3 way Solar valve using 90 degree actuator?

[rlab]

Hi,

My PB has setup the motorized solar 3 way valve using a 90 degree actuator instead of the normal 180 actuator. i.e. instead of the inlet being at the "bottom" of the T, it is coming in from the side. Hence the need to use a 90 actuator to switch between the outlets.

Is there anything wrong with doing it this way? In this case it was just because plumbing space was tight, and doing it at 90 worked better than the normal 180 layout.

Thanks

 

[ajw22]

If you use the same actuators as we do then 90 vs 180 is just an adjustment to the actuator cam stop points. No difference or problem with that setup.

Valve Actuators - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[rlab]

OK thanks good to know. I'm curious if there is any reason why the "normal" 3 way setup is using a 180 actuation with inlet on the bottom of the T?

The nice thing about using inlet on the side with a 90 actuation is the motor is only on for half as long to open/close... Hopefully that increases the lifetime!

 

[ajw22]

Way back when someone picked the T configuration and it became the normal standard.

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

While I completely agree with Allen, that it should not matter, how about sending as a pic of the plumbing in that area so we can make sure..

As long as the valve sends the water into the solar system or by-passes the solar system, it should work just fine..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[rlab]

Don't have access for photo right now, but below is a simple schematic of how the 3 way valve is setup (not showing other check valves etc).

The actuator rotates 90 degrees, adjusting the off position between A (sends flow to pool) and B (sends flow to solar).

Any issues with this? The only reason this threw me was I had always previously seen 3 way valves setup with inlet on the bottom of the T.

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

That set up will work fine..

Not sure if the "from solar" line needs a check valve, or not, as I don't have solar..

Let's see if @JamesW has any input...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

The from solar doesn't need a check valve.

 

[rlab]

Thanks Jim.

Yeah good point on the check valve, I would be interested in knowing this, can't remember if there is one currently.

 

[rlab]

@JamesW interesting, what stops the flow just going back up the solar return in that case?

 

[JamesW]

@JamesW interesting, what stops the flow just going back up the solar return in that case?

Gravity.

 

[rlab]

Gravity creates a certain amount of head. The remainder of the return loop (including eyeballs etc) also creates head.

Depending on the ratio between the 2, isn't it possible that some of the flow will divert up into the panels?

 

[JamesW]

There shouldn't be enough head loss from the returns to force water as high as the panels. It will go up somewhat in the pipe, but it shouldn't go as high as the roof.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Its normal to have the solar 3 way setup on its side that's how they are done space or not. You dont need a check valve but most put one in anyway for good measure......I do anyway

 

[JamesW]

You can use one if you want.

Hot Sun Solar Pool Heating l How Does a Solar Pool Heater Function?

Detailed plumbing and operating instructions of solar swimming pool heaters.

www.h2otsun.com