functions in their products: balancing and shut-off valves. Static valves are made of chrome-plated brass and cast iron; differences in classification - according to installation location, connection method, type and parameters of the working environment.
Selection of manual balancing fittings
Static valves are selected according to the parameters of maximum throughput, adjustment accuracy and method of attachment to the tubular ends of the heating system. There are balancing fittings for threads or flanges. Design differences affect where the valve should be installed. This can be the supply or return section of the heating system, or bypass.
Characteristics of static valves
Manual balancing fittings are characterized by nominal diameter, throughput, nominal pressure, and the presence/absence of measuring nipples. Knowing the features of the valves and taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can fully realize their operational potential.
Features of manual balancing fittings
Static valves, depending on the model and manufacturer, are equipped with measuring and drainage pipes, a diaphragm, an indicator and a valve position lock.
Application of static valves
Manual balancing fittings are installed in front of heating radiators in systems autonomous heating. This is done to optimize the movement of the heated coolant, which increases the efficiency of the heating system and reduces energy costs.
Installation and assembly
Static valves are installed taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and subsequent compliance with the system startup algorithm. Depending on the type and model of the balancing valve, there are restrictions on the minimum length of straight pipe runs before and after the manual valve.
It simply must be present in heating systems static balancing valve. It is used to regulate and limit the heat carrier. With the help of such valves a large amount of energy is saved.
The energy consumption that is needed to maintain a particular temperature is consumed without exceeding it. The presence of this element increases the service life of the system and its continuous operation without failures.
Advantages of a static balancing valve
— Fixed valve setting.
— The ability to completely close the valve, with its subsequent reconfiguration.
— Easy to install, can be installed in any position.
— Highest ability to pass coolant.
— The settings can be carried out according to the diagrams that are in the regulatory documents.
As we see, the advantages of a static balancing valve are obvious, but that’s not all. The main advantage is that the valve can also be used in drainage. To do this, simply install a nipple with a drainage function for measurement. This nipple is not included in the kit, it comes separately.
Installation and operation
— At the very beginning of work, the system must be thoroughly blown and washed. This is to remove solid particles that could damage the static balancing valve seal.
— The valve must not be subjected to external and internal forces coming from the pipeline.
— The valve can be installed in any position, however the best option the handle will be positioned downwards.
— The static valve opens counterclockwise.
— It is strictly forbidden to use other levers.
Valve setting
It is very important to set the valve correctly for it to function properly. Settings are made using a knob and two windows. To save the settings you have made, you need to remove the cover, which is located in the center of the handle, to give access to the screw that is intended for adjustment. Once the flow rate is set, you need to tighten it all the way. Then put the cover back on. If necessary, this position can be sealed for fixation.
The flow rate that passes through the fittings can be found using measuring instruments. Calculations must be made in the following order:
1. Connect the flow meter.
2. Select the necessary units of measurement.
3. Take the right brand valve
4. Select the type and size.
5. Enter the current value.
6. Measure flow.
The Danish company “BROEN VALVE GROUP” appeared on the market of valve manufacturers back in 1948. Today the company is considered one of the leaders in its segment. Fittings from “BROEN” are installed in heat supply systems and industrial lines.
Balancing valve “Ballorex”
The company also supplies equipment for research laboratories and automated systems.
Contents of the article
Products of the company “BROEN”
Industrial fittings “BROEN” are sold through representative offices around the world. Russian market first introduced the company's products in 1997. From then until today“Ballorex”, ball valves from “Ballomax” and brass fittings “Ballofix” are in constant demand.
Thus, it is installed in such large and significant objects as the Bolshoi Theater and Sheremetyevo Airport, other equally important buildings, and even at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The company cares about the quality of its products, so testing of Ballorex valves and taps for tightness and strength is carried out immediately before going to the consumer. "BROEN" has a prestigious quality certificate ISO 9001, and the company was one of the first to receive it on the European market.
Fields of application for Ballorex balancing valves
The BROEN company presents fittings in a fairly diverse range.
There are such series of balancing valves:
- “Ballorex Venturi” - used as shut-off and control valves in cold and heat supply lines, as well as air conditioning systems. There are virtually no installation restrictions for these valves;
- “Ballorex QP” and “Ballorex M” - installed if it is necessary to maintain pressure in the system constant value and limit the work environment. They are used in ventilation systems, cold and heat supply to colorists, as well as in risers. Installation principle: the balancing valve “Ballorex QP” is mounted on the supply pipeline and connected to the partner valve “Ballorex M”;
- The main function of the combined balancing valve “Ballorex Dynamic” is to automatically limit the flow of the working medium. If an electric drive is installed, it can be used as. Scope of application: single-pipe heating systems, “warm floor” systems, main heat supply pipelines for ventilation systems air handling units, as well as cold and heat supply;
- “Ballorex S” - a balancing valve of this type can be used for hydrobalancing of ventilation systems, radiators and air heaters.
Technical characteristics of the Broen Ballorex valve
Using the Ballorex valve, you can carry out balancing with sufficient high degree accuracy. This valve can function as a manually adjustable valve with a locking mechanism.
Bollorex balancing valve device (inside view)
The main purpose of the “BROEN BALLOREX” valve:
- balancing and regulation via hydraulics;
- limiting and measuring the flow of the working medium, as well as opening or closing its flow in the system;
- measuring the temperature of the working environment.
The Ballorex valve is produced in the most different versions, the nominal diameter can be in the range of DN 15 - DN 600, and the pressure from PN16 to PN25 bar. Depending on the nominal passage diameter and pressure, use flanged, threaded or welded connection methods. Broen Ballorex fittings are used in pipelines with a working environment temperature from -20ºC to +135ºC.
Broen Ballorex balancing valves with a passage diameter from 15 to 50 mm have a brass body, and fittings with a diameter of DN65 - DN200 are made of high-strength steel for a flanged connection method or for threading.
Static balancing valve “Ballorex”
Balancing valves and Ballorex can be installed almost anywhere in the pipeline and in any position.
Advantages of Ballorex balancing valves
Due to the narrow specialization of the Broen brand, valves of this brand have a number of undeniable advantages:
- , covering various diameters and operating parameters, makes it possible to select best option for highways for various purposes.
- Design features of the valve, which are based on ball valve, allow you to regulate the flow or open and close the flow of the working medium anywhere in the pipeline.
- Minimal restrictions on the installation location make it an almost universal fitting.
- Together with balancing valve A hexagonal valve is supplied, with the help of which the working flow is regulated.
Ballomax and Ballofix fittings
In addition to balancing valves, the Broen company also produces other types of fittings. Ballomax ball valve is designed for gas distribution lines, cooling and heat supply systems, as well as for the transportation of mineral oils.
Ballomax ball valves (welded and flanged)
The Ballomax crane, made of carbon steel, is designed for 30 years of operation, which is an average of 15 thousand “closing-opening” operations. Ball valves are made in various diameters of the working flow and have different ways accession– flanged, threaded, welded or combined.
Cranes “Broen” and “Ballomax” come with an extended spindle or with a regular stem, and are controlled using an electric gearbox or manually.
For heat supply and cooling systems they are used with a passage diameter of 15-1400 mm and a working pressure of up to 40 bar. Temperature range is from -40ºC to +200ºC.
For gas distribution systems, taps with a diameter of 10 mm - 1200 mm are used, the pressure of the working medium is up to 40 bar.
Device ball valve“Ballomax”
Fittings “BROEN BALLOFIX” applies only to internal engineering communications. There are the following types:
- brass ball valve. Passage diameter from 15 mm to 50 mm, pressure up to 25 bar. Used in heating systems and cooling lines. A tap is used to shut off the flow of the working medium. The full-bore brass Bollofix valve is controlled by a handle and connected to the pipeline using an internal cylindrical thread;
- brass Valve diameter 10-50 mm, working pressure no more than 16 bar. The main purpose is to prevent the backflow of the working environment. Used for ventilation, cold and heat supply systems. Connected via internal cylindrical thread;
- air vent. With their help, they get rid of air or gas accumulations in heating systems, whose working medium is water. The diameter of the air vent passage is 10-15 mm, the maximum pressure is up to 10 bar. The brass air vent is connected with a threaded connection;
- brass filter. The filter design includes a drain plug, the passage diameter is 15-50 mm, and the pressure is up to 16 bar. The method of connection to the pipeline is internal thread.
