ESBE'S ROTARY VALVES β A BELOVED PRODUCT WITH A RELIABLE HISTORY.
2025-06-16
Why "Rotary"?
Well, it's all about the rotation! π Just like a skilled DJ mixes tracks, these ESBE valves use a clever rotating motion inside to perfectly combine different flows – often hot and cold water – to achieve the ideal temperature. Imagine it: a precisely engineered rotation of a "cone" or "ball" that controls the flow and ensures your underfloor heating is just right, or you save energy by reusing lukewarm return water in the heating system. It's a simple yet ingenious mechanism that has stood the test of time.
The lifespan of a rotary valve depends on several factors:
β Water Quality: Aggressive water with high mineral content can negatively affect the valve's internal components over time.
β Operating Conditions: How often the valve is used, along with the temperature and pressure conditions it operates under, plays a significant role. Constant operation near maximum limits can shorten its lifespan.
β Installation and Maintenance: Correct installation and regular maintenance can significantly extend the valve's lifespan. We recommend following our installation and maintenance instructions.
β Valve Model: Some of our valve series, such as VRG and VRB, are made from dezincification-resistant brass to increase durability and lifespan.
We naturally offer spare parts for all key components so our products can be used for a long time. Learn more about our valves here >>
Generations of Reliability! πͺ
Even though the names may vary, one thing remains constant: the quality and reliability you can expect from ESBE. For generations, we've refined our craftsmanship and manufactured valves that you can rely on day in and day out. We're not talking years; we're talking decades of experience poured into every valve that leaves our facilities. It's a legacy of trust built on consistent performance and unwavering commitment to quality.
ESBE Mixing Valves 1935 – 2025
β One of the first mixing valves manufactured by Skogsfors Bruk, Model 100, was installed in 1935 on a farm in Svanaholm, Västboås, and was in use until 1995.
β In 1938, the patented ESBE 4-way mixing valve Model 200 was introduced
β In 1946, a new, patented 4-way mixing valve named Fyrix was launched, replacing Model 200.
The essential difference was that Fyrix allowed circulation in the boiler circuit even when the mixing valve was closed to the radiators.
β In 1958, a completely new type of mixing valve, Front, was launched, designed for factory mounting on the front or back of the boiler.
β The valve Topp was introduced in 1960, the name came from the valve being mounted on top of the boiler!
β During the 1970s, industrial designer Carl-Arne Breger gave all mixing valves a new face, meaning cover, scale, and knob/handle.
He also designed new valve housings Fyrix G and Fyrix T, which replaced the Fyrix U and Topp mixing valve.
β In 1978, the BIV mixing valve was introduced.
ESBE developed the BIV mixing valve as a direct result of the oil crisis. From the beginning, the bivalent solution was used in heat pump solutions where prioritizing the heat pump over an existing heat source was desired.
β In 1983, the MG mixing valve with brass valve bodies was introduced. Having both the valve body and disc in brass meant better product performance and a more compact design. (Together with the M60 actuator series, the 3MG became real bestsellers across the entire European continent during the 1990s).
β In 1997, the BIV mixing valve also came in a brass version and was warmly welcomed by the market.
β In 2003, a further developed 3MG series was launched in a tighter and thus more energy-efficient design than before. (A patented design that Karl-Oskar Brunnsgård was involved in developing).
β In 2007, NGR – New Generation Rotary – was launched. These are the series we know today as VRG and VRB, which replaced the MG and BIV series – the loyal and best-selling products in ESBE's range. (The NGR project also included the ARA actuator series, which replaced the M60 actuator).
From Simple Mixing to Smart Control!
Whether it's a simple manual mixing valve or sophisticated control that ensures constant comfort with our actuators/controllers in the ARA/CRX series, our rotary valves are versatile players in a variety of applications. They are the unsung heroes of your heat distribution, the silent guardians against temperature fluctuations. And with the rise of smart home technology, for example, our VRB140 series shows how these proven designs can seamlessly integrate with modern actuators and control systems, providing even greater precision and energy efficiency.
So next time you hear someone mention a "three-way valve" or a "blending," remember the essence of the matter: it's likely a rotary valve from ESBE, a testament to durable engineering and our long-standing commitment to keeping the flow smooth. While the names may vary, you can always count on ESBE's consistent quality and reliability.