Flow Check Piping

Kevin Browne

It's benn a while since I've piped in flow checks. I'm installing a oil fired boiler with a Amtrol indirect water heater. I would prefer to use seperate circulating pumps. I seem to remember the flow checks "chattering" when I have installed them before. I just don't remember the conditions. I've seen them recommended to be on the supply side or the return side of the pump. Is there a distance recommondation from the pump? Any help would be appreaciated.

hr

You might check out

The new check pumps. Both Grundfos and Taco offer circs with a flow check built in. Makes for a simple, chatter free installation.

As far as check valves, both spring or swing, these need to be sized to the flow (gpm) not pipe size. Generally one size smaller than pipe size will prevent the chatter. Let the valve specs from the manufacture be your guide for noise free sizing.

On the weighted type flow checks, guys here tell me that oversizing them will help eliminate chatter. Also have heard of adding additional weight with solder wraps on the weight.

This B&G link has some good info on flow checks.http://www.bellgossett.com/Press/flocontrol.html

But still the check pumps will solve all these issues for you. Grundfos offers a 3 speed 15-58 with built in check. This would be a good pump to have on your truck for a wide range of replacement applications.

hot rod

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

jim f

pumping away

heres a basic picture

Steve Miller

check valve

I think Tekmar says to put check valves a min. of 6x the dia. of the pipe on the outlet of the pump. I've been doing that for a while with no chatter. I haven't used a Grunflos pump on a job in a while. We had a lot of problems with high head pumps going bad in theirin the early 90's and switched to Taco. I liked the idea you could replace the cartridge and capacitor and it's not a throw-away pump. A built in check valve does sounds appealing tho. Do they make a zone control pump?

Steve M.

Kent

check valves

I have found Watts silent bronze check valves to be silent.
Go here and check the "gate globe and check valve" option in the left column.

antman

vhmvmhttp://forums.invision.net/Message_New.cfm?CFApp=2&ParentMessage_ID=15446&_#Form

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"