bypassventil

A bypassventil, or bypass valve, is a valve designed to create an alternate flow path around a portion of a piping or fluid circuit. By opening or closing the bypass, fluid can be redirected away from the primary flow path, allowing control of pressure, temperature, or flow rate in the system.

Bypass valves are often spring-loaded or pilot-operated and may be normally open or normally closed. In automatic configurations, sensors or control systems actuate the valve to maintain setpoints or relieve overload by routing fluid through the bypass when the primary path would over-pressurize or overheat.

Common applications include hydraulic systems, where a bypass maintains pump discharge pressure or provides minimum flow; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, where bypass lines regulate return water temperature to protect boilers or stabilize supply; and automotive cooling and engine cooling systems, where bypass directs coolant around the radiator or through a heater core.

In water supply and irrigation, bypass valves enable maintenance or isolation without shutting off a customer supply. They are also used in process engineering to manage pressure differentials and to facilitate startup and shutdown procedures.

Design considerations include pressure and temperature ratings, flow capacity, response time, potential leakage, and control method. Types range from simple manual bypass valves to automatic, pilot-operated or proportional valves. Proper selection depends on system pressure, desired control strategy, and the need to protect components or improve energy efficiency.