It is impossible to feel comfortable even in the most comfortable and modern apartment if the room is cold. Therefore, the first priority should be the arrangement of an efficient heating system. Heating should provide the most pleasant microclimate, since too high temperatures are even worse than cold. In order not to fall into such extremes, the engineers created a simple, but functional and practical device. This is a bypass valve. People far from heating may not be aware of the existence of such a device. Let's find out what it is, why and how it works.
What is this?
This device is a tube jumper, which is mounted between the direct and reverse wiring of the radiator. The cross diameter is smaller than the size of the main pipe.
Destination
The main function of the bypass valve is to return excess water back to the riser from the radiators when manual orthe automatic regulator measures the volume of the coolant. The latter, with the help of this valve, moves parallel to the control and shut-off valves.
If the heating systems did not have this device, then the repair of radiators would be impossible at the time the system was in working order. Valves make filling and emptying easier.
In addition, installing a bypass for heating ensures reliable operation of the equipment when there is no electricity in the network. At the time of a power outage, the bypass shuts off the taps that supply the coolant to the pump. And on the main pipe, the central valve is turned off. Using the bypass, you do not have to tighten the taps manually. With this device, everything will happen automatically. This is a huge plus, users note.
Operation principle
Most often, single-pipe heating systems are installed in apartments. In such systems, the heat dissipation of the first radiator affects the operation of the next one. This is true for vertical as well as horizontal layout. If there is no bypass, the batteries will be connected in series. As a result, the first battery will take all the heat, and the rest will get at best a warm, or even a cold coolant.
To prevent this from happening, the supply and return pipes near each radiator are connected by a jumper, directing part of the water bypassing the battery. The principle of operation of the bypass valve is to give the same amount of heat to nearby anddistant radiators and reduce their dependence on each other.
Varieties
Bypasses are used in a wide variety of heating systems. Two main types can be distinguished - with or without a check valve:
- The first ones are used with circulation pumps. Activate them as needed. When the pump is running, the valve turns on and opens, and then, under the pressure created by the pump, the coolant passes through.
- Valveless bypasses make it possible to repair one part of the system without turning off the entire heating.
This product has multiple functions and uses. Below we will consider what the bypass valve is responsible for in different heating systems.
Bypass in one-pipe heating
In heating systems, this device helps to form alternative coolant flows bypassing the heating line and components. In multi-storey buildings, the valve will help in the process of repairing batteries in winter. By redirecting the flow around, you can easily replace or repair the structural part of the system. You can install the device in any part of the heating main.
In addition, in single-pipe systems, the bypass valve regulates heat transfer. The main function is to remove excess coolant back to the riser when the thermostat changes the volume of coolant. Another feature is to speed up filling and emptying of the system even when manual control valves are not installed.
When temporaryIn the absence of electricity in systems with a circulation pump, the installation of a bypass for heating ensures uninterrupted operation. Due to the control valve, the system will work in natural mode.
Often, with the help of these devices, one-pipe heating is improved. The use of a bypass is relevant in old houses built during the USSR. These houses are already obsolete, and in winter it can be very hot in apartments. To optimize the temperature regime, this valve is used. After installation, you can adjust the volume of coolant supply.
It works like this. Water enters the system from the boiler or from the central heating boiler room in series, but due to the use of a bypass, it bypasses the radiators. When she completes her circle, she will return back to the cauldron. Due to heat transfer, the temperature of the liquid is significantly reduced, and then the coolant enters the radiators.
Features of using bypasses in two-pipe systems
Such heating systems can work according to different schemes. But even here it is useful to install a bypass valve. It will make it much easier to control the process of movement of the coolant. If necessary, you can control the filling of radiators. Heat dissipation can also be adjusted.
Installation
After we have studied what a bypass valve is in heating, you should find out the installation features. When installing, you should take into account certain factors that affect the efficiency of the heating system.
So, the diameter of the valve should be smaller than the size of the heating pipe. The temperatures at the bypass installation points should be as low as possible. The device should be as close as possible to the battery, and away from the riser, on the contrary. Installing the bypass valve horizontally allows you to completely avoid air entering the system. For quick dismantling, it is necessary to have locking elements on the bypass.
Installation of a bypass channel for radiators
When installing new batteries in a single-pipe heating system, the first thing to do is to ensure that the liquid can be drained. Then they assemble the body kit of the radiator - they cut out the old cast-iron grinder, unscrew unnecessary sections of pipes with idle taps. Next, the thread is cut and a structure is assembled from a tee, an extension, as well as ball valves.
Installation with circulation pump
If it is necessary to install a circulation pump, then a filter must be provided.
Depending on the type of pump, a suitable bypass is selected. In the case of a pump that has contact between the rotor and the coolant, a bypass is installed on the return and on the supply line. When the pump rotor does not come into contact with water, the bypass is installed only on the return pipe.
Savings with bypass
Installation of a bypass valve will lead not only to a more comfortable operation of the heating system, but also to saving electricity. So, on average, the volume of coolant in systems equipped with a valve increases by 30-35 percent. This isincreases the overall heat dissipation of the batteries.
In closing
Now it is clear how the bypass valve works, where and in what cases to use it. Experts recommend installing this device in all modern heating systems. The bypass valve greatly simplifies the operation of the heating system and makes it possible to repair individual units without completely shutting it down, which is very convenient.
