Discover how ABO valve butterfly valves Series 2E and 3E provide reliable solutions for district heating systems. Learn about their applications in heat generation, heat exchangers and distribution networks, and explore a real district heating project featuring customized triple offset butterfly valves.
District heating systems require reliable isolation of pipelines and individual equipment throughout the network. From heat generation and circulation pumps to heat exchangers and main supply and return lines, butterfly valves help operators isolate individual sections for operation, maintenance and service.
Selecting the right butterfly valve depends on the conditions at each installation point – particularly temperature, pressure, differential pressure, valve size, sealing requirements and actuation.
Where Are Butterfly Valves Used in District Heating?
Butterfly valves can be installed at different points within a district heating plant and distribution network. Typical applications include:
- Heat sources and boilers – isolation of individual equipment.
- Circulation pumps – isolation of pumps and individual branches for operation or maintenance.
- Heat exchangers – isolation of equipment from the heating circuit.
- Main supply and return lines – isolation of individual sections of the district heating network.
- Bypass and interconnection lines – separation or connection of individual system sections.
Operating conditions can differ significantly between these installation points. A single district heating system may therefore require different valve designs, materials and actuation.
Choosing the Right Butterfly Valve for District Heating
ABO valve offers both double offset and triple offset butterfly valve solutions for district heating and related energy applications.
High performance butterfly valves Series 2E
High performance butterfly valves Series 2E uses a double eccentric design that reduces interaction between the disc and seat during operation. The series is available in different sealing configurations, including a Metal–Metal version, and can be used for industrial applications involving hot water, steam and condensate, including pump and heat exchanger connections and suitable supply and return lines. The appropriate sealing and material configuration is selected according to the operating conditions of the application.
Series 3E – Triple Offset Butterfly Valves
For applications requiring a triple offset Metal–Metal or Metal-Graphite solution, valves Series 3E provide a valve design suitable for demanding industrial applications involving hot water, steam and condensate.
The triple offset geometry minimizes contact between the sealing surfaces during opening and closing. Different material and sealing configurations can be selected according to the operating conditions of the application.
District Heating Project: Thermal Energy Storage - Bratislava East and West - Slovakia
A current project demonstrates the use of ABO butterfly valves in district heating applications.
ABO valve is manufacturing Series 3E triple offset butterfly valves for Heating holding – Heating plant Bratislava East and West.
The project includes 35L4F and 35L4B butterfly valves with Metal–Metal and Metal-Graphite sealing, equipped with AUMA electric and Festo pneumatic actuators according to the individual valve configuration.
Project at a Glance
Application: District heating
Valve series: Series 3E
Valve types: 35L4F / 35L4B
Design: Triple offset, Metal–Metal and Metal-Graphite
Quantity: 46pcs
Size range: DN 80-500
Pressure rating: PN 16, 25
Medium: Steam, hot water, water
Operating temperature: approximately 97, 130, 260 °C
Actuation: AUMA electric / Festo pneumatic
Valve series: Series 3E
Valve types: 35L4F / 35L4B
Design: Triple offset, Metal–Metal and Metal-Graphite
Quantity: 46pcs
Size range: DN 80-500
Pressure rating: PN 16, 25
Medium: Steam, hot water, water
Operating temperature: approximately 97, 130, 260 °C
Actuation: AUMA electric / Festo pneumatic
Customized solution included: graphite lamellar disc, stellite-coated body or seat, heat sink, elongated neck, UNI and BI directional tightness
Factory Acceptance Before Delivery
Before delivery, the valves undergo the inspections and tests specified for the project – functional, seat and body tightness.
For the project Thermal Energy Storage - Bratislava East and West with end customer MH Heating holding a.s., the customer also participates in a factory acceptance directly at the ABO valve production facility. This provides an opportunity to inspect the supplied valves and witness the specified tests before shipment.
One District Heating System, Different Valve Requirements
There is no single butterfly valve configuration suitable for every installation point within a district heating system.
The appropriate solution depends on the medium, operating temperature, pressure, differential pressure, nominal diameter, sealing requirements and actuation.
Providing these parameters at the enquiry stage helps determine the appropriate valve design and configuration for the specific application.
Not sure which information to include in your enquiry? Read our guide:
Planning a District Heating Project?
Are you specifying butterfly valves for a district heating plant, heating network or related energy application?
Send us your operating parameters and project requirements. Our team will help you identify an appropriate butterfly valve configuration for your application.