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Balancing Valves 101
November 13, 2020 8:34 pm Comments Off on Balancing Valves 101
Hydronic systems are HVAC systems that utilize water to heat and cool different areas of a facility.Balancing valves are valves designed to attain hydraulic balance within such systems by regulating fluid flow and pressure. When selected and installed properly, they equalize system pressure, creating comfortable thermal conditions in the building while optimizing energy and operating costs.

How difficult it is to achieve balance within a hydronic system depends on the size and configuration of the system. For example, residential systems are smaller and simpler, so they are easier to balance than industrial or commercial systems, which are generally larger and more complex.

The following article provides an overview of balancing valves, including the types available and typical applications, to help customers decide which type of balancing valve is right for their needs.

Types of Balancing Valves

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Balancing valves are available in several variations to suit different hydronic systems. Some of the most prominent types are:
- Static balancing valves—also called manual balancing valves or pressure-dependent balancing valves—offer a fixed resistance to water flow. The settings for these valves are calculated before installation and then adjusted when the valves are installed in the field. Internal valve parts remain static during system operations.
- Fixed-orifice balancing valves are a type of static balancing valve that features a fixed orifice, such as a Venturi insert, combined with pressure/temperature ports that enable measurement of the differential pressure across this orifice. Because the orifice remains set during valve adjustments, the flow rate of the system can be derived easily by the pressure drop measured across the ports. This type of manual balancing valve makes for more efficient commissioning.
- Automatic balancing valves—also known as pressure-independent balancing valves and dynamic balancing valves. These valves are designed to automatically maintain a fixed value of flow rate, despite changes in differential pressure, in order to optimize system operation. In contrast to static balancing valves, these valves have internal parts that move to compensate for changes in differential pressure, enabling them to operate more efficiently under variable load conditions.
- Pressure-independent flow control valves are all-in-one devices that combine the capabilities of balancing valves, control valves, and differential pressure regulators. They feature built-in differential pressure regulators that automatically accommodate changes in system pressure to stabilize flow within the heating or cooling components to meet different temperature demands. Pressure-independent control valves can matched with actuators that provide remote flow control capabilities.
Applications of Balancing Valves

The primary use case of balancing valves is hydronic balancing. This process refers to the optimization of water distribution within a hydronic heating or cooling system by equalizing fluid pressure. Ultimately, by achieving balance within these systems, balancing valves ensure the following:
- Correct temperature levels are reached and maintained
- Energy utilization is optimized
- Operating costs are lowered
Find out how a differential pressure manometer operates.

Contact the Valve Experts at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. Today

Balancing valves play a critical role in hydronic systems. In addition to facilitating heating and cooling operations, they help reduce energy and operating costs. As they are available in several different types, choosing the right one for a system can be difficult. For selection assistance, turn to the valve experts at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.

At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we are a premier supplier of valves for the HVAC and other industrial and commercial markets. Equipped with almost 50 years of industry experience and advanced manufacturing technologies, we have the knowledge and tools to design and deliver a broad selection of quality valve products, including balancing valves. For more information about our product offerings or assistance choosing one for a particular system, contact us today.

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What is a Differential Pressure Manometer?
September 11, 2020 3:51 pm Comments Off on What is a Differential Pressure Manometer?
As the name might suggest, a differential pressure manometer measures the difference in pressure between two readings. These devices help operators and technicians assess the functionality of industrial equipment or HVAC systems. For example, a technician can measure the pressure on either side of an air filter and use the difference to determine if the filter is operating within acceptable parameters. Differential pressure manometers come in multiple different variations to suit different applications. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of manometers and their advantages.

Differential Pressure Manometer vs. Single Pressure Manometer

Manometers can be broken into two broad categories: differential pressure and single-pressure.
- Differential pressure manometers take two or more measurements and find the difference between each. They can read positive pressure or a vacuum on either side of the equation. Technicians use differential readings for repairs, inspections, and assessments.
- Single pressure manometers only measure one pressure source and compare it to the open atmosphere. The comparison between a single pressure source and the atmosphere is also called gauge pressure.
Differential pressure manometers and single-pressure manometers are available in varying standard and smart options.

U-Tube vs. Digital Manometers

The original iteration of the manometer came in the form of a U-tube manometers. U-tube manometers consist of U-shaped tubes partially filled with mercury (which is a liquid at room temperature), oil, or water. The units of the U-tube manometer display in inches of mercury (inHg) when using a mercury device, or inches of water (inH₂0) if using oil or water.

The level at which the liquid is equal on either side of the U-bend is marked as zero. As pressure is applied to one end of the tube, that fluid measure decreases and the fluid on the other half of the U-bend grows higher. U-tube manometers can also measure negative pressures, or vacuums.

These tools are fragile and not generally fit for active industrial environments. Instead, they are most commonly used in laboratories and scientific applications. They also can’t hold multiple readings or be automated or digitized. Another drawback of U-tube manometers is their susceptibility to environmental factors. The pressure readings can be affected by atmospheric changes, altitude, and density or gravity variations from day to day. This requires manual corrections to overcome.

Conversely, digital manometers don’t use physical fluids to measure differential pressure or gauge pressure. They can be portable, interface with computers or programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and hold dozens or hundreds of readings to best suit busy industrial applications. These tools have microprocessors and complex code that can average high volumes of readings to balance out atmospheric changes and complications. Digital manometers are well-suited to complex industrial environments and can transmit the data to multiple different devices and systems to allow for better process control and maintenance.

<Explore RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.’s selection of balancing valves.>

Differential Pressure Manometers from RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.

At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we create high-performance digital differential pressure manometers. Our Balancing Computer model can hold up to 20,000 pressure readings at any given time to allow for complex process monitoring and extreme accuracy. Our devices also hold up to 1,200 valves in the memory simultaneously, identifying the valves through image-based detection. These devices also feature a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, a USB charger, a mini-USB port to interface with PCs and PLCs, and a 2.2-inch QVGA RGB 240 x 320 screen.

If you want to see how our digital differential pressure manometers can help with process improvements in your operation, contact us today.
How Does an Electric Valve Actuator Work?
August 6, 2020 3:55 pm Comments Off on How Does an Electric Valve Actuator Work?
Electric valve actuators control the opening and closing of valves. They can provide either linear or rotary motion and work with different types of valves, including ball and butterfly valves. Electric valve actuators respond to prompts through remote control or centralized process control systems, which make them invaluable for managing systems that are hard to reach or spread across a large area. Process control systems can operate electric actuators from a centralized system to deliver scheduled and programmed commands, thereby allowing organizations to automate the system and improve reliability.

Overall, electric valve actuators are becoming increasingly responsive, technologically advanced, and easier to use. The following guide explains what you need to know about how these components work and what’s needed to install and use them.

Electric Actuator Components

Unlike other valve actuators, electric actuators contain motors that can convert electricity in either linear or rotary motion to open, close, or adjust a corresponding valve. Different electric actuators control various types of movement; a quarter-turn actuator, for example, will turn the valve’s mechanism 90 degrees, which is fully open.

It’s important to choose the electric valve actuator that runs on the right voltage to match your facility’s system. These systems vary depending on whether an operator uses alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power sources.

Some of the most popular voltage types are:
- 12 VAC
- 12 VDC
- 24 VAC
- 24 VDC
- 115 VAC
- 120 VAC
Along with the motor, actuators have other electrical components, including a limit switch, wiring, and gearing. All these parts are arranged in a compact, protective housing unit.

Torque Requirement for Electric Valve Actuators

Torque is the rotational force an actuator generates to close a rotational valve. Electric actuators can generate this force by transmitting it to the output shaft and then the valve stem. When pressure is applied to the valve stem, the valve’s orifice opens or closes.

Actuators have different levels of motor capacity (power) based on the torque they need to provide. It’s important to select actuators based on the breakaway torque a valve requires. The “breakaway torque” is how much power is needed to initiate the switch from a static open to a closed position or vice versa. It’s the highest level of torque required to operate the system.

Mounting Process

When you’re mounting electric valve actuators in place, use sturdy, industry-standard parts. Many actuators and mounting hardware use the ISO 5211 standards for connections, which ensures various brands and components work together seamlessly.

You’ll need at least three components for mounting:
- An output drive
- A stem to connect to the valve head
- A flange that mounts the actuator onto the valve
Various actuators require different types of flanges based on the torque and fasteners available.

How to Choose an Electric Valve Actuator

Electric valve actuators can make fluid systems safer and easier to control. They’re especially useful if you need to expand or upgrade your system and make it more complex.

Here are some parameters that can help guide your decision:
- Torque: Consider the general torque and breakaway torque requirements of the system. Secondary factors that influence the torque include fluid viscosity and valve size.
- Voltage Requirements: Determine the current type and intensity of the power source at the site of the actuator installation.
- Valve Mounting Connection: Different flanges, actuators, and mounting environment requirements can limit your choice of electric valve actuator.
- IP Rating: IP ratings, as established by IEC 60529, have different levels of protection against environmental factors such as moisture and dust.
- Enclosure Protection Certification: Similarly, the protective housing and enclosures must be able to act as a barrier against the application hazards that are specific to the environment.
- Fail-Safe: Integrated electric valve actuators can be programmed with automated settings that go into effect if there’s power loss, an emergency, or system failure.
- Modulation: Some actuators can control the fluid flow rate, modulating it, while other allow just a ON/OFF control.
- Application: The fluid material, temperature, and other factors of your intended application can also affect which electric actuator valve will work best.
Electric Actuator Valves From RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.

At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we serve a variety of industries by providing powerful, integrable electric valve actuators.

These industries include:
- Agriculture
- Food and beverage
- HVAC systems
- Oil and gas
- Paper pulp
- Power generation
- Wastewater treatment
For more details about our exceptional craftsmanship and specs, see our electric actuator product pages:
Wafer vs. Lug-Style Butterfly Valves
June 25, 2020 8:02 pm Comments Off on Wafer vs. Lug-Style Butterfly Valves
A butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that controls the flow of a product in a pipeline. From pharmaceuticals to manufacturing and food processing, the valve has a variety of applications and can be used to limit solid, liquid, or gas material flow.

Butterfly valves are usually grouped into two types: lug-style and wafer-style. These mechanical components are not interchangeable and have distinct advantages and applications. The following guide explains the differences between the two butterfly valve types and how to select the right valve for your needs.

Lug-Style Butterfly Valve

Lug-style butterfly valves are usually composed of metal such as ductile iron or steel. They feature threaded tapped lugs positioned on the valve flanges for bolt connections.

Lug-style butterfly valves are suitable for end-of-line service but a blind flange is always recommended. Lug-style butterfly valves are manufactured to be compatible with either pneumatic or electric actuation. Disc and seat material should be determined based on application and flow media.

Wafer-Style Butterfly Valve

Most wafer-style butterfly valves are engineered with four holes that align with the connected pipeline. The valve is designed to clamp between two flanges in your pipe work. Most wafer butterfly valves fit the majority of flange standards. The rubber or EPDM valve seat creates an exceptionally strong seal between the valve and flange connection.

Unlike lug-style butterfly valves, wafer-style butterfly valves cannot be used as pipe ends or end-of-line service. The entire line must be shut down if either side of the valve requires maintenance. Wafer style butterfly valves are manufactured to be compatible with either pneumatic or electric actuation. Disc and seat material should be determined based on application and flow media.

Industrial Applications

Butterfly valves are used in a variety of industries, including:
- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
- Water and wastewater processing and transportation
- Food processing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding and shipyards
- HVAC
Choosing between a lug-style butterfly valve and wafer-style butterfly valve depends on your project specifications. For more information about butterfly valves and selecting the right part for your needs, contact RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. today.