A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) mixes hot and cold water safely, prevents scalding, maintains a constant temperature, prevents bacterial growth, and has built-in safety mechanisms. TMVs are used in central heating systems, controlling water temperature in buildings, and individual taps. They prevent sunburn by creating a uniform blend of water and don’t rely on water pressure. TMVs reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria growth by allowing water to be stored at high temperatures that kill bacteria.
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a piece of equipment designed to mix hot water with cold water safely and effectively. In addition to preventing scalding, a thermostatic mixing valve also ensures a constant hot water temperature, helps prevent bacterial growth in water storage units, and often includes a built-in safety mechanism to shut off the water in the event of a malfunction. Many households, hotels and manufacturing processes use these valves for safety and uniform temperature.
The three main situations in which a thermostatic mixing valve can be used are heating the water used in a central heating system, controlling the water temperature in all taps and sources in a building and maintaining the temperature in individual taps. For central heating systems, TMVs are often advantageous because they allow for higher temperatures in the water storage units. Additionally, TMVs control water pressure and allow for higher flow rates, which makes radiant floor heating feasible.
In group control systems, a thermostatic mixing valve will create stable temperatures and maintain higher flow rates for a domestic water system. Individual point-of-use valves can be installed in separate sinks, faucets or showers for individual temperature control. Both of these types of valves are designed more specifically to reduce the instance of scalding.
TMVs prevent sunburn in several ways. First, they create a uniform blend of hot and cold water that you can easily adjust. Second, they don’t rely on water pressure to determine the proper allocation of hot and cold water. Pressure variation in traditional valves can lead to water temperature fluctuations, and many of these pressure dependent valves can malfunction if water pressure is used in other areas of the home or building. TMVs are not regulated by water pressure and therefore reduce the risk of temperature imbalances in the water.
The presence and growth of Legionella bacteria in a water system can also be significantly reduced with the use of a thermostatic mixing valve. This bacterium, which can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, thrives in warm waters at temperatures between 105°F and 115°F (about 40.6°C to 46.1°C). TMVs allow water to be stored at temperatures of at least 140°F (60°C), which kill bacteria and prevent their growth. In addition, the use of this valve will greatly reduce the risk of burns, making it possible to store water at such high temperatures.
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