Q&A with ThermOmegaTech® about the new automatic DHWS balancing valve – CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection
Being “first” often sets the bar high. As one of the first manufacturers of a thermostatic balancing valve for domestic hot water recirculation systems, The ThermOmegaTech® commitment has not just been to set the bar but also to raise the bar. Since the introduction of its CircuitSolver® in 2012, the company has frequently added components, including ball valves, strainers, check valves, and ProPress ends, to meet customer demand.
In April 2018, the innovation continued with the launch of the CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection thermostatic balancing valve for domestic hot water systems. The union is integrated with the valve body, which has an optional integral check valve. A vital feature of the CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection is the new capability to automatically balance a domestic hot water system during a thermal disinfection procedure.
In the following Q&A with ThermOmegaTech®, Plumbing Engineer explores the new product’s features, including its ability to mitigate Legionella and other bacteriological problems.
PE: What makes CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection different from other valves on the market?
TOT: It has all-stainless steel construction for maximum corrosion resistance and durability. It is NSF61, and NSF372 certified — even though it seems that all components in a domestic hot water system (DHWS) should be certified and most plumbing codes and specifications say they must be, not all balancing valves are certified. The valve is completely automatic, thermostatically balancing the standard recirculation temperature and the high-temperature thermal disinfection cycle. No power, signal, or powered actuators are required, as in other balancing valves.
ThermOmegaTech® design is highly resistant to mineral buildup and the adverse effects of debris in the piping system. It is the only tamper-proof thermostatic balancing valve on the market. Other competitive devices are adjustable for several reasons: those manufacturers don’t manufacture their thermal actuators as ThermOmegaTech® does. They aren’t as flexible and offer all the setpoint variations we can, so their valve is adjustable, making it prone to tampering and/or being set to a temperature other than what the designer specified.
With this valve, the plumbing system designer specifies the desired temperature, and the valves are factory-set to that exact setting.
PE: What are the benefits or special features of the CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection specific to those designing and specifying thermostatic balancing valves for DHWS?
TOT: CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection brings the benefits of the standard CircuitSolver® into thermal disinfection applications. There is no manual balancing required. It can simply be installed once the system is turned on, and within minutes the building’s DHWS is balanced. Unlike manual balancing valves or fixed-flow devices, CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection will automatically go to full open when high-temperature water is being supplied, providing maximum flow for thermal disinfection processes.
Read the full article at PHCPPros.com.