The manifolds of the Fornara line

We produce brass manifolds for heating / cooling systems and for sanitary use, together with a very articulated range of accessory components.

Our hot-pressed manifolds are available in 2 to 6-way versions depending on the formats. For systems that require more ways, several groups can be connected until the desired number of ways is reached.

On request we can provide a customized production of the manifold element or specific components and valves with dimensions, finishes, characteristics and performances agreed with the customer, always guaranteeing the absolute quality of the materials of certified Italian origin and our 40 years of experience in the field.

Additional components for manifolds

In addition to the production of manifolds, we have in our catalogue a wide range of accessory components such as electrothermal actuators, flow meters, drain valves, ball valves, safety valves and fittings.

Electrothermal actuators: operation

The electrothermal actuators are valves whose opening is activated by an electrothermal control motor, which allows them to open and close automatically according to the settings of an external thermostat. They are usually mounted on the return manifolds in radiant panel heating systems.
When the valve opens, the disc located in the center of the upper part of the actuator is raised. This lifting, clearly visible, allows to verify during the testing phase the correct opening and closing of the valve even with the exhaust system or without having to disassemble the device for further checks.

Fornara line: electrothermal actuators

Our actuators can be mounted on all models of our thermostatic manifolds and possibly also on radiators where there is a thermostatic valve. Assembly is made very simple thanks to the brass ring placed at the base of the actuator.
The actuators are available in versions with and without switches: those equipped with switches are equipped with 4 cables that also allow pump control, while those without switches have 2 wires and allow single circuit control.
The models with switch can be mounted both vertically and horizontally, and offer an IP45 degree of protection of the thermo-electric actuator.
The models without switches can be mounted with all orientations: vertical, horizontal, upside down, and offer an IP50 degree of protection of the thermo-electric actuator.

Check valve operation

The check or “non-return” valves are constructed in such a way as to allow the passage of a fluid (be it a liquid or a gas) in one direction only, while preventing it from flowing (or “return”) in the opposite direction. This feature makes them a very important element within a heating system where they are widely used for various functions. Between these:

• they prevent hot water coming out of a boiler from flowing back towards the boiler
• allow directing the flows of hot and cold water within the different sections of the system

The check valves of the Fornara line

The Fornara family of check valves includes two families produced in DZR brass, a material suitable for particularly calcareous liquids. The two families present a broad spectrum of measures and attachments for the most common applications.

Air vent and safety valves: what they are for

Air vent valves are a very important element within a heating system. By releasing the excess air that forms in the circuit, they help to preserve the health and good functioning of the system, allowing an optimal heat exchange between liquid and radiant elements.

The presence of air inside a system is a very serious problem because in addition to generating the classic noise, it worsens the efficiency of the entire system and promotes corrosion of the components in the long run. The air in the system is gradually formed even during normal use, due to the cavitation phenomena (production and subsequent implosion of air bubbles inside the liquid). For this reason, it is important to respect some classic precautions both in the design and in the installation, such as the particular care in filling the system and the insertion of deaerators along the circuit. When these measures are not enough to manage the formation of air, it is necessary to install relief valves that respond specifically to the problem.

In the Fornara catalogue there are various models of brass air vent valves, manual or automatic, suitable for different pressures and temperatures and with different combinations of connection and position of the vent.

Manual air vent valves

The line of manual air vent valves is the simplest solution to eliminate the air that is created in the circuit. These valves must be opened by hand periodically to allow air to escape and restore full system functionality and to ensure a better heat exchange. Our manual air vent valves are available in various sizes and in the variant with a PTFE ring at the base, which allows them to be screwed directly to the radiator fitting without having to add additional types of seals such as tapes or hemp. A model (914) with adjustable drain cock is also available in the catalogue which allows the valve to be mounted on the radiator body without being affected by the position of the drain hole.

Automatic air vent valves

The line of automatic air vent valves allows you to maintain the good functionality of the system without having to carry out maintenance and includes components of different sizes and orientation of the coupling. We also have a line specifically dedicated to solar heating systems, suitable for specific conditions of use such as 10 bar pressure and liquid temperature up to 180 ° centigrade.

Security valves

Safety valves are a crucial element in a properly designed system and prevent the circuit from reaching a pressure higher than the maximum tolerable by some components. Their operation takes place by means of a spring, calibrated according to the limit pressure, which, once the safety threshold is exceeded, yields and allows the excess liquid to be discharged into the atmosphere. Once the pressure drops below the limit threshold again, the spring exerts sufficient force to close the valve again.
The Fornara safety valve line includes models with different sizes and male or female connections and with possible pressure gauge connection in some models. The valves are available with specific settings for pressures from 1.5 to 10 bar, depending on the model.

We produce 3 models of valves dedicated to the discharge of heating systems, radiators, boilers.

Two models are equipped with ball valve closure and lever control, these models have both a pump connection and a plug, fixed directly to the valve body so that it cannot be lost.

The other model, on the other hand, is not equipped with a ball valve closure but has an adjustable drain and a closing cap.