Onix Tubing Installation Manual

Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual page 61
circuit balancing valves are installed to
balance the flow.
In the long manifold approach, mani-
folds may be installed in the joist
spaces by drilling a sequence of three
holes in each joist. An alternative
method is to attach the manifolds to
the bottom of the joists. In either case,
always install the manifolds so that all
Onix connections are easily accessible
for future balancing, air purging, or
maintenance.
Onix Circuit
Balancing Valves
Individual circuits can be isolated or
balanced with the use of circuit valves.
Circuit balancing valves are used to
isolate and/or balance the flow of fluid
through an individual circuit. They
may be installed on any or all of the
circuits on a manifold. If used for bal-
ancing purposes only, they are usually
installed on the return manifold. If
used for isolation purposes, the circuit
valves need to be on both the supply
and return manifold.
Onix Clamps
Onix requires special mechanical
clamps, designed for higher tempera-
ture and burst pressure ratings. Watts
Radiant provides two clamp options:
1. TorqueTite clamps are heavy-duty
screw-type, wide-band, stainless
steel clamps. An in.-lb. torque
wrench is required to install them.
Each clamp should be tightened
according to the proper torque
setting for the size of clamp being
used. Torque settings are listed on
the instruction sheet that comes with
the clamps.
Do not over tighten the TorqueTite
clamp. Over-tightening may cause
long-term damage to the Onix
tubing and/or to the clamp itself.
2. SelfTite Clamps are chrome-vanadi-
um, constant tension clamps. Watts
Radiant recommends using the
SqueezeTite pliers to properly open
and install these clamps.
Cautions
a. Do not solder near, or overheat,
any Onix connections. Extreme
temperatures associated with
soldering may seriously damage
the Onix and will void warranty.
b. All Onix and brass fitting surfaces
must be clean and dry before mak-
ing the connection.
c. Whenever possible, avoid making
connections or splices in inaccessi-
ble locations.
d. Repairing Onix that has been in
service requires special attention,
particularly when glycol has been
used. Any residual amounts of gly-
col or any other coating inside the
Onix tube must be removed. Use an
alcohol swab or pad to remove the
residue(s), then allow the tube to dry
prior to connection.
Field Repairs
Jobsite damage does occur from time
to time. To prevent the need to replace
a complete circuit of Onix, Watts
Radiant provided a repair kit. Each kit
contains with two barb-by-barb splices
and four Onix Clamps.
WARNING:
Use Field Repair Kits only for the
repair of Onix damaged in the field.
Read complete instructions before
beginning repairs. Do not splice
together multiple lengths of Onix.
Refer to previous chapters in this
manual for recommended circuit
lengths.
Caution:
Use of materials not supplied by Watts
Radiant to make a splice or manifold
connection may eventually result in
SelfTite Repair Kits include two barb-by-barb
splices and four clamps.
Return
rn
Man
Man
ifold
fold
Supply Manifold
Fluid Flow
Fluid Flow
Onix Barb
Onix Clamp
Onix
Onix TorqueTite
clamp.
Onix SelfTite Clamps. It is important not to allow
the clamp to flatten while being held open.
Flattened clamps will not fit properly over the
Onix and barb assembly.
TorqueTite Repair Kit includes two barb-by-barb
splices and four clamps.
Appendix