Isolation Valve Overview
An isolation valve is a type of valve used to stop or regulate fluid or gas flow in a pipeline or system. It is designed to isolate a particular section of the pipeline or system so that maintenance or repair work can be carried out without affecting the rest of the system.
Where are Isolation Valves Installed?
Isolation valves are typically installed at strategic points in a pipeline or system, such as junctions or branching points, and are operated manually or automatically. Proper installation and maintenance of isolation valves are critical to ensure their reliable operation and prevent leaks, which can lead to safety hazards, environmental damage, and product loss. Isolation valves used in industrial applications must be of an indicating type. An indicating valve provides an easily distinguishing visual method to determine their open or closed status.
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These are the general steps for installing isolation valves in hydronic systems:
- Determine the location of the isolation valve: Identify where the valve needs to be installed, typically in a section of the piping where you need to isolate the water flow for maintenance or repairs.
- Prepare the pipes: Cut the pipes at the desired location using a pipe cutter or saw. Make clean, straight cuts on both sides of the section to be isolated.
- Install the isolation valve: Insert the valve between the cut ends of the pipe, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves soldering or threading the valve onto the pipe ends.
- Pressure test: Once the isolation valve is installed, pressure test the system to ensure no leaks.
- Label the valve: Clearly label the isolation valve so it can be easily identified and operated when needed.
It’s important to note that the installation of isolation valves in hydronic systems should be done by a licensed professional knowledgeable about plumbing and hydronic heating systems. Proper installation and maintenance of isolation valves are critical to ensure their reliable operation and prevent leaks, which can lead to safety hazards, environmental damage, and product loss.
Isolation Valve Applications
Isolation valves are commonly used in water and gas supply systems, oil and gas pipelines, and chemical processing plants. The selection of the appropriate isolation valve for a particular application depends on several factors, including the type of fluid or gas being transported, the pressure and temperature of the fluid or gas, the size of the pipeline, and the required flow rate.
Isolation Valves in Hydronic Systems
Isolation valves are used in hydronic heating systems to isolate sections of the system for maintenance or repair purposes and to regulate water flow through the system. Here are some typical applications for isolation valves in hydronic systems:
- Zone Control – Isolation valves can be used to create separate zones in the hydronic system, allowing for individual control of heating in different areas of a building. This can be particularly useful in larger buildings with varying heating needs.
- System Balancing – Isolation valves can be used to balance the flow of water through different sections of the hydronic system, ensuring that each area receives the proper amount of heat.
- Maintenance & Repair – Isolation valves allow easy isolation of a particular section of the hydronic system for maintenance or repair purposes without affecting the rest of the system.
- Expansion & Contraction – Isolation valves can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in the piping system. This is particularly important in larger hydronic systems, where thermal expansion and contraction can cause stress on the piping.
- Backflow Prevention – Isolation valves can be used to prevent the backflow of water from the hydronic system into the potable water supply, which is a safety concern.
Overall, isolation valves are essential in the safe and efficient operation of hydronic heating systems.
Types of Isolation Valves
There are many different isolation valves, including gate, ball, globe, and butterfly valves. These valves can be manually operated, or they can be automated using electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators. The type of valve used depends on the specific application and the system’s requirements. For example, gate valves are commonly used for large-diameter pipelines and high-pressure applications. In contrast, ball valves are often used for lower-pressure applications when quick and easy operation is required.
Examples of Isolation Valves by Manufacturer for Hydronic Systems
Webstone Isolation Valves
Webstone Isolator Uni-Flange Ball Valves connect to circulator pumps at one end and the system piping at the other, isolating the pump for replacement or system service. As a result, virtually no air will make its way into the system upon replacement. Their unique 360° flange allows for positioning at any degree of rotation necessary for installation. In addition, the innovative 3-way main ball can easily be purged from either side of the pump. The Isolator combines multiple components into a single forged brass body, saving time, labor, and space.
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Bell & Gossett Isolation Valves
Check-Trol Valves
Installing a Bell & Gossett Check-Trol on the discharge of the circulator provides the features of a flow control valve, isolation valve, and companion flange. Check-Trol valves also feature minimal pressure drop. Check-Trol flanges are packaged with an isolation flange of the same size to create a pair.
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Tank Purge Valves
Bell & Gossett Tank Purge Valves (TPVs) are a combination full port ball-type isolation valve and drain valve used to connect the system to the expansion tank. This valve allows the tank to be drained for easy servicing or tank replacement without draining the system. TPVs come standard with a drain valve with a 5/8″ hose connection. These valves can be used on all Series B and D tanks and are not recommended for potable water tanks.
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Triple Duty Valves
Bell & Gossett Triple Duty Valves are a combination isolation/shut-off valve, centered guided non-slam check valve, and calibrated balance valve in one device. Triple Duty Valves provide all of the functions normally required on the discharge side of hydronic pump systems. Combining multiple valves helps save space and reduces installation time and money.
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Taco Isolation Valves
QuickTop Zone Valves
Taco QuickTop Zone Valves provide on-off, normally closed control and offer a convenient way to create individual zones or equipment isolation in closed-loop hydronic systems. By utilizing one pump with multiple zone valves, flow can be started or stopped through the system providing individual room or area comfort, control, and energy savings.
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Near Boiler Trim Kits
Taco Near Boiler Trim Kits are a one-box solution for boiler installation. Several different kits are available and offer features such as micro-bubble air elimination, easily adjustable pressure setting, and system isolation with tank draining capability.
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Geothermal Heat Motor Zone Valves
Taco Geothermal Heat Motor Zone Valves provide a convenient way to create individual zones or equipment isolation in a hydronic heating system. By utilizing one pump and multiple zone valves, flow can be started, stopped, or diverted through the system to provide individual room or area comfort control and energy savings.
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Grundfos Pump Isolation Valve Sets
Pump Isolation Valve Kits
Grundfos offers low-lead bronze flange/ball valve sets for isolating circulators. The sets include two rotating flanges, two lever handled full ported ball valve, two EPDM gaskets, and two dielectric sleeves.
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