Hydraulic balancing of the heating system

Hydraulic balancing of the heating system — is the process of regulating and optimizing the flow of coolant in various circuits of the heating system to ensure uniform heat distribution throughout all rooms. This process is important for achieving maximum efficiency of the heating system, comfort in the rooms and saving energy resources.

Hydraulic balancing of the heating system and its tasks:

1. Even heat distribution: Balancing prevents some radiators from overheating and others from being underheated, ensuring the same temperature in each room.
2. Reducing noise in the system: An improperly balanced system can create noise due to turbulence in the pipes and radiators.
3. Reducing the load on pumps: Proper balancing allows the pump to operate more efficiently, reducing wear and tear and energy consumption.
4. Saving energy resources: Optimization of coolant flows reduces heating costs due to better use of the heat produced.

Hydraulic balancing equipment:

1. Balancing valves:
   • Static: These valves are manually adjusted and installed during the installation phase of the system. They allow you to limit the flow in each circuit or on each radiator, ensuring the desired distribution of the coolant.
   • Dynamic (automatic): These valves automatically maintain a specified coolant flow rate or pressure drop in the system. They adapt to changes in operating conditions (for example, when the temperature or flow rate in other parts of the system changes).
2. Differential pressure regulators:
   • Purpose: Installed to maintain a stable pressure difference between the supply and return pipelines, which is important in systems with variable flow.
   • Principle of operation: Regulators automatically adjust to changing conditions in the system, ensuring a stable and optimal operating mode. Hydraulic balancing of the heating system takes into account thermodynamic processes in which a pressure drop occurs only in emergency situations, with their normal thermodynamics of the system.
3. Thermostatic radiator valves:
   • Purpose: These devices are installed on radiators and allow you to regulate the temperature in the room by controlling the flow of coolant through the radiator.
   • Automation: Modern thermostatic heads can be equipped with electronic sensors and controls that ensure precise maintenance of the set temperature.
4. Throttle valves:
   • Purpose: These valves are also used for manual regulation of the coolant flow, especially in cases where fine adjustment of small circuits is required.
5. Measuring devices:
   • Heat meters and pressure gauges: Used for precise measurement of temperature, pressure and coolant flow at different points in the system, which is necessary for balancing.
   • Differential pressure measuring devices: Used for fine adjustment of balancing valves and checking the operation of differential pressure regulators.
6. Automatic control systems:
   • Purpose: Modern heating systems often use automated control systems that integrate data from various sensors and devices and automatically regulate the operation of all system components. For this reason, hydraulic balancing of the heating system, based on thermodynamic processes, is not as important as in analog systems, however, it is necessary and recommended by experienced craftsmen, guaranteeing a balance of operation heating systems.

Hydraulic balancing process:

1. Planning: At the design stage of the heating system, the required coolant flow rate for each circuit is determined and the appropriate equipment is selected.
2. Installation of equipment: During the installation of the system, balancing valves, differential pressure regulators and other devices are installed.
3. Setting: After the system is started, manual or automatic adjustment of balancing valves and other components is performed.
4. Testing: System tests are carried out to check for uniform heat distribution and proper operation of the equipment.
5. Correction: If necessary, additional settings are made to achieve the optimal result.

Hydraulic balancing of the heating system using modern equipment allows achieving high efficiency, comfort and durability of the system, reducing operating costs and extending the service life of the equipment.