Innovations in plumbing: faucets

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The most popular plumbing fixture is a mixer. Modern industry produces a huge number of these devices in a variety of designs, design, purpose and performance.

What is a mixer and what are they?

A mixer is called a shut-off and distribution plumbing device designed to mix hot and cold water that enters it through two different lines, and flows through one spout through a spout or a shower head with the desired temperature. Mixers can be divided into two groups according to the type of installation: wall mounted and mounted in a sink or bath. Wall mounting is more complicated, as it is necessary to excavate concrete. Often this process is simplified somewhat by constructing a cavity hidden by panels, in which all communications pass. This reduces the useful area of ​​the room. With concealed installation of faucets or shower flexible supply valves, all mixing chambers, thermostats, distribution systems are masked inside the wall or under the panels. Outside, there is only the spout and handles to regulate the flow of water.

Types of mixers

Types of mixers

It is accepted to divide the mixers and according to the principle of action:

  • On two-gripping or two-ventilated( standard construction).
  • Single or single lever.
  • Thermostatic Mixers.
  • Non-contact and sensor designs.

The first kind of mixers has been used in plumbing for many decades and is of little interest for this article, although it is still used quite often, especially with beautiful designs. In recent years, numerous innovations in plumbing have been introduced: mixers are no exception. All other types of devices can be attributed to innovation, because they appeared on the market relatively recently.

Classic two-valve mixer

Classic two-valve mixer

Device and types of single-lever mixers

This type of device has no valve, but only one lever, which can move in four directions. When moving in a vertical plane, it regulates the head of water, and when moving in the horizontal plane, its temperature. These devices began to be widely produced in the last 15 to 20 years, so they do not yet have a clear, well-established name. Sometimes they are called monocommand, one-shot, one-handed. There is also a term like a joystick.

However, the household name "single lever" conceals the presence of two completely different devices: ball mixers and mixers on ceramic cartridges. They are similar not only in appearance, mode of control, but also equally reliable and durable.

Design and function of single-lever ball valves

In essence, a ball mixer is nothing but a hollow ball that is manufactured and high quality stainless steel, equipped with sealed gaskets. In this mixing bowl, water comes from the hot and cold pipes at the same time. She gets there, passing the spring-loaded teflon saddles. The hollow ball is provided with three holes, two of which are smaller in size and one larger in diameter - the outlet. Mixing of streams of water occurs in this ball, after which, at the right temperature, it flows through the spout of the tap. The ball is rigidly attached to the valve, which regulates the flow of water through the saddle of plastic and union nut. In this plastic seat there are Teflon rings, which serve as a sealant, as well as a rubber gland. This device allows you to maintain excellent tightness with ease of turning the entire structure. The mixer mounting casing is necessary for fixing the exact position of the ball against the holes and is responsible for the intake, dosing and discharge of water from the device.

The device of a spherical mixer

Ball mixing device

To set the required water temperature on the spout, simply turn the mixer arm in a horizontal plane. Comfort temperature is quickly achieved, due to the fact that the shape and size of the holes in the ball are matched with great accuracy. Since the size of the mixing chamber in the ball mixers is large enough, it allows a better mixing of cold and hot water. The same circumstance contributes to the fact that hard water does not have a harmful effect on the metal parts of the mixer. Although the gaskets on such devices wear out long enough, dirty water with grains of sand and other mechanical impurities can have a detrimental effect on them, since the elements in the mixer are fitted very tightly.

The main disadvantage of all ball mixers is that their Teflon and rubber gaskets are sensitive to contamination, and the steel ball to corrosion. It is noticed that water with excessive chlorination also negatively affects the plastic pads of the device. The ball mixer requires constant use, since when it is completely dry, the movement of the lever is disturbed.

Single lever mixer with

plate cartridge This type of mixer uses more innovative materials than in the previous one. The main working unit of the device is a removable cartridge equipped with a drive mechanism. It is collected from ceramic plates based on aluminum oxide. The scheme of the device of different models can be very different, but it is invariable that any cartridge is made of two very closely adhering ceramic plates, or disks. These plates have holes that have a certain shape. When they coincide with each other in both plates, a stream of water, both hot and cold, flows through them. Both streams enter the mixing chamber, after which the water of a comfortable temperature flows through the spout.

Mixer device with ceramic cartridge

Mixer device with ceramic cartridge

Plate manufacturing technology assumes their grinding with ultrasound, which makes them perfectly smooth. Expensive models have plates with graphite spraying, which significantly reduces friction, which further prolongs their service life and increases wear resistance. Most quality models can last at least 10 years. The device is able to withstand a pressure of 8 to 10 atmospheres, which is quite sufficient for any water pipe. A serious disadvantage of mixers with ceramic cartridges is their very high sensitivity to insoluble impurities. Therefore, when using such a device, it is necessary to install a filter for water purification in front of it. It is also important that ceramic cartridges are not foldable. They are completely replaced. At the same time, in different models they are of completely different shapes.

Thermostatic mixers

Thanks to the introduction of innovative technologies, a person tries to provide himself with an ever increasing and greater level of comfort. An example of this is a mixer with a thermostat. These devices are equipped with a thermostat that automatically maintains the water temperatures in the mixing chamber that the user has installed. This guarantees safety when washing dishes or taking a shower, as the boiling water does not suddenly flow from the tap under any circumstances. This is not affected by either the flow rate or the pressure in the line.

The thermostat is equipped with two handles that rotate. One regulates the head and includes a shower, the second is equipped with a temperature scale to accurately set the required heating. For automatic maintenance of a stable temperature, a thermocouple is installed inside the mixer body. It is connected with the locking mechanism. Thanks to it, the equilibrium is restored by changing the heating of water in one direction or another. As a result, you need to set up the device only once. Then, at any flow and pressure, the temperature will be maintained.

Mixer with thermostat

Mixer with thermostat

Thermostats work according to the following principle. Turning the handle of the mixer, you create a pressure of one of the flows, hot or cold. It in turn squeezes the valve and causes the flow from the other pipe. But the amount of this or that component entering the mixer is regulated by the thermostat and always remains constant, regardless of the head. All springs, valves and other parts are selected specifically to ensure the accuracy of this effect. It is noteworthy that such devices are equipped with a safety button. Only after pressing it you can reset the temperature to a higher side. Most thermostats regulate the temperature in the range of 38 to 45 degrees, which is the safest and most comfortable for the human body value.

Touch and contactless faucets

These devices are installed mainly in public toilets. Such mixers are supplied with sensor sensors or photocells, which are designed to control the locking device. In the case of sensory devices, in order to activate them, simply touch the spot indicated on the panel or directly on the sink. Photovoltaic cells include a crane already when the hands are placed under it. In this case, the movement of the hands up and down changes the temperature of the water.

Non-contact faucet

Non-contact faucet

Contactless faucets can also be used at home in the kitchen. This is quite convenient, as it saves water and allows you to wash dishes without worrying about pressure and temperature. It should be understood that the cost of such innovative devices is much higher than conventional mixers.

Other innovative ideas embodied in the

mixers In addition to the mixers described above, which are used quite extensively, there are still quite a few exotic innovations. Perhaps in the near future they too will become widespread.

The sliding shower head, which is mounted in the mixer spout, can be stretched for 1 meter. This makes it possible to wash dishes, vegetables and the sink with great convenience. The shape of the jets emanating from such a nozzle is adjustable.

Very interesting model for a washstand, which is equipped with a so-called "turbo".It is a thin tube with a tip that extends out of the mixer. It serves to rinse the mouth with an increased pressure of water jet.

Classification of mixers for the purpose

Depending on the purpose, all modern faucets are divided into:

  • Installable on a bath.
  • On the sink or washbasin.
  • On the kitchen sink.
  • On the shower.
  • On the bidet.

Most often, the installation is carried out directly on the surface of the plumbing fixture. On the sink it is usually one hole, but in the shower there are three: for the valves and for the spout itself. They are also installed on acrylic baths with wide sides, both rectangular and angled.

Faucets for a washbasin or washbasin sometimes have a swivel nozzle for filling a nearby bathtub. Some models are equipped with a mechanism that opens and closes the drain plug of the sink.

In shower cabins mixers are equipped only with a watering can with a long flexible liner, equipped with a watering can. In more expensive booths there is a system of hydromassage and so-called "rain".In fact, all these elements are controlled by one mixer, in which by turning the additional handle there is a redistribution of the water flow to this or that output node.

The main feature of the bidet mixers is that they are equipped with a special spreader and mesh. Passing through them, the jet of water is enriched with air, which makes it very soft. In addition, the tip of such a mixer has a floating head, which makes it possible to adjust the direction of the jet very easily and precisely. Some more innovative models are equipped with a retractable flexible hose that allows you to more accurately send water to the right place. Adjusting knobs are installed on the side of the bath, which creates convenience when adjusting the head and water temperature.

The kitchen mixer has a slightly different shape and spout length. It is most convenient when the shape is arcuate, as it allows you to easily fill with water various vessels. Usually the spout on the kitchen sink can be rotated in a horizontal plane, which allows one mixer to be used immediately for two sinks.

Thus, today's industry, producing sanitary devices, is actively introducing innovative technologies into production. Therefore, those ideas that today seem to us futuristic fads, tomorrow can become an everyday reality.

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