Usually, when water is supplied, two-way mixing valves are installed at the outlet of the system - for hot water and cold. In order to obtain water at the desired temperature, it is adjusted accordingly in each of the compartments. However, three-hole valve designs have been created for ease of use.
Three-way valve: design and application features
Unlike traditional ones, the three-way valve consists of a body and three holes. Two of them are inlet - hot and cold water comes from the pipes. The third is the output, from which water, the temperature of which is adjusted by the consumer, flows out. A big plus of the system is that the outlet water pressure is always constant. The ratio of hot and cold can be changed, while the supply flow is adjusted automatically.
The three-way valve is equipped with a special stem, by moving which, the consumer performstemperature control. In other designs, instead of a rod, a ball rotated around an axis is used. The convenience of such a valve lies in the fact that water access is not completely blocked, but simply the flow of hot and cold liquid is redistributed inside it, which leads to mixing them in different proportions.
The three-way valve works in manual mode and in automatic mode. A drive system connected to various temperature sensors is connected to it. From them, the system receives appropriate signals about how much above zero the temperature of the water in the water branches. The three-way mixing valve is most often produced with hydraulic actuators, electric actuators, etc. The latter type is the most popular, because it can be used to make fairly precise adjustments.
You can continuously adjust not only the supply of cold and hot water, but also the air temperature, if the equipment is used in ventilation, cold supply and heating systems. This explains the wide scope of the element. The three-way valve is indispensable in solar heating and solar collector systems, in systems with and without hot circulating water, under floor heating and much more.
Valves are produced from such durable, wear-resistant materials as cast iron, brass, steel, bronze. Electric drive included with some designs.
Selected Benefits
Not only the control valve itselfthree-way is made from raw materials of increased strength, but also working parts that complement it. Thus, the stem is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Its dual O-ring on the drain allows a failed outer O-ring to be replaced without dismantling the entire system.
Valve connectors are universal. It is connected to the system using fittings of various types - welded, threaded, soldered. This facilitates valve maintenance and operation.
Thermostat valve
In addition to the usual three-way valves, new models have entered the market - thermostatic valves. With the right selection of parameters, it is possible to mount them both in heating and water supply systems. Thus, the thermostatic valve is considered to be an almost universal device.
General recommendations
Before you buy any three-way valves, you should make sure which option is right for your water or heating system and whether it suits the tasks for which they are purchased. Specifications and features are described in detail in the enclosed passport instructions, which should be read in detail.
