Hydronic systems are heating or cooling systems that transfer heat by circulating a fluid through a closed system of pipes. First used in the 1700s by Russian engineers, they have evolved into eco-friendly and fuel-efficient central heating mechanisms.

Usually, hot water boilers are used to heat water in these systems. The hot water is disseminated through the dwelling in pipes which radiate heat into the rooms using either steel or cast iron radiators or baseboard convectors. Once the radiator is heated, the water is sent back to the hot water boiler to be re-heated and the circulation loop continues. These hot water boilers may also be used in radiant floor heating systems.

Thus, hot water boilers are the most important component of hydronic systems. They can be either gas-fired (using natural gas or propane) or oil-fired (using liquid fuel). The advantage of gas-fired boilers over their fuel-burning counterparts is that they require comparatively less attention and maintenance. Gas-fired boilers are reliable and the only problem they may pose is with their expansion tank or circulator pumps.

The main elements of a hot water boiler are aquastat, burners/valves, temperature and pressure monitor, air vent, expansion tank,flow  monitor, circulator, drain valve and pressure relief valve. The function and importance of each element is:

? The aquastat is a temperature regulation system.

? Burners, in case of oil-fired systems, and valves, in case of gas-fired ones, are used as the essential combustion assembly.

? Temperature and pressure monitors regulate the water temperature and pressure.

? The flow monitor is a valve that controls water flow to the boiler and hot water to the piping system.

? The air vent is used to flush out unwanted air.

? The expansion tank is designed to take care of natural heating behavior, that is, the expansion of water as it heats.

? The relief valves alleviates water pressure when it increases within the system.

? The circulator is a pump that automatically circulates water through the system.

? The drain valve allows opening and draining of the main water boiler.

The hot water boiler is a fairly complex system as it has many parts and controls, but safety valves are necessary to protect equipment such as pressure vessels (fired or not) and heat exchangers. The flow, temperature and pressure protection is characterized by safety valves that combine to form a high integrity protection system and make hydronic systems extremely safe for use.

Qualitrol Corporation is the global leader in automated power quality monitoring, temperature monitoring, protection and control instrumentation and related solutions in electric generation, transmission and distribution systems by exceeding customer expectations for world class quality, delivery, and product value.

MORE NEWS