Mixing valves, three-way, four-way - what exactly are they?

What is a mixing valve?

A mixing valve is a component of plumbing fixtures that allows for the regulation of central heating by mixing the heating medium (hot water drawn from the heat source supply, e.g., from a boiler or heat exchanger),
and the return from the heating system (i.e., the cooled water returning from the system, where it has already released its heat on radiators or underfloor heating).
This allows for the blending of both mediums and thus achieving the most favorable temperature on both sides of the installation (i.e., on the heat source side and on the living space/home side).
Mixing valves come in two versions - three-way and four-way. Which one to use? This is a question for designers, installers, or simply those familiar with the installation.

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Sp50x1

94,99 €

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SNT25-b

144,99 €

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SNT-BL-3

314,99 €

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Purpose of using mixers in the installation

• By mixing, we can raise the temperature of the water returning to the boiler. This, in turn, prevents the condensation of steam on the walls of the boiler - i.e., in the longer term, it prevents corrosion inside the boiler. Needless to say, corrosion, or simply rusting of the steel components of the boiler, is crucial for its lifespan and operation.
  Many boiler manufacturers even make the realization of the warranty on the boiler dependent on whether a mixing valve was installed in the installation.
  To avoid corrosion of the boiler, the valve should be set so that the water returning to the boiler is not less than 50-55°C (various data may be encountered oscillating around this limit).
  This mainly applies to steel boilers, old cast iron boilers do not require mixing, although it can be used for other reasons (as explained further)
• They allow for equalization of the load on all heat receivers - i.e., radiators, individual underfloor heating loops, etc.
• They allow for convenient regulation of the temperature on the heating system side, i.e., simply in the apartment or house, according to our needs, comfort, desire.
• They result in fuel savings for the boiler, and consequently money savings - as they allow for balancing the boiler operation in the most advantageous way.