Use of three-way thermostatic valves: device, types of mixing systems, installation
Many homeowners arrange an autonomous heating system to provide a warm atmosphere in their homes. The work on its creation is quite difficult and requires some knowledge. This heating system has a complex structure. It includes a large number of different components and units. Each of them performs its specific function. One of its elements is a three-way valve. It acts as a faucet. It is the process of regulating the temperature of the coolant.
This is done mainly for that, to provide uniform heating of pipes and a certain temperature level in each of the rooms. If you refuse to use this part when installing heating systems in the house, then the situation will turn out, when the water when passing through the heat exchanger will be heated differently. The result is that, that in some rooms of the house will be warm, and in others a little cooler.
When necessary?
Modern technology, which in recent years have penetrated into almost all areas, are used also at installation of heating systems. Thanks to them, it became possible to create distribution and mixing valves, which has good functionality. One of its varieties is a three-way control valve. It can be used in different components of the heating system. It is also used in water supply systems. The production of these parts is carried out using high-tech equipment. Therefore, the cost of valves is quite high.
If we talk about the main tasks, which performs this detail, note the following:
- mixing of two streams of the working environment;
- division of the input stream.
What is needed for mixing? The main thing, what this process requires is the protection of power equipment, running on solid fuel, from low-temperature corrosion. Its occurrence is due to the formation of condensate. Mixing also provides protection against burns to consumers with hot water. The main thing is, what is it for - ensuring effective temperature in a contour of floor and radiator heating, at the expense of which heating and supply of housing with hot water is provided.
In heating systems, connected in parallel, which use two boilers, division is applied. Example, it is used, when both wood and gas boiler operate as part of the heating system. After the firewood in the boiler is completely burned, by means of the dividing valve there will be a switching of the movement of the heat carrier to radiators from gas installation. The use of the separation module allows in the process of installation of heating systems to switch the circuit from heating to hot water supply, providing the consumer with hot water.
Thermostatic valve device
These valves are installed on all models of heaters. their the design is standard, so the main thing, What is the difference between the models of such valves - overall dimensions. Therefore, the appearance of thermostatic valves for Ariston boilers, Arder or other manufacturers will look the same.
Touching on the technical characteristics, note, that you can get acquainted with them, if you look in the technical data sheet of the product. It is not necessary to install a three-way thermostatic valve on the boiler, which is not intended for him. In this case, it will still not work properly. Having performed the installation, you may face more sad consequences: Improper parts will cause the boiler to lose its working condition. As a result, trying to save, will arise the need for additional costs.
The device of the three-way thermostatic valve, used for solid fuel and gas boilers, has no major differences. The type of fuel used to generate heat also does not matter. Features of coolant circulation are also not important. It has to do with that, that during use the valves do not come into contact with the combustion chamber, therefore there is no need to adjust these elements to the type of heating system.
If we talk about coolants, then most homeowners use ordinary water in their systems. Many people choose it because of its availability and lack of problems during the operation of the heating system. It just doesn't make sense to use something else, after all, water heating is enough, reliably and when using such systems there are no problems with them.
As a material for the manufacture of three-way thermostatic valves are used:
- bronze;
- Stainless Steel.
There are valves made of polymeric materials, but they are still poorly represented on the market. But we can expect an increase in their representation soon, as they demonstrate high reliability in operation.
Thermostatic valve, designed for gas boiler, has a simple device. It is characterized by a T-shaped appearance and the presence of two inlets and one outlet. Special membrane, located inside the mixing valve, provides flow control, coming from different sources. Thanks to it it is possible to achieve optimum temperature.
design options
exist such varieties three-way mixing valves:
- automatic;
- mechanical.
In automatic valves, the movement of the membrane occurs naturally depending on the temperature of the coolant.
In the mechanical valve the position of a separator is exposed by the person. So, to monitor the temperature, it is necessary to install a thermometer on each of the inlet pipes.
Types of mixing valves
Based on the tasks, to solve which valves are installed, they are divided into:
- mixers;
- dividing.
All tasks, which have been described above, are provided by manual manipulations and automatically.
The design of any three-way mixing valve includes a housing, which includes there is a regulating element. Each manufacturer may have different elements for adjustment. Some use pistons or rods. These nodes are necessary for reciprocating movements. Some manufacturers use sector and disk, due to which the rotary movement is performed. The position of the shut-off and control mechanism is related to the outlet diameter of each pipe.
Heat-regulating faucets are the most popular. Their main purpose is to maintain the required temperature. Its use not only ensures the balance of flows. Thanks to it it is possible to create a stream with necessary temperature at an exit. In hot water supply systems, as well as in the well-known underfloor heating system, these models are actively used. They are also installed in heating systems, which are built on the basis of the boiler, running on solid fuel.
The thermomix valve can be completed automatic and manual control. The main difference between these varieties will be the need to perform regular checks of the system, to avoid overheating. At present, mechanical devices are used very rarely, because there are more advanced units.
Connection and operation
No special knowledge is required to install this part on the heater. All you need is a set of keys, which are used to tighten the valve. Sealant paste is also required when installing the valve, using which to seal the joints.
Connect this mixing valve performed according to one scheme. So, if you are installing such a part for the first time, then do not confuse anything. It is necessary to address to the master on installation of this detail, only if the part is replaced under warranty. In this case, you will not be charged. If you have a different situation, then in this case, spending half an hour of his time, you will be able to install the valve, while saving money.
features of operation
The device of the three-way valve, which was described above, clearly demonstrates, that this detail is reliable. It consists of a minimum number of parts. Major faults, which may occur during its operation, are mainly related to the leak of the housing and the loss of the working condition of the membrane. Some other problems are excluded, because the design of the valve is simple and there is simply no reason to break there. Breakdown of this element of the heating system is a rare phenomenon. They can only occur due to a factory defect or if the owner misuses the valve.
If we talk about repairing the three-way valve, then it is not appropriate. You, Of course, you can try sealing the hole. But, performing such repairs, can be seen soon, when another one appears next to it, because this process is irreversible.
It is better not to spend time on repairs, and buy a new valve, especially since it is inexpensive. Average the price for it is 550 rub. After installing a new part for several years, you can not worry about problems with it.
conclusion
The three-way valve is a necessary detail in the heating system of a residential building. It ensures the efficiency of space heating, as it allows to regulate the temperature of the coolant. Having installed such a valve, you will avoid the situation, when it is warmer in one room, than in another. You can buy this equipment and install it without any problems. It is available on the market and is inexpensive. Installation of the three-way valve can be carried out by own forces.
