Doug,
I HAVE had tank (SS) temps in excess of 180˚, but rarely. These valves are the Honeywell Sparcomix AM series. I don't see any temperature limitations listed in the specifications.
-Kelly

Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind
Renewable Energy Systems
ke...@whidbeysunwind.com
360-678-7131

On May 19, 2010, at 6:48 AM, Doug Wells wrote:

Kelly,

I have also seen mixing valves get leaky over time. Many mixing valves are designed for controlled input from a boiler at steady 140 degree temps. It is not uncommon for SHW tanks to reach 180+ degrees in certain conditions. If exposed to these higher temps the valves can begin to loose accuracy. Usually they are designed to "fault" into the cold position, so the begin to leak in a little cold and the client will complain about low temps at the faucet/ shower.

Doug Wells
The Solar Specialists
Morrisville, VT 05661
(p) 802-223-7014
(c) 802-498-5856
www.thesolarspecialists.com

On May 19, 2010, at 2:14 AM, Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:

Thermal wrenches,
I'm having an ongoing issue with mixing valves in my own system not keeping a steady mix domestic HW temperature as the tank temperature varies with solar heating. If I set it for (say) 122˚F mix when the tank is 135˚, it seems to hold that differential at all tank temps - i.e. when the tank is hotter the mix is too hot (sometimes dangerously so), and when colder the mix is too cold for a comfortable shower. Thus, I need to change the setting all the time.

I'm now using a Honeywell valve with a 90˚ - 145˚ range. This is a replacement for a valve with a wider range that acted the same way. Any ideas, suggestions for better valves, or....?

This has me wondering how many of our SWH customers are experiencing a similar thing, but just aren't bothered enough to say anything. We seem to have encountered many plumbing situations where the mixing valve allowed weird backflow or siphoning situations to mess with system operation, especially with HW recirculation. I thought I had all such causes eliminated on my system, but maybe not.

Thanks for sharing your experience with such matters.
-Kelly

Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind
Renewable Energy Systems
ke...@whidbeysunwind.com
360-678-7131




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