Proper preparation of the central heating system is crucial for the efficiency of work, but also for the functionality of the entire installation. A very important role here is played by the differential valve, which cooperates with the installation. It is worth learning more about it and getting to know the offer of differential valves in the Onninen wholesaler.
Check the differential valve at the Onninen wholesaler
Advantages and applications of differential valves
The differential valve works with a central heating system with forced water circulation, i.e. a circulation pump. Thanks to it, you can automatically switch the system between gravity and forced circulation, which is particularly important when solid fuel boilers are used in the system. During the operation of the circulation pump, the valve is closed, so it forces the correct direction of water flow in the system, and consequently protects both the boiler and the circulation pump from high temperatures that could cause damage. The advantage of using valves is gaining safety and protecting the system from failures. You also need to know that the differential valve increases the efficiency of the entire hydraulic system. It therefore ensures a constant flow, and therefore lower energy consumption.
What is the difference between a differential valve and a check valve?
The check valve can be used with submersible or pressure pumps. In this way, it prevents water from flowing back into the pump. The differential valve, on the other hand, primarily protects the installation from overheating. It plays a very important role, as it protects the entire circulation pump from increasing temperature. It also provides protection for the boiler. As a result, the entire installation can work much longer.
It should be remembered here that the differential valve itself is a type of check valve, and therefore is responsible for automatic switching from gravity circulation to forced circulation, i.e. pump off - pump on, valve open - valve closed. In places where circulation pumps are used, check valves should be provided. If a new installation is being built, and therefore pipes of small diameter are used, the additional resistance provided by the flap valve may constitute too much throttling of the flow. The differential valve itself is a NO valve, and therefore opens automatically when the pump stops working. Therefore, the entire gravity circulation works fully effectively.
Installing a differential valve on solid fuel boilers
In heating systems, where the water circulation is forced by a circulation pump, a differential valve is used, which protects all devices from high temperatures, and also affects the correct 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, in both vertical and horizontal positions. It is crucial that the arrow located in the valve body fully matches the direction of water flow in the system. The valve is installed in the main pipe between the pump mounting points.
Installing a horizontal differential valve on the return
During the boiler operation, the circulation pump works and the valve is closed. If, for example, there is a power failure, the valve opens and allows water to flow to the rest of the installation. This is precisely why the water flow through the boiler is fully maintained and it does not overheat. The valve can be mounted on the boiler return pipe, but only if a pump is installed there. You can also decide to mount a differential valve horizontally on the return. In this case, the element pressing but also preventing the water flow is a ball, which can be made of plastic. Thanks to this, it is mechanically resistant. A spring is used as the pressing element. This solution makes a greater pressure difference necessary. The non-return valve must be fully tight due to the increasing water pressure. In turn, the differential valve should conduct water effectively.
Differential valves at the Onninen wholesaler
It is worth choosing differential valves from the Onninen installation wholesaler . The Ferro gravity differential valve 5/4" is worth noting. It is extremely durable, resistant to mechanical damage. Its maximum working temperature is as much as 110 degrees Celsius, so it works well even at very high temperatures. Note also that it will work well both vertically and horizontally. It is designed for installation where the working pressure is a maximum of 7 bar. In addition, its price is really favorable.
A good solution may also be the Idmar ZWR 40 differential valve with a ball . It is very durable. It is also characterized by high mechanical resistance. It can work in an installation 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 the occurrence of pressure differences.
You can also opt for the Ferro gravity differential valve 1" . The DU146 differential relief valve maintains the pressure generated by the pump in heating systems at a constant level and reduces noise caused by water flow, especially as a result of the throttling of this flow by radiator valves. Thanks to its function of releasing the supply water back, it increases the temperature of the water returning to the boiler, and thus reduces boiler corrosion caused by water condensation from flue gases.