As an engineer, you know how important balance is, from the delicate balance of complicated systems to the precise tuning of machine parts.
But have you thought about how important it is to balance valves to get the best performance and efficiency? Even though these simple devices are small, they are very important for making sure that fluid systems work smoothly and reliably.
In this blog post, we will go over the ins and outs of balancing valves.
We will look at their importance in engineering and why you, as a new or experienced engineer, should care about them.
So, let us get started and find out how these simple valves can make a big difference in your next project.
Introduction to Balancing Valves
Formal definition:
A valve used in a pipe for controlling fluid flow; not usually used to shut off the flow.
Balancing valves are special valves that are made to control flow rates and keep a pipeline system working well.
They make sure that systems are in balance hydraulically by controlling fluid flow and pressure, balancing system pressure, making the building's temperature comfortable, and reducing energy use and operating costs.
There are different kinds of balancing valves for different hydronic systems, such as:
- Static Balancing Valves: Static balancing valves offer a fixed resistance to water flow.
The settings for these valves are worked out before they are installed, and then the settings are changed when the valves are put in place in the field.
Internal valve parts do not change, and it is easy to figure out the flow rate of the system by measuring the pressure drop across the ports.
- Automatic Balancing Valves: Automatic balancing valves, also known as pressure-independent balancing valves or dynamic balancing valves, are designed to automatically maintain a consistent flow rate regardless of changes in pressure or temperature." Automatic balancing valves, also called pressure-independent balancing valves or dynamic balancing valves, are made to keep the flow rate the same even if the pressure or temperature changes.
Dynamic balancing valves stop too much flow.
They are set to the flow rate that is wanted and make sure that the flow rate does not go up.
Balancing valves are great at regulating flow, and they keep things consistent by controlling and balancing the pressure in different parts of a piping system.
All balancing valves use some kind of regulation to turn a variable input into a consistent output.
The static balancing valve uses a spool or obturator to keep things the same.
Balancing Valves vs Shut-off Valves
In hydronic systems, there are two different kinds of valves: a balancing valve and a shut-off valve.
By controlling the flow and pressure of fluid, a balancing valve makes sure that the hydraulic system is in balance.
On the other hand, a shut-off valve is mostly used to shut off a plant or branch circuit when needed.
Both globe-style and ball-style valves for balancing circuits shut off completely.
The flow curve of the globe-style valve is more straight than that of the ball-style valve.
On the other hand, the flow of the ball-style valve can only be changed by turning the handle 90 degrees.
Shut-off valves are also used to shut off a plant or branch completely when it is necessary to do so.
Installation and Best Practices
Balancing valves should be put on each main pipe and each branch pipe to make sure that each main pipe and each building get the same amount of water.
Flow-balancing valves should always be put on the return side of the coil, according to experts.
By cutting down on the amount of free air in the coil, balancing valves on the return side help solve air and noise problems in the system.
If you put flow balance valves on the return side, the water pressure in the coil will be higher, so more air will stay in it.
This makes plumbing systems less likely to make noise.
Benefits of Balancing Valves
Balancing valves are an important part of hydronic systems because they make heating and cooling easier and save energy and money.
They help stop problems like high pressure or high temperature that can cause the system to stop working.
By making sure the flow rates work right, they make sure that piping systems are as efficient as possible in many different places.
The Importance of Balancing Valves in HVAC Systems
Still hard to understand? Let me change the point of view a bit:
Are you tired of the same old boring valves that only control fluid flow? Want to spice things up in your piping system?
Look no further than the balancing valve – the valve that's not really meant to shut off flow, but hey, who needs that kind of control anyway?
Okay, that was just a joke made to look like a TV ad.
Now let's go back to the explanation.
Types of Balancing Valves
Balancing valves are an important part of both plumbing and HVAC systems.
They control the flow rates and make sure the system works right.
This article will talk about the different kinds of balancing valves and how they are used.
Flow Balancing Valves
Flow-balancing valves are made to keep the water flow in a plumbing system even.
They add a variable amount of resistance to the system, making sure that there is always the right amount of water at all points of use.
Flow balancing valves should be put on each main pipe and each branch pipe to make sure that each main pipe and each building get the same amount of water.
Whenever possible, experts say that flow-balancing valves should be put on the return side of the coil.
By cutting down on the amount of free air in the coil, balancing valves on the return side help solve air and noise problems in the system.
If you put flow balance valves on the return side, the water pressure in the coil will be higher, so more air will stay in it.
This makes plumbing systems less likely to make noise.
Circuit Setter Balancing Valves
A circuit setter balancing valve is a device that controls the flow of fluid through the hydronic parts of HVAC systems that use water to heat and cool parts of a building.
Bell & Gossett made a calibrated balance valve that makes sure the flow is even.
The circuit setter makes sure that the right amount of water flows through the system automatically.
This keeps the system safe and makes sure that the water flows at the right rate.
Circuit setters have a ball valve and two pressure ports that can be used to measure the pressures coming in and going out of the valve to figure out the pressure drop across the valve.
With a calibrated plate, you can set the flow and make sure it is even.
Circuit setters can be changed in the field and can be set before balancing.
They are cheap and easy to get, but depending on how many valves are in the system, they may need to be set up correctly, which can take time and skill.
A circuit setter valve balance procedure should be used to get the water side of a hydronic system to work.
The new calibrated balance valve for the Circuit Setter Plus is made to set the balance of a proportional system before it is put into use.
This method of balancing the system makes sure that the flow balance is at its best with the least amount of pump operating horsepower.
Using the B&G Circuit Setter Calculator and the system's piping plan, it is easy to set the terminal unit balance valves ahead of time.
Radiator Balancing Valves
A radiator balancing valve is a part of a heating system that controls how much hot water flows through radiators.
This makes sure that all radiators in the system heat up at the same rate, so some rooms do not get too hot or too cold.
Balancing valves are important for heating efficiency because they help to reduce energy loss and make sure that the desired temperature is reached quickly and efficiently.
Also, if radiators are balanced, you can save a lot of money on your energy bills.
Adjusting and Maintaining Balancing Valves
Professionals in the industry can use differential pressure manometers/balancing computers to adjust a manual balancing valve to keep the system in balance.
These tools measure the difference in pressure between two points and figure out how much flow there is.
They can tell if and when the balancing valve(s) need to be adjusted to keep the system in balance.
Balancing valves must be kept in good shape if they are to keep working as they should.
One of the most common problems with balancing valves is that they can get clogged with dirt and debris, which can make them stop working.
This problem can be avoided if the valve is cleaned and checked regularly.
Also, keeping the water's chemistry right and making sure it does not flow too fast can help prevent valve problems.
Sudden Changes in Water Pressure
A pressure-balancing shower valve has a mechanism inside that keeps the flow of water even between the hot and cold sides.
It makes up for changes in water pressure so that the temperature stays the same even if the pressure changes.
But sudden changes in water pressure caused by flushing toilets can affect other fixtures that are connected to the same plumbing system.
This can cause other fixtures, like toilets, to have less water flow and less water pressure.
Automatic balancing valve
Tip: Turn on the caption button if you need it. Choose “automatic translation” in the settings button, if you are not familiar with the spoken language. You may need to click on the language of the video first before your favorite language becomes available for translation.
Use cases
| Used in: | Description: |
|---|---|
| HVAC systems: | Balancing valves are often used to control the flow of water or air in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They are used to make sure that each room gets the right amount of heating or cooling by balancing the flow of hot or cold water to different parts of the system. 2. |
| Water distribution systems: | In water distribution systems, balancing valves are used to control how much water goes to each part of the system. They are used to make sure that each building or floor gets the right amount of water pressure by balancing the flow of water to each building or floor. 3. |
| Industrial processes: | In factories, balancing valves are used to control the flow of fluids like chemicals, gases, or liquids. They are used to make sure that each part of the process gets the right amount of fluid by balancing the flow of these fluids. 4. |
| Fire protection systems: | Balance valves are used to control the flow of water to sprinkler systems in fire protection systems. They make sure that each sprinkler gets the right amount of water pressure by balancing the flow of water to different parts of the system. 5. |
| Irrigation systems: | In irrigation systems, balancing valves control how much water goes to each part of the system. They are used to make sure that different parts of the field get the right amount of water by balancing the flow of water. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, balancing valves are an important part of making sure that any HVAC system works well and efficiently.
They help control the flow of water and keep the system in balance, which saves energy, cuts costs, and makes the building more comfortable for the people who live there.
But keep in mind that balancing valves are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Each system is different, so the best type and arrangement of balancing valves must be based on a careful analysis of the needs and requirements of the system as a whole.
As we keep trying to make buildings that are more sustainable and use less energy, balancing valves will be a key part of reaching these goals.
By keeping a system in balance, we can cut down on wasted energy use and reduce the damage our buildings do to the environment.
So, the next time you design or fix an HVAC system, keep in mind how important it is to balance the valves and what role they play in making the future more sustainable.
Links and references
All About Balancing Valves:
https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/pumps-valves-accessories/all-about-balancing-valves/
https://www.emerson.com/documents/automation/control-valve-handbook-en-3661206.pdf
Share on…
