Operating principle of the three-way valve

Gaining knowledge about the operation of parts such as the three-way valve can help you heat your house more effectively. This valve is essential for controlling the hot water flow in heating systems and maintaining a warm and cozy home. Let’s examine the three-way valve’s working principle and how it affects your heating system’s overall performance.

Fundamentally speaking, a three-way valve is a kind of control valve that divides a fluid’s flow—typically hot water—among three pipes or ports. Depending on the demand and settings, this valve in a heating system is in charge of sending hot water either to the heating system or to the domestic hot water supply. Your home’s heat can be distributed effectively thanks to this dynamic functionality, which maximizes comfort and reduces energy waste.

A three-way valve’s design and configuration are central to its operation. These valves usually consist of a three-port chamber with a movable plug or ball inside. The valve regulates the flow of hot water between the bypass, outlet, and inlet ports by turning the plug or ball. By using this mechanism, the valve can maintain ideal temperature levels by varying the amount of hot water that is directed toward both the heating system and the domestic hot water supply.

The three-way valve’s ability to precisely control the amount of heat output by modulating the hot water flow is one of its key features. This modulation makes sure that there are no significant temperature swings in your house and that it stays consistently warm. To further improve efficiency and performance, contemporary three-way valves frequently include cutting-edge features like electronic actuators or thermostatic control.

In order to maximize the efficiency of their heating systems, homeowners must comprehend how the three-way valve works. Understanding how this crucial part works will help you make wise choices regarding system upkeep, upgrades, and design. Understanding how the three-way valve works will help you achieve more comfort and energy savings in your home, regardless of whether you’re installing a new heating system or troubleshooting an existing one.

Design and principle of operation of the three-way valve for heating

A unique tool that controls the water flow’s temperature is the three-way valve (tee). It is employed in the heating system to reassign the hot flow. It assists in optimizing the mechanism’s overall performance as well as the prophylaxis and prevention of hydraulic shocks.

How is the tee used?

1. in hot water supply systems;
2. in heating circuits;
3. in water supply systems.

This kind of device is typically used to heat buildings with multiple nodes and circuits in order to maintain a constant temperature in each radiator. By using such a product, you can manage the temperature of each radiator in every room as well as the flow of hot water and distribute it to various areas (such as the house, summer kitchen, and garage).

Advantages of the three-way valve

The gadget has several advantageous features, such as:

1. Compact size.
2. High level of functionality.
3. Easy to use and maintain.
4. Good degree of tightness of the gate.
5. Long period of use.
6. Low hydraulic back pressure.
7. Lack of stagnation zones.
8. Easy installation.
9. No need for daily maintenance.
10. Convenient and easy switching.

However, even with all of its benefits, there are a few drawbacks to how it operates.

Disadvantages of the triple stroke faucet

The drawbacks consist of:

1. Clamping of the valve due to incorrect operation.
2. Cheap products fail very quickly.
3. Installation, as a rule, occurs in heating systems with small pipe diameters.

Tap design

The device’s shape is similar to a tee, with the tubes arranged in a T shape. This characteristic explains why it’s also referred to as a "tee" or "three-way valve."

The product is divided into multiple parts:

1. Sealed body made of metal (cast iron, bronze, carbon steel or brass).
2. Gate with differently shaped passageways.
3. Three spigots (holes):
4. output;
5. with hot water supply;
6. Cold water inlet.

Furthermore, the tee has other features that are listed on the packaging. Among them are:

1. The type of plug mounted in the system (cone, cylindrical or ball).
2. Fastening principle (flanged, stud, socket, welded or socket-and-torque).
3. Mechanics (seating) in the gate (tension or packing).
4. Control method (manual, actuator or electronic).
5. Shape of plug valve (S, T, L).
6. Equipped with additional sensors or devices.

Diagram showing how to add a three-way valve to the heating system

Principle of action

Both hot and cold water streams need to be connected to the product simultaneously for it to function. The installation plan is laid out with arrows to show which way the flows are going. The boiler provides the hot water stream, which serves as the heat carrier or supply, while the cold water stream serves as the return flow.

The water flow into two of the three holes is controlled by a valve that is placed in between the faucet spigots. Two functions are distinguished based on the installation’s location and connection:

1. mixing of cold and hot water streams;
2. separation from one line into two outlets.

Depending on the valve’s position, the following scenarios could occur:

1. valve half open – the outlet stream has an average water temperature;
2. The valve is fully open – the hot stream comes directly from the boiler and the water has the maximum temperature;
3. The valve is closed – only cold water goes into the outgoing flow.

Types of valves

Product classification based on various attributes:

1. Depending on the valve, a distinction is made:
2. Regulating. It is equipped with an electromechanical device that opens the necessary valves. It is also equipped with a stem with manual or automatic adjustment. Important! The stem cannot be dislodged even by the strongest water pressure because it is located inside the device.
3. shut-off. It has a ball device that switches the water flow. The peculiarity of this device is that it is installed on low-pressure systems. It is very simple in construction, requires constant maintenance and wears out quickly.
4. On the material of the product:
5. Brass – the most demanded material, due to its long service life, small dimensions and low weight.
6. Carbon steel – excellent alternative to brass.
7. Cast iron – used for large diameter pipes (from 40 mm and more). For private houses it is not practical.
8. Bronze – long-life material.
9. Depending on the method of installation:
10. coupling;
11. flanged;
12. trunnion;
13. under welding;
14. socket-and-torque.
15. For the heating system use such types as:
16. With permanent hydraulic mode – is adjustable according to quality parameters. It is suitable for consumers with quality heat transfer fluids of a certain volume.
17. With variable hydraulic mode – adjustable according to the required amount of water. It is more suitable for those for whom quantity matters.
18. From the variant of the flow part of the device:
19. trial and release;
20. full bore.
21. From the type of built-in gate:
22. tapered;
23. cylindrical;
24. ball.
25. According to the shape of the plug valve, the following types are distinguished:
26. T-shaped;
27. L-shaped;
28. S-shaped.
29. From the mechanics of the gate element:
30. Glanded – controls the adjustment of the water jet from the top of the fitting by means of a packing gland;
31. Tensioned – controls the adjustment of the water jet from the bottom of the fitting by means of a nut.
32. Depending on the heating of the enclosure:
33. heated;
34. without heating.
35. Depending on the technical parameters, such valves are distinguished:
36. T-valve – the adjustment knob can be in 4 positions;
37. L-shaped – The adjustment knob has two modes, including 180 degree rotation angle.
38. From the control mechanism of the device:
39. Manual – This actuator connects water flows in approximate proportions, cheap, looks like a standard ball valve;
40. Electric actuator – additional equipment motor or magnetic method is used for operation, there is a possibility of getting shock from the current;
41. Pneumatic actuator – the most optimal option for use. important! With the electric actuator can easily balance the heat so that the temperature level in the rooms far from the boiler, was the same as in the near rooms.

Selecting a valve

The ideal tee purchase should:

1. Measure the diameter of the trunk pipe, on which the device will be installed. As a rule, it is in the range of 20-40 mm. If a different size is required, additionally buy the appropriate adapter.
2. Find out the capacity of the piping in the heating circuits. To do this, you will need to calculate how much water each pipe is capable of passing through in a certain period of time.
3. Find out if it is possible to connect a servo drive to allow the unit to operate automatically. This option is especially relevant for warm floors.
4. Pay attention to other indicators, which were considered in the classification of the product.

Consult consultants for assistance if you are unable to manage on your own.

Avoid allowing the temperature to rise above 100 degrees Celsius at the joints when welding during installation.

Peculiarities of installation and operation

A three-way valve installation requires knowledge of the following features:

1. Refer to the arrow diagram shown on the housing. They indicate in which direction the water flow occurs.
2. When welding during installation, do not allow the temperature flow at the joints to be more than 100 degrees Celsius. Make sure that no dirt or scale gets inside the device during welding.
3. Choose such a place for installation, It can be easily accessed if necessary.
4. If the valve will work with low-quality coolant, filters will need to be installed additionally.
5. The product can be screwed on vertically, If the valve is installed either horizontally or horizontally, it will not affect its performance.
6. The valve is installed in the heating system before the circulation pump.

The gadget will function properly and have a longer operating life if it is used correctly.

The principle of operation of the three-way valve and its design

Use three-way valves to reroute the liquid flow in heating or water supply systems. They connect one or both outlets to an inlet pipe, acting as if they were railroad arrows. These valves are capable of smoothly regulating the distribution between two circuits and of completely switching off the water flow.

Purpose and areas of use

Applications for three-way valves include the following:

• In main heating networks. The device is used to add a certain amount from the return circuit to the main flow of the heating medium. This is done when it is necessary to lower the temperature of the direct flow without changing the head and the boiler operation mode. The taps are equipped with an electromagnetic actuator or a temperature sensor.
• In domestic heating systems. A thermostatic actuator is used to regulate the temperature of the heat carrier, which is directed, for example, to the "floor heating" equipment or wall batteries. Installation of a remote control module greatly simplifies climate control. Precise control of the liquid temperature in the return pipe allows you to significantly reduce heating costs. It also helps to limit the maximum temperature of the underfloor heating, protecting it from overheating.

Figure 1: Three-way valve schematic diagram for heating system

• For water supply for water temperature control. The best known example is the conventional mixer tap.
• For water treatment. To switch the water flow circuit bypassing the filter for the time of service works, e.g. cartridge replacement.

When it’s necessary to mix liquid or gas flows in specific ratios or to temporarily or permanently reroute their flow, three-way valves and pipelines are utilized for technological purposes.

Principle of operation and construction of a three-way valve for heating systems

The traditional T-piece tee serves as the foundation for the three-way valve’s design. The diagram’s top and right inlets are used to supply hot and cold water, respectively. The mixed flow is released via the outlet spigot, which is located on the diagram’s left side. A regulating sector in the central chamber revolves on an axis to partially overlap the inlet spigots. The sector three-way valve’s operation is depicted in the figure.

Figure 2: Sector damper operation principle

There is a range of 0 to 100% overlap. One unique feature of the design is that the opening for one incoming spigot gets larger as the opening for the other one gets smaller. Fifty percent of each flow is permitted through when the sector is in the middle position. One way to get cold/hot proportions is to move the sector, say, to the upper spigot:

And so forth, until the cold water is totally turned off (0/100%), at which point the outlet spigot will only allow hot water to flow.

A bimetallic thermostatic device or manual control are two options for operating the valve.

Figure 3 shows a thermostatically controlled valve’s schematic diagram.

A traditional tee combined with two two-way valves can also be used to achieve this purpose. With two-valve faucets, this is precisely what takes place. The two valves should be opened in counter-phase, meaning that one opens and the other closes proportionately, to guarantee a steady pressure and precisely control the amount of hot and cold flow mixing. This can be done, for example, by mounting them on a single axis.

There are two sizable categories for three-way valves. They may be:

• Splitters. These are used to proportionally divide an incoming flow into two outgoing flows.
• Mixing. They are designed to mix two incoming streams into a single summation flow

Figure 4: Three-way valve operation diagram for mixing and separating

The diagram shows how nearly identical the designs of mixing and separating valves are. The only thing separating them is the flow direction. A mixing valve that is installed correctly can also be used as a separating valve. All that needs to be done is properly configure the control system. When manual control is used, there won’t be any issues. Setting up an electronic control is possible, but it is more complicated. In the event of a divider connection, the thermostatic control module will allocate the flows based on the temperature of the incoming flow. When designing the heating system, this will need to be considered.

How many of the sector valves in Fig. 5 with electric actuators are in place?

Figure 5: Options for actuator valves

Apart from sector three-way valves, seat valves are also offered. There are variations in design, but the operational principle remains the same.

Figure 6: A ball-type or seated valve

The mixing seating valve allows mixed flows to enter the chamber and then the outlet pipe. It works by locking the seats one after the other via a ball-shaped working element that moves on the stem. The separating valve blocks the outlet streams and has two working bodies that are fixed on a single rod. One is more opened when the other is more closed. You cannot swap out seat valves.

Furthermore, three-way devices are separated based on the control method:

Electrical. An electric motor coupled with a gearbox rotates the sector. These gadgets are linked to an automated control system that interprets temperature data from sensors and regulates the flow based on an algorithm that is pre-programmed.

Figure 7: A valve that is powered by electricity

• Manual. They are used in simple schemes with a constant proportion of distribution or mixing of flows. The angle of rotation of the sector is set manually by turning the handwheel.

Figure 8: Control by hand

• Thermostatic. Controlled by a self-contained thermostat. It is set to a certain temperature when setting up the system, and then it maintains it by bypassing part of the incoming flow from the radiator through a bypass pipe (bypass).

Figure 9: A thermostatically controlled Esbe three-way valve

By rotating the handwheel, the desired temperature can be adjusted as needed. Frequently positioned at the heating radiator’s inlet to customize the ideal temperature for every space.

How to choose

A three-way valve selection requires consideration of a number of factors. It is a good idea to involve an experienced plumbing engineer in the selection process.

Prior to anything else, it’s important to assess whether the device is meant for mixing or separation. Finding the installation location and unit control on the system diagram is the next step. If heating control is to be automated, a decision must be made regarding whether the valve will be operated manually, by an electric actuator, or by a thermostat.

We will examine the following technical features in more detail:

• The flow capacity of the main line. This is the volume of liquid flowing per unit of time. The flow capacity of the valve must be at least equal to the capacity of the main line. Too small a gap will create undesirable flow resistance and impede the operation of the entire system.
• Maximum and operating pressure. It must also correspond to the design values for the heating system.
• Connection dimensions. If an exact diameter match cannot be achieved, adapter fittings are used.
• Operating temperature control range.

Using the aforementioned criteria as a guide, one must choose from dozens of market models that fulfill the required specifications.

It’s now time to compare the cost, the length of the warranty, the accessibility of the service, and, of course, the manufacturer’s reputation. Industry leaders like:

• Honeywell. The American company for the second century manufactures, supplies, installs and maintains a wide range of components and complete control systems for heating, ventilation and safety.
• Esbe. The Swedish company has also been supplying precise and very reliable valves, fittings and system components for over 100 years, specializing in heating technology. Scandinavian traditions of careful and high-quality work are combined with innovative approaches to design.
• Valtec, a Russian-Italian company, successfully combines high Italian quality with a seven-year warranty and affordable prices. Completely localized production with European quality control system has not recently appeared on the market, but has already managed to gain popularity.

On the market, there are a lot of suppliers who do not yet have such a stellar reputation. Cutting costs on the valve may result in unstable operation, higher expenses, or even systemic failure.

In the world of home heating and insulation, understanding the three-way valve is key. This vital component plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of hot water through different parts of your heating system. Essentially, the three-way valve directs the flow of hot water either to your radiators for heating or to your hot water cylinder for domestic hot water usage, depending on the demand. It does this by redirecting the flow of water through different pipes, controlled by the thermostat or other heating controls in your home. This simple yet effective mechanism ensures that your home stays warm and cozy while also providing hot water whenever you need it, making it an indispensable part of any efficient heating system.

Mounting

Typically, one of the standard, well-known schemes is selected when installing three-way valves.

Pressureless manifold or hydraulic separator

A pump in this scheme is used in circuit No. 2 to provide coolant circulation. Two blue equilateral triangles joined by vertices serve as its designation.

Figure 10: Pressureless collector installation scheme

Direct connection to the heat source

Crucial! A valve with a hydraulic resistance equal to the heat source must be installed upstream of the pressure gauge if the valve is directly connected to the boiler on the bypass connected to port B.

Figure 11. Straightforward access to the origin

If not, there will be variations in the A-B section’s flow rate. The oscillation of the stem will be the cause of them.

Differential pressure regulator

A manometric throttling regulator is installed between the pressure header and the valve to compensate for the excessive pressure of the heating medium in the event of high pressure on the heat source side.

Figure 12: Throttling regulator scheme

Different connection schemes are used by specialists, depending on the system’s goal and the ratio of the heat source, pipe system, valve, and consumer’s parameters.

Three-way valve – what it is, device, principle of operation, what it is needed for, provisions

Auxiliary nodes and branching are used in the configuration of the heating system in private and apartment buildings. Among the most widely used is the three-way valve. Its job is to rebalance the hot and cold water flow.

What is a three-way valve?

If not, the device is referred to as a tee valve. Its primary duties are:

1. Mixing different water flows in the DHW system, heating mains and so on. Simplified, the system works like a mixing valve in the kitchen. The difference of the faucet is that it withdraws water not into the sink, but into the pipeline.
2. Separate the water flow into different branches and divide it in different directions.

Device of the three-way valve

Builders also refer to it as a "tee tap" because the standard design’s shape is similar to the letter T. It has the following fundamental components:

1. Airtight housing. It protects the entire system from moisture and negative environmental conditions.
2. A gate valve that has several passageways.
3. Several openings – inlet and for cold and hot water.

You must read the instructions and become familiar with the three-way valve’s schematics in order to operate the system. Hot water serves as the system’s primary heat carrier, and the cold liquid is the waste product. Between the hot and cold water inlets is a valve. The three-way valve functions in multiple ways, depending on where it is installed and how it is positioned.

• mixes two streams into one;
• divides one flow into two lines.

It is incorrect to think that the tea is obstructing the taps that are attached to it. The mechanism’s primary function is to redistribute the liquid, not to obstruct its flow. There are two ways to connect the radiator to the boiler in a simple system: simple and parallel. If the elements are not adjusted simultaneously, the temperature in the boiler tank will be the only one that can be changed.

What is the purpose of a three-way valve?

Controlling the coolant’s degree of heating is the primary goal of the design. This aids in keeping homes and apartments at a comfortable temperature. Another name for a tee is a heat output controller. For the purpose of installing intricate heating circuits and laying underfloor heating to maintain ideal temperature conditions, the device is essential.

When using a boiler in the DHW system, a tee is also required. It is an essential safety component of infusion lines and fountain systems used in the medical field. A three-way valve is frequently utilized in the agricultural and industrial domains for heating purposes. They are utilized in sophisticated mechanisms like those found in ships and modern cars, as well as in domestic appliances like washing machines.

Three-way valve positions

The design’s shape dictates how many operating positions there are. One type of three-way mixing valve is:

• T-shaped. It has 4 working positions.
• L-shaped. It has only two points of rotation – 90 and 180°.
• Tees with a pressure gauge. Regardless of the shape, they have 5 positions.

Types of three-way valves

Understanding the distinctions between the various designs is crucial because selecting one can be confusing. In terms of external features, three-way valves are similar to one another. Each of them has three branches. The designs differ greatly based on the principle of operation. They fall into two categories: shut-off and mixing.

The devices are categorized using additional criteria. The following vary depending on the material of the products’ sealed bodies:

• Brass – the most popular type of faucets
• Steel – characterized by increased strength and resistance to changing environmental conditions
• Cast-iron – used only for industrial purposes.

Three-way valves are separated into the following categories based on the arrangement type:

• coupling;
• flanged;
• welded.

It is also important to think about how designs are categorized based on the kind of locking mechanism used in them. Based on this standard, the following designs can be identified:

• three-way ball valve;
• tapered;
• cylindrical.

The three-way faucet can be operated manually or automatically, in theory. The coolant flow is managed by rotary handles on the first one. As a result, different water supply lines supply different amounts of water. The primary drawback of manually operated designs is the radiators’ prolonged and uneven heating. Without requiring human intervention, automatic three-way valves guarantee the heating system operates well. The thermostat or servo actuator is used to operate the three-way valve.

Three-way stopcock

The device’s design consists of one input and two outputs. Because the flows inside are separated rather than mixed, this three-way heating valve is also known as distributive. The system’s valves function in tandem; one opens the passage and the other blocks the main line.

Uses for the valve of the particular type:

• boiler systems;
• water heater piping;
• hot water supply.

Adjusting three-way valve

In contrast, this kind of construction has two inlets and one outlet. Put differently, a mixer tap is a regulating tap. Its functions include:

• Combines flows coming from different branches;
• sets the optimum temperature of the heating medium;
• equips systems with boilers that provide heat to the collectors.

Three-way valve with actuator

These kinds of devices can be automatic or manual. To firmly regulate the temperature, the first is required. Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric actuators are among the several varieties utilized in automatic control systems. The latter is utilized in home heating systems that have power supplies of 12 or 24 volts. An electric actuator makes it possible to regulate the temperature more precisely.

Three-way valve with temperature controller

The intended temperature range is maintained by this kind of faucet. While it permits the living area to remain comfortable, it does not alter the thermoregulator’s available temperature. It is not recommended to use the three-way ball valve with a thermal head on cast iron radiators due to its inefficiency. The material’s excessively high thermal inertia is the cause of this. Steel and bimetallic radiators work well for installing thermostat taps.

The product has a straightforward device. There is a temperature control lever on the top portion of it. The liquid expands and enters the reservoir when the reading rises, growing in size and applying pressure to the stem. The spigot opens and lets cold water flow through it when it is under pressure. The left pipe opens to let hot water flow through when the temperature drops. There are two types of thermostatic regulators: electronic and mechanical. The first ones are simpler to use and have a longer lifespan. An electronic thermostat has more functions and settings and is more accurate.

Anyone wishing to maximize their insulation and heating systems must comprehend the basic principles of a three-way valve operating system. In hydronic heating systems, this valve is essential for controlling the hot water flow and guaranteeing effective heat distribution throughout the house.

Fundamentally, a three-way valve switches the flow of hot water between two paths: the domestic hot water supply and the heating system. Because of this flexibility, hot water production or space heating can be prioritized based on the needs of the household right now.

The three-way valve changes its position to let hot water enter the heating system when the thermostat senses a need for heat, spreading warmth throughout the house. On the other hand, the valve transfers the flow to the home hot water supply when there is a need for hot water, guaranteeing a consistent supply of hot water for everyday use.

The three-way valve provides enough hot water for household tasks and assists in maintaining a comfortable interior temperature by efficiently controlling the hot water’s distribution. This improves the occupants’ general level of comfort while also lowering costs and increasing energy efficiency.

To sum up, the three-way valve’s working principle is essential to the efficient operation of a home’s insulation and heating systems. Because of its capacity to regulate the flow of hot water, homeowners can enjoy increased comfort and energy savings through effective heating and hot water distribution.

Video on the topic

CWX CR02 three-way ball valve with electric actuator

Three-way faucet, how it works in the system of water heating autonomous for a private house

⛲️🔶 Three-way valve Genebre 3272. 🎥 Ball valve three-way L-shaped | ARMASHOP

Stainless steel three-way ball valve T and G port. Which tap to choose?