Valves are devices that are used to close openings and outlets, to regulate the flow of water and gases through pipes and prevent their backflow, and to regulate and release pressure in a controlled manner. There are many types of valves. What should you consider when choosing valves for water or gas installations? Take advantage of the practical tips from Onninen specialists!
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What types of automatic pressure and flow control valves are there?
Water installations are characterized by a specific working pressure. Additionally, a maximum working pressure may be specified. Exceeding the set value may cause serious damage to equipment and pipes. For this reason, special pressure regulating valves are used in water installations and other hydraulic systems, the task of which is to maintain the pressure within the desired range. There are three main types of automatic pressure and flow control valves:
- pressure control valves - regulating the inlet or outlet pressure,
- flow control valves – electrically controlled shut-off valves,
- water level control valves – float and on/off.
The choice of a specific valve should be consulted with its manufacturer. The following should certainly be determined: the target function of the valve (e.g. pressure reduction, pressure maintenance, backflow prevention), working pressure, pressure reduction coefficient and maximum flow capacity at a loss of 1 bar (Kvs value).
How do pressure reducing valves work?
The reducing control valve uses a diaphragm with a spring as a closing element, which is pressed by the medium flowing through the water supply network. It is a diaphragm valve controlled by its own medium. It reduces the variable pressure at the inlet to a constant, correspondingly lower pressure at the outlet. The standard output pressure is in the range of 1-15 bar.
The medium flows into the main valve. Before reaching the outlet side, it flows through the ball valve, filter, orifice, control valve and another ball valve in turn. If the outlet pressure exceeds the set value, the valve closes. However, if the outlet pressure downstream of the valve is lower than the set value, the control valve opens, the medium flows from the inlet side and from above the control chamber, and then the main valve opens.
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How to choose a valve for a plumbing system?
Various types of valves are used in hydraulic systems. They differ in their construction, purpose and method of operation. The two main types are ball valves and piston valves. Both are used to open/close the water circuit. How does a ball valve work? In a very simple way. The design of ball valves contains a special, rotating "ball" with a passage, which closes or opens the water circuit in the system.
In a piston valve, the water flow will be closed by extending the piston. Mushroom valves are also used to control the water flow. Their name comes from the characteristic mushroom-shaped choke. The design also includes a movable stem and a body. The valve body element is a seat. In addition, in high-pressure systems, extremely durable valves are often used to control the fluid.
Valves can also be divided according to their purpose:
- control valves – such as a balancing valve , which enables precise hydraulic regulation of the installation;
- shut-off valves ;
- safety valves – are used primarily in central heating installations and boilers, where they prevent excessive pressure increases by automatically releasing excess water or steam;
- distribution valves ;
- check valves - allow water to flow in one direction, hence their common use in systems with an increased risk of water backflow.
In the process of selecting installation valves, a number of factors should be taken into account, in particular: the type, purpose and quality of the product. It is worth treating the purchase of a valve as an investment in the durability and reliability of the hydraulic system. Try to choose valves and accessories from proven manufacturers and suppliers, with a quality certificate/attestation and covered by a guarantee. Top brands often offer technical support for professionals, which definitely makes it easier to select the right solution, its installation, operation and subsequent maintenance. In case of any problems or doubts, you gain access to professional assistance provided by specialists who are perfectly familiar with the products you use.
We encourage plumbing installers to familiarize themselves with our wholesale offer. Our assortment includes ball valves, safety valves, check valves, thermostatic valves, radiator valves, anti-pollution valves, priority valves, regulating valves, stop valves and many other types. We build our offer based on solutions from the most recognized companies and brands in the installation and heating industry. We supply a wide range of modern products at great prices under our own brand Onnline . Onninen consultants provide professional substantive support.