Oventrop valves bring effective control to DHW circuits
The safe and economic operation of the recirculating domestic-hot-water circuits in the new North Star Campus buildings at Swindon College is achieved using Oventrop’s new Aquastrom T Plus multi-function valve. The valves were chosen by NG Bailey (Bristol) for hydronic and thermostatic balancing. As well as simplifying the commissioning stage, this valve provides significant energy savings by controlling temperature and flow.
These valves are factory preset and operate as temperature-control valves. Once the circuit is up to temperature, the valve closes to a residual minimum flow to limit heat loss and reduce the energy need to reheat the return water to the desired flow temperature.
When the return water cools to a present temperature, usually 55°C, the valve opens to allow more flow, thus eliminating cold dead legs and the risk of legionella bacteria growing.
These valves also provide hydronic balancing and enable systems to be pasteurised automatically when the hot-water generator or stored-water temperature is raised to 75°C.
The new campus comprises a main 4-storey block and two workshop blocks providing 10 000 m2 of purpose-designed space. It also houses a refectory.
Oventrop valves have been used exclusively throughout the plant room and the heating and DHW circuits. To facilitate systems balancing throughout the new buildings, Hydrocontrol double-regulating valves, Hydroset commissioning sets, isolation valves and strainers were supplied.
M&E consulting engineers are Waterman Building Services of Bristol.
