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What Is The Difference Between Balancing Valve And Control Valve

Time: 9-July 2025 | Source: I-FLOW| Share

What Is a Balancing Valve

A balancing valve is used to ensure equal and consistent flow distribution across various branches in a piping network. It does not react to external signals but rather maintains a pre-set flow rate under fluctuating system pressures. Balancing valves are primarily used during commissioning to fine-tune hydronic systems.

There are two primary types:

  • Manual Balancing Valves (Static): Require manual adjustment to set flow based on system design.
  • Automatic Balancing Valves (Dynamic): Use pressure-regulating mechanisms to maintain a constant flow rate regardless of system pressure changes.
Balancing valves are critical in multi-zone systems to prevent under- or over-supply to individual circuits, avoiding discomfort or inefficiency.

What Is a Control Valve

A control valve, as the name suggests, modulates the flow of fluid in response to external inputs, typically from a building automation system (BAS), room thermostat, or temperature sensor. It actively regulates the amount of hot or chilled water delivered to a terminal unit (e.g., AHU, FCU) based on load demand.

Control valves come in several types:

  • Two-way Control Valve: Opens or closes flow based on load.
  • Three-way Control Valve: Diverts or mixes water flow.
  • Modulating Control Valve: Adjusts flow gradually to meet variable conditions.
  • Pressure Independent Control Valve (PICV): Combines dynamic balancing with flow control for maximum efficiency.
These valves provide real-time response to changing environmental or occupancy conditions, making them ideal for comfort and energy savings.

Key Differences Between Balancing and Control Valves

Feature Balancing ValveControl Valve
Primary FunctionMaintain set flow to balance systemAdjust flow to maintain temperature/pressure
Control TypeManual or self-regulatingElectrically or pneumatically actuated
Response to Input SignalNoYes
Flow AdjustmentFixed or passive auto-adjustVariable/modulating based on demand
Typical LocationCircuit branches or return linesAt terminal units (coils, AHUs, fan coils)
Best UseSystem balancing and commissioningReal-time zone or system regulation

Why You Need Both – Or Just One

In traditional hydronic systems, balancing valves and control valves were installed together: balancing valves to set flow, and control valves to regulate temperature. However, modern systems increasingly use Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICVs), which combine both functions into one, simplifying design and improving performance.

Use balancing valves when:

  • Commissioning large or complex multi-branch systems
  • Dealing with inconsistent or unregulated flow distribution

Use control valves when:

  • You require zone-specific control
  • System demand fluctuates with occupancy or time
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