Balancing valves modulate fluid flow through hydronic components by acting as throttle devices. They facilitate the distribution of heated or refrigerated water to all terminals in hydronic systems (HVAC systems that utilize water as a medium to heat and cool areas of the facility). Subsequently, the system attains peak performance, leading to increased operational efficiency and decreased expenditures.
The following article analyzes balancing valves for chilled and heated water systems, covering their function, adjustment procedure, and typical applications.
What Does a Balancing Valve Do in HVAC Systems?
Fluid flow in an HVAC system is in a constant state of variation because of environmental changes. Building occupancy rates and heat from the sun are two elements that exert an impact on the demand for cooling and heating.
Construct HVAC systems to be capable of providing the desired output when needed. Unbalanced systems lead to the potential for overflow or underflow conditions. This may result in inadequate or excessive ventilation or heating.
Balancing valves ensures the current state of the building. The system supplies the correct flow to each terminal.
How Does a Balancing Valve Work?
· Hydronic Circuits
Changes in the building’s environment need adjustments to the HVAC system’s fluid flow. A well-designed and built HVAC system will be able to provide the necessary output when required.
· Unbalanced System
Water continually moves where it can get the least resistance. Unbalanced systems lead to underflow or overflow conditions and inadequate or excessive heating or cooling.
Different “resistances” caused by lines of varying lengths cause the water flow to decrease as they move from the pump. Head loss grows with pipe length, twists, restrictions, and gravity.
· Balanced System
The plumbing balancing valve adjusts the “resistance” on all lines. It ensures the system supplies the ideal flow and temperature to each end.
How Do You Adjust a Manual Balancing Valve to Maintain System Balance?
Balancing computers and differential pressure manometers quantify the pressure difference between two pressure locations. Industry professionals can utilize this instrument to compute flow rates and ascertain whether or not balancing valve adjustments are necessary to preserve system equilibrium.
Generally, every terminal-unit coil and air-handling unit (AHU) in an HVAC system has a balancing valve. It takes multiple stages to adjust each one to preserve system equilibrium. The following are manual balancing valves:
- Establishing a connection between the two metering/test terminals of the valve and a circuit-balancing instrument or differential-pressure gauge
- Determining the flow rate necessary to pass through the balancing valve
- Modifying the handwheel to attain the intended flow rate
- Commence the procedure above for every balancing valve
Applications of Balancing Valves
As previously mentioned, balancing valves assist in setting up and maintaining ideal conditions in hydronic systems. These components are incorporated into the following, apart from HVAC systems:
· Balancing valves can balance the outputs of boilers or chillers.
Adding a balancing heater or chiller to a pipe system often alters the flow rate of the entire system, making it less efficient. Even small changes in flow can make it harder for the system to work at its best. These errors cost a lot of money, resulting in lost productivity in an industrial manufacturing system.
In this case, we install water balancing valves in each boiler or chilled water valve system. This ensures the intended output flow and that all the other parts can work safely. Each cooling tower needs a balance valve if the chillers are connected to multiple cooling systems.
· HVAC balance valves in networks for commercial heating
A boiler room or heat station is often the center of heating pipe networks in companies and industries. They heat a lot of places like offices, apartment buildings, and commercial areas.
Different distances exist between buildings and the heat source. So, we need to install adequate equipment to reduce the pressure near the loop. If it doesn’t flow, it won’t meet the design standards. The close end will get too hot while the far end remains too cool.
Each pipe needs a valve to balance the flow. This valve ensures consistent flow between the main pipe and each building. This is the reason why equilibrium valves are vital for maintaining warmth.
· Domestic HVAC air conditioning pipeline systems
To meet energy-saving standards, align pipes in heating and cooling systems and networks with the intended flow rate. To keep the flow rates even across the system, you install balancing valves on the main pipe, the lift, and the secondary pipe.
· Thermal stations
Many stations need a balancing valve when sending hot water from a power plant or boiler room. Each thermal station’s primary loop also requires a balance valve to ensure proper water flow.
You should also install an adjusting valve at the secondary loop side of each heat station. This valve ensures the right amount of water flow in each secondary loop.
Selection and Specifications Criteria of Balancing Valve
Before specifying the appropriate balancing valve, it is necessary to determine the application’s limitations (mass flow rates, pressure ranges, fluid type, etc.). This segment will outline these criteria to assist you in your search for a balancing valve that fulfills your needs. This section intends to provide general specifications.
However, more specifications may apply depending on the manufacturer and type of valve. Consult your balancing valve supplier about the most suitable in-stock alternative for your designs. You provide them with these specifications so they can get a sense of what functions best.
- Kind of valve
- Pressure range and rated pressure
- Size of pipe
Contact the Valve Expert at Plumberstar
Hydronic systems are fundamentally dependent on balancing valves. They are responsible for ensuring the facility maintains and attains the appropriate temperatures, optimizing energy utilization, and minimizing operating costs. If your facility requires balancing valves, consult the professionals at Plumberstar.
Plumberstar is engaged in the production and distribution of an extensive range of balancing valves. Our brass (DZR) construction and fixed venturi design facilitate the setting process and provide superior corrosion resistance. Additionally, we offer accessories to every form of connection. Contact us directly to learn more about our products and how they can improve your hydronic system.
You should also install an adjusting valve at the secondary loop side of each heat station. It ensures the water flow in each secondary loop is the right amount.