Hydraulic Balancing

In existing buildings, hydraulic balancing often involves a lot of estimating and approximation since precise information on the pipe system is unavailable.

In old buildings, the lengths and diameters of pipes are often not sufficiently documented, the pipe systems have been changed or there are different levels of renovation. In such cases, a fundament prerequisite is missing.

Hydraulic balancing

AFRISO offers two systems for hydraulic balancing. In both cases, the heating system expert adjusts the heat distribution directly at each radiator by limiting the amount of hot water at the adjustable thermostat valves - without additional adjustment fittings.

The decision as to which system is most suitable for a given building depends on a variety of factors and requirements.

Automatic hydraulic balancing for the HVAC professional

Automatic control of water volume – also in the partial load rang
adjusted flow rate is not exceeded
Fast hydraulic balancing without measuring instrument
Wide range of products, easy planning
High reserve due to very wide adjustment range up to 340 l/h
Geometry of valve insert provides protection against unwanted pollution, failure due to blocking is practically impossible

Mehr zu Vario-DP

Hydraulic balancing with measurement function for the HVAC system planner

Precise measurement and adjustment of the required water volume per radiator
Reliable procedure for larger and complex heating systems
Measurement option at the valve for documentable and verifiable adjustment
Time and cost savings: Neither dynamic valves nor line fittings are required
Up to 80 % savings with regard to pump capacity as compared to automatically balanced heating systems
Further optimisation potential due to, for example, fewer burner starts or increased condensing effect by optimum system spread.
Detection of interchanged flow and return lines prior to commissioning

Mehr zu VarioQ

Combine benefits and save even more on heating costs

Make hydraulic balancing even more efficient and use the combination of Vario-DP and the wireless actuator AVD 30.

You benefit twofold: The electronic thermostats allow for intelligent adaptation of the room temperature to the actual use of the room (night mode, holiday, etc.) via the AFRISO Smart Home.

Has your heating system been balanced?

On its way to the radiators and back to the boiler, the hot water flow always chooses the path of least resistance. Due to this natural law, in heating systems without hydraulic balancing radiators further away from the pump are supplied with insufficient amounts of hot water while radiators close to the pump receive too much hot water.

Typical countermeasures such as increased pump capacities or higher flow temperatures do not improve this situation, but rather amplify the negative effects. Such systems consume much more energy than necessary without providing the expected convenience.

Consequences of lack of hydraulic balancing:

Uneven heat release
Heating times of rooms/apartments differ
Thermostat valves cannot properly control the room temperature
Limited frost protection
Disturbing flow noise in valves and pipes
Excessive power consumption due to oversized and/or incorrectly set circulation pumps
High losses when the heating system starts or is not used
Low efficiency of condensing systems: Excessive flow through radiators close to the pump leads to high return temperatures and reduces the condensation effect (energy recovery during condensation of the flue gas)
Flow temperature is set to an unnecessarily high value to supply hydraulically unfavourable radiators with heat

Optimum distribution of heating water

Hydraulic balancing ensures optimum distribution of the water in the heating system. Based on the actual heat requirements of the building, the circulation pump, the control (flow temperature), the fittings and the valves are adjusted to change the volume flow in the pipes in such a way as to obtain the required flow resistance for all radiators. This forces the hot water to flow through the system exactly as required. The right method and suitable components allow for considerable savings. In individual cases, this may amount to as much as 15% and more of the annual heating capacity.

Legal obligations hydraulic balancing

In Germany, hydraulic balancing is mandatory, as stipulated by the German VOB, part C (German Construction Contract Procedures), and DIN 18380. The German EnEV (Energy Savings Ordinance) also requires hydraulic balancing for all new and renovated heating systems.