Armstrong’s Astro 2 circulators have a high-quality design, they make little to no noise and require zero maintenance. But why might one need a circulator, and what makes this one different from any other? Continue reading to learn about the importance of this 3-speed wet motor design and its heating and cooling efficiency.
According to Armstrong, a circulator is used in a hydronic heating system to circulate water from the boiler to the radiator. The hot air released from the radiator starts off as water which enters through gravity or a water mains and is heated in the boiler. That hot water is pushed through pipes to the radiator where convection releases warm air or hot water. Circulators can be used in heating systems with water tanks and instantaneous heating systems without tanks.
They work by using a motor to turn an impeller within the recognizable snail-like shape of the volute casing. The water is pulled in by the vanes of the inductive motor and is circulated out to its destination. Circulators are different from pumps because pumps are generally larger for commercial production with larger quantities of water. In comparison, circulators are known to be small devices installed to move fluid without acting against a strong force of gravity, requiring less energy than pumps.
In the Astro 2 circulator—a wet rotor—the impeller and motor are entirely submerged in the transported fluid allowing it to act as a coolant for the device. Since the motor is self-cooling and doesn’t need a cooling fan, it’s much quieter and has less parts to repair than dry motor designs. The two-piece design of motor and casing means it’s not meant for maintenance and it won’t need any, making it more simplistic and manageable when compared to dry motors with more parts.
Another feature of Armstrong’s Astro 2 circulator is its three-speed motor. This means the speed of circulation—amount of electricity going into the motor-–can be adjusted by the user or contractor for different output requirements and ranges of performance. The three-speed selection also allows for an easy process of replacement with a variety of other fixed-speed cylinders if needed.
Why purchase Armstrong’s Astro 2 Circulator? Armstrong’s circulators are applicable for both heating and cooling. They are designed to circulate water or ethylene-glycol solutions in closed both hydronic or solar heating systems, making them compatible with eco-friendly infrastructures with plans to reduce carbon emissions. And the Astro 2 line has the versatility to be installed within residential, small-industrial or commercial industries. These appliances offer cast iron, lead-free bronze or stainless steel volutes.
For more information on purchasing a heat pump or other heating and cooling equipment, contact Northrich company at 216-581-4750 or go to www.northrich.com