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THE PROS AND CONS OF BALANCING A VARIABLE FLOW WATER SYSTEM.

Author(s) : AVERY G.

Type of article: Article

Summary

THE FIRST SYSTEM DISCUSSED IS A PRIMARY/SECONDARY ARRANGEMENT, WHEREBY THE SECONDARY SYSTEM HAS A VARIABLE FLOW PUMP CONTROLLED TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE ACROSS THE ENDPOINT OF THE FLOW AND RETURN MAINS. IT IS ARGUED THAT BALANCING VALVES ON INDIVIDUAL LOADS IN PARALLEL, SET AT FULL LOAD FLOW, WILL CREATE SHORTAGES WHEN FURTHERMOST LOADS FALL. BALANCING VALVES ARE UNNECESSARY. A DRAWBACK WITH SIMPLE PRIMARY/SECONDARY PUMPING IS A REDUCTION IN TEMPERATURE RANGE AT LOW LOAD, LEADING TO WASTED PUMPING POWER. A TERTIARY SYSTEM IS SUGGESTED, EACH LOAD UNIT HAVING AN INDIVIDUAL PUMP. SEVERAL OTHER OPTIONS ARE DESCRIBED FOR A SIMPLE SYSTEM. A FURTHER ARGUMENT IS MADE FOR BALANCING VALVES REGARDLESS OF THEIR INABILITY TO MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS. REVERSE-RETURN MAINS OVERCOME MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS. ALTERNATIVELY CONTROLLABLE BALANCE VALVES ARE AVAILABLE. D.W.H.

Details

  • Original title: THE PROS AND CONS OF BALANCING A VARIABLE FLOW WATER SYSTEM.
  • Record ID : 1991-1717
  • Languages: English
  • Source: ASHRAE Journal - vol. 32 - n. 10
  • Publication date: 1990
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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