Series-Loop versus Monoflo System

Erich_3

Almost all baseboard systems are installed using the series-loop method. Many years ago a monoflo system was the preferred way to install baseboard. A monoflo system is more labor intensive and the material cost is higher. What are the benefits of a monoflo system? What are the benefits of a series-loop system other than lower cost?

Unknown

Series-Loop versus Monoflo System

With Monoflo each rad could be shut-off independently of the others, but these took more thought to design.
With series (other then the dampers), full flow had to be maintained throughout the entire circuit. Also these are much more simple to design.

Dave

Big Ed_4

Just Lower cost

A mono flow will deliver the same amount of BTU's per section of baseboard. With a series set up it gives up BTU's as it travels from one section to the other. You have limits of baseboard lenghts per loop. You need to feed the larger loads first and compensate for the end sections. A series loop is just a cheaper system.

Oh , one benefit.... Easy to purge !

scrook_2

monoflow vs series

But isn't the water at the far end of a monoflow tee loop also somewhat cooler too as it is in a series loop, leaving the ability to throttle/shut off individual convectors as the only significant advantage, and slightly higher cost & greater purging difficulty as the significant drawbacks?

bob young

mono-flow

if a monoflow is not done correctly it can be murderous. series loop---no brainer....anything goes , extremely forgiving

Bob Bona_4

series

loops let you modify at reno effortlessly, vs monoflo's where you have to watch main piping elevations.

Your head generally is less w/ series vs. restrictive monoflo T's, which means less pump work= smaller pump=less power comsumption. I think that is a big factor for me.

Big Ed_4

At First

A Mono flows main will deliver far more BTU's needed to heat it's loop . With its large water volume and flow The distribution is closer to equal then a base board loop.

You throttle a mono and series loop though convection not adjusting the flow.

The mono uses it's flow to create the pressure drop across it's risers which moves the BTU's up or down into the radiation. Restriction affects the whole system.

Throttling down the base board flow would increase the temperture difference across the loop. The last sections would be more affected.