Bürkert valve expertise delivers a premium shower experience

The premium design manufacturer of high-quality fittings for bathrooms and kitchens Aloys F. Dornbracht GmbH & Co. KG has worked with Brkert to design a control system for its showers which makes up part of the Ambiance Tuning Technique (ATT). Modern, premium shower designs incorporate a number of independent water outlets providing a range of showing options, including simulated rain, water sheets and horizontal water jets. Controlling the temperature and pressure of these various flows within a restricted space requires expert design input.

At the centre of the ATT technology is the eValve, which is an electronic thermostatic valve which provides very accurate control of both water temperature and pressure. This advanced valve allows a fast response time for controlling the water flow to independent outlets, giving the customer the ability to maintain different temperatures and pressures for the various water streams within the shower.

The eValve comprises two proportional valves, an integrated flow sensor, temperature sensors and an electronic controller. The proportional valves use the data from the sensors and the requested temperature and pressure settings to deliver the desired shower experience. The fast response time and highly accurate temperature control are delivered by Brkert Type 6144 pilot valves and a special actuator.

With a compact design, the pilot valves ensures that each unit occupies a minimal space while still providing the level of control that compensates for the use of hot and cold water systems by other applications and ensures the required temperature and pressure within the shower is maintained. The reliability of the eValve is assured by the years of Brkert experience in designing fluid control systems for applications as varied as food and pharmaceutical production to gas burners and coffee machines.

Brkert's designers worked closely with Dornbracht to develop a bespoke product which would deliver the accuracy and reliability demanded by its customers. The completed design needed to provide intuitive control for domestic applications as well as occasional users such as hotel residents while also providing an integrated system which is combined with the ambient lighting system to provide the desired showering concept.

For more information about valve technology from Brkert, visit www.burkert.co.uk.