Balanced Circuit Lengths

Q: In a hydronic system, should I keep all of the circuit lengths the same?

A: Most of the time, yes.

There are differing opinions on the need to keep balanced circuit lengths when designing and installing a hydronic system. The primary goal in any hydronic zone is to keep the flows of all the individual circuits the same, thereby creating equal temperature drops and equal heat from each circuit.

In the olden days, prior to circulators, gravity fed hydronic systems were sized in such a way that the natural balance of the system dictated the flow. These systems were very complicated to design and install, but were (in theory) self-balancing and required little to no adjustment.

With the introduction of modern hydronic circulators and flow controls, the systems became much more forgiving to design flaws. Circuits of varying lengths can be mated to a single manifold with flow controls, then balanced out to provide equal flows throughout the system. However, there is a tradeoff: balancing the systems can add a significant labor cost to both installation and maintenance. This may not be a huge deal with a single zone or 2-3 circuits, but with larger zones and more circuits, this becomes quite the daunting task for the installer. Also, if you're using a single manifold with actuators to feed multiple zones, having equal circuit lengths may not apply.

Do circuits need to be the same length? Technically, no. However, when a system is designed and installed with equal length circuits, the payoff is a more stable, self-balancing system that will require less maintenance and adjustment over it's lifespan.

-MDR

RadiantWorks Professional - New Version w/ April 1 Pricing

RadiantWorks Professional version 2010.02.001 has been released, and can be downloaded from the RadiantWorks page on the Watts Radiant site.

The pricing in RadiantWorks has been updated to reflect the July 1 price guide. The software will now also have the ability to quote the FlexPlate and R-flex product lines.

To install the update, just download the .exe file from the site, and it will install over the old version. Your settings and projects will not be erased or moved with the update.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit the RadiantWorks page or call 800-276-2419.

Watts Radiant introduces FlexPlate,™ a revolutionary NEW under floor heating plate.

The primary material in the plate is a specially processed natural graphite giving FlexPlate unique heat conduction properties. Extensive performance testing indicates FlexPlate will outperform the industry standard aluminum plates. This increase in performance maximizes the thermal efficiency of any under floor radiant system through the use of lower input water temperatures.

In some cases FlexPlate will permit the use of lower temperature sources such as modulating-condensing boilers, ground-source heat pumps and solar thermal. FlexPlate is light weight, flexible, easy to cut to length, and features a simple staple-up installation.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit the FlexPlate Site or call 800-276-2419.

New Boiler Module Kit

Everything (er, almost everything) you ever wanted for the boiler room in one kit. This new kit comes complete with:

1. Air Remover (with or without flanges) for direct connection to circulators
2. Swivel Isolation Pump Flange complete with integrated Purge Port.
3. Residential Boiler Fill Fitting (RBFF).

Each of these items are designed to make installation and initial system fill easier, faster, and trouble free. The new RBFF is a new twist on an old concept. Each RBFF fitting allows for fast and easy isolation of the system expansion tank, a drain valve for easy purging or filling, and a 30 psig pressure gauge for quick and easy check of the system’s current pressure.

DESCRIPTION	QTY	MODEL #	ORDER #
3/4" Boiler Module	1	HP-BHM-75	81013752
1" Boiler Module	1	HP-BHM-100	81013745
1 1/4" Boiler Module	1	HP-BHM-120	81013746

Watts Radiant introduces a NEW compact, lightweight PEX Unwinder.

Watts Radiant introduces a new compact, lightweight unwinder for RadiantPEX+ and RadiantPEX-AL.

This sturdy unwinder is collapsible and comes complete with its own carrying bag. Each unwinder comes fully assembled and can be secured to the ground or floor for smooth unwinding. The unwinder measures 10"x 36"x6" when folded, and handles coils up to 1".


For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419

SubRay Product Update

Watts Radiant introduces a new, convenient way to quickly discern our 15mm thick SubRay® sleepers and Headers from 18mm.

Beginning March 1, 2010, the 15mm sleepers and headers will be painted blue on one end while the 18mm items will remain unpainted.

For more information on SubRay, visit the Watts Radiant Site.

Watts Radiant introduces NEW Crimp Fittings and power tools for 1-1/2” PEX

Watts Radiant is pleased to introduce CrimpRings and connections for 1 ½” RadiantPEX tubing. Now fast and easy crimp connections are possible with larger diameter 1 ½” RadiantPEX applications.


Available in:
1-½” x 1-½” crimp coupling
1-½” crimp x 1-½” MPT
1-½” crimp x 1-½”male sweat adapter
1-½” crimp x 1-½” female sweat adapter

Our fittings are designed to be used with ASTM F876 (SDR-9) rated RadiantPEX tubing.

Temperature and pressure ratings:
Max. Operating Temperature 180°F.
Max. Operating Pressure 100 psi.

We have also expanded our crimp jaws for our corded and cordless power tools to include the 1-½”size. For those who currently use the RIGID® Model 320-E Cordless Press Tool®, our 1-½” crimp jaws are fully compatible.

With material costs and labor a fraction of copper pipe, RadiantPEX using our new crimp fittings is the perfect choice for distribution lines to commercial or large residential radiant zones, snowmelt zones, or other hydronic applications.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419.

Stainless Steel Manifold with Flow Meter Shut Off

For Immediate Release!

Watts Radiant has updated its state-of-the-art Stainless Steel manifold system to incorporate fl ow meter shut off valves on all 1” and 1-1/2” models. Providing enhanced ease of use and performance, complete circuit isolation is now achieved by closing the fl ow balance valve under the blue cap and rotating the flow meter, eliminating the need for accessory circuit isolation ball valves.

All features you have come to expect will continue with the new design. Each manifold pair will come complete, pre-mounted on metal brackets, eliminating the need for job site assembly.

A wide range of accessory items are available, including
vent/purge assemblies, end caps, trunk isolation valves, and
pressure differential by-pass valves.

Maximum fl ow rates are 12 gpm for 1” manifolds and 20 gpm for 1-1/2” manifolds. Individual circuit fl ow meters are 0-2 gpm for 1” and 0-4 gpm for 1-1/2” manifolds. Manifolds and gauges are rated to 180°F and 80 psi pressure. Fittings are spaced at 2-1/8” on center.

For more information regarding this or other Watts Radiant products, please visit our website at www.wattsradiant.com or call 800-276-2419.