Guide To Pool Heating

Page 11 of 51

Physical description of the flowreversal valve

As shown illustration 5, the flowreversal valve is a four port, “X” shaped valve. One port

is connected directly to the pool’s “main drain” line. A second port is connected directly to the

pool’s “return line.”A third port is connected to the return line for the balance of the support

system [i.e. line coming directly from chemical dispenser and pool heater]. The fourth port is

connected to the pump’s intake suction line via the proportioner valve previously discussed. All

ports are 2 inch CPVC and can be reduced down to 11/2 inch PVC or CPVC pipe for cementing

with PVC pipe cement. The top of the valve contains eight philips screws for removal of the

valve’s top cover and internal diverter. Either a manual handle or an automatic 24 volt a-c valve

operator [VOR] can be installed on the valve.

Inside of the flowreversal valve is a midvane diverter which splits the valve into two

separate sections. Water flows simultaneously into two ports and out of two corresponding ports

as the midvane diverter in essence creates two separate and distinct water flow paths. No water is

mixed in the valve. Just routed in different directions.

Operation of the flowreversal valve

Manual operation of the flowreversal valve is accomplished by the 90º turn of a single valve

stem. When the valve is turned ninety degrees, the input to the support system which is normally

the main drain is switched to the return line. Likewise, the output from the support system which

normally goes to the return lines is switched so that the output of the support system goes into the

main drain.

Illustration 5 shows the Flowreversal valve in its normal flow operation. Illustration 6

shows the same valve in the reversed flow mode. Illustration 7 shows the flowreversal valve with

an automatic valve operator (VOR) installed on top. (Note: these graphics are smaller than the

actual valve and are not drawn to any scale.)