watts 1/8" HAV auto vent operation
#1
12-16-10, 07:00 PM
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watts 1/8" HAV auto vent operation
I just installed one of these units onto an existing baseboard. my question, is it says it has an auto, or manual operation. Which way does the screw have to be turned to get each operation?
The link to the unit is here:
0590712 - Watts 0590712 - 1/8" HAV Auto Air Vent w/ Manual Override
The link to the unit is here:
0590712 - Watts 0590712 - 1/8" HAV Auto Air Vent w/ Manual Override
#2
12-16-10, 08:30 PM
If you install that inside a baseboard, don't forget it's there! CHECK IT PERIODICALLY to make sure it isn't weeping...
Screwed clockwise is AUTO. When you open counter clockwise you are manually opening. There is no way to stop the auto function.
Screwed clockwise is AUTO. When you open counter clockwise you are manually opening. There is no way to stop the auto function.
#3
12-16-10, 10:33 PM
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Those "automatic" vents have a hygroscopic disc in them that theoretically allows air to pass through when they dry out and then stop the water when they get damp. I have found them to be totally useless as automatic vents but you may have better luck.
#4
12-17-10, 05:42 PM
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but, since these units have a small check valve in them, wouldnt it be possible to remove the "cartridge", so that the bleeder would not work at all? Or, would this result in water spraying everywhere?
#5
12-17-10, 06:16 PM
'check valve' ? where ?
It's not a check valve... it's a disk of 'hygroscopic' material that swells up when it gets wet. It won't pass water when it's swelled... when air gets behind it the disk dries out and shrinks... the air goes by, the water hits it and it swells again.
This is what you REALLY want to use... Bell & Gossett 4V
image courtesy bellgossett.com
It's not a check valve... it's a disk of 'hygroscopic' material that swells up when it gets wet. It won't pass water when it's swelled... when air gets behind it the disk dries out and shrinks... the air goes by, the water hits it and it swells again.
This is what you REALLY want to use... Bell & Gossett 4V
image courtesy bellgossett.com
#6
12-18-10, 04:30 AM
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According to the spec sheet on the watts website, they say that there is a small ball check in it, so that the cartridge can be changed without system shut down.
#7
12-18-10, 08:01 AM
I guess I should look at the spec sheet before opening my yap? 
I'll do that later today...
It does sound as though that check valve only comes into play for service though. Does it look like it uses the hygroscopic disk 'technology' ... is that what is in the replaceable cartridge?
I'll do that later today...It does sound as though that check valve only comes into play for service though. Does it look like it uses the hygroscopic disk 'technology' ... is that what is in the replaceable cartridge?
#8
12-18-10, 07:54 PM
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yes. the "cartridge" has the hygroscopic discs in it, which that is the cartridge that can be removed and replaced. The bleeder fitting itself has the small ball check in it, which watts says that the hygroscopic cartridge can be removed and replaced without system shutdown. What are your thoughts? do you think this cartridge could be removed if the bleeder were not being used? or would it leak or weep?... My thought behind this was that I could utilize the benefit of the auto bleeder for the first week or two, then remove the cartridge from the valve, so that bleeder would no longer function. Then, I could re install the cartridge if further bleeding were needed.
#9
12-18-10, 08:52 PM
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I have not found these to leak water while in service, just not vent any air under any circumstance. I had them for a few years, used them as manual vents since they didn't work as an auto vent and finally replaced them with float-type vents.
If you already have them installed just use them as manual vents. If you bought them locally and haven't installed them, return them for straight manual vents. If you bought them mail-order then it is probably less expensive to just use them rather than to try to return them.
If you already have them installed just use them as manual vents. If you bought them locally and haven't installed them, return them for straight manual vents. If you bought them mail-order then it is probably less expensive to just use them rather than to try to return them.
#10
12-19-10, 07:38 AM
I've never had one actually 'leak', but they have 'wept'... except for the buildup of crud that develops, it's not a problem when the heat is on. But when they get cold, they do drip very slowly.
I would use 'em if you already have 'em, but do check from time to time that they aren't crying.
I would use 'em if you already have 'em, but do check from time to time that they aren't crying.
