Testing balance valves in new installation 1

[mfqd]

Hi,

I'm following a specific installation and now its in testing phase. It's a big building and the system has balancing valves in the major distributing pipes foe each circuit. They need to be balanced according to the flow defined in the project. How must this be done?
Should all the consumers be forced to be open and then put ON the pump and balance the circuit?

Thanks

 

[mfqd]

Hi,

Is there anyone that can give me an opinion? Thanks!

 

[mauricestoker]

A little more information would be helpful. If multiple branches go off a main, then the branches can be isolated so that the pump and primary flows can be tested. After testing to verify primary flow (good to have pump curve, ammeter, pressure gauges and test ports in order first), then each circuit can be tested individually.

The flow volume would probably dictate the testing procedure, if going beyond NEBB standards (idf this is hydronic TAB, commissioning or owner's rep tests). I like seeing valve calibration confirmed, flow, pressure drop, and depending on size, leakage test.

The attached site might be helpful depending on how far down in the weeds you want to get.

http://www.peci.org/ftguide/ftct/testdir.htm

 

[mfqd]

Dear mauricestoker,

Thank you very much for the reply and for the link that was ver helpful, not specifically for this issue, but for all the tests that are usual to perform. Very good.

In this system we have a mainfold for the hot water. From this mainfold, goes 5 branches with different diameters: 6", 8", 4", etc. and in each one there is a balance valve that needs to be regulated, for each circuit. My question is: for each circuit must all the consumers be opened to perform that calibration correctly?

Thanks!

 

[mauricestoker]

If the manifold is intended to operate under constant pressure, you should be able to test each circuit balance valve separately. Otherwise, you would need to have full flow through each circuit. If each of the balancing valves is pressure independent, and pressure is within manufacturer's recommended operating range, you should still be able to test each separately.

 

[mfqd]

Dear mauricestoker,

I'm not shure if i understood your opinion correctly.
To help me please take a look to the system desig that i've attached.
As you can see, the lines that have the balancing valves, are the ones that have variable flow pumps, so i supose that for each line i must open all the consumers, put the pump at the maximum flow and then balance the valve to the flow defined in the project....do you agree?

Thanks

P.S.: Can you take a look also to my other thread that i would you to take a look and give your opinion? here is the link:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=271997&page=1

 

[mfqd]

Hi,

Can anyonoe give me an opinion...please?

 

[mauricestoker]

If the primary loop is constant pressure, each of the secondaries can be tested individually.
I'd recommend testing the primary loop before going to the secondaries. The site e-mailed earlier should have a good procedure for prefunctional testing as well as fuunctional testing.

 

[mfqd]

Thanks for the reply, but for the secondary loops witch have variable speed pumps, must i open all the consumers and put the pump to it's maximum to calibrate the balance valves?

 

[mfqd]

Dear maurice,

Can you please give me a last response so i can conclude on this subject, please?

Thanks