luglugalugaaen |

seabsea

sea nav gua

Language: en spa ru fra it
sea

form

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE

We will contact you within 24 hours.

Where Should A Balancing Valve Be Installed

Time: 8-August 2025 | Source: I-FLOW| Share

Balancing valves play a critical role in maintaining system efficiency and comfort in HVAC, chilled water, and domestic hot water systems. But to achieve their purpose—ensuring flow balance and system stability—correct installation location is crucial.So, where should a balancing valve be installed?

1. Installed on the Return Pipe (Typical Practice)

In most hydronic systems, balancing valves are installed on the return side of terminal units (e.g., fan coil units, air handling units, radiators).
Why?
  • Return-side placement provides stable and lower temperature readings, making it easier to accurately measure flow rates.
  • Less thermal fluctuation improves the performance of manual and automatic balancing valves.
  • Prevents false readings caused by supply-side pump pressure surges.

2. Exceptions: Supply Side Installation

In some domestic hot water circulation systems, a balancing valve may be placed on the supply side—especially when the temperature control of the hot water loop is critical.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and project design documents.

3. Key Placement Considerations

  • Before control valves or isolation valves: Ensures balancing accuracy without interference.
  • Away from turbulent flow zones like elbows or T-junctions: At least 5x the pipe diameter upstream, 2x downstream clearance is ideal.
  • Accessible location: So maintenance and flow measurement can be easily carried out.

Conclusion

For effective flow control and system balancing, return-side installation is the standard best practice, especially in chilled and hot water systems.
Correct installation guarantees efficient commissioning, energy savings, and long-term reliability.
Need help selecting or installing the right balancing valve for your project?
Qingdao I-Flow offers manual, automatic, and pressure-independent balancing valves for all system types.
Back To The List btn

Related News

How To Select The Right Size Knife Gate Valves
11-December 2025

How To Select The Right Size Knife Gate Valves

In many industrial systems, speed is not just an advantage—it is a necessity. When a pipeline needs to be shut off instantly to prevent backflow, equipment damage, or safety hazards, a quick closing valve becomes the frontline safeguard. These valves are engineered to close rapidly under emergency or controlled conditions, ensuring that fluid movement can be stopped at the critical moment.

View Details
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Quick Closing Valve
10-December 2025

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Quick Closing Valve

In many industrial systems, speed is not just an advantage—it is a necessity. When a pipeline needs to be shut off instantly to prevent backflow, equipment damage, or safety hazards, a quick closing valve becomes the frontline safeguard. These valves are engineered to close rapidly under emergency or controlled conditions, ensuring that fluid movement can be stopped at the critical moment.

View Details
What Is The Float Control Valve
10-December 2025

What Is The Float Control Valve

In many water supply systems, maintaining a stable liquid level is essential for safety, energy efficiency, and overall system performance. Among the various level-control devices available, the float control valve stands out for its reliability, simplicity, and ability to operate without external power. As industries move toward smarter and more efficient fluid management, understanding how this valve works—and the advantages it brings—has become increasingly important.

View Details
Best Practices for Installing Balancing Valves
5-December 2025

Best Practices for Installing Balancing Valves

Walk into any mechanical room, and you’ll quickly understand why balancing valves matter. They quietly determine whether an HVAC system runs smoothly or wastes energy with every cycle. While engineers design the system, it’s the installation that ultimately decides whether a balancing valve performs as intended. To help installers, contractors, and facility managers achieve consistent results, here’s a practical look at the best practices that truly make a difference on-site.

View Details
How Long Does Globe Valve Take To Open and Close
21-November 2025

How Long Does Globe Valve Take To Open and Close

When engineers choose a globe valve, they often focus on accuracy, pressure control, and durability. But once the valve is installed, another question always comes up during commissioning: “How long does this valve actually take to open and close?” It sounds simple, yet the answer influences everything—from system safety to actuator selection. In this guide, we break it down clearly and practically, based on engineering experience, manufacturer data, and real usage in industrial plants.

View Details
The Three Ship-Stopping Threats the Mud Box Fights
20-November 2025

The Three Ship-Stopping Threats the Mud Box Fights

Imagine you're on a long voyage, hundreds of miles from port. Everything is humming along until, suddenly, an alarm blares. "High Jacket Water Temperature!" What caused the multi-million dollar engine to start sweating? Often, the culprit is not a complex electronic failure but a simple blockage caused by mud, weeds, or even a rogue plastic bag.

View Details