PICV Installation for Chiller pipe

[Wayne _ Lunar]

Hi experts,


I’m currently working on an MEP project involving a chiller system with 169 FCUs and AHUs, divided into 14 branches. At the moment, only balancing valves are installed at the return pipe of each FCU/AHU, but there are no balancing valves at the branch level. This makes water balancing very difficult and time-consuming.


To improve this, I’m considering installing PICVs (Pressure Independent Control Valves) at each of the 14 branches to simplify and speed up the balancing process.


Do you think this is a good solution? Also, should a strainer be installed upstream of each PICV?


Thank you in advance!

 

[LittleInch]

I would invest in a clamp on meter if I was you.

Branch flow control might make life easier, but you're still stuck with balancing a branch. How does each FCU / AHU control temperature? by air flow or water flow?