Water flow regulator
Water flow regulator (Engl .: water volume controller), often called "water saver", "Durchlaufbegrenzer" or "flow regulator" called, the flow rate decrease of water fittings by using a special flow guide or by means of an active element of the flow rate limit. Just like jet regulators, many water flow regulators shape the water jet and mix it with air. As can already be achieved by the broad, aerated jet of the desired (wash) effect with a smaller amount of water, water flow regulator intended to limit additionally the flow rate by the increase of the water pressure an increased flow resistanceoppose. Above a certain target value, the flow rate should be limited, as independently as possible of the water pressure present.
Water volume regulators are typically mounted on the spout of a tap or as an intermediate piece between the shower head and hose or integrated into the shower head.
history
Volume flow controllers have long been used in heating and ventilation technology to prevent (whistling) noises in the heating circuit or in ventilation ducts when the volume flow is too high.
field of use
Bathroom fittings are usually designed for a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar, at which about 6 liters of water per minute flow through the tap of a hand wash basin. In many households, a water pressure of 5 bar to 10 bar is applied to the house connection. Unless this has already been reduced by a pressure reducer , the flow on a hand wash basin can be up to 20 liters of water per minute.
The water flow regulator should ideally limit the throughput to a constant 6 liters per minute, regardless of the applied pressure. As a side effect, the pressure fluctuations in the pipe network are reduced, which increases its service life and enables the connected fittings to function more evenly.
Volume flow controllers can be used in water-saving showers to limit the throughput to 12 to 15 liters of water per minute.
effect
On average, the use of water volume regulators per person and tap can save around 10 liters of fresh water per day. This also reduces the energy required for hot water preparation and wastewater treatment. According to the information provided by various manufacturers, up to half of the water, energy and wastewater costs can be saved. The costs for the use of water volume regulators can be amortized after 1 to 2 years.
Exceptions
The use of regulators and limiters should be avoided behind pressureless under-counter water heaters (which, due to their design, are often limited to a water flow of up to 5 liters / minute), as these can burst due to the counter pressure.
It makes little sense to use water flow regulators on water outlets that require the highest possible flow rate, such as the bathtub filling fitting.
Certification
In Switzerland, the energy label was introduced in 2011 for sanitary products including "aerators on outlet fittings" and "shower heads".