Typically, when water is supplied, mixing valves are placed at the system outlet in two strokes - for hot water and cold. In order to get the water of the right temperature, it is accordingly regulated in each of the departments. However, for more convenient use, three-hole valve designs have been created.
Three-way valve: design and application features
Unlike traditional, the three-way valve consists of a body and three holes. Two of them are inlets - hot and cold water from the pipes enters there. The third is the outlet, from it water, the temperature of which is regulated by the consumer, flows out. A big plus of the system is that the pressure of the water at the outlet is always constant. The ratio of hot and cold can be changed, the flow of feed is debugged automatically.
The three-way valve is equipped with a special stem, moving which the consumer regulates the temperature regime. In other designs, instead of a rod, a ball is rotated around an axis. The convenience of such a valve is that the access of water does not completely shut off, but simply the flow of hot and cold liquid is redistributed inside it, which leads to their mixing in different proportions.
The three-way valve operates 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 higher than zero the temperature of the water in the water branches. The three-way mixing valve is most often produced with hydraulic actuators, electric, etc. The latter type is most popular, because with its help you can make a fairly accurate adjustment.
It is possible to continuously regulate 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 systems and the solar collector, in systems with hot circulating water supply and without it, with floor heating and much more.
Valves are made from durable, wear-resistant materials such as cast iron, brass, steel, and bronze. An electric drive is included in some designs.
Individual benefits
Not only the three-way
control valve itself
is made from raw materials of increased strength, but also the working parts that complement it. So, the stem is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Its double O-ring seal on the drain allows you to replace a failed outer ring without disassembling 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 - thermostat valves. With the right selection of parameters, they can be mounted both in heating systems and water supply. Thus, a valve with a thermostat is considered to be a practically universal device.
General recommendations
Before buying any three-way valves, you should make sure which option is suitable for your water or heating system and whether it corresponds to the tasks for which they are purchased. Technical specifications and features are described in detail in the attached passport instructions, which should be read in detail.