Appropriate preparation of the central heating installation is crucial for the efficiency of work, but also for the functionality of the entire installation. The differential valve that cooperates with the installation plays a very important role here. It is worth learning more about it and getting to know the offer of differential valves at the Onninen wholesaler.
Check the differential valve at the Onninen wholesaler
Advantages and applications of differential valves
The differential valve cooperates with a central heating installation with forced water circulation, i.e. a circulation pump. Thanks to it, you can automatically switch the installation between gravity and forced circulation, which is particularly important when solid fuel boilers are used in the installation. When the circulation pump is operating, the valve is closed, thus forcing the correct direction of water flow in the system, and consequently protecting both the boiler and the circulation pump against high temperatures that could cause damage. The advantage of using valves is to gain safety and protect the installation against failures. You also need to know that the differential valve increases the efficiency of the entire hydraulic system. Therefore, it ensures constant flow and therefore lower energy consumption.
Is there a difference between a differential valve and a non-return valve?
The check valve can be used with submersible or pressure pumps. This prevents water from flowing back into the pump. The differential valve, however, primarily protects the installation against overheating. It plays a very important role because it protects the entire circulation pump against temperature increases. It also provides protection for the boiler. As a result, the entire installation can operate much longer.
It should be remembered here that the differential valve itself is a type of non-return valve, so it is responsible for automatically switching from gravity circulation to forced circulation, i.e. pump off - pump on, valve open - valve closed. In places where circulation pumps are used, non-return valves should be provided. If a new installation is being built and small-diameter pipes are used, the additional resistance provided by the flap valve may result in excessive flow throttling. The differential valve itself is a NO valve, so it opens automatically when the pump stops working. Therefore, the entire gravity circulation works fully efficiently.
Installation of a differential valve in solid fuel boilers
In heating installations where water circulation is forced by a circulation pump, a differential valve is used, which protects all devices against high temperatures and also affects the proper operation of the heating system when the circulation pump stops working. The differential valve can be installed at the boiler input as well as at its output, both vertically and horizontally. It is crucial that the arrow located in the valve body fully coincides with the direction of water flow in the installation. The valve is installed in the main pipeline between the pump mounting points.
Installation of a horizontal differential valve on the return
During boiler operation, the circulation pump operates and the valve is closed. For example, if there is a power failure, the valve opens and allows water to flow to the next part of the installation. Thanks to this, the water flow through the boiler is fully maintained and it does not overheat. The valve can be installed on the boiler return pipe, provided that a pump is installed there. You can also decide to install a differential valve horizontally on the return. In this case, the pressing element, but also preventing the water flow, is a ball, which may be made of plastic. Thanks to this, it is mechanically resistant. A spring is used as a pressing element. This solution requires a larger pressure difference. The non-return valve must be fully tight due to the increasing water pressure. In turn, this differential should conduct water effectively.
Differential valves at the Onninen wholesaler
It is worth choosing differential valves from the Onninen installation wholesaler . The 5/4" Ferro gravity differential valve is noteworthy. It is extremely durable and resistant to mechanical damage. Its maximum operating temperature is as much as 110 degrees Celsius, so it works well even at very high temperatures. Please also note that it will work both in vertical and horizontal operation. It is intended for installation where the operating pressure is a maximum of 7 bar. Moreover, its price is really favorable.
An Idmar ZWR 40 differential valve with a ball may also be a good solution. It is very durable. It is also characterized by high mechanical resistance. It can operate in installations where the pressure does not exceed 98 kPa. Thanks to this valve, automatic switching is ensured. Therefore, when the pump stops working, the devices will not overheat. The valve also protects against pressure differences.
You can also choose a 1" Ferro gravity differential valve . The DU146 differential relief valve keeps the pressure generated by the pump in heating installations at a constant level and reduces the noise caused by water flow, especially as a result of throttling this flow by radiator valves. Thanks to its function of releasing feed water it increases the temperature of the water returning to the boiler and thus reduces boiler corrosion caused by condensation of water from flue gases