Product Description
The Pressure Temperature Relief (PTR) Hot Water Valve HT55 700kpa 15mm Brass Solarhart is a critical safety component designed for use in solar hot water systems (and other hot water systems). It serves to protect the system from excessive pressure and temperature, which could otherwise lead to damage, failure, or hazardous situations.
Key Features:
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Pressure and Temperature Relief:
- This valve combines pressure relief and temperature relief functions in a single unit. It ensures that if the water pressure or temperature exceeds safe levels, the valve will open and allow water to escape, preventing the system from over-pressurizing or overheating.
- 700 kPa Pressure Rating: The valve is rated for a maximum pressure of 700 kPa, which is a common pressure range for hot water systems. If the pressure exceeds this level, the valve will open to release excess pressure.
- Temperature Relief: The valve also opens to relieve excess temperature, typically around 95°C (depending on the manufacturer’s specifications). This is essential for preventing dangerous situations such as overheating, which could damage the system or cause it to fail.
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15mm Size:
- The valve is designed with a 15mm connection, which is standard for residential hot water systems. This size ensures compatibility with a wide range of hot water systems, including solar hot water systems, electric water heaters, and gas water heaters.
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Brass Construction:
- The valve is made from brass, which is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-term durability and reliability, even in the harsh conditions of a hot water system. Brass is also known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure, making it an ideal material for a pressure-temperature relief valve.
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Solarhart Compatibility:
- The Solarhart brand is known for its solar hot water systems, and this valve is specifically designed to be compatible with Solarhart systems, although it can also be used in other similar hot water systems. Solarhart systems often have higher operating temperatures, so this valve is a critical safety component for preventing overheating.
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Safety Function:
- The main function of the PTR valve is to protect the hot water system from excessive pressure and temperature. If the system's pressure exceeds 700 kPa or the water temperature rises too high, the valve opens to safely release water. This prevents dangerous blowouts or explosions from occurring.
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Relief Capacity:
- When activated, the valve allows excess water to drain out of the system, reducing the risk of damage to the pipes, storage tank, or connected appliances. This water typically drains to a safe location, such as a drain or external overflow pipe, ensuring no harm to the system or surrounding areas.
Applications:
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Solar Hot Water Systems:
- Primarily used in solar hot water systems like those from Solarhart. Solar systems can experience higher water temperatures due to solar heating, and the PTR valve is essential for preventing excessive pressure buildup or overheating.
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Gas or Electric Hot Water Systems:
- This valve can also be used in gas or electric hot water systems where pressure and temperature regulation is necessary to protect the system from malfunction or damage.
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Heating Systems:
- The PTR valve is also important for heating systems that use pressurized hot water. It ensures that the pressure and temperature stay within safe limits to prevent system failure.
Benefits:
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Prevents Damage:
- Protects the hot water system from over-pressurization and overheating, both of which can cause serious damage to the tank, pipes, and other components.
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Increases Safety:
- By maintaining safe pressure and temperature levels, the PTR valve ensures the system operates safely, reducing the risk of dangerous situations like system blowouts, tank explosions, or scalding.
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Durability:
- The brass construction ensures the valve will last for many years, even under harsh conditions of high heat and pressure.
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Compliance with Standards:
- It meets safety standards for hot water systems and is commonly required by building regulations and plumbing codes to ensure safe operation of water heaters.
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Peace of Mind:
- The PTR valve provides homeowners and system operators with peace of mind, knowing that their hot water system is equipped with a reliable safety valve to protect against excessive pressure and temperature.
Installation:
- The Pressure Temperature Relief Valve is generally installed at the top of the hot water tank or system, where it can effectively monitor and regulate both the pressure and temperature of the water inside the system.
- It is important to have this valve installed correctly to ensure it functions properly. Incorrect installation could prevent the valve from activating during an emergency.
Maintenance:
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Test the Valve:
- It is important to test the valve periodically to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Many manufacturers recommend testing the valve by gently lifting the lever to ensure it releases water and resets properly.
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Check for Leaks:
- Regularly check for any leaks around the valve or at the connection points to ensure that it is sealing properly and preventing unwanted water loss.
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Replace When Necessary:
- If the valve is worn out, damaged, or fails to function properly during testing, it should be replaced immediately to ensure the safety and functionality of the system.
Conclusion:
The Pressure Temperature Relief Hot Water Valve HT55 700kpa 15mm Brass Solarhart is a crucial safety device for protecting solar hot water systems (and other similar systems) from excessive pressure and temperature. It helps ensure the safe and efficient operation of the system by relieving excess pressure and preventing overheating. With its brass construction, 700 kPa pressure rating, and 15mm size, it is built to last and perform reliably, providing peace of mind to homeowners and users of hot water systems. Regular maintenance and testing are necessary to ensure its proper function and prevent damage to the system.