What is a thermostatic mixer and how it works
Mixers with thermostatic cartridges have been widely used for decades in the bathrooms of our homes and in public facilities such as hospitals and sports centres, where they are used both at the point-of-use level (at the point of withdrawal, with maximum comfort for the user, who can regulate the temperature autonomously) and at the system level (mixer for communities, with temperature pre-set by the operator).
Focusing on the more traditional mixers, these normally have a ceramic disc valve or a cartridge with a timed stop for opening and closing the water; a second rotary control with a graduated scale regulates the temperature.
A push-button rotation lock limits the outlet water temperature to 38°C (UNI EN 1111:2017 standard) to avoid scalding: it is necessary to press -voluntarily- the button to obtain higher temperatures.
The main function of the thermostatic cartridge is to independently regulate the flow of hot and cold water at the inlet to provide water at the outlet at the temperature chosen by the user. Regulations require that the supply be stopped or at least reduced to a minimum in the event of a sudden lack of either water in the supply. The inability to maintain the set temperature could cause serious damage to the user, especially if there is no cold water.
At this point you might think you have achieved the highest level of safety and comfort: could you do any better? The answer is YES!
The Progressive Thermostatic Mixer
IDRAL 09110 and 09125 thermostatic mixers are designed to raise the standards of safety and comfort of use, with an eye to the demands of professional and/or high-risk users.
+ SAFE
The cartridge used has been designed to meet the British TMV3 standard, which defines safety criteria that are considerably stricter than the current European standard UNI EN 1111:2017. Great importance is placed on the safety shut-off in the event of both cold and HOT water failure. The maximum delivery temperature can also be adjusted by means of a mechanical rotation lock, for safety reasons made inaccessible to the user.
+ ERGONOMIC
The progressive control allows the water to be opened and mixed with a SINGLE ROTARY MOVEMENT: this allows dispensing to be managed using just one hand.
+ HYGIENIC
The use of a clinical lever allows operation without the need to touch the mixer with your hands, guaranteeing maximum hygiene even in critical environments (operating theatres, clinics). The special SANIJET jet breaker and highly polished inner surfaces prevent the deposit of impurities from the system, thus preventing bacterial proliferation and biofilms. The special materials used also enable the mixer to withstand the high temperatures of the "ANTILEGIONELLA" disinfection cycles often used in the maintenance of large systems.
+ VERSATILE IN THE SEARCH FOR NEW DESIGNS
A single coaxial control makes it possible to create a thermostatic mixer with a design hitherto exclusive to classic 'single lever' mixers with ceramic disc cartridges, leaving room for designers' imagination.
+ ECOLOGICAL
The progressive control, when opened, ALWAYS delivers completely cold water, eliminating energy wastage caused by unsolicited deliveries of hot or mixed water.
Flow limiters in the supply stabilise the operation of the thermostatic cartridge and ensure controlled and constant water consumption.
In conclusion, the progressive thermostatic mixer represents a significant step forward in water management for personal use from both the safety and economic/ecological standpoints.
With a view to innovation and continuous improvement, IDRAL will always push ahead to find new ways forward and to provide an ever better service to the customer, in line with their expectations and in step with the technological evolution of the world around us