Heat Timer Corporation

When properly used, motorized valves present an elegant solution to the problems of controlling water or steam into a heating distribution system. Some common examples of these systems include: Steam Heating Distribution – In these applications, a motorized two-way valve can control the flow of steam from the boiler or other sources into a steam distribution system. An example of this would be using steam to heat radiators in a one or two pipe steam heated building under control of something like our MPC platinum series control. Steam to Hot Water Heat-Exchanger – By controlling the amount of steam entering a heat exchanger, a 2-way valve can maintain the hot water output temperature at the perfect temperature for delivery into the heated area of the building.  If heating load should suddenly change, these valves are automatically adjusted by something like our HWR Platinum Control to respond. Vacuum Heating Systems – Two-way valves can modulate the flow of su...

Folks with steam radiator heating systems are quite used to the familiar sound of “hissing” that occurs as their radiator fills up with steam. To the uninitiated, the sound has led many a child to consider the possibilities of monsters in the closet, and others literally can’t sleep without the comforting sounds of their hissing radiator. Whatever your predisposition, this radiator “breathing” is characteristic of a one-pipe steam boiler system where air is being released from the radiator. You may also find a variation of this radiator air valve in the supply lines of one-pipe systems and the supply and return lines of two-pipe steam boiler systems. How does a Radiator Air Valve Work? The radiator’s air valve, or radiator air vent or steam valve as it is sometimes called, is used only in one-pipe steam boiler systems . It is usually located at the end of the radiator opposite the supply pipe, about halfway up or higher towards the top. Many air vents are bullet-shaped, or o...

For HVAC professionals considering a commercial heating control solution for an apartment complex, school, office building or other multi-dwelling structure, there are several considerations. 1.    Control Features – This is a technical assessment of how well the control will handle the different boiler types, mechanical room configuration, what adjustments and monitoring points does it allow, and how efficiently will it really run your heat plant, so as to conserve energy. 2.    Installation Complexity – Is the solution you’ve chosen “plug & play” or does it require a significant investment in complex wiring for sensor and temperature monitoring. How easily will it integrate into your building? 3.    Real Cost – For large commercial installations, saving a few dollars up front to buy a cheaper control, is NOT the real cost of automation. Instead HVAC professionals need to understand the potential for ongoing cost savings that be...