Liberty Supply

08/27/2026

Taco CI Series pumps are close-coupled end-suction centrifugal pumps used across commercial hydronic systems.

In this article, we cover:

✔ How the Taco CI Series close-coupled design works
✔ Key features that support installation and serviceability
✔ Why the family performance range should not be used for final selection
✔ What to verify when selecting or replacing a CI pump
✔ How CI compares with Taco FI, SCI, and SFI end-suction families

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/taco-ci-series-pumps-selection-features-applications

08/20/2026

A suction diffuser combines flow straightening, debris protection, and a compact piping arrangement into a single component installed at the pump inlet. When properly installed, it helps create better suction conditions while reducing the number of fittings required in the system.

Our updated blog article covers:

✔ What a suction diffuser is and how it works
✔ How it differs from a standard strainer
✔ Key installation and maintenance considerations
✔ Common applications in HVAC, hydronic, and industrial systems
✔ Suction diffuser solutions from Bell & Gossett, Armstrong, Taco, and Grundfos

If you're looking to better understand pump accessories, this guide provides a practical overview of how suction diffusers help improve hydraulic performance and simplify system layouts.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/what-is-a-suction-diffuser

08/13/2026

Why install three valves when one can do the job?

In many hydronic pump systems, a triple duty valve combines three essential functions - shut-off, check, and balancing - into a single assembly. The result is a more compact piping layout, fewer components to install, and simplified maintenance without sacrificing system performance.

In this updated article, we cover:

✔ What a triple duty valve is and how it works
✔ The three functions combined in a single valve body
✔ Proper installation on the pump discharge side
✔ Common installation mistakes and troubleshooting tips
✔ Triple duty valve solutions from Bell & Gossett, Armstrong, Taco, and Grundfos

If you're replacing pump accessories, understanding how triple duty valves simplify pump discharge piping can help you save space, reduce piping complexity, and simplify maintenance.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/what-is-a-triple-duty-valve

08/06/2026

What exactly is a Circuit Setter and how is it different from a balancing valve?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a Circuit Setter is a calibrated balancing valve designed to set, measure, and prevent return water in hydronic systems. It plays an important role in system commissioning, flow balancing, and long-term operational efficiency.

In this updated article, we cover:

✔ What a Circuit Setter is and how it works
✔ How Circuit Setters differ from manual balancing valves
✔ Why they're typically installed on the return side of hydronic systems
✔ Bell & Gossett Circuit Setter models and key features
✔ How flow is measured and adjusted during system balancing

If you're looking to better understand hydronic balancing, this article explains how Circuit Setters help achieve the intended flow throughout the system, while simplifying future maintenance and service.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/what-is-a-circuit-setter

07/30/2026

Not all zone valves are designed to control water flow the same way.

When selecting or replacing a zone valve, understanding the differences between 2-way and 3-way configurations, modulating and two-position control, and fail-safe actuator options is essential to ensure compatibility with the HVAC system and control strategy.

In this guide, we cover:

✔ How Honeywell VN Series zone valves work
✔ Differences between VN3 (modulating) and VN8 (two-position) models
✔ 2-way vs. 3-way valve applications
✔ Fail-in-place and electronic fail-safe actuator options
✔ Model number logic and replacement considerations

From identifying the correct valve configuration to understanding actuator operation and wiring, this guide consolidates the technical information most commonly reviewed when specifying or replacing Honeywell VN Series zone valves.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/honeywell-zone-valves

07/23/2026

The term Venturi Gas Valve is used in the field, but it can be misleading. In many gas-fired boilers and water heaters, a venturi gas valve is actually a matched gas valve and venturi assembly designed to regulate fuel delivery and create the correct gas/air mixture for efficient combustion.

In this guide, we cover:

✔ What a venturi gas valve is and how it works
✔ Differences between a venturi gas valve, gas regulator, and manual shutoff valve
✔ Typical applications in boilers, water heaters, and premix combustion systems
✔ Key considerations when identifying and replacing an assembly
✔ Installation and combustion safety recommendations

By clarifying the role of each component within the combustion system, the article helps simplify identification and replacement, reducing the risk of replacing a part that appears similar but isn't designed for the application.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/what-is-a-venturi-gas-valve

07/16/2026

Bladder tank or diaphragm tank?

Although both are designed to manage pressure changes and accommodate thermal expansion, they differ in construction, serviceability, and the applications they're best suited for.

Choosing between them depends on more than just the tank itself - it also depends on the requirements of the system.

In this article, we cover:

✔ How bladder and diaphragm tanks work
✔ The main differences between the two designs
✔ When each type is typically used
✔ Expansion tank solutions from Bell & Gossett, Taco, and Armstrong

Rather than comparing specifications alone, the article explains the engineering principles behind each design and highlights the factors that influence expansion tank selection across hydronic, plumbing, and pressure systems.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/bladder-tank-vs-diaphragm-tank

07/09/2026

High-performance butterfly valves are designed to deliver more than simple flow isolation. Features such as dual-offset geometry help reduce operating torque, minimize seat wear, and maintain reliable sealing over years of service.

The NIBCO LCS-6822 and LCS-7822 series bring these advantages to commercial HVAC, industrial process, and mechanical piping applications where performance and durability are critical.

In this guide, we cover:

✔ How dual-offset butterfly valves differ from standard concentric designs
✔ Differences between the LCS-6822 (Class 150) and LCS-7822 (Class 300)
✔ Materials, pressure ratings, and operator options
✔ Typical commercial and industrial applications
✔ Installation and selection considerations

From understanding the benefits of dual-offset technology to comparing pressure classes and configurations, this article brings together the key technical information needed to evaluate these high-performance butterfly valves.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/nibco-lcs-6822-lcs-7822-high-performance-butterfly-valve-overview

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

The Bell & Gossett e-60 is one of the most widely used in-line centrifugal pump series in commercial HVAC and hydronic systems.

As the successor to the legacy Series 60, the e-60 combines a compact in-line design with improved serviceability, updated seal technology, and optional ECM motor configurations.

Our latest guide covers:

✔ e-60 performance ranges and construction features
✔ Mechanical seal and motor options
✔ Differences between standard and all-bronze configurations
✔ Installation and startup considerations
✔ Compatibility with legacy Series 60 pumps

Whether you're planning a replacement or maintaining an existing system, this guide provides a practical overview of the Bell & Gossett e-60.

👉 Read the full article: https://libertysupply.com/blogs/atoms-and-bits/bell-gossett-series-e-60-in-line-pump-overview