The problem of uneven distribution of heating in multi-circuit heating systems is quite common. The coolant flow is similar to electric current, therefore it flows along the path of minimum resistance. It turns out that the farther from the boiler, the less heat consumption is than near it. To equalize this indicator, the craftsmen use a balancing valve.
Sometimes, in order to save money, an ordinary crane is installed to adjust the level of patency, but this setting is coarser and inaccurate, while the balancing valve does its job perfectly. The choice is influenced by the result that the tenants seek to obtain. Often, craftsmen install a ball valve with a long switch and turn the lever in a different direction, which also causes inconvenience. The balancing valve device initially has special inputs that serve as flow measurements. It uses the elements of the heating system to the maximum, makes them give off all the heat, with the possibility of adjustment at any time.
Design and principle of operation
The mechanism is that the valve device changes the internal flow area. Turning the handle activates the nut and spindle. When unscrewing, the final element rises to the upper position from the lower one. If it is located in the lower part, the parts reliably block the flow, preventing the coolant from passing through the pipes. In other words, when the valve is unscrewed, the spool passes a certain amount of heat, increasing the permeability. When closed, the opening narrows, making the flow negligible.
The radiator structure required for the mechanical adjustment of the heating branches is based on the following elements:
- brass frame with threaded pipes for connecting pipes. The interior features a molded round saddle in a vertical format;
- locking and regulating spindle with a working area in the form of a frame, which enters the saddle when twisting. It determines the exact amount of water flow;
- sealing ring made of rubber;
- a cap made of metal or plastic that acts as a protector.
Main models of valves differ from radiator ones in dimensions, inclined spindle arrangement and fittings. They perform the following role:
- coolant drain;
- connection of measuring devices;
- installation of a capillary tube from a pressure corrector.
The number of revolutions from the closed to the maximum open state is from 3 to 5, this indicator is different for each manufacturer. To change the position of the stem, an ordinary or specialized key in the form of a hexagon is required.
What is the pressure difference between two points
When the master adjusts the flow rate using the balancing valve, the pressure losses on the pipes and on the valve become different, which changes the pressure drop on the balancing valves.
The calculation of this difference is worth considering with an example. So, pressure gauges are installed on the supply and return pipelines, which show the pressure level at these points. The difference will be considered the value that equates to the difference between the two pressure gauges. In other words, if one device outputs a value of 1.5 bar and the other outputs 1.6 bar, then the difference is 0.1 bar. If the valve is automatic, it automatically corrects the difference between the points. This element always comes in pairs, since it is very important to feel the deviation.
Mechanical balancer
The manual valve works great at stable pressure. Ideal for apartments and houses with a small number of heating radiators. Simplifies repair work, because it does not need to turn off the entire heating system. Effective action is carried out in those rooms where the number of radiators does not exceed 5 units.
With a significant number of batteries, mechanical devices cause the valves to malfunction. At the moment when the thermostat on the first radiator is closed, the fluid flow on the second one increases. Then the temperature of the coolant in some batteries rises to boiling, but in others it heats up too little. Only automatic valve models can cope with such a problem.
Automatic balancer
Installation of devices is carried out on branches or risers with a large number of radiators. They differ from the first type in the principle of operation. The valve is moved to the position of maximum fluid consumption. When the coolant flow rate is reduced by the thermostat of one of the radiators, the pressure rises. Then the capillary tube mechanism begins to work, which immediately proceeds to the analysis of the pressure drop. In general, the advantages of automatic balancers are as follows:
- the presence of a capillary tube, which contributes to the instantaneous operation of the adjustment;
- the mechanism does not change the pressure level, preventing vibrations from disturbing it;
- if desired, craftsmen can create "independent regions".
The flow adjustment is carried out so quickly that the following thermostats do not yet have time to completely overlap. This ensures that the system is constantly balanced.
Applications
In private homes, mechanical models are often used. They are quite enough to heat a building up to 500 m². Installation of manual valves of the main plan is carried out in the following situations:
- in buildings with an extensive heating system with many risers;
- in multi-apartment buildings equipped with an individual boiler room;
- during tying a solid fuel boiler with an existing heat accumulator.
Radiator models are installed at the outlet of the heater, while main valves are installed exclusively in the pipeline that returns the cooled liquid to the boiler room. If the structure is mounted in tandem with an automatic valve, then it can be located both in the return and in the supply pipeline.
Steel and aluminum radiators with a bottom connection are often initially equipped with taps using specialized fittings that act as attachments for connections to such parts. The need to install valves also disappears in the following cases:
- in dead-end mechanisms of insignificant length, with identical “shoulders” in terms of hydraulics;
- when all batteries have thermostatic valves with presetting;
- on the final radiator (dead end);
- in the mechanisms of the collector plan.
Temperature controllers with presetting, mounted on the liquid supply, also cope with the work of the balance valve, due to which a shut-off ball valve can be connected at the outlet of the heating mechanism. Similarly, the fittings are installed on the connections to the last battery in the chain, and since there is no need for adjustment, it must be completely open.
Installation and operation
Professionals leave a small gap in front of the valve and straight pipe. This prevents the occurrence of bends that impede the movement of water. In order to protect against the ingress of dirt and dust on the adjustment elements, a special filter is installed directly in front of the valve. The pipe itself must be washed before installation, checked for damage. Further, the installation is carried out as follows:
- The master is determined with the area where the valve will be mounted in the future. The dimensions of the straight zones of the pipe before and after the element must correspond to the following parameters: 5 diameters in front of the part, 2 and more after it, as this eliminates turbulence.
- The valve is screwed into the pipe, pre-equipped with tow. Threading can be done with a die or other similar tool. The main thing is that it be at least 7 turns.
The installation of the valve is easily carried out according to the principle of installing a ball valve. How exactly the valve itself is placed in space is not particularly important. The main thing is that the arrow on the body corresponds to the direction of the water flow. Otherwise, the part will contribute to fluid resistance.
How to balance the radiator network
Often, craftsmen find out the flow rate of the coolant as follows: the number of revolutions of the balancing valve is divided by the number of heating elements. In this way they calculate the adjustment step. Further, moving from the last battery to the first, the valves are twisted based on the degree of speed difference.
The calculation is approximate and takes into account the different capacities of the batteries, which is why the method is resorted to only before pre-tuning during operation. Only specialists can correctly configure the device, since the process needs additional skills and knowledge. Step by step it looks like this:
- All valves open and are brought to the working format, where the supply temperature is equal to 80 °C.
- The temperature of all heating elements is measured.
- The identified difference is eliminated: the taps of the first and middle batteries are slightly opened. The closest one opens by 1-1.5 turns, the second - by 2-2.5.
After 20 minutes, the master takes measurements again, since during this time there is a complete adaptation to the new settings. A perfectly tuned system has a minimum temperature difference between the nearest and farthest radiator.
Manufacturers
Today, the most famous manufacturers of balancing valves are the brands Danfoss, Herz, Caleffi, Oventrop and others. They produce products in two formats - angular and straight. The principle of their work is identical, so only the form changes. The pressure and temperature index for all manufacturers is also different. It is advisable to choose exactly the faucet that fully corresponds to the characteristics of the heating system.
The balancing valve contributes to the uniform distribution of heating in multi-circuit systems. It does not matter how far the radiator is from the boiler, as a properly adjusted valve allows heating all rooms at the same temperature.
Own living space provides for daily responsibility. The level of comfort in the house is the indicator that makes it clear how successfully the duties undertaken are being fulfilled. To maintain comfortable living conditions, it is necessary to pay attention to a large number of everyday aspects every day. One of them is the room temperature. How are balancing valves related to her condition? It turns out - in the most direct way.
First of all, the heating system is responsible for the correct temperature regime. Its varieties and types may differ in their complexity and structural components, but the result of the work should always be the same - the most comfortable room temperature for all residents at optimal costs. After all, problems with heating can lead to changes in the microclimate in an apartment or house, as well as to an increase in utility bills.
The principle of operation of the heating system implies that the coolant moves from one of its nodes to another. The radiators are filled with hot water and due to this, the main heating takes place, which should be sufficient for the entire living area. However, this is not always the case, because a perfectly functioning heating system can only exist on paper. One way or another, but during operation, the level of heat transfer decreases - the temperature and pressure level in the pipeline change. This, in turn, affects the distribution of media throughout the system. Bottom line: one room can be a real tropics, and the second - an icy desert.
The problem is outlined: hot water is unevenly distributed through the pipes - it is much more difficult to achieve a comfortable temperature in the room. Now we need to find a solution. And it lies in the already mentioned phrase "balancing valves".
What is a balancing valve?
Balancing valve (balancing valve, balancing valve) is a type of pipeline fittings and an important auxiliary element of the heating system. Its main function is the efficient distribution of heat transfer.
Any heating system needs to be properly configured: the calculated heat transfer indicators must match the real ones. One of the most modern and convenient means for this is balancing valves. They are simple mechanical devices that run smoothly. Outwardly, they are somewhat similar to the manual taps we are used to, but provide smoother and more flexible adjustment. The valve plays an important role in balancing the heating system and optimizing the coolant flow.
We figured out the purpose, but how do balancing valves work?
The principle of their work is quite simple. By adjusting the valve, the size of the flow area changes. Following him - and the pressure level in the area where it is installed. Accordingly, with an increase or decrease in the cross-sectional size, the pressure level and the flow rate of hot water that enters the radiators change. This balancing of the heating system allows you to achieve the highest possible efficiency of its work. By adjusting the pressure level and carrier flow using a balancing valve, residents will be able to receive the required amount of heat in each of the rooms. In addition, usually the design also has special inputs (fittings), thanks to which it is possible to connect measuring devices and calculate the flow rate of the carrier moving through the heating system.
Probably, it is difficult to understand the design of the balancing valve, what does it consist of?
In fact, there is nothing complicated in the design. A manual balancing valve is a valve-type device and usually consists of a body, an adjustment mechanism, the valve itself and two fittings that are designed to measure pressure before and after the control mechanism (thanks to them, you can calculate the final carrier flow in the area). The adjustment takes place using the speed scale located on the adjustment mechanism (spindle). The automatic version of the valve additionally contains a differential pressure control cartridge, and the manual valve is replaced with a preset capacity.
There are many variations of valves on the market, so designs from different manufacturers vary and may contain additional elements.
It looks like it's really simple. How to install balancing valves? Do they need to be connected to the system somehow?
They are usually used in one- and two-pipe heating systems and, if not included in the default scheme, are installed using special adapters and fittings. Installation of the structure can take place both in a horizontal and vertical position. It does not cause any particular difficulties: all the subtleties are described in the instructions that come with the kit. However, it is important to observe one rule: the arrow on the body of the balancing valve must coincide with the direction of movement of the coolant through the pipe (although some manufacturers make exceptions, making it possible to install the valve against the flow).
When installing any valve, you should also follow general recommendations that will simplify the process:
- a strainer installed in front of the valve will help prevent clogging of the pipeline;
- you can track the pressure level thanks to pressure gauges, which are recommended to be installed before and after the valve;
- the valve body must be free from excessive physical impacts and loads;
- to install the structure, it is important to choose an accessible and convenient place for maintenance;
- the valve must be placed on a straight section of the pipeline (the specific length of the straight sections before and after the valve is determined by the specific manufacturer in the instructions);
- the pipeline must be flushed before installation.
The installation principle is clear, now you need to select the appropriate valve. Which one will do?
When choosing a balancing valve, you need to start, first of all, from the type of heating system. They are divided into dynamic and static . The first uses radiator thermostats that automatically respond to the slightest changes in the air temperature in the room. This leads to the fact that the flow rate of the coolant is constantly changing. For such systems, automatic balancing valves, which are independently able to maintain the pressure level and stabilize the drops in the pipeline.
If the system is not equipped with automated regulators of pressure and carrier flow, then it can be called static . For such cases, it is intended manual balancing valve. He, in turn, may coupling or flange . The first is connected to the system with an internal thread, and the second with bolts.
In addition, the choice also depends on the specific purpose and needs. Valves may differ in terms of pressure and temperature, throughput, installation location, connection type, additional functionality and other criteria. It is important to pre-calculate all the necessary values and characteristics of the heating system in order to choose the right balancing valve.
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 of different rooms is often observed. This is due to the different flow rate of the coolant through the branches of the heating system. The coolant (like electric current) 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, balancing valves are used.
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 made a very interesting video on how manual balancing valves work. I recommend that you watch this video from start to finish. It shows unexpected patterns of operation of this type of valves:
From the figure, it can be seen that the internal structure of the 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.
The operating temperature and pressure may vary depending on the specific model, so it is better to select the equipment you need using the manufacturer's 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, correct installation and subsequent configuration are important. 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!
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. In order for the temperature regime to be uniform, mechanisms are built into the heating network in different areas to adjust the 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 of engineering systems
Valve types
There are two types of valves: manual and automatic. Each of them has its own advantages. The manual balancing valve is more suitable for small-sized heating pipes with stable pressure, usually installed in individual houses and apartments. Here, balancing valves are installed on each radiator.
In addition to the individual configuration of each battery, if necessary, such a configuration provides repair of individual elements of the system 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 of apartment buildings, office 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 the automatic system, the valve is constantly set to the maximum water flow; 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 inside the body should move 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 is 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 of 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.
Large multi-circuit heating systems quite often face the problem of uneven heating of different rooms. The coolant flows along the path of 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 the heating system (otherwise - a valve) is used to equalize the coolant flow in different branches.
The design of the radiator element, which is used for manual balancing of heating branches, consists of the following parts:
- Body with threaded fittings used to connect pipes, made of brass. With the help of casting, a so-called saddle is made inside, which is a round vertical channel, which slightly expands upward.
- Locking and regulating spindle, the working part of which has the form 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.
All well-known manufacturers of products have two types of execution - angular and straight. Only the form has changed, but the principle of operation is the same.
How the valve works in the heating system: during the rotation of the spindle, the flow area decreases or increases, due to which the adjustment is carried out. The number of turns, from closed to open, to the limit, varies from three to five turns, depending on who is the manufacturer of this product. To turn the stem, a regular or special key having the shape of a hexagon is used.
Compared to radiator valves, main valves have a different size, inclined spindle position, excellent fittings, which are necessary for:
- to drain the coolant if necessary
- connection of metering and control devices;
- connection of the capillary tube coming from the pressure regulator.
It should also be mentioned 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 the normal operating mode, provided that the diameter of the pipes is chosen exactly and the distances between the devices are not very large. Now consider 2 situations:
- 2-4 heating branches of unequal length lead from the boiler, the number of radiators on each is from 4 to 10.
- The same, 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, the first radiators, which are closest to the boiler, will receive most of the heat. If the coolant enters these batteries, it will not be limited, then the batteries standing at the very end will receive the least amount of thermal energy, and thus the difference between the temperature regimes will be from 10 ° C or more.
In order for the most distant batteries to be provided with the necessary amount of coolant, balancing valves are installed on the connections to the nearest radiators from the boiler. By partially overlapping the internal section of the pipes, they limit the flow of water, thereby increasing the hydraulic resistance of this segment. In a similar way, the supply is also 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 rate automatically if necessary. On long branches with a large number of heating devices that are equipped with thermostats, balancing valves are combined with automatic differential pressure regulators.
The latter, with the help of a capillary tube, are connected to a balance valve, react to a decrease or increase in the flow rate of the coolant in the system and maintain the return pressure at the required level. Thus, the coolant is evenly distributed among the consumers, despite the fact that the thermostats are triggered.
What are balancing valves?
Standard ball valves for heating radiators cannot cope with the regulation of the distribution of thermal energy in pipes and radiators. But nevertheless, in order to distribute heat evenly in the premises, such an adjustment is simply necessary.
Balancing valves are of two types - manual and automatic. Manual ones are needed in order to set up the network during its installation, and automatic ones change the parameters of the heating network at the time of heating.
When selecting a valve, many characteristics must be taken into account, which include:
- type and characteristics of the coolant;
- place of installation 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. In terms of their parameters, hot and cold water supply and heating systems differ quite a lot. For example, in a DHW system, only thermostatic balancing valves are used.
The type of building where the balancing valve will be installed is of great importance. The place of installation of the valve also plays a rather important role, since the return and supply pipelines are quite different from each other in terms of characteristics. And because of this, the balancing devices that will be mounted on them will have significant differences.
Where and when is the main crane installed?
Most private homes use manual radiator valves. They are quite enough for normal adjustment of the operation of water heating in cottages, whose area does not exceed 500 m². Installation Installation of balancing valves of the main type 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;
- in apartment buildings that are heated by their own boiler room;
- when tying a solid fuel boiler with a heat accumulator.
When there is an idea about the purpose of balancing valves, it is necessary to understand the specific places for 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 chilled water from consumers to the boiler room. In the case when the element is paired with an automatic pressure regulator, 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 cock, which is built into the special fittings that are needed to connect the connections to such devices.
We list the moments in which cases it is not necessary to install control valves:
- in dead-end systems of small extent, which have the same "shoulders" in terms of hydraulics;
- 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 controllers with presetting, which are on the water supply to the battery, also act as a balance valve, so a shut-off ball valve must be installed at the outlet of the heater. Such fittings are installed on the connections to the last radiator in the chain, since it does not make much sense to regulate it, and it must be completely open.
How to balance the heating system?
As a rule, heating system installers determine the coolant flow in batteries by a fairly simple method: the number of revolutions of the balancing valve is divided by the number of heaters and thus the adjustment step is calculated. Moving from the last radiator to the first, the valves are twisted with the resulting speed difference.
For example, one arm of a dead-end system is equipped with 5 radiators with manual valves for 4.5 turns of the spindle. 4.5 must be divided by 5, as a result we get approximately 0.9 turns. 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 the different capacities of the radiators, and is therefore only used as a preliminary setting with adjustment during operation.
During the installation, you must do the following manipulations:
- check the installation of the system;
- in the place where the valve is to be installed, it is necessary to cut the 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, it is necessary to start the process of setting it up. This operation can only be carried out by specialists, as it requires additional knowledge and instruments.
Step by step instructions for balancing can be represented as follows:
- All balancing valves must be opened to the limit and bring the system into operation, whose flow temperature will be 80 ° C.
- Use a contact thermometer to measure the temperature of all heating appliances.
- In order to eliminate the resulting difference, it is necessary to close the taps of the first and middle batteries, the last ones do not need to be touched. The nearest heating radiator must be opened by 1-1.5 turns, and the middle ones - by 2-2.5.
- The system will take 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 closest and farthest radiators.
Note. The weather and outside temperature do not matter, the only important characteristic is the difference in heating the batteries.
Installation of balancing valves is needed for large heating systems. They help to optimally distribute the coolant over all circuits. For such equipment, correct operation is achieved by correct installation and adjustment. The installation of valves should only be considered when designing the system.
The owner of the house, who is engaged in self-installation of equipment for the heating system, will certainly have to deal with balancing. It is quite simple to implement if all devices except the last one have balance taps.
The best choice would be models that can be easily adjusted with a screwdriver or wrench, and not with a plastic handle that children can reach. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the spindles in winter, as heat losses in rooms are different.
Advice: you do not need to make sudden movements, and open the taps in cold rooms slowly by ¼ turn.