Zone Valves

Zone valves are designed for controlling the flow direction into individual zones A-B of hydraulic circuits (most commonly for switching the heating circuit and accumulation) – whether in regular domestic (boilers, radiators, or hot water heating) or industrial equipment.

Remember that zone valves are almost always connected to a control actuator. The flow direction is usually indicated by a mechanical indicator. Zone valves are most commonly made of brass.

The basic division of zone valves is according to the type of fitting into two-way and three-way. Two-way zone valves are used to switch or close the path between two circuits. The ball valve is therefore in the OPEN position when connected to power and in the CLOSED position when disconnected from power.

Inside the body of the two-way zone valve, there is a spring that ensures mechanical switching to the default position in the event of a power failure.

Three-way zone valves are sometimes referred to as “hydraulic switches”. This means that from one common inlet, the flow is directed to one of the other two outlets. It depends on whether they are turned on or off.

Where are they used? They can be, for example, accumulation tanks for heating domestic hot water (DHW). With zone valves, you can conveniently switch the hot water from the boiler flowing into the radiators, where you have reached the desired temperature, into the accumulation tank for DHW. Such a solution allows an efficient way to distribute the consumer's operating costs. Heat accumulation also contributes to reducing the energy demands of buildings.

For three-way zone valves, there is a possibility of manual opening, where the ball valve allows 50% into zone A and 50% into zone B, which is a very important safety feature for example against boiler overheating.