The
engine of progress is laziness, that is, simplification of life. In heating,
simplification is the automation of processes. Application of circulating
pumps, closed expansion tanks, automatic air vent, safety valves, etc. All
these solutions facilitate the operation of the heating system.
But
sometimes the combination of these devices leads to unforeseen difficulties -
the need to automatically replenish the heating system with a coolant.
Fortunately, the solution has already been found, and we will talk about it
today.
These
are the filling valves.
 |
| Filling valve SmartFiller M from RBM |
During
operation, the volume of water (as the most common coolant) decreases. When
does water leave?
1.
When automatic air vents are activated. Some of the water comes out with air.
2.
With evaporation. The average monthly consumption is 3 liters for every 150 kW.
3.
When opening the handle air vent on radiators.
4.
When cleaning filters. Or other preventive works.
5.
When safety valves operate.
Also,
the volume of the heating system may increase due to an increase in the
internal volume of polymer pipelines (due to thermal deformation), or metal
fittings or pipelines (due to corrosion).
All
this leads to a drop in pressure in the heating system. To solve these
problems, a make-up valve was developed.
The
design of the valve is based on the principle of operation of the water
pressure reducer.
 |
| Scheme of filling valve SmartFiller M from RBM |
The
valve diaphragm is adjusted to the desired pressure in the heating system, and
when it is lowered, it weakens the action of the spring. The filling valve opens,
thereby allowing water to flow into the heating circuit. When the desired level
is reached, the valve closes again.
It is
important that there is no backflow of water - from heating to water supply, as
the quality of water in the heating system is worse. Also, microorganisms and
bacteria can be present there. Therefore, a non-return valve must be installed
in this valve.
What
should You look for when choosing a filling valve?
- Such
a device must be able to fully close. This is important when the system is
first filled with water. To make this process happen more quickly, most
manufacturers install a convenient handle for this.
- Any
valve can be adjusted to the desired pressure at which it will fire. For ease
of adjustment, it is better to install a valve with a tuning handle (RBM,
Honeywell, FAR). The availability of a manometer is also very important. All
valves are equipped with an outlet under the manometer, but few add it to the
product kit (RBM, Watts, Tiemme, FAR). Valves without a manometer are cheaper,
but you can not do without it. And so if you add to the price of the valve and
the price of this measuring device, the total cost may not be in their favor.
This is already a marketing war of producers).
- Since
the working mechanism of the filling valve is delicate enough, some manufacturers add a
filter (Officine Rigamonti, Icma, Caleffi, FAR) to its design. If the valve
does not have a built-in filter, it must be installed separately.
- Body of filling valves are
made of brass. To increase the resistance to external corrosion, they can be
coated with nickel (RBM, Tiemme, FAR).
In general, when choosing such a valve, pay
attention not to the price, but to the configuration, usability, design and
technical parameters (tuning range, operating pressure and temperature). Because
filling valve is an element of protection of your heating system. Do not skimp
on safety.
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