There is one of the elements of valves, which is quite often used in space heating systems. In any case, it will not be possible to do without it when designing. This is a three-way valve for heating with a thermostat. The device has the shape of a tee and is designed to connect or separate water flows.
Mixing valves
Controlling the heating of the outgoing streams is quite simple. To do this, it is enough to determine the temperature of the incoming cold and hot liquids and regulate their supply in the required proportions. According to the principle of operation, three-way valves for heating systems function as dividing and mixing valves. How each type of device works can be understood by name.
The mixing valve has two inlets and one outlet. Such a device is designed to combine flows, for example, hot and cold water, whichnecessary to regulate the heating of the coolant. These devices are ideal for creating the required temperature in equipped underfloor heating systems. Devices of this type can also perform the function of stream splitting if set accordingly.
Separating valves
Three-way valve for heating with a dividing thermostat divides the main flow into two parts. Such devices are most often used to supply hot water in several directions. Quite often, specialists mount these valves in the piping of air heaters.
The difference between mixing devices and separators
Both devices do not differ from each other in appearance. If we consider valve schemes for different functional purposes, one can easily notice a significant difference. In mixing devices, a stem with a single ball valve is installed. It is placed in the center to cover the inlet seat. In separating devices, there are two such valves on one stem, and they are mounted in the outlet pipes. When the first opens one passage, moving away from the saddle, the second at this time blocks the flow of water through the main.
Management methods
Three-way valve for electric heating is becoming more and more popular with buyers every day. They prefer to buy hand-held devices only in order to save money. Automatic electrical systems are quite often used in the operation of systemsdistribution of heat in private homes.
For example, the temperature in the rooms can be regulated separately, taking into account the distance from the boiler. Such valves are easily compatible with underfloor heating systems. High-traffic appliances are often installed on the heat pipeline between buildings.
Valve selection
Like all other devices, three-way valves differ in the pressure of the coolant and the diameter of the supply pipe. These characteristics determine the creation of GOST, which allows for certification. Non-compliance with state standards by manufacturers is a gross violation because the issue may relate to the pressure inside the pipelines.
Functional benefits
You need to understand that three-way thermostatic valves for heating of a mixing type do not change the pressure of the coolant, but only regulate the ratio of cold and hot water supply in the system. The stem is always equipped with a double O-ring, the outer part of which can be replaced without the need to drain the entire structure. The valve body is made only of materials resistant to corrosion. The stainless drain has a double O-ring seal. Connections are made with a brazed, threaded or welded fitting.
Automatic systems
Three-way valve for heating with a V altec thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature of the liquid. To make this possible, the devices are equipped with a specialdrive system receiving pulses from various sensors. There are hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and other devices.
Electric drives
The most common are electrically driven devices that are able to carry out the most accurate control of the temperature of the coolants. The trigger mechanism in such a system can be electromagnets (solenoids) or complex servo drives built on transmission systems or low-power electric motors. The three-way valve for heating with a thermostat can be controlled by temperature detectors or pressure sensors, which are mounted in the relevant parts of the piping.
Besides electric, another type of actuator can be installed on the valves at the same time. A complete set of this type will expand the possibility of choosing and installing a control system that can most optimally ensure high-quality work in each specific case.
Technical info
Three-way adjustable valve for heating is one of the varieties of valves and is mostly made of stainless steel, brass or cast iron. According to the shutter method or shape, such mechanisms are divided into spherical, cylindrical and conical. Tension or gland landing of the shutter is possible. Adjustment is made from the underside of the device using a nut or from above using an oil seal.
Select device
If you need to choose a three-way valve for heating with a thermostat, it is better to first determine the type of system in which it will be used. You should pay attention to the type of drive, as well as the regulating device of the mechanism. It can be a ball rotating around an axis or a rod made according to some specific principle. Regulating elements distribute fluid flows, and do not block them. Such devices are very efficient and quite reliable. Many buyers recommend a three-way valve for heating with Esbe thermostat.
Prices for three-way valves
The cost of valves in the domestic market has a very wide range and may depend on certain factors. This feature is typical for most thermal equipment. The main distinguishing quality is the material from which the device is made. Cast iron and steel valves are mostly used in heating systems and high flow pipelines. Therefore, the price of such devices will be higher than for brass, the dimensions of which are much smaller.
Today, an alternative to three-way valves has not yet been invented, therefore only thanks to these devices it is possible to adjust the temperature when the coolant is supplied to the heating system. The production technology has been perfected to the smallest nuances, so choosing a device that meets specific requirements will never be difficult. Today, in the domestic market, you can purchase a three-way valve for heating from leading European manufacturers. The quality of these devices has been verified by severaldecades of service.
Features of the use of devices with electric drive
These valves are often used when mixing or separating hot, cold water or air flows. The devices operate together with variable speed drives. Control devices must not be installed in positions where water can enter. In some instruments, no adjustment is necessary during assembly. For this, special mixing and distributing valves are provided.
Installation
The mixing or dividing three-way valve for heating must be installed according to the intended use, using conventional threaded connections with flat seals. Contamination must be avoided. When installing, the direction of flow should be paid attention to. Special arrows are provided on the valve body for this purpose.
Rotor dampers
Such components enable the system to operate in manual and automatic temperature control modes. The principle of operation of such valves is as follows. The amount of coolant passed into the heating system will be equal to the volume of water taken back. Thus, the required temperature will be maintained without additional operation of the boiler.
Conclusion
Three-way thermostatic heating valve designed for separation orconnections of streams of cold and hot water in systems of heating of rooms. Depending on the volume of the coolant, as well as the dimensions of the heating networks, the required throughput, dimensions and material from which the device should be made are determined.
The water temperature is controlled manually or through the operation of automatic hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuators equipped with special temperature sensors. In some types of valves, mechanisms are provided that make it possible to select a mixing or dividing valve operation mode. Electric devices are the most popular in the domestic market.
