Valve and Actuator Manual

Application Note
Issue Date

977
0696

APPLICATION NOTE

Bypass Application Using Three-Way Valves

Bypass applications are commonly used in constant flow systems where full flow across the coil is not required
because of partial load system conditions. The control of the flow through the terminal unit is typically
accomplished by using a three-way valve. There are two basic types of three-way valves: mixing valves
(two inlets, one outlet) and diverting valves (one inlet, two outlets). The type of three-way valve selected will
determine its location in the system.
Inlet

N .C .
O u tlet

C oil

O utlet
N.O .
R

Figure 1: Diverting Valve in a Bypass Application Piped N.C. to Coil

Diverting valves in bypass applications are placed upstream of the coil. The supply water enters the inlet port and
is directed to either the coil branch or the bypass branch depending on the signal from the controller to the valve
actuator. In the above example, when the valve is in the fail position the supply water is bypassed around the coil.
As the stem position modulates from 0-100%, the flow reduces in the bypass and increases in the coil until full flow
to the coil is achieved at a stem position of 100%.
C oil

N.C.
Inlet

O u tlet

Inlet
N.O.
S

Figure 2: Mixing Valve in a Bypass Application Piped N.C. to Coil

A mixing valve can also be used in a bypass application to control the flow through the coil by placing the valve
downstream of the coil. The flow through the coil is still controlled by the stem position of the mixing valve.
The location of the three-way valve will not affect the operation of the system. In both scenarios, the valves are
controlling the amount of flow to the coil. Other valve characteristics, such as the valve authority, valve flow
characteristic, and rangeability will have more of a bearing on the system performance. Consult the
Valve section of the Engineering Data Book for additional information on these topics.
For application at conditions beyond these specifications, consult the local Johnson Controls office. Johnson Controls, Inc. shall not be liable for
damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.

1996 Johnson Controls, Inc.

Code No. LIT-977320

Controls Group
507 E. Michigan Street
P.O. Box 423
Milwaukee, WI 53201

2 Bypass Application Using Three-Way Valves Application Note

FAN 977
Valve and Actuator Manual
Printed in U.S.A.