In the process of designing heating systems of an impressive length, it is necessary to take into account the main minus, which is the possibility of an uneven distribution of heat. This is due to the fact that during the passage through a long pipeline, the coolant loses high temperature. In order to solve this problem, it is possible to use a rather complex system in which the main role is given to a three-way valve for a solid fuel boiler. The function of this device is to switch the heat flux.
Principle of operation
If you are interested in a three-way valve for a solid fuel boiler, you should familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation. This device acts as a kind of tee, which, using a locking mechanism, works to distribute water in the heating system.
Distinguish between devices that operate in variable and constant modes of hydraulic pressure. If we are talking about constant hydraulic pressure, then the consumer receives a coolant of a certain temperature in a certain volume. In the case of a variable mode, the coolant temperature does not play a significant role, since the volume of the supplied liquid is important here.
The three-way valve for a solid fuel boiler has a special element that acts as a stem. It does not block the coolant flow with a certain hydraulic pressure, however, it copes when there is a need to shut off the water flow, where the hydraulic pressure is variable in performance. This element allows you to adjust the flow rate and pressure intensity.
The main features of the functioning of the valves
In order for the three-way valve for the solid fuel boiler to properly perform its main tasks, a piping system with hot and cold water is connected to it at the same time. It is considered important information that in some cases the connection diagram consists of arrows that indicate the direction of water movement. In this case, warm water performs the function of a coolant that moves from gas or solid fuel equipment, but cooled water is considered to be return.
In the three-way valve for a solid fuel boiler, both hot and cold coolant are simultaneously supplied, in this place the water mixes, and at the outlet its temperature acquires an average value. This becomes possible only with a partially open valve. If the device is completely open, the coolant enters the heating system from the equipment, which ensures the maximum possible heating of heating devices, such as radiators. If the valve is closed, only the cooled water, which is considered return, will enter the battery.
What else you need to know about valve performance
In some cases, the three-way thermostatic valve for a solid fuel boiler is replaced with two separate devices, they are called a two-way valve. At the same time, work takes place according to a certain principle, which consists in the fact that when you open one tap, the second is closed.
The main varieties of three-way valves and the features of their work
The device described in the article, which is used in tandem with heating boilers, is very common. On sale you can find such units, presented in two varieties. The first is a separation valve, while the second is a mixing valve. The first type of device is used when there is a need to direct the flow of water from one pipe to another. For this, it is customary to use a ball device. In such models, it is difficult to make smooth adjustment due to the design features of the locking mechanism.
The three-way mixing valve for the Hertz solid fuel boiler has certain differences. They consist in the fact that in the separation device there are two valves, as well as a stem. An alternative mixing unit has one stem and one valve. The element is located in the center of the device and is designed to block the main passage of the coolant flow.
In the separation device, the valves are located in the outlet pipes. At the time when one of them opens the flow of water, the second closes it. An example is a conventional faucet, which is part of a dispensing tap in a bathroom or kitchen.
According to the control method, these units can be divided into devices with electrical and manual control. The electromechanical device provides the movement of the valve of the control valve, when during use exclusively necessary channels are opened for the supply of liquid or gas.
Specialist advice
To solve everyday problems, the manual control option is most often used. The three-way mixing valve for a solid fuel boiler acts as a heat regulator for floors and rooms, as well as between separate buildings. He is responsible for the work of the warm floor. You can’t do without this device if there is a need for heating individual rooms. In this case, we are talking about a greenhouse or a residential building, as well as a winter garden.
For reference
Regardless of the type, the described device provides a constant flow of water, which is accompanied by the movement of a substance, due to the latter, heat is transferred. This is true in winter, when the temperature inside the system changes quite strongly. Thus, when using such a valve in gas or solid fuel equipment, the system does not defrost.
Selection recommendations
If you decide to purchase and install a three-way valve for a solid fuel boiler with your own hands, then you should familiarize yourself with the features of the choice and some technical characteristics. Among them, one can distinguish the diameter of the connection to the piping system and equipment, it can vary from 20 to 40 millimeters. If it was not possible to find the required diameter, then you can use special adapters.
It is important to take into account the throughput, which determines the volume of fluid passing through the pipe in a certain amount of time. By purchasing a three-way valve for a solid fuel boiler, the principle of operation of which was described above, experts advise you to consider the possibility of mounting a servo drive, it is required in order for the valve to function in automatic mode. This is extremely important when the installation of a warm water floor system is envisaged.
Additional selection criteria
Before purchasing a three-way thermostatic mixing valve for solid fuel boilers, it is necessary to find out the type of actuator. It will depend on the heating equipment layout. In the simplest connection diagrams, it is the thermostatic appliance that is used; binding the unit to a thermal battery assumes the start of water heating only when the boiler is heated to a certain temperature. As soon as the coolant reaches the set temperature, the valve tuned to a certain operating mode opens the flow of cold water. In this case, hot enters the capacity of the heat accumulator, replacing cold water. If a more complex strapping scheme is used, then it will include the use of a boiler with a valve, which is controlled by external control. Cranes with two types of actuators are used here; they operate in two circuits of water circulation.
One of them is installed directly near the heat source; it works according to the principle that was considered above. If we are talking about the second, then it has an electric drive and is controlled by a controller, which depends on the information that comes from the sensors. In this case, the valve is aimed at maintaining a certain level of water temperature in the circuit.
Electric devices are sometimes used in the primary circuit, however, at the same time, two or several plants must operate in the boiler room, which are controlled by one controller.
Conclusion
It is important to consider one more criterion that is relevant when choosing three-way valves. It is expressed in the range of temperatures used. In this case, we are talking about devices with a thermostatic drive, which are also used in underfloor heating systems, as well as in boiler piping.