Thermostatic Radiator Valves

William Faust

Our home has a two-pipe system with a 1997 Weil-McLain LGB-6 steam boiler. We are interested in installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves - TRV's in order to achieve a better balance of heat from room-to-room. Our radiators are almost universally tube-and-fin convectors with metal shrouds. In all such cases, the incoming steam and outgoing condensate pipes are within the area of the shrouds.

Questions:

1. Would TRV's replace our existing valves or are they an attachment?
2. Who makes good TRV's?
3. If TRV's should be located outside of the shroud, is that possible without relocating the incoming steam pipe?
4. How far away from the shroud?

Mr. Bill

TRV's

1) Typically TRVs would replace existing valves
2) Being a liitle biased, I would say Danfoss (there are others)
3) TRVs are are comprised of a valve and an actuator. The actuator should be outside the shroud, if not you will get vey poor or no control.
4)Actuators come in many different configurations.Remote actuators react with the valves using small capilliary tubes. It is the length of these that determines your maximum distance.They are usually available with capilliary tubes ranging from 6 to 25 ft.

As usuall you will get your best advice from a professional contactor. I suggest you locate one familiar with low pressure steam systems and solicit his (or her) advice

BillW@honeywell

We make them, too..

We have a line of TRV's and yes, they replace your existing valve, and some have self-contained sensors, others have remote sensors and controls. Go to http://hbctechlit.honeywell.com, type in T100 and T200 for info on the actuators, V100D-G for the valve bodies. They are available in straight or angle body patterns, sweat or threaded connections. They are suitable for up to 15 psi steam. They are available at hydronic/steam oriented wholesalers, they are now branded as Honeywell, but may also be available under the older brand name,Braukmann. There is no retail equivalent. Good luck with your project!

Mad Dog

Danfoss are good, but Noel and I really Like Tunstall, very

reasonable, good quality, and MADE IN USA which is always a plus. Mad Dog

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

HP80

I do agree with Bill but please check to make sure which series your contactor is using. In our area the common actuator is the T104 series and the valves are V110 this series could be considered light commercial application having higher C.V. rating than the T100/V100 series. In a nut shell higher C.V. means higher flow rate through the valve but in an area like ours making the informed decision means the difference of same day delivery of replacement(s) and part or 2 weeks delivery and these valves don't like to fail when you don't need them so have blankets ready if you make the wrong choice!