Flow Control Checks

mike celiano

March 25, 2003 09:32 PM
Author: mike celiano (mikeceliano@att.net)



08:27 PM Author: mike celiano (mikeceliano@att.net) Subject: Flow Control Checks


Hey Dan, Its been some time since I've solicited your help, here it is. I came across an old gas/HW twin boiler system. There are currently 6-Armstrong in-line HWP's installed on the end of each zone loop and all are discharging thru a B&G flow-ck. into a common return manifold into the boilers - then out thru another flow-ck. What is the "normal" installation rules and requirements for the proper use of flow-cks.in series ? The current problem so far is that the previous contractor changed all 6 of the original HWP's a couple of years ago, and one zone in particular does not have sufficient heat according to the customer. We are in the process of installing gages across that pump, taking TD's etc. There are no strainers or zone valves in the ckt. plus, what other information should I take to determine that the pump is correct? Have any recommendations?

Thank you, Mike Celiano A.J. Celiano, Inc. 460 Ludlow Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016 (908) 272-7510

mike celiano

08:27 PM
Author: mike celiano (mikeceliano@att.net)
Subject: Flow Control Checks



Hey Dan, Its been some time since I've solicited your help, here it is. I came across an old gas/HW twin boiler system. There are currently 6-Armstrong in-line HWP's installed on the end of each zone loop and all are discharging thru a B&G flow-ck. into a common return manifold into the boilers - then out thru another flow-ck. What is the "normal" installation rules and requirements for the proper use of flow-cks.in series ? The current problem so far is that the previous contractor changed all 6 of the original HWP's a couple of years ago, and one zone in particular does not have sufficient heat according to the customer. We are in the process of installing gages across that pump, taking TD's etc. There are no strainers or zone valves in the ckt. plus, what other information should I take to determine that the pump is correct? Have any recommendations?

Thank you, Mike Celiano A.J. Celiano, Inc. 460 Ludlow Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016 (908) 272-7510

Steamhead

Six zones thru one flow-check?

First time I've heard that one.

A flow-check has two purposes: 1- to close when the zone pump is off to prevent gravity flow, and 2- to prevent reverse flow when another zone is on.

Do all six of those Armstrongs start and stop at the same time? If so, you may not be getting enough flow thru the flow-checks to fully heat the zone with insufficient heat. If not, I'll bet you have cooler water backfeeding thru that one zone.

You'll probably end up repiping this one, using an individual flow-check on each zone. If you do, now is a good time to switch to Pumping Away- and make sure all the Armstrongs are properly sized to their individual loads. The system will run much more efficiently this way.

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