Kierrätysventtiilejä

Kierrätysventtiilejä, or recirculation valves, are components used in various systems to redirect fluid flow back to its origin or a different point in the system. Their primary purpose is to maintain a certain level of flow, pressure, or temperature within the system, even when the primary outlet is not demanding the full flow. This is particularly common in pump systems where running a pump against a closed valve can cause damage due to excessive pressure buildup or overheating.

In hydronic heating and cooling systems, recirculation valves can be employed to ensure that hot or cold water is constantly circulating through the system, preventing stagnation and ensuring quicker temperature response when required. This is often achieved by diverting a small portion of the flow back to the supply or return line when the demand from radiators or air handling units is low.

Another application is found in automotive systems, such as in turbochargers. Here, a recirculation valve, often referred to as a bypass valve or diverter valve, is used to manage boost pressure. When the throttle is closed suddenly, the compressed air in the intake system can create a backpressure wave that can damage the turbocharger. The recirculation valve opens to vent this excess pressure back into the intake system before the turbocharger, thus protecting it and smoothing out engine response.

The design and operation of recirculation valves can vary significantly depending on the specific application. Some are purely mechanical and rely on pressure differentials, while others are electronically controlled to provide more precise management of fluid flow. Their use contributes to system efficiency, component longevity, and overall performance by actively managing flow dynamics.