The three-way valve in the heating system: the principle of selection, installation

For constant maintenance of the house comfortable heat balance in the heating circuit comprise a element as a three-way valve to a heating system uniformly distributes heat over all rooms.

Despite the importance of this unit, the complex design is no different. Let's look at the design features and principles of operation of the three-way valve. What rules should adhere to when choosing the device and what nuances present in its installation.

Features three-way valve

Water coming to the radiator has a certain temperature, influence which is often not possible. The three-way valve performs the adjustment not by varying the temperature and quantity of fluid.

This makes it possible, without changing the radiator area, serve in the room right amount of heat, but only within the limits of the power system.

Separation and mixing devices

Visually, the three-way valve is similar to the tee, but performs a completely different function. Such an assembly equipped with a thermoregulator, relates to a shut-off valve and is one of its major elements.

There are two types of devices: separating and mixing.

The first is used when the coolant must be submitted simultaneously in several directions. In fact, assembly is a mixer, which forms a stable flow of the set temperature. It is mounted in a network in which the heated air is supplied, and in the water supply system.

Products of the second type are used for the stream and thermoregulation. For incoming streams having different temperatures, provides two openings, and for their release - one. Apply them at the device underfloor to prevent overheating of the surface.

Three-way valve and temperature controller is in the separately available. For autonomous heating systems still more rational and effective solution is to secure design with thermostat.

The design of the three-way valve

According to the design features the valves are divided into tractor and rotary. The principle of operation is based on the first rhythmic movement of the rod vertically - adjustment circuit "rod-saddle". This form relates to a mixing valve type. It is controlled by an electromechanical drive often.

A key element of the pivot structure is a rotating sector. During the movement of the rod acts on a ball valve, and partially or completely cuts off the supply of coolant. "Ball-socket" refers to such a control circuit.

These devices have a high durability. They are adapted to large temperature fluctuations and are classified as stop valves. In private homes, where the water is consumed in a relatively small amount, they can function as mixers.

A feature of the mixing valve is to have one output and two inputs. It is designed to control the temperature of the working fluid by the stream of high and low temperature. With the appropriate setup, the product may separate the streams.

The three-way valve of the separation type is used when you want to apply the hot coolant in several directions.

All models of cranes differ in some respects:

• shutter mechanics - it may be a stretch, and stuffing;
• form of a stub - there are L, T, S-shaped;
• type shutter - meets a cylindrical, spherical, tapered;
• connecting to the circuit - using the coupling flange by means of welding, etc .;
• control method - automatic, semiautomatic, manual.

Mixing device provided with a rod placed at the center, a ball valve therein one. Overlapping at the right moment the inlet valve.

In devices of the separating type stem equipped with two valves, incorporated in the outlet legs.

It operates on a slightly different pattern. Work becomes clearer way valve after a detailed analysis of its structure.

The housing in this type of cast products. It is made of brass or bronze plated with hromonikelya. It serves as a protective and decorative functions. are threaded outlets for connection to the pipeline - all three of them. Type of threaded connection is dependent on the model chosen.

The optimum parameters of pressure in the heating system for the stable operation of the valve - 10 kg / cm². If this value is exceeded, problems can occur.

There are limitations and temperature indicators - 95º for boilers, 110º - for solar cells. Permissible flow temperature adjustment for different models in the range of 20-60º. Performance ranges 1.6-2.5 m³/ч.

The principle of operation of the device

Mixing the three-way valve fails to ensure that the fluid outlet temperature is set within specified limits.

The principle of operation for closed heating system and system for FGP same. The only difference is that in the first case the heating medium evenly transfers heat from the source to the radiators, and in the second - carry warm water to household appliances.

Until such time as the temperature sensing element acquires a certain temperature, the coolant is supplied from the front nozzle and arrives at the right unhindered. Upon reaching temperatures above the working element installed, it is its extension.

This entails valve moving vertically downward and, as a consequence, blocking the path of the heated coolant Incoming below. Following opens left pipe for supplying cold fluid.

Mixing cold liquid with hot leads to an equilibration temperature. Sensing element acquires the old form, and the flap - initial position.

If the three-way valve is installed in the return path, the process should take place in the opposite sequence. When the liquid is cooled directly opens the way for the hot water from the boiler.

The drive mechanism of the instrument

Different from the valves can be the type of drive mechanism. Drive is both hydraulic and electro-mechanical, pneumatic, manual.

Electromechanical actuators are divided into types, the most common of which is a simple thermostatic. It is functioning as a result of expansion of the liquid thermoactive element in its composition. As a result, there is pressure on the stock. It is easily removable version, used in products installed in the household systems.

A further embodiment - drive with a thermostatic head, equipped element sensitive to a change in temperature. Device supplemented external temperature sensor located directly at the pipeline. With his drive connects the capillary tube.

This kind of adjustment is considered to be the most accurate. At the request of a simple thermostatic actuator can easily be changed on the thermostatic head.

There is an option of three-way valve with electric actuator. it is controlled by a controller equipped with temperature sensors and command the basic mechanism. Simplified version of actuator is a servo controller.

He controls the valve directly. The easiest drive - manual. Here, the adjustment is performed by rotating the screw cap having a threaded connection. Its bottom end is in contact with the rod. By tightening or loosening the spool is moved.

The presence of an electric or servo allows you to program the temperature regime with a focus on the time of day. Initially, the packaging does not include three-way valve drive mechanism. It must be purchased separately on the basis of the specific features of the heating system. Use the product in the heating system can be any execution.

Where use three-way valves?

Valves of this type are found in various patterns. They include mounting circuit underfloor heating to provide uniform heating of all its sites and exclude overheating of individual branches.

In the case of a coal-fired boiler in its condensate chamber is often observed. Fight it will install a three-way tap.

Effectively running a three-way device in the heating system when there is a need to connect the hot water supply circuit and split heat fluxes.

The use of the valve in the trim of the radiator avoids bypass. Installing it on the return pipe creates the conditions for a short circuit device.

The nuances of the selection tools

General when choosing a three-way valve are the following recommendations:

1. Preferably reputable manufacturers. the market is often found poor-quality valves and fittings from unknown companies.
2. Greater wear resistance products have copper or brass.
3. Manual control more reliable, but less functional.

The key point is the technical parameters of the system into which it is to be installed. Take into account such its characteristics: the level of pressure, the highest temperature of the coolant at the point of installation of the device, the permissible pressure drop, the volume of water passing through the valve.

Good will only work with a valve properly selected bandwidth. To do this, you need to compare the performance of its water supply system with the throughput of a factor. It is mandatory is indicated on each model.

Rooms for a limited area such as a bathroom, expensive valve Thermomixer choose irrationally.

Large areas with under-floor heating is required the device with automatic temperature control. A guide for the selection should also be matching products GOST 12894-2005.

The cost can be very different, it all depends on the manufacturer.

In suburban homes with established solid fuel boiler heating circuit is not distinguished by great complexity. There is fine three-way valve of simplified construction.

It operates autonomously and does not have the thermal head, the sensor, and even the stem. Thermostatic element that controls its operation is set to a specific temperature and stored in a housing.

Manufacturers three-way devices

In the market there is a wide range of three-way valves from both authoritative and no one well-known manufacturers. The model can be selected after the general parameters of the product to be determined.

First place in the ranking of sales of valves occupy the Swedish company Esbe (Esbe). It's pretty well-known brand, so the three-way products are reliable and durable.

Among consumers are known for their quality, three-way valves of the Korean manufacturer Naven (Navien). Acquiring them should be in the presence of the boiler of the same company.

Greater accuracy is achieved by adjusting the setting of the Danish company unit Danfoss (Danfoss). It works fully automatically.

Good quality and democratic value of different valves Valtek (Valtec), Produced jointly by experts from Italy and Russia.

Effective in the products of the company from the United States Honeywell (Honeywell). These valves are of simple construction, easy to install.

Product features Installation

During the installation of three-way valves there are many nuances. From their account depends on the smooth functioning of the heating system. Each valve manufacturer supplied instructions, the observance of which would avoid a lot of trouble later.

General recommendations for installation

The main thing is initially install the valve in the correct position, following the prompts indicated by the arrow on the body. The pointers indicate the water flow path.

A symbol denotes the forward stroke, in - perpendicular to the direction or bypass, AB - combined input or output.

Based on the directions, there are two valves models:

• symmetric or T-shaped circuit;
• with asymmetric or L-shaped.

When mounting on the first of these fluid enters the valve through the end hole. It goes through the center after mixing.

In the second embodiment, the flow comes to a warm end and the cold is supplied from below. Yield after mixing diverse temperature fluid occurs through the second end.

The second important point for mounting the mixing valve - it can not be placed or driven thermostatic head down. Before starting the work necessary preparations before installing the water cover the point. Next, check for the presence of the conduit therein residues can cause damage to the valve outlet gasket.

The main thing is to choose to install such a place, to the valve was accessed. Perhaps in the future it will have to check or remove. To all this must be a free space.

Box mixing valve

When using a three-way valve of the mixing type in the district heating system may be several variants. Selecting the scheme depends on the nature of the heating system connection.

When the conditions of the boiler is valid phenomenon of overheating of the coolant in the return pipe, there is required overpressure. In this case, mount the jumper throttling excessive pressure. It is set parallel to the valve podmes.

The circuit on the photo is the guarantee of quality control system parameters. If the three-way valve is connected directly to the boiler, which most often happens in autonomous heating systems need balancing valve inset.

If we ignore the recommendation regarding the installation of the balancing device at port AB may occur significant changes in the working fluid flow rate, which depends on the position of the stem.

Connection according to the scheme does not guarantee the absence of circulation of the coolant through the source. To achieve this, we must also be connected to its hydraulic circuit delimiter and the pump circulation type.

The mixer valve is mounted and to separate the streams. The need for this arises when unacceptable completely isolate the source circuit, but in the bypass fluid return line is possible. Most often, this embodiment is used in the presence of an independent boiler.

You need to know that the vibration and noise may occur when using some models. This is due to inconsistency of flow direction in the pipeline and mixing the product. Because of this possible pressure drop across the valve is too low.

Installation of the separating device

When the source temperature is higher than necessary to the consumer circuit comprises a valve separating the flows. In this case, at a constant rate in the boiler circuit and the consumer, the latter does not come superheated liquid.

That the scheme worked, in both circuits must be present pump.

Based on the above can be summarized in general recommendations:

1. When installing any way valve before and after it is set manometers.
2. To prevent ingress of impurities to the product every mounted filter.
3. The housing must not be subjected to any stress.
4. Good regulation is necessary to ensure by tapping upstream of the valve devices throttling overpressure.
5. When installing the valve should not be over-driven.

It is also necessary to maintain the product before and after the straight portions recommended by the manufacturer. Failure to do so will entail a change in the stated specifications. The warranty on the unit will not operate.

Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

Nuances of the installation, taking into account that guarantees the correct functioning of the valve:

Details of the installation of the valve when installing floor heating:

Such an assembly of the heating system as a three-way thermostatic valve is necessary, but not in all cases. His presence - a guarantee rational use of the coolant, which allows to consume fuel economically. Additionally, he serves in the role of the device, ensuring safe operation of the boiler TT.

Yet before purchasing such a device, you need to be consulted about the appropriateness of its installation.

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