Balanced flow is critical to the efficiency of the system

Use Reverse/Return piping or Flow Balancing Valves

Balanced Flow

Efficiency of system drops and Temperatures increase with Series flow

Significant reduction in performance and efficiency

Keep the return line the shortest run of pipe.Reverse return piping allows balance flow through the collector and array

Supply

Return

First array supplied is last array returned

Supply

Return

Reverse Return Balanced Flow2 Arrays

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Supply

Return

Reverse Return Balanced Flow

Internal Header

Supply Return

Reverse Return Balanced Flow4 Arrays

Internal Header

Supply Return

Reverse Return Balanced Flow6 Arrays

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Drain back systems require careful slop of pipingto allow for draining the complete array and exposed pipe

Pump Sizing

• Drain Back – Friction loss and Head

• High Head Pump

• Direct Systems and Indirect Pressurized Glycol– Friction loss

• Circulator

Pump Sizing

• Pumps/Circulators in Parallel– Doubles Flow

• Pumps/Circulators in series– Doubles the Head

TABLE 2c. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: TYPE M

TABLE 6. Pressure Loss of Water Due to Friction in Types K, L and M Copper Tube (psi per linear foot

TABLE 7. Pressure Loss in Fittings and Valves Expressed as Equivalent Length of Tube