Embrace the Technology®
Thermostatic Balancing Valves
For Domestic Hot Water Systems
Offered in a variety of sizes up to 2” with configurations including ball valves,
integrated unions, check valves, strainers, and ProPress ends
Offered in a variety of sizes from 1/2” to 2” with configurations including ball
valves, integrated unions, check valves, strainers, thermometers, and ProPress ends
All [Link]
All CircuitSolver
CircuitSolver® Valves
Valves are
®
[Link]
NSF/ANSI/CAN 1-877-379-8258
are NSF/ANSI 6161 or 372 Certified
Certified 1-877-379-8258
ThermOmegaTech’s QMS is certified to the AS9100D
AS9100 DStandards
Standardswhich
whichincludes
includesISO
ISO9001:2015
9001:2015
CIRCUITSOLVER®
The Basics
Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Balancing
CircuitSolver® Basics
CircuitSolver® is a self-actuating thermostatic balancing valve that automatically and continuously adjusts
flow through a domestic hot water recirculation (DHWR) system to maintain the specified temperature at
the end of each branch or riser.
Balancing the system in a fraction of the time, this valve eliminates time-consuming and expensive manual
balancing labor during start-up and maintenance.
The Need: DHWR systems need to be balanced to ensure that hot water is available throughout a
building on every floor, at every fixture, at all times.
The Problem: A building typically requires multiple branches off the hot water supply line, and water flows
in the path of least resistance which constantly changes in dynamic, open systems.
Manual balancing valves and fixed flow devices rely on flow and pressure calculations and cannot respond
dynamically to changing needs.
The Solution: Install a CircuitSolver® at the end of each branch, downstream of the last fixture, and the
system balances itself.
How It Works: The thermal actuator at the heart of the CircuitSolver® modulates the valve between open
and closed in response to changing water temperature. This continuous response to temperature variation
enables each hot water branch to quickly and consistently direct hot water flow to where it is needed
– No manual balancing required. (1)
Note: The valve never fully closes, allowing a small (7)
amount of bypass flow to the return to avoid
deadheading the recirculation pump.
CircuitSolver® Placement (3)
Do’s and Don’ts
(1) at the end of each branch/riser
(2) in the return line back to the water heater
(4)
(3) not in the middle of a branch/riser
(4) not in a supply line
(5) not in the return line
(6) not after the recirculating pump
(7) don’t combine 2 branches/ risers (5)
Valve Selection Master
Mixing Valve (6)
Recirculating
Pump
Size: Select the size equivalent to the branch/riser
feeding the return line.
Temperature: Select the set-point temperature CW
equal to the desired return temperature.
(2)
Example: A standard CircuitSolver® installed on a
3/4” branch/riser with a 120˚F return temperature
would be CS-3/4-120.
CW
[Link] | 1-877-379-8258 | 353 Ivyland Rd, Warminster, PA 18974
CIRCUITSOLVER®
CS, CSU, CSUA, CSUAS & Accessories
CircuitSolver® (CS)
ThermOmegaTech’s standard thermostatic, self-actuating balancing
valve, CircuitSolver®, adjusts the flow through a domestic hot water
recirculation system to maintain a specified return temperature at
the end of each branch.
CircuitSolver® Union (CSU)
The CircuitSolver® Union features a union with an integrated O-ring
for a leak-free seal and an optional integrated check valve to reduce
the number of system components to be installed and minimize
potential leak points.
CircuitSolver® Union Assembly (CSUA)
The CircuitSolver® Union Assembly adds isolation ball valves
on either end of the CSU, further reducing leak points.
Assembled and leak tested before delivery, the CSUA makes
it easier to install and service.
CircuitSolver® Union Strainer
Assembly (CSUAS)
The CircuitSolver® Union Assembly is offered with an
integrated strainer for water systems with dirt or particulate
to facilitate system start-up and protect valve components
and operation.
CircuitSolver® with ProPress®
CircuitSolver® valves are offered with Viega ProPress® ends for
seamless integration into ProPress Systems. Viega Smart
Connect technology easily identifies unpressed connection
points, saving time and labor costs. The ProPress ends can be
equipped to any CircuitSolver® configuration.
CircuitSolver® with ProPEX®
CircuitSolver® valves are offered with ProPEX® ends for
seamless integration into ProPEX® Systems. The ProPEX® ends
can be equipped to any CircuitSolver® configuration.
CircuitSolver® Thermometer Assembly
The CircuitSolver® thermometer monitors system temperature
with an easy-to-read dial for instant hot water temperature
verification. Offered in ½”, ¾”, and 1” sizes, the thermometer
assembly can be purchased in any CircuitSolver® configuration
or independently.
[Link] | 1-877-379-8258 | 353 Ivyland Rd, Warminster, PA 18974
CIRCUITSOLVER®
Model Builder & Flow Rates
Model Selection:
CS - - XXX - - -
Closing Temperature Blank = standard
Blank = standard TW = thermometer
100°F (37.7°C)
U = integrated Blank = standard 105°F (40.5°C)
union S = strainer
110°F (43.3°C)
Line Size Blank = standard
115°F (46.1°C) PP = ProPress ends
All styles: 120°F (48.8°C) PX = ProPex ends
Blank = standard
A = assembly ½”, ¾”, 1” 125°F (51.6°C)
(2 integrated ball valves) CS Only: 130°F (54.4°C) Blank = standard
1¼”, 1½”, 2” 135°F (57.2°C) CV1 = check valve
140°F (60.0°C)
150°F (65.5°C)
Max. Pressure: 200 PSIG (14 BAR)
Max. Temperature: 250°F (121°C)
Examples:
1. Standard CircuitSolver® installed on a ½” line with 120°F return temperature: CS-1/2-120
2. CircuitSolver® Union with check valve installed on a ¾” line with 115°F return temperature: CSU-3/4-115-CV1
3. CircuitSolver® Union Strainer Assembly installed on a 1” line with 130°F return temperature: CSUAS-1-130
For product dimensions and specifications, submittals are available at: [Link]/plumbingspecs
CircuitSolver® GPM & Cv
GPM at 5psi Differential Cv Flow rate calculation
Valve Size
Open Closed* Open Closed* Design using Cv factor.
1/2” 2.9 0.45 1.3 0.2 0.60 GPM=Cv ΔP
3/4” 4.0 0.45 1.8 0.2 0.85
1” 7.4 0.45 3.3 0.2 1.57
GPM
Cv= ΔP
1 1/4” 11.4 0.45 5.1 0.2 2.48
2
1 1/2” 17.0 0.45 7.6 0.2 3.72 GPM
2” 31.8 0.45 14.2 0.2 7.02 ΔP= Cv
*CircuitSolver® will never fully close. Built-in bypass leakage eliminates pump deadheading
and improves upstream sensitivity.
Flow and Pressure Drop vs. CircuitSolver®
Pressure Drop (PSI) per Valve Size at Design Cv
GPM 1/2” 3/4” 1” 1 1/4” 1 1/2” 2”
0.25 0.17 0.09 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.00
0.5 0.69 0.35 0.10 0.04 0.02 0.01
0.75 1.56 0.78 0.23 0.09 0.04 0.01
1.0 2.78 1.38 0.41 0.16 0.07 0.02
1.25 4.34 2.16 0.63 0.25 0.11 0.03
1.5 6.25 3.11 0.91 0.37 0.16 0.05
1.75 8.51 4.24 1.24 0.50 0.22 0.06
2.0 11.11 5.54 1.62 0.65 0.20 0.08
[Link]
[Link] | 1-877-379-8258
| 1-877-379-8258
| 353
| 353
Ivyland
Ivyland
Rd,Rd,
Warminster,
Warminster,
PA PA
18974
18974
CIRCUITSOLVER®
CSUTD-D
CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection (CSUTD-D)
The CircuitSolver® Union Thermal Disinfection Dual
Balancing valve has two thermal actuators to balance a
domestic hot water system (DHWS) during a disinfecting
process to protect against Legionella growth.
How It Works: During normal conditions of a DHWS, the
first (low temperature) actuator balances the system.
When the water temperature in the line reaches the set-point of the actuator, the CSUTD-D modulates to
its closed position to keep the hot water at the fixtures. This forces the additional water onto the other
branches maintaining a constantly balanced system.
Cv vs. Temperature
1.3
When high temperatures are released into a DHWS 1.2
during a thermal disinfection process, the low 1.1
temperature actuator will begin to reopen, allowing 1.0
the high temperature water to flow through the 0.9
0.8
branch again.
Cv
0.7
0.6
When the water temperature reaches the 0.5
set-point of the second (high temperature) actuator, 0.4
0.3
the CSUTD-D modulates to its closed position again 0.2
to keep the high temperature water at the fixtures. 0.1
70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190
Temperature (°F)
This dual balancing thermal disinfection valve is
typically used when the entire domestic hot water system is being thermally disinfected at once. This
provides the opportunity to limit the amount of flow of the 160°F disinfection temperature water as it
approaches 170°F in each branch/riser.
Model Selection:
During model temperature selection, the first temperature indicates the standard return line temperature
and the second temperature indicates the maximum temperature during the sanitary flush process.
CSUTD -D- - XXX/170 - - -
Closing Temperature Blank = standard
Line sizes: 100°F (37.7°C) Blank = standard TW = thermometer
½”, ¾”, 1” 105°F (40.5°C) CV1 = check valve
110°F (43.3°C)
115°F (46.1°C) Blank = standard
120°F (48.8°C) PP = ProPress ends
Max. Pressure: 200 PSIG (14 BAR) 125°F (51.6°C) PX = ProPex ends
Max. Temperature: 250°F (121°C) 130°F (54.4°C)
135°F (57.2°C)
140°F (60.0°C)
Examples:
1. CSUTD-D installed on a ½” line with 120°F return temperature during standard usage and 170°F return temperature during high
temperature flush disinfection process: CSUTD-D-1/2-120/170.
2. CSUTD-D with check valve and thermometer installed on a ¾” line with 115°F return temperature during standard usage and 170°F
return temperature during high temperature flush disinfection process: CSUTD-D-3/4-115/170-CV1-TW.
[Link] | 1-877-379-8258 | 353 Ivyland Rd, Warminster, PA 18974
CIRCUITSOLVER®
Applications
CircuitSolver® with Variable Speed Drives / ECMs
CircuitSolver® marries well with VSD/ECM pumps since they are both dynamic devices. As the CircuitSolver®
approaches the desired return temperature the valve modulates to its closed position which decreases the
Cv of the valve and causes an increase in pressure drop.
This increased pressure drop across the VSD/ECM pump serves as a signal to the pump, when set in
constant pressure control mode, to decrease its RPM. This results in increased energy efficiency, optimized
recirculating flow rate, and reduced chances of producing excessive flow velocity which can cause pipe
erosion and pinhole leaks over time.
In addition to “constant pressure” control mode, pumps can also be set to a “temperature control mode”
and an “adapt mode”.
Balancing Return With CircuitSolver®
In periods of no use, domestic hot water recirculation systems act as a closed loop. The mixing valve will
utilize the water from the return line and water heater since no additional cold water can enter the system.
If flow is not managed correctly, the water temperature throughout the system can gradually increase or
decrease.
Conventionally the way to solve this issue is by installing a manual balancing valve between the water
heater and the return flow into the water heater with a “guesstimate” set flow temperature. However,
fluctuating pressures in the domestic hot water system can result in temperature creeps and inaccurate
results.
The Thermostatic Solution
A better approach is to use a thermostatic valve in place of the manual balancing valve. The self-actuating
CircuitSolver® valves eliminate high or low-temperature creeps by maintaining a set water temperature.
When installed on the supply inlet of the return piping to the water heater (Reference the diagram on page
2, valve #2, for proper placement), the CircuitSolver® valve will allow flow back to the water heater in
proportion to how cool the return water temperature is relative to the mixing valve output temperature.
As the return water temperature falls below the desired temperature, the valve will open, providing increased
flow to the water heater, effectively minimizing both positive and negative temperature creep. To learn more
about balancing return with CircuitSolver®, visit [Link]/Balancing-Return.
CircuitSolver® Cold Water Balancing
To discourage Legionella bacteria growth, cold water systems in commercial buildings should be recirculated
and adequately balanced to establish continuous flow and keep line temperatures below 68°F (20°C) - the
point at which Legionella begins to colonize.
ThermOmegaTech® offers reverse-acting balancing valves for cold water recirculation systems to maintain
a set temperature which discourages Legionella bacteria colonization, reduces stagnation, and ensures
“residual chlorine” is distributed throughout the system. For more information on the need for recirculating
cold water and CircuitSolver’s cold water thermostatic balancing valves, visit [Link]/CSU_CW.
[Link] | 1-877-379-8258 | 353 Ivyland Rd, Warminster, PA 18974
CIRCUITSOLVER®
Adjustable VS. Thermostatic
CircuitSolver® Compared to Adjustable Thermostatic
Balancing Valves
Adjustable thermostatic balancing valves are adjustable over a large temperature range (typically 90˚F
to 150˚F). The thermal actuator controlling the valve fully strokes (extends and retracts) over this 50˚F
span resulting in a very low Cv over the desired operating range within 5˚F/10˚F of the specified return
temperature for a domestic hot water recirculation system.
The combination of low Cv and the small change in Cv over a span of 5˚F/10˚F results in a lack of
controllability, a high pressure drop across the valve, and the potential of not being able to maintain the
desired return temperature. This is especially true in branches with high heat loss requiring relatively large
flows to reach the desired return temperature.
The table below provides an example for a ¾” CircuitSolver® and a typical ¾” adjustable balancing for a
given branch requiring 1.5 GPM to overcome the high heat loss. At a hot water temperature of 10˚F below
the desired return temperature, the CircuitSolver® has a Cv of 1.8 and a typical adjustable balancing valve
has a Cv of 0.4.
As you will see from the table, under these conditions, the CircuitSolver® will have a pressure drop across
it of 0.7 PSI while the adjustable balancing valve will have a pressure drop of 14 PSI.
120˚F Return Cv at 110˚F Flow Rate Pressure *Due to the high pressure drop of the adjustable
Set-point Temp. Water Temp. (GPM) Drop (PSI) thermostatic balancing valve and the potential for
CircuitSolver® 1.8 1.5 0.7 a limited pressure drop across the branch there is
a possibility that the stated flow rate may not be
Adjustable Balancing achieved.
0.4* 1.5 14
Valve (Typ.)
This scenario provides the plumbing designer with two, not very desirable, options:
1) Ignore the high-pressure drop required to develop enough flow to overcome the heat loss resulting in the
inability to maintain the desired return temperature.
2) Specify a pump with significantly higher head pressure, considerably increasing the pump’s size, cost
and energy usage while putting an additional burden on the system.
Typical Adjustable
Attributions CircuitSolver®
CircuitSolver® is the leader in thermostatic Balancing Valve
balancing with thousands of successful installations Adjustability
over the last 10+ years.
Tamper Proof
Often portrayed as an advantage, adjustable
balancing valves hinder a DHWS’s performance Union
which is why CircuitSolver® is proud to be the only Integrated
fixed return temperature balancing valve on the Check Valve
market. 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”, 1
Sizes 1/2”, 3/4”
1/4”, 1 1/2”, 2”
The attribute table to the right demonstrates our ProPress
commitment to product enhancements in response Ends
to the needs of engineers and contractors and
Assemblies
the overall advantage of specifying/installing
CircuitSolver® balancing valves. Thermal
Disinfection
[Link] | 1-877-379-8258 | 353 Ivyland Rd, Warminster, PA 18974
CIRCUITSOLVER®
Frequently Asked Questions
CircuitSolver® FAQ’s
What is the pressure drop across a CircuitSolver®?
To get a basic approximation for the pressure drop across a CircuitSolver® valve within a given branch,
utilize the following equation where Cv = design Cv and flow is the estimated flow to offset heat loss in the
branch: For this example:
Cv = .85 (design Cv for ¾” CircuitSolver®)
Flow = 1 GPM (estimated flow to offset heat loss in a given branch)
ΔP = [GPM/Cv]2 = [1/.85]2 = 1.4 psi
CircuitSolver® is not in a fixed position, it opens and closes based on water
temperature. How do you size the recirculation pump when using a CircuitSolver®?
Use the industry-standard plumbing engineering guidelines, for example, as shown in the ASHRAE handbook,
to calculate system heat loss and system friction loss which will facilitate pump sizing. There is no need to
oversize the pump to compensate for other factors.
Does CircuitSolver® shut off tightly?
No, there is a small leakage (0.2 GPM) built into CircuitSolver® valves even when “closed”. This is done so
the distribution branches are not completely dead ended. In some applications where the water distribution
piping is occasionally chemically or thermally sterilized, this leakage allows enough flow through the system
to accomplish the cleaning, regardless of temperature.
Can CircuitSolver® valves be installed in any orientation?
Yes, CircuitSolver® valves will function properly in any orientation. However, valves with an integrated check
valve must be installed with the flow arrow pointing in the correct direction (towards the return line).
What are the advantages of the CSU – CircuitSolver® with union and an optional
check valve?
The CSU is an integrated solution incorporating a union with an “o” ring face seal and an optional check
valve. By having the union and check valve integrated, you save cost and labor, reduce the number of
potential leak points, and have a more compressed, reliable assembly.
Why CircuitSolver®?
• Temperature solution to a temperature problem • Tamper Proof - Fixed set-point
• Compliant with the Buy America Act • Stainless steel - corrosion resistant
• Lead free & NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 or 372 Certified • Range of sizes ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1¼”, 1½” & 2”
• Long service life & 3 year warranty • Array of configurations available
• Direct replacement for manual balancing • High Cv
353 Ivyland Road 1-877-379-8258
CS BROCHURE
Warminster, PA 18974 [Link] REV: 5/2/2024
