Three-way crane: operating principle and types

Automation of the boiler is responsible for regulating the temperature of the heating medium in the heating systems. However, in practice, there are heating circuits with several circuits, each of which requires water with a certain temperature. To make this possible, a three-way crane is introduced into the system. The principle of operation of this device is based on the separation of liquids with different degrees of heating.

Three-way crane construction

Outwardly this device looks like a regular tee made of brass or bronze with a valve mounted on its upper edge. It is rigidly connected to the adjusting sector - a spherical plate of metal, which mixes two fluid streams. The mixing tee has two inlet ports for hot and cold water, and one outlet is for supplying a mixed heat carrier.

The indicator according to which the group to which the three-way cock belongs is the principle of operation. It is based on changing the position of the valve, together with which the position of the adjusting sector also changes. The crane overlaps the two fluid streams in varying degrees.

Changing the amount of hot and cold water that enters the main system, and regulating the temperature of the coolant. Depending on the type of management, the following are distinguished:

• manual;
• electric;
• Thermostatic three-way valve.

The principle of operation of each device is fundamentally different.

Manual three-way valves

Hand cranes have special rotary knobs - lambs - which control the flows of the coolant. Having set the valve in a certain position, it is possible to change the amount of heated and cold water that enters the system.

Uneven and prolonged heating of radiators located at a considerable distance from the boiler is a major drawback, which is handled by a three-way hand crane. The principle of operation of this device does not allow to continuously vary the amount of incoming liquid from different degrees of heating.

Electric three-way valves

The main difference of cranes of the named type is the presence of a servo-drive and an electronic control unit, with the help of which the coolant temperature is controlled. The main advantage of the device lies in the ability to maintain a given degree of liquid heating in an automatic mode.

The servo drive can be equipped with any three-way valve. The principle of operation of such devices is based on the interaction of the control unit and the electric motor. The unit measures the temperature of the medium at the output and gives commands to the driver. He, changing his position, regulates the amount of warm and cold fluid entering the system.

Thermostatic three-way valves

In the construction of the presented crane there is a thermoregulator - gas or special liquid. It is placed in the cavity inside the valve and reacts to even slight changes in the heating of the current medium.

As the temperature rises, the liquid or gas expands and pushes a special piston that blocks access to hot water.

The principle of operation of a three-way valve with a thermostat requires its precise adjustment before being introduced into the system. To do this, set the temperature limits, thereby adjusting the degree of heating of the coolant. The main advantage of the device is absolute autonomy.

Three-way separating cock

The equipment described above is intended for mixing liquids of different temperatures. The principle of operation of the three-way valve of the separating type has several serious differences. As the name implies, it is used to separate one stream of water from another. Unlike the faucets, there is only one inlet and two outlets in the separation valve, which are located on the same axis.

In these devices, the adjusting sector overlaps the openings of the outlet nozzles with a change in the temperature of the main fluid. Such equipment is most often used to switch the flow of fluid from one pipeline system to another, which allows you to regulate the amount of water simultaneously in various heating circuits and in other structures.

Features of the choice of devices

The first thing you need to pay attention to when selecting a three-way valve is the principle of the device. Designs with manual control are suitable for budget heating systems, for example, for a holiday home, where you visit once a season.

Electrical devices can be used in the heating circuits of buildings intended for permanent residence. If you are betting on ease of operation and reliability, then it's best to choose a taps with a thermostat.

For systems with a high coolant temperature, it is not recommended to purchase a three-way valve, the principle of operation of which is based on the expansion of liquid or gas - they quickly fail. In such designs, special fittings must be installed.

It is important that the diameter of the pipeline coincides with the diameters of the inlet and outlet branches of the crane. Only in this case the throughput of the circuit will not be affected, and the installation will be performed without additional elements.

Esbe popular among our compatriots and around the world is the three-way Esbe, the principle of which is based on the expansion of the thermoregulation liquid. Such devices are highly reliable and accurate, suitable for most heating systems.

Responsible approach to the choice of three-way valves for complex heating circuits. Otherwise, you risk getting an inefficient system that will not cope with its responsibilities.