ACTUATION
Freeze protection valve
Relying on manually operated valves for freeze protection runs the risk of human error or plugging in partially cracked valves. Automatic freeze protection valves eliminate this risk.
Text & image by ThermOmegaTech
The HAT / FP is an automatic freeze protection valve designed to prevent water resupply lines from freezing. Manufactured by ThermOmegaTech, this thermostatic valve controls flow based on temperature variations to prevent frozen or bursting pipes, which can lead to downtime and hefty repair expenses, while minimising water waste.
Operation
Installed at the lowest point or dead-leg branch, HAT / FP utilises thermostatic waxactuator technology to automatically monitor ambient or water temperatures and will bleed off the cold water in the lines before freezing can occur. Freeze protection valves initiate flow when the thermostatic actuator senses the valve’ s set-point, typically 35 ° F( 1.6 ° C), and remain open as long as the discharge water temperature is below 5 ° F( 2.8 ° C) above that set-point, typically 40 ° F( 4.4 ° C). Depending on the requirements of the application, freeze protection valves can be installed in either the standard or reverse flow orientation. In standard flow orientation, the wax actuator will sense the ambient temperature to initiate flow and then respond to water temperature once flow is established. In reverse flow orientation, the wax actuator will sense the water temperature at the point of installation to initiate flow and continue to respond to water temperature once flow is established.
Typical applications
Relying on manually opening valves for freeze protection allows for human error or plugging partially cracked valves. This annually accounts for large amounts of freeze damage, resulting in huge monetary losses, including repairing damaged equipment and piping and system downtime. The self-actuating HAT / FP valve eliminates the human errors associated with manual valves. Automatic freeze protection valves are ideal for protecting piping, safety showers, eyewash or facewash stations, solar collectors & piping, condensate systems, fire lines, spray nozzles, or as backup / fail-safe protection on traced systems.
12 Valve World December 2025 www. valve-world. net