At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we manufacture and distribute a broad selection of balancing valves. Our valves feature brass (DZR) construction for superior corrosion resistance and a fixed venturi design for easier setting requirements. We also offer accessories for all types of connections. To learn more about our products and how they can benefit your hydronic system, contact us today.

BalancingValve plumbing

The following article discusses balancing valves for chilled water systems and heated water systems, including what they do, how to adjust them, and typical applications.

Balancing valves are throttling devices designed to regulate the fluid flow through hydronic components. In hydronic systems (HVAC systems that use water as a medium to heat and cool areas of the facility), they facilitate the distribution of heated or chilled water to all terminals. As a result, the system is able to achieve optimal performance, which translates to higher operating efficiency and lower operating costs.

Backflow is the unintended flow of water from any domestic, industrial or institutional piping system into a drinking water supply system.  It can be caused by a loss of pressure in the drinking water supply main or by the flow from a pressurised system through an unprotected cross connection.

Balancingvalve for hot water return

Balancing valves are an essential component of hydronic systems. They ensure the proper temperatures within the facility are achieved and maintained, energy utilization is optimized, and operating costs are reduced. If you need balancing valves for your facility, turn to the experts at RWV.

Balancing valves add the proper “resistance” on all lines, ensuring that the system delivers the right flow and temperature to all of the terminals, given the current facility conditions.

Types ofbalancing valves

Balancingvalve for chilled water

The flow of fluid in an HVAC system is constantly changing to accommodate alterations in the conditions of the facility. Some of the factors that influence the demand for heating and cooling include building occupancy levels and heat from the sun. Properly designed and constructed HVAC systems should be able to offer the correct output when and where it is required. In unbalanced systems, there is a risk of underflow or overflow conditions, which can lead to insufficient or excessive heating or cooling. Balancing valves ensure the system delivers the right flow to all of the terminals, given the current facility conditions.

Differential pressure manometers/balancing computers—measure the pressure difference between two pressure points. Industry professionals can use this tool to calculate flow rates and determine if and when adjustments on the balancing valve(s) are needed to maintain system balance.

Water will take the path of least resistance. Unbalanced systems risk underflow or overflow conditions, which can lead to insufficient or excessive heating or cooling. Rooms further from the pump receive less water due to different “resistances” created by lines of different length. Head loss grows with pipe length, turns, restrictions and gravity.

To speak with your local Backflow Prevention specialist about your backflow prevention requirements, find and contact them here.

The flow of fluid in an HVAC system is constantly changing to accommodate alterations in the conditions of the facility. Properly designed and constructed HVAC systems should be able to offer the correct output when and where it is required.

Automaticbalancingvalve

As indicated above, balancing valves help achieve and maintain proper conditions within hydronic systems. In addition to being used in HVAC systems, they are also integrated into the following:

Your requirements are based on the level of risk for your property. See below a general backflow requirements guide of risk level.

Typically, an HVAC system has a balancing valve for each terminal-unit coil and air-handling unit (AHU). Adjusting all of them to maintain system balance involves several steps. For manual balancing valves, these are: