A manifold cap, often referred to as a manifold blanking cap, is a specific type of fitting used primarily in plumbing and heating systems. Its main purpose is to temporarily seal ports on a manifold.
Understanding Manifold Caps
In systems like Underfloor Heating (UFH), a manifold serves as a central distribution point for the heating medium (typically water). It has multiple ports connecting to different heating circuits. Before the system is fully commissioned, these ports need to be sealed until the permanent flow control devices, such as actuators, are installed.
This is where a manifold cap comes in. Based on the provided reference, a manifold blanking cap is specifically used to restrict and stop flow of water on manifold ports until actuators are fitted.
Why Use a Manifold Cap?
The use of manifold caps is crucial during the installation and initial testing phases of a system like UFH. They provide several practical benefits:
- Temporary Sealing: They securely close off individual ports on the manifold.
- Flow Control: They prevent water from flowing into circuits where actuators are not yet present, effectively stopping the flow.
- System Preparation: They allow for essential pre-commissioning steps. As stated in the reference, they permit mechanical system filling and flushing prior to full commissioning and electrical actuators being installed. This flushing removes debris from the pipes, ensuring a clean system before final setup.
Where are They Used?
While manifolds are used in various applications, the reference specifically highlights their use with current UFH systems. In this context, they are vital temporary components that facilitate a smoother installation and commissioning process.
Key Functions Summarized
Here's a summary of the primary roles of a manifold cap in a UFH system:
| Function | Description | Timing / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Water Flow | Restricts and completely stops water flow from a manifold port. | Before actuators are installed. |
| Seal Port | Provides a temporary seal for an open manifold outlet. | During installation and testing phases. |
| Enable Flushing | Allows the system to be filled and flushed mechanically. | Prior to full commissioning. |
| Enable Filling | Facilitates filling the system with water. | Prior to full commissioning. |
In essence, a manifold cap is a simple but essential temporary fitting that allows installers to manage water flow on a manifold before the final control components are in place, enabling necessary steps like flushing and filling the system.
