A low loss header is a
device that facilitates the introduction of air into any ventless area that is
closed. Its purpose is to provide a well-matched, effective mechanism to cut
the pressure & flow transfer into the venting system. A low loss header
provides the ventilation system with a fixed, consistent supply of fresh air
without opening vents. Moreover, it also helps regulate the ventilation
system's flow rate & temperature.
For purposes of
completeness, this article throws light on the different types of low loss
headers available in the market. The first type is a forced-air boiler (FAB)
that is an integral part of almost every central heating system and radiator.
It uses pumps and fans to move air through its system. A variety of pumps are
available that include the following: water pump, rotary screw pump, vertical
axis pump, disc type pump, centrifugal pump and scroll pump. A forced-air
boiler comprises three parts: the heat exchanger, condenser and expansion tank.
The next type is the
high efficiency fan which functions by increasing the speed of air flow and
lowering the temperature of water. In fact, they are very effective only at low
temperatures and are completely ineffective at higher ones. Hence, a high
efficiency fan has two components: the air handler and the blower. Air handlers
control the direction and speed of air flowing through the system while a
blower blows the heated air to the areas where it is required.
The next type is a
full-flow cold water header that uses a diaphragm to control the position and
direction of fluid flow. This device is designed to minimize dirt separation.
Dirt from the pipes is often a major cause of pressure loss and a full-flow
cold water header eliminates this problem completely. There is also a special
header for laundry systems which effectively eliminates the separation of
clothes. This is a very popular item with home and commercial laundries.
One more type that is
quite useful is the full-flow high-speed pump which is used in applications
where there is a need for pressure equalization as well as high centrifugal
force. It functions by using a secondary circuit device that separates the
high-pressure hydraulic fluid from the lower pressure oil. This device provides
hydraulic separation and hence efficient pump operation. Hydraulic lines are
often damaged or destroyed due to accidents. A low loss header provides safety
to these critical lines by ensuring that pressure is maintained even when lines
become damaged.
A professional would
advise you against selecting a header based on the pressure losses that are
visible in the device. The header you select should have low pressure losses so
that dirt does not enter the pipe joint. If dirt is allowed to enter the pipe,
it would damage the pump and other parts. Thus a header fitted with a low loss
feature is preferred by many engineers. You can maintain your header so that
dirt does not enter the joint by following some simple guidelines. A
professional would advise you to use a compression valve at the point where the
dirt is entered.