---
title: Webinar Replay
---

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# Webinar replay

 

# **Variable Primary versus Primary/Variable Secondary Chilled Water Pumping**

 

## **What You Will Learn**

Within the broader context of design decisions, the choice between Variable primary flow and Primary/Variable secondary seems almost inconsequential. However, the differences in operating practices and efficiencies between the two types of systems matter. Those aspects, combined with the short and long-term cost implications, make this an important design choice for any building. For a careful comparison, plus the latest info on the merits of each configuration, and an explanation of industry-leading variable speed technology.

**Key topics include:**

- Opportunities in chilled water plumbing
- Simpler and more reliable installation
- Reduce plant costs with parallel pumping
- Active Performance Management to maintain maximum operational efficiency

## **Key questions answered during the webinar:**

- Is it necessary to have a three-way valve in the primary/secondary setup to prevent the secondary pump from deadheading?
- Are there any temperature limitations on the fluid because of the inbuilt VFD?
- If the actual pressure loss is different from the design, do the sensorless pumps need to be adjusted to match the design flow or is it automatically adjusted?
- For variable primary-only configurations, one of the limitations is maintaining multiple different temperature loops. What is an efficient way to manage this without adding pumps?
- What is an auto-balancing flow valve and how does it work?
- In a constant variable primary and secondary piping system, should there be a check valve installed in the bypass line to prevent secondary water from bypassing the chillers?
- Can we install a two-way modulating valve at the coupler line and can it help in terms of energy savings?
- What does Armstrong consider a system with a single zone versus a multi-zone?
- What is typically the lowest speed we can operate at with the VFD?
- Do design envelope pumps need an inertia block?
- Is pump manager service standard with the pumps or is it optional?
- For those old-school designs, do you recommend a check valve in the decoupler lines between primary and secondary systems?
- What is the difference between a decoupler and a bypass line? Do we need any modulating valves in the decoupler line?
- Can we use a secondary pumping system in open weather conditions?
- What is your point of view on a system that does not have primary and secondary circuits?
- Can a small design envelope pump replace the modulating valve in the bypass line?
- For the variable primary system, in the case of multiple chiller installations, is there any difference in savings if we have a fixed-speed chiller versus a variable-speed chiller?
- What is the purpose of an expansion tank in the system?
- In a primary only system, is a two-way or a three-way valve more effective?
- What are the benefits of getting an IPS 4000 pump controller used to control primary design envelope pumps when the chillers are at constant speed?
- What kind of system is ideal for controlling the low delta T syndrome?

## **Product Solutions of Interest:**

[Plumbing and Water Supply](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/en/products-and-services/plumbing-and-water-supply)

[Design Envelope Technology](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/en/products-and-services/design-envelope/highest-energy-efficiency)

[Heating and Cooling](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/en/products-and-services/heating-and-cooling)

**Related Case Studies**

[Dow Kokam – An Industrial Facility Installation](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/~/media/documents/case-studies/9-542_dowbatterymanufacturing_casestudy.pdf?display=1)

[Ventus at Metrogate – A Residential Facility Installation](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/~/media/documents/case-studies/9-543_ventus_casestudy.pdf?display=1)

[Commercial Towers – An Energy Upgrade Installation](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/~/media/documents/energy-reference-sites/9-577_commercial_towers_toronto_casestudy.pdf?display=1)

**Webinar topics you may also like:**

[Piping Design for Variable Flow Hydronic Heating Systems](https://info.armstrongfluidtechnology.com/lp-replay-piping-design-for-variable-flow-hydronic-heating-systems-may3-na?hsLang=fr-ca)

[Better Together: Hydronic Heating Systems and Intelligent Variable Speed Pumps](https://info.armstrongfluidtechnology.com/lp-webinar-replay-sept7-better-together-hydronic-heating-systems-and-intelligent-variable-speed-pumps?hsLang=fr-ca)

[Self-Regulating, Variable Speed Fire Pumps Better, Simpler, and More Cost Effective](https://info.armstrongfluidtechnology.com/lp-jan12-replay-self-regulating-variable-speed-fire-pumps-better-simpler-and-more-cost-effective?hsLang=fr-ca)

[Back to Basics: Variable Speed Pumping and Sensorless Control](https://info.armstrongfluidtechnology.com/lp-webinarreplay-back-to-basics-variable-speed-pumping-and-sensorless-control-na-october04-2022?hsLang=fr-ca)

 

## For more information, [contact us](https://armstrongfluidtechnology.com/en/help-and-support/email-us) to speak with one of our experts.

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