A balancing valve should be installed at specific locations in a hydronic system to ensure proper flow regulation and system balance. The exact installation point depends on the design of the system and the purpose of the valve. However, there are a few general guidelines and common locations where balancing valves are typically installed.

Key Locations for Installing a Balancing Valve:

1. At the Inlet or Outlet of Each Circuit/Branch:
   • Purpose: To regulate the flow to each individual circuit or branch of the system. This is essential for systems with multiple zones, branches, or sections, such as heating or cooling systems that supply different areas of a building.
   • Example: In a multi-zone hydronic heating system, you would install a balancing valve at the inlet of each zone (before the distribution point) or at the outlet (after the last radiator or terminal unit) to ensure that each zone gets the correct flow of water.
2. Near the Pump or Pump Discharge:
   • Purpose: Installing a balancing valve at the pump discharge or near the pump helps in controlling the flow rate of water as it leaves the pump. This ensures the system maintains the desired flow while also protecting the pump from excessive pressure or flow conditions.
   • Example: In a system with multiple circuits, you might install the balancing valve on the pump discharge line to prevent overloading the pump and to adjust flow rates across the system.
3. In Between System Branches (Branch Balancing):
   • Purpose: In systems with multiple branches or legs, a balancing valve is often installed at the intersection of branches to regulate the flow to each branch. This ensures each branch receives the correct flow, which is crucial when there are different lengths of piping or resistance in different branches.
   • Example: In a large building with several floor levels, a balancing valve may be installed on each branch feeding the different floors, ensuring that each floor gets the correct amount of heating or cooling.
4. In the Return Line (in some systems):
   • Purpose: Balancing valves can also be installed in the return line to adjust the flow as the water returns to the boiler, chiller, or heat exchanger. This helps maintain the desired flow rate throughout the system and ensures the return water is balanced with the supply.
   • Example: In systems where there are multiple heat exchangers or return circuits, you might install a balancing valve on each return line to control the water flow back to the heat source.
5. At the Inlet to the Heat Exchanger or Terminal Units:
   • Purpose: If you’re using heat exchangers, radiators, or fan coil units, a balancing valve is typically installed at the inlet of each terminal unit to control the flow of water entering that particular unit.
   • Example: For each radiator in a hydronic heating system, you may install a balancing valve to ensure that each radiator receives the correct amount of flow, preventing some radiators from receiving too much or too little.
6. Before or After a Mixing Valve (for Temperature Control):
   • Purpose: When there is a need to control both temperature and flow, balancing valves are sometimes installed upstream or downstream of mixing valves to balance flow while maintaining a constant temperature setpoint. This can be important in systems that need to maintain precise temperature control.
   • Example: In a system where hot water is mixed with return water to achieve a desired supply temperature, a balancing valve can help adjust the flow to each side of the mixing valve.
7. For Pressure-Independent Balancing (Pressure-Independent Balancing Valves, PIB):
   • Purpose: Pressure-independent balancing valves are typically installed in places where the flow needs to remain constant regardless of system pressure fluctuations. These are often installed in large, multi-zone or multi-circuit systems where pressure may vary significantly.
   • Example: PIB valves are typically installed at each terminal unit or at the branch lines in a large system to automatically adjust flow to maintain the correct balance.

General Installation Guidelines:

• Before Any Major Resistance Point: The balancing valve is often installed upstream of major resistance points, such as radiators, heat exchangers, or terminal units, so that the flow can be regulated before encountering these resistive components.
• Accessibility: The valve should be installed in a location that allows for easy access for adjustment, monitoring, and maintenance. It’s common to install balancing valves near system access points or where pressure/flow measurements can be taken easily.
• Correct Orientation: Make sure the balancing valve is installed in the correct orientation for flow direction. Many balancing valves have arrows on the valve body to indicate the proper flow direction.
• Consideration for Isolation: Sometimes, an isolation valve is installed on both sides of the balancing valve, allowing for easy removal or servicing of the valve without disrupting the flow of the system.

Example Installations:

• Commercial Buildings: In a commercial HVAC system, balancing valves may be installed on each branch or supply line feeding fan coil units, air handling units, or chilled beams to ensure that the right amount of flow goes to each unit.
• Residential Hydronic Heating: In a hydronic floor heating system, a balancing valve could be installed at each zone manifold to control the flow of water to different heating loops.

Final Thoughts:

The goal of installing a balancing valve is to ensure even distribution of flow throughout the system, preventing issues like uneven heating, cooling, or pressure fluctuations. Proper installation ensures the system runs efficiently, conserves energy, and provides consistent comfort.

Would you like more specific details about installation steps, or perhaps examples from particular types of systems (e.g., residential vs. commercial systems)?

Choose IVALVECRAFT, choose reliable partner, enjoy the high quality and best service.