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Advances in HVAC Test Equipment: The Importance of Diffuser Calibration for Flow Hood Measurements

Introduction

Objective

The objective for this writing is to inform HVAC technicians and contractors about the limitations of testing equipment currently used for testing, adjusting, and balancing HVAC systems. The need for more accurate instruments is immediate as energy programs are moving toward net-zero energy building efficiencies.

In doing so, HVAC technicians and contractors will struggle with tighter specifications as they tune HVAC systems with instruments that fail to provide the required accuracy and versatility. Continue reading “Advances in HVAC Test Equipment: The Importance of Diffuser Calibration for Flow Hood Measurements”

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Control Valve Actuator Sizing and Valve Action Selection

Control valves are used to change process conditions such as flow, temperature, level, and pH. A complete control system would include: a sensor, controller, positioner or current to pressure transducer, and control valve.  Globe valves, such as the Dwyer Series 2000VA/ 3000WA Hi-Flow™ Control Valve, are a very common type of control valve.

Hi-Flow™ Valve

The Dwyer Hi-Flow™ Series control valves have pneumatic actuators that modulate the valve for flow control. The opening, closing and throttling of the valve plug is accomplished by varying the air pressure to the diaphragm in the actuator. Typically the control pressure signal is 3 to 15 psig. There are two types of actuators: Air-To-Lower and Air-To- Raise. Continue reading “Control Valve Actuator Sizing and Valve Action Selection”