Balancing Valves

Hydraulic balancing for efficient and comfortable systems. Manual (static) and automatic (PICV) valves to ensure design flow at every terminal, eliminating imbalances, noise and energy waste.

Why hydraulic balancing is essential

In a heating or cooling system with multiple terminals (radiators, fan coils, AHUs, radiant panels), water tends to flow preferentially through the circuits of lowest resistance — those closest to the pump or with shorter pipework. The most distant terminals receive less flow than required, becoming underserved (cold rooms in winter, hot in summer), while nearby terminals are overserved with wasted energy and noise.

Balancing valves solve this problem by introducing an adjustable head loss in each circuit, equalising resistances and ensuring every terminal receives exactly its design flow. The result: uniform comfort throughout the building, energy savings (no excessive flows), quiet operation (no noise from excessive velocity).

Roffia distributes manual and automatic balancing valves from Caleffi and Danfoss. We offer technical support for selection and sizing based on your project.

Hydraulic balancing valves — Roffia srl

Manual (static) valves

  • Manual adjustment with graduated handwheel
  • Pressure taps for flow measurement
  • Tamper-proof locking
  • Brass or cast iron body
  • DN 10–150, PN 16–25
  • Economical, ideal for stable systems

Automatic valves (PICV)

  • Pressure independent (ΔP compensated)
  • Max flow set on dial
  • Integrated 2-way control
  • Simplified commissioning
  • DN 15–50 (DN 65–150 on request)
  • For fan coils, AHUs, variable-flow circuits

Differential pressure regulators

  • Maintain constant ΔP in circuit
  • Mounted at riser return
  • Eliminate noise from excess ΔP
  • Complement to manual valves
  • DN 15–100
  • Caleffi Series 145, Danfoss ASV

Benefits of correct balancing

  • Uniform comfort — every room reaches desired temperature
  • Energy savings — no excessive flows in nearby circuits
  • Quiet operation — eliminates noise from high velocity and turbulence
  • Longer component life — pumps and valves work at optimal duty
  • Regulatory compliance — meets UNI EN 14336, energy incentive requirements

Commissioning instruments

  • Differential manometer — measures ΔP at valve taps
  • Ultrasonic flow meter — non-invasive verification
  • Calculation software — Caleffi Idraulico, Danfoss Tools
  • Balancing apps — smartphone-guided commissioning
  • Roffia provides instruments and technical support

Typical applications

Central heating systems

Apartment buildings, hospitals, schools and offices with riser distribution require balancing valves on each riser to ensure all floors receive the correct flow. PICVs on terminals (radiators, fan coils) ensure balancing even at partial loads.

Cooling and HVAC systems

In systems with air handling units, fan coils and room terminals, balancing is critical for energy efficiency. PICVs allow flow to vary with load without unbalancing adjacent circuits.

Primary and secondary circuits

In systems with hydraulic separation (headers, separators), balancing valves on the secondary circuit ensure each zone receives the necessary flow regardless of other zones' operation. ΔP regulators on risers complete the system.

District heating and BMS

District heating substations require balancing valves to adapt flow to building demand. In BMS systems, PICVs with integral actuators enable remote control with position and flow feedback.

Roffia balancing valve range

Caleffi Series 130
Manual, DN 10–50
Caleffi Series 132
Large systems, DN 65–150
Caleffi Series 145
Automatic, adjustable ΔP
Danfoss MSV-BD
Manual, high precision
Danfoss AB-QM
PICV, variable flow
Danfoss ASV
Automatic ΔP regulators
Commissioning kits
Manometers, software, fittings
Technical support
Sizing and selection

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between static and dynamic balancing valves?
A static (manual) balancing valve requires initial adjustment during commissioning: the technician measures the flow and adjusts the plug until design flow is achieved. This setting remains fixed and works well only if the circuit differential pressure remains constant. A dynamic (automatic) balancing valve (PICV) automatically maintains the set flow rate regardless of differential pressure fluctuations in the circuit. It contains an integral differential pressure regulator that compensates for variations. For systems with variable-speed pumps or many parallel circuits, dynamic valves ensure balancing in all operating conditions.
What does PICV mean and when is it preferable to a manual balancing valve?
PICV (Pressure Independent Control Valve) is a valve combining three functions: (1) differential pressure regulator, (2) flow limiter, (3) 2-way control valve. A single PICV replaces a balancing valve + a control valve + a ΔP regulator. Advantages: simplified commissioning (just set maximum flow on the dial), automatic balancing in all conditions, elimination of noise from excess ΔP. PICVs are ideal for HVAC systems with fan coils, AHUs and room terminals. For simple circuits where ΔP is stable (e.g. single pump circuit), manual valves may be sufficient and more economical.
How is hydraulic balancing performed with manual valves?
Balancing with manual valves follows a systematic method: (1) Set all balancing valves to the pre-calculated number of turns indicated by the designer (or selection software). (2) Connect the differential manometer to the pressure taps of the most unfavourable valve (the most distant or with highest head loss). (3) Adjust the valve until the measured flow (from ΔP and Kv) matches the design value. (4) Work backwards towards the pump, balancing valves in sequence from terminal to source. (5) Once equilibrium is reached, lock the handwheels with screw or tamper-proof cap. Roffia supplies balancing valves with apps and calculation software to simplify the procedure.
Which balancing valve brands are most common and does Roffia carry them?
Leading balancing valve brands include Caleffi, IMI Hydronic Engineering (TA), Danfoss, Oventrop and Honeywell. Roffia is an official distributor of Caleffi and Danfoss, and can source products from other manufacturers on request. The Caleffi Series 130 (manual) and Series 145 (automatic) and Danfoss AB-QM (PICV) are particularly valued for build quality, regulation accuracy and ease of commissioning.
Is hydraulic balancing required by law?
In Italy, hydraulic balancing is strongly recommended by technical standards (UNI EN 14336, UNI/TS 11300) and indirectly required by Legislative Decree 48/2020 on building energy efficiency. A poorly balanced heating system cannot achieve the performance declared in the Energy Performance Certificate and causes measurable energy waste. To access tax incentives (Ecobonus, Superbonus) or subsidies, project documentation must demonstrate correct system balancing. In acceptance testing of public buildings and large facilities, hydraulic balancing is often a contractual requirement verified by the works supervisor.

Request a balancing valve quote

Send us your system schematic with design flows and head losses. We will propose the optimal solution — manual, automatic or mixed system — with a detailed quotation.

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