How to choose a three -way valve for warm floors and wood boiler

Efficient insulation and heating are essential for maintaining a warm home during the winter. A common approach that many homeowners choose is to install wood boiler systems in conjunction with warm flooring. This combination gives your living area a touch of luxury and comfort in addition to warmth. However, a three-way valve is a crucial part you’ll need to make sure these systems integrate flawlessly.

The hot water flow between your wood boiler and the heated floors is primarily controlled by a three-way valve. It essentially serves as a control mechanism, sending heated water either back to the boiler for reheating or directly to the floors for heating. This feature is essential for preserving ideal temperatures throughout your house and guaranteeing economical energy consumption.

It’s important to give careful thought to the three-way valve selection for your wood boiler and heated floors. A number of considerations need to be made in order to guarantee maximum effectiveness and compatibility. To choose the right valve size and flow rate, you must first evaluate the size and capacity of your wood boiler.

Take into account the three-way valve’s construction and design as well. Select premium materials that are resistant to temperature changes and continuous use. Homeowners can feel more at ease knowing that a sturdy valve will not only last longer but also reduce the possibility of malfunctions or leaks.

Additionally, be mindful of the control mechanism of the valve and its suitability for your heating system. While some valves have manual controls that make adjustment simple, others have electronic or programmable options that allow for more accurate temperature regulation. Choosing a valve that works well with your current heating controls will make maintenance and operation easier.

All things considered, the best way to maximize the performance of your wood boiler system and warm floors is to invest in a dependable and effective three-way valve. You can guarantee seamless operation and even heating throughout your house by taking into account elements like size, construction, and control mechanisms, which will make the bitterly cold winter months much more tolerable.

The principle of operation and types of valves

Any three-year valve’s job is to mix or separate two flows to the highway in order to supply the water at the proper temperature. As a result, the element has three outputs: two of which overlap completely or partially during operation, and one of which is always open. Thus, the tap’s name, three-way (which is incorrectly said sometimes), was born.

Note: As we previously stated in another set of instructions, the heating circulation pump must always be installed from the side of the open output in order for the circuit to operate properly.

The thermostatic valves are grouped into two groups as illustrated in the picture, based on how the coolant is prepared to the appropriate temperature:

1. Mixing. 2 streams of water are supplied to them – hot and chilled (the inputs are designated by the letters “A” and “B”), and a mixture of the set temperature is from the third pipe (marking “AB”). On the brass case there is a label in the form of an arrow that descending from two directions.
2. Dividing or distribution. The incoming coolant is divided into 2 streams of adjustable value. Marking on the case – 2 diverging arrows or letters “A”, “B” at the weekend pipe and “AB” at the entrance.

As a point of reference. Cross-linear 3-year thermal valves are available in a third variety. They are installed in wall gas boilers with a water circuit and use an electric drive to change the direction of flow between the secondary heat exchanger, which provides the DOS, and the main heat exchanger of the heating system. These kinds of elements are very uncommon outside of heat generators.

The principle of action further categorizes three-way cranes into two types: saddle and ball. The first device is comparable to standard tap valves; however, it uses a pressure sensor in place of a threaded rod. It features a plate that alternately overlaps two passes and moves between two saddles. There are three methods for applying pressure to the stem:

• built -in thermo -element
• Thermogram with a remote temperature sensor
• servo.

The diagram illustrates how this occurs, and our other publication goes into further detail about it.

Ball thermosmes -mixing valves operate using the same crane principle, but with three outputs instead of two. The rod can be rotated manually or by an electric drive under automation control. Because the elements have a high throughput and are full-pass, there is less hydraulic resistance. The reliance on mains voltage and the requirement for an uninterrupted power supply are the drawbacks (UPS).

Where you need to put a 3-way crane and when it is not needed

It is best to confirm that choosing a three-way valve is actually required before moving further. In fact, there are plenty of advisors both online and offline who have a cursory understanding of the main points of contention. So let’s enumerate the circumstances in which this valve is actually required:

1. To protect a solid fuel boiler from the supply of cold coolant and condensate loss on the internal walls of the furnace.
2. To adjust the temperature of the water in the heating contours.
3. To restrict the heating of the coolant in the circuit circuits.

Condensate is discussed extensively, leading to the development of sticky growths on the TT KOTLA camera’s walls, including on our resource. It manifests during the heating process, when the furnace’s temperature is already elevated and the heating system’s water becomes chilly. The bypass, where the third lane tap is located, binds the feeding and reverse lines in order to prevent this. It causes the boiler tank’s coolant to flow in a tiny circle, and the system’s water flow doesn’t start until the temperature reaches between 50 and 60 °C.

Significant observation. If a cast-iron heat exchanger is installed in your heat generator, the valve acts as a security measure. Assume that the house was left unplugged for one to two hours, during which time the radiator network was able to maintain a cool temperature. When the power supply resumes, cold water will enter a warm-up boiler abruptly if there is no mixer. Such a temperature differential will cause cast iron to undergo a heat shock and may fracture.

When heating contours with a mixing unit, temperature control is required in the following scenarios:

• in complex heating systems, when several lines with different temperature conditions must be connected to a common comb, for example, a radiator network, warm floors and an indirect heating boiler;
• when connecting the same consumers to the buffer container – the heat battery;
• When the heated water is supplied to the heat exchanger of the ventilation supply unit involved for the air heating of the suburban cottage.

Coolant should be restricted because it can come from the boiler and is sent to the heated floors’ heating contours at a maximum temperature of 50 °C. Typically, though not always! Installing a mixing unit on a distribution collector with a 3-year valve fixes the problem. The latter blends "external" coolant from the boiler with chilled water from floor circuits.

We now list the following circumstances in which buying and installing a mixer (or divider) is not necessary:

1. If the length of each loop of a water warm floor does not exceed 50-60 m, which is quite possible to achieve, then the regulation is done without a mixing unit. Instead, RTL heads are placed on the reverse manifold, limiting the flow by the number of coolant.
2. When 2-3 heating units that support the constant temperature in the network of at least 40 ° C work alternately for the heating of a private house, it is not necessary to put a three -way valve for a solid fuel boiler.
3. In heating systems with natural water circulation. The reason is the pressure difference on the valve that prevents the movement of the coolant. The same applies to heat accumulators involved in the gravity scheme.

Note: Pipes with an increased diameter of DN40 to DN50 are used in gravitational systems. This implies that you will need to purchase a large, reasonably priced flange valve instead of a standard coupling mixer for them. Such a solution cannot be deemed reasonable.

Watch this video from our expert and seasoned master Vladimir Sukhorukov to learn why choosing RTL heads is preferable and how they manage the floor heating’s contours:

Calculation of throughput

Simply select a three-way valve based on the heating unit pipe’s diameter to avoid supply pipeline malfunctions. The automatic regulation process involves the element creating an alternating hydraulic resistance, which needs to be overcome by the circulation pump in order to guarantee the necessary consumption of heat carriers. Through computation, the valve is chosen to bypass the intended amount of water at different rod positions.

Any 3-year valve’s primary positive feature is its conditional throughput, denoted by the letter KVS and given in m3/h. This figure, which appears on the product passport, represents the volume of cold coolant that flows through a fully open valve in an hour. Simultaneously, the site’s pressure drops to the regulator, reaching 1 bar later.

For instance. In the event that a three-way tap with a kvs of 1.6 m³/h is able to bypass this exact volume of water in less than an hour, there will be a 1 bar pressure drop, or 10 m of water column. This is too much for a residential heating system, so a real pressure drop of 0.15–0.2 bar (1.5-2 m waters. Art.) is allowed in the calculations.

You must first ascertain the coolant walking along the adjustable line’s flow rate in order to choose the control valve based on bandwidth. This equation is applied:

• G – the desired water consumption, m³/h;
• Q – thermal load on the heating branch, kW;
• ∆t – the difference in water temperature at the feed and in the return, is usually taken equal to 20 ° C, and in warm floors – 10 ° C.

For instance. It is intended to use floor circuits to provide 10 kW of heat transfer for a 100 m² house. After that, you must give the distribution collector g = 0. 0.86 m³/h coolant = 86 x 10 /10.

The real coefficient K of the captive valve capacity is then determined using the following formula, which accounts for the 0.2 bar pressure differential on the valve:

K will have a value of 0.86 / √0.2 = 0.86 / 0.45 = 1.9 m³/h for the same example. Next, we choose a three-way crane from the line whose KVS is equal to or greater than the calculated value by opening the catalog of the chosen reinforcement manufacturer. Choose a valve from the VRB3 series of products that has a dn15 and kvs = 2 pipe under the well-known Danfoss brand (DANFOSS). 5 m³/h. 1.6 m³/h is the previous one in the row, which is obviously insufficient in our situation.

As a point of reference. Warm floors and solid fuel boilers in private homes typically use three-way valves with conditional passage DN15–DN25, no more. But one needs to compute their throughput. Additionally, as this is explained in the following video, it is advised to check the coolant’s flow rate after selecting the element:

Chips on the choice

A non-savvy homeowner looking for a three-way valve may become perplexed by the sheer number and range of products available in any well-known company’s catalog. We’ll start with a list of brands whose catalogs you should open and offer some recommendations to help you select the ideal valve from a large selection. The following is a list of well-known businesses whose goods are reliable:

• Danfoss (Denmark);
• Herz Armaturen (Austria);
• Honeywell (USA);
• ICMA (Italy);
• ESBE (Sweden);
• Caleffi (Italy).

As a point of reference. The listed companies offer a vast array of diversified heating system reinforcement products, such as thermostats, electromagnetic gateways, two-way, safety, and four-way valves. We can suggest the products of the ValTec brand (Valtek), which is made by manufacturers in the post-Soviet countries.

Here is the primary list of suggestions:

1. To protect a solid fuel boiler from condensate, you can choose 2 types of three -way valves – with a fixed setting and a thermal car with a remote sensor. The second option will cost more than 20-30% and is not always justified, since the change in the return temperature here is unnecessary. Buy a regulator with an internal thermostat configured at a temperature of 50 or 55 ° C.
2. To control the heating of individual branches and circuits of underfloor heating, you definitely need a 3-way valve with a remote sensor and a thermostatic head. The sensor flask is installed on that collector or pipeline whose temperature must be controlled.
3. Ball (they are also rotary) regulators act paired with electric drive or exhibited manually. If you do not want to complicate the scheme and depend on electricity, choose the product that is suitable in terms of characteristics among saddle valves running from thermal heads.
4. The most “running” material of the case is brass or bronze. Stainless elements are more expensive, and cast -iron casting is afraid of temperature shock and has a decent mass.
5. Schemes with the same success use both mixing and dividing three -way cranes. But if you are not a heating specialist and collect the system with your own hands, it is better to take the valve – the mixer. It’s easier to figure it out and put it correctly, which the expert in his video will tell in detail:

Selecting the appropriate three-way valve for your wood boiler and warm floors system is essential to guaranteeing maximum comfort and effective heating in your house. With so many options on the market, it’s critical to weigh a number of factors in order to make an informed choice.

First, determine whether the valve is compatible with your heating system. Make sure it can be used with wood boilers and warm floor systems. Compatibility guarantees a smooth integration process and guards against future problems.

Next, think about the valve’s dimensions and flow capacity. To guarantee that there is an adequate flow of hot water to the floors, the valve’s size should correspond with the specifications of your heating system. Efficient heat distribution throughout your house is ensured by selecting a valve with the appropriate flow capacity.

Choosing a three-way valve also requires careful consideration of reliability and durability. Select valves that are constructed to last through the rigors of continuous operation using premium materials. A dependable valve reduces the possibility of errors and guarantees steady operation over time.

Furthermore, search for features that improve installation and maintenance simplicity. In the long run, you will save time and effort by installing and maintaining simpler valves with easily accessible components and user-friendly designs.

Finally, take into account the manufacturer’s reputation and peruse feedback from other homeowners who have utilized the identical valve. It is more likely that you will choose a high-quality, dependable valve for your heating system if you go with a reputable brand that has received positive reviews.

By carefully weighing these variables, you can select a three-way valve that perfectly suits your wood boiler setup and warm floors, guaranteeing years of optimal comfort and effective heating in your house.

Choosing the right three-way valve for your warm floors and wood boiler is crucial for efficient heating and insulation in your home. This valve acts as a control mechanism, directing hot water flow between your boiler and the radiant heating system. When selecting a three-way valve, consider factors like compatibility with your boiler and flooring system, durability, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. It"s essential to ensure the valve can handle the temperature and pressure requirements of both your boiler and floor heating setup. Additionally, look for features like adjustable flow rates and reliable sealing to optimize heat distribution and minimize energy waste. By choosing the appropriate three-way valve, you can enhance the performance of your heating system, improve comfort levels in your home, and reduce energy costs.

Video on the topic

How to choose a three -way for warm floors, heating and water supply in 2 minutes! ESBE program

Three -way in the system warm floor detailed analysis

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