Your CircuitSolver® FAQs – Answered!
We frequently receive questions about DHWS design, CircuitSolver® applications, and our other plumbing products during calls with our representative agencies. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions:
Q1: Do you have to use CircuitSolver® with a variable speed recirculation pump?
A1: No, CircuitSolver®s may be installed in systems using standard fixed speed or variable speed recirculation pumps. However, some features of a variable speed pump, also known as a “smart” pump, can be an excellent match with CircuitSolver®s.
Q2: What happens during system start-up when using a fixed speed pump and CircuitSolver®?
A2: At startup, CircuitSolver® is fully open, therefore GPM is high and head loss is low, allowing the system to balance quickly. As water temperature rises to CircuitSolver® set-point the valve modulates “closed”, adding friction/heat loss and reducing the flow from the pump. As a result, the flow required to offset heat loss will be satisfied.
Q3: How do you size the recirculation pump in systems with CircuitSolver®?
A3: Pumps should be appropriately sized to offset total system heat loss, whether it is a fixed speed or variable speed pump. Systems should not be sized for start-up, they should be sized for normal operation of the recirculation system. The CircuitSolver® Design Guide can help you calculate flow, pressure loss, and the recirculation pump size of your system. The design guide is available on our website’s plumbing specs page here.
Q4: Can CircuitSolver® work in the same recirculation system as an aquastat?
A4: Yes, CircuitSolver® can function in systems with aquastats, however ASHRAE, ASPE, and OSHA strongly advise against turning off recirculation pumps with aquastats.
Q5: Do you have BIM and Revitt files on your website?
A5: Yes! CircuitSolver® BIM and Revitt files are available on our website’s plumbing specs page here: https://circuitsolver.com/plumbingspecs/.
The answers to more CircuitSolver® FAQs can be found on our website: https://circuitsolver.com/faqs/.
If you have any additional product or applications questions, please do not hesitate to email or call.