What type of valve is typically used to control the flow of water in hydronic systems?

In hydronic systems, the ball valve is widely used for controlling the flow of water due to its design and functionality. Ball valves have a spherical disc that permits or restricts flow, allowing for quick on and off control. This ability to provide tight sealing ensures minimal leakage when the valve is in the closed position, making them ideal in systems where maintaining pressure and flow is crucial.

Additionally, ball valves typically have a lower pressure drop when fully open compared to other types of valves, which is beneficial in maintaining system efficiency. Their operation requires only a quarter turn to switch from fully open to fully closed, providing ease of use and rapid response.

While gate valves are also used, they are primarily intended for applications requiring fully open or closed positions and are less effective for flow regulation. Butterfly valves serve well in applications needing throttling capabilities but can sometimes create more turbulence and pressure drop during operation. Check valves are used to prevent backflow and are not designed for flow control. Thus, the characteristics of ball valves make them the preferred choice for controlling flow in hydronic systems.