All in all, increasing the set-point temperature and adding a mixing valve is not a bad option for someone that’s looking to get more hot water from their tank-type water heater (without going to a larger tank or using more expensive technology).

One downside is that they typically fail gradually and, in doing so, tend to allow more hot water through them. Because this is gradual, the end user might not recognize the change and could be subjecting themselves to hotter-than-safe water temperatures. So, make sure to watch for that and test the water temperature periodically.

The Jordan Valve Mark 80 Series is completely self-operated and requires no external power source or other expensive instrumentation to operate the valve. The actuator is connected to a sensing bulb by a capillary system that is filled with a volatile fluid that, when heated, begins to vaporize creating pressure in the system that works on the diaphragm to either open (reverse acting) or close (direct acting) the valve. A great deal of research has gone into the development of Mark 80 seal welded actuator (SWA) to provide the most precise control. Combined with the Jordan Valve sliding gate valve technology, the Mark 80 temperature regulator delivers excellent control. If the set point needs modifying, it is field adjustable, and the temperature range can be changed without taking the valve out of the line.

Externally actuated temperature control valves are often used as part of a more complex control system with an external temperature sensor and a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. They require an external power source for actuation. In a typical system, the PID controller is given a set point and gets feedback from the temperature sensor at the controlled point in the process. The PID controller compares the set point temperature to the process temperature from the sensor. An electronic or pneumatic signal is sent from the PID controller to the temperature control valve to adjust the valve position to keep the process at the temperature setpoint. This type of valve is used when frequent temperature set points are required for automation.

The Mark 80 temperature regulator is actuated based on the bulb fluid pressure and increases or decreases steam flow into the coils, maintaining accurate air drying temperature.

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The Jordan Valve Temperature Regulator Series offers different configurations of self-operated temperature regulators for higher flows, fail open or close settings, tracing lines and pilot operation.

If you have a standard electric or gas tank, there are a number of things we can do to increase the amount of deliverable hot water from the simple to the complex. One of the ways to do that would be to simply increase the set-point of the thermostat so that the water stored in the tank would be hotter and would therefore go farther. For example, let’s say you crank the temperature in your tank up from 120° to 140°. It would certainly give you more deliverable hot water, but let’s take a closer look at what happens when you do that.

Temperature regulators and temperature control valves (sometimes referred to as TCV) are designed to control the temperature of a process by controlling thermal fluid pressure or flow in compressors, tank jackets, heating coils, or other heating elements. Temperature regulators are used in processes where temperature needs to be kept stable despite temperature changes in the surrounding environment.

1. The higher the temperature of the water in the tank, the faster the rate of corrosion of the tank itself. This equates to:

A company has a tank containing fuel oil that must be kept constant at 120°F for proper viscosity  and flow properties. Steam is fed through coils inside the fuel oil tank to maintain the temperature setpoint. A Mark 80 Temperature Regulator controls the amount of steam through the heating coil.

3. The higher temperature of the water in the tank, the higher the probability of someone getting burned. The time it takes to acquire a serious burn is:

The water heater thermostat is turned up to 140°, thus providing a tank full of 140° water. Then as water is drawn out, the mixing valve mixes cold water with that very hot water to deliver whatever temperature the homeowner chooses as their set point, which is usually 120°. This process gives the homeowner more deliverable hot water because it takes less of the stored water to produce it. They do require maintenance (cleaning) to keep them working properly. The normal lifespan for these devices is 5-6 years.

Temperature regulators can  be self-actuated or externally actuated. Self-actuating temperature regulators are self-contained without the need for an external power source. They use thermally sensitive material that expands and contracts with temperature changes. The expanding and contracting results in movement of the actuator to adjust the valve position and change the flow path of the thermal fluid to the heating element. This mechanical actuation design results in excellent temperature control where the setpoint does not need frequent changes and is a more affordable way to effectively control temperature. Self-actuated temperature regulators are also called self-operated temperature regulators.

Mike Henry is one of Rheem’s technical trainers for plumbers. He’s a third-generation plumber who managed his own business for many years and enjoyed working in the field. He maintains Master Plumber licenses in Georgia and Florida.

As for this last point, we can help safeguard against potentially hazardous conditions simply by installing a mixing valve. A mixing valve is a mechanical device that mixes cold water with hot water to deliver mixed, or tempered, water downstream (think of your shower valve). These devices can be put directly onto the water heater outlet so that the tempered water gets delivered everywhere. As another option, individual mixing valves can be installed at certain points of use to ensure that the tempered water is delivered to that specific location. Taking a look specifically at the mixing valves that install at the water heater outlet, they are relatively easy to install, adjustable and fairly inexpensive.

There are a variety of products that must be air dried prior to use such as lumber, tobacco, hops, tea and herbs. A simplified air drying process schematic is shown below. Steam-heated air is directed at the product drying rack. Behind the drying product is a finned sensing bulb connected to a Mark 80 temperature regulator. A finned bulb, designed for sensing air temperatures, increases the effective sensing surface area, providing the necessary sensitivity for air temperature control. It is used effectively in air ducts and drying kilns. When using a finned bulb, good air circulation is required, and the bulb is generally installed downstream of the blower fan.

The model used in this application contains Ethyl Chloride fill which provides temperature control between 80°F and 140°F (27°C to 60°C), to within 1°F of the set point. A series of Mark 80 models are available for temperature ranges from -40°F to 450°F.

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