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How To Balance Radiators & the Role of the Lockshield Valve: A Homeowner's Guide

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(@alfapat)
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@jamespa 

I read a post on here about converting  a four port Buffer to by-passing and making a volumizer . What is the advantage of including a volumizer as opposed  to by passing and linking ch return through the buffer via the same level and returning the flow to the HP pump as to entering at the top of the tank and back to HP at the bottom.

I remember your drawing and just realised reading similar that I should know more .
I have contacted a local plumber who is yet to visit , to discuss my alterations .

This post was modified 1 month ago by Alfapat

   
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(@jamespa)
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The volumiser provides extra system volume which may reduce cycling or may be necessary for defrost if your system doesn't otherwise have sufficient water in it to meet the specifications for your heat pump.

It may be totally unnecessary, but it does no harm.  So it's the safe option if you have a buffer.

This post was modified 1 month ago 2 times by JamesPa

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.


   
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(@alfapat)
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Posted by: @jamespa

The volumiser provides extra system volume which may reduce cycling or may be necessary for defrost if your system doesn't otherwise have sufficient water in it to meet the specifications for your heat pump.

It may be totally unnecessary, but it does no harm.  So it's the safe option if you have a buffer.

That’s good, so what’s the difference between the lower sketch and upper onfeaturing bypass. 
Scan_0014.pdf

 


   
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(@jamespa)
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Posted by: @alfapat

Posted by: @jamespa

The volumiser provides extra system volume which may reduce cycling or may be necessary for defrost if your system doesn't otherwise have sufficient water in it to meet the specifications for your heat pump.

It may be totally unnecessary, but it does no harm.  So it's the safe option if you have a buffer.

That’s good, so what’s the difference between the lower sketch and upper onfeaturing bypass. 
Scan_0014.pdf

 

The second one avoids the possibility that all the hot water collects at the top and is bypassed by the returning flow.

Not a lot really, but perhaps worth doing. I can't quantify it.

 

This post was modified 1 month ago 2 times by JamesPa

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.


   
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(@alfapat)
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Posted by: @jamespa

Posted by: @alfapat

Posted by: @jamespa

The volumiser provides extra system volume which may reduce cycling or may be necessary for defrost if your system doesn't otherwise have sufficient water in it to meet the specifications for your heat pump.

It may be totally unnecessary, but it does no harm.  So it's the safe option if you have a buffer.

That’s good, so what’s the difference between the lower sketch and upper onfeaturing bypass. 
Scan_0014.pdf

 

The second one avoids the possibility that all the hot water collects at the top and is bypassed by the returning flow.

Not a lot really, but perhaps worth doing. I can't quantify it.

 

h OK James interesting , might include that in the plan.

 


   
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(@jamespa)
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Posted by: @alfapat

Posted by: @jamespa

Posted by: @alfapat

Posted by: @jamespa

The volumiser provides extra system volume which may reduce cycling or may be necessary for defrost if your system doesn't otherwise have sufficient water in it to meet the specifications for your heat pump.

It may be totally unnecessary, but it does no harm.  So it's the safe option if you have a buffer.

That’s good, so what’s the difference between the lower sketch and upper onfeaturing bypass. 
Scan_0014.pdf

 

The second one avoids the possibility that all the hot water collects at the top and is bypassed by the returning flow.

Not a lot really, but perhaps worth doing. I can't quantify it.

 

h OK James interesting , might include that in the plan.

 

It occurs to me that the other way up might be even better, feed water in from rads at bottom, take water out to hp at top.  In reality probably little difference between the two but I would definitely have one at the top and the other at the bottom.

 

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.


   
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(@alfapat)
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Ok Guys James,

I cannot get anyone to respond to a request locally to come and have a look at converting a buffer tank to a Volumizer therefore eliminating the constant mixing in this . 

Is it the time of year or lack of committment at this time of year . Due to colder temps and time of year?

The reason being costs normally should have gone down daily given the OAT at this time of the year. So trying to get a plumber to submit his time and have a look at my system seems impossible . 

Shoud I revert to my older system in involving opening lockshields and shuttin down TRV's to suit rooms . Certainly cheaper than exposing the flaw with the present set up or try and get a company to look at the proposed set up meantime .


   
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(@jamespa)
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Before answering that, what do you feel is the problem which you would solve by reverting.  Earlier on you seemed to have made some progress albeit that we both recognise its still not optimal.  Why not leave it at the point of maximum progress, what do you think will improve if you change it back?

This post was modified 2 weeks ago by JamesPa

4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.


   
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(@alfapat)
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Posts: 158
 

The old problem we had certainly was not right , but while it was using TRV's and open lockshieldsand the buffer, the costs were more controlled but still expensive as they were shutting down the system and then the HP had to make it up. I know from my Bills that they are higher than before but only because I am in this in between stage that now the temperatures in the house are more consistant the the whole idea of bypassing the the tank and or making it a volumiser has to be completed in order that the system is optimised , but I cant get someone to do it . I am committed to completing it , and then savings will be even more , Im sure of it , I am down the a flow temp of 40c now , previously 42 for two weeks,  meanwhile the daytime temperatures are helping things a little now.


   
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(@heacol)
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@alfapat PM me and I can help, you will just neeed to find a standard plumber, not a specilaised one.

Director at Heacol Consultants ltd


   
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(@alfapat)
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I have messaged you . 

Thank you in anticipation of your help .


   
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