Manifold heating own hands: circuit assembly nuances

Defining task in designing the independent heating system is a uniform distribution of the heat carrier. This task is in the heating system performs control and adjustment unit - manifold.

By proper choice device, a quality installation and connection depends largely on uptime and reliability of the heating circuit. If there is a desire to establish a distribution manifold heating their own hands, it is necessary to make calculations in advance and design the layout.

We will help you in dealing with these issues. In this article we looked at the structure of the collector group, outlined the pros and cons of the heating system with a comb, described the rules of design and installation of the distribution unit.

Material is supplemented by practical advice on the choice of components, assembly and connection of the collector to the heating system.

The role of the collector for heating

The regeneration of water head site, you must follow the rule: the total sum of the diameters of the branches must not be greater than the diameter of the supply line.

We apply the law and to the heating system, but it will look as follows: the output of the boiler fitting 1 inch diameter permitted for use in dual-system pipes with a diameter ½ inch.

For the home, with a small cubic capacity, which is heated by radiators exclusively, this type of system is considered productive.

In practice, the private house equipped with a modernized heating circuit, where developing are additional paths:

• floor heating system;
• Heating several floors;
• auxiliary premises and so on type. d.

When connecting the branches of the working pressure level in the circuits becomes insufficient quality for all heating radiators, respectively, and a comfortable atmosphere mode will be broken.

In this case, the heating line branched equip balancing node via a distribution manifold. Using this method, it is possible to compensate for the cooling of the heated coolant, which is typical of traditional single- and twin-tube circuits.

Through hardware and valves made adjustment required coolant temperature indicators for each of the lines.

Main characteristics of the collecting system

The main difference between the collector and a standard linear method for redistribution of heat carrier - the division into several independent streams apart channels. Various modifications may be applied collector units differing stacking and size range.

Designs welded collector is quite simple. To a comb, is a tube of circular or square section, connected required the number of nozzles which, in turn, are connected to an individual circuit lines heating. She collector system is interfaced to the main line.

Also installed and valves, through which the adjustment amount and temperature of heated fluid in each of the circuits.

Positive aspects of operation of the heating system, which is based on a distribution manifold, the following:

1. Centralized hydraulic distribution circuit and temperature characteristics is uniform. The simplest model of the ring comb two- or chetyrehkonturnogo type can balance performance effectively.
2. Regulation of the heating main operation mode. Process reproduced due to the presence of specific mechanisms - counter-flow, mix with the node and stop-control valves and thermostats. However, their installation requires the right calculations.
3. serviceability. The need for preventive or repair measures does not require the shutdown of the entire heating network. Due to the sliding pipe fittings installed on each individual circuit, it is easy to block the coolant flow at the desired site.

However, there are drawbacks to such a system. First of all - increased consumption of pipes. Payment hydraulic losses is carried out via the circulation pump assembly. It needs to be installed on all collector groups. In addition, this solution is extremely important in heating systems of closed type.

Modifications to the collector node

Before proceeding to the collection manifold assembly, it is necessary to determine its functional load. The equipment can be installed in multiple sites of heating mains. Starting from this, pick up the necessary equipment, size and level of automation of the working cycle.

In fact, to complete the work of this unit requires two devices. With the comb is made of heat distribution along the contours of the carrier from the main flow line. Reverse collecting channel contains the mechanism of collection and the point of departure is cold fluid to the boiler.

Mounting homemade distribution groups may be required for the regeneration water underfloor or for preparing a standard heating with radiators.

The distinctive features of both versions are their sizes and components:

1. Boiler room. Welded collector band is made of pipes with diameters up to 100 mm. On the filing of the circulation pump is installed and shut-off valves. Reverse ring equipped with shut-off ball valves.
2. floor heating system. Similar equipment is present in the mix with this node. With it possible to significantly save on the thermal carrier flow, especially if additionally installed flowmeters. For more information about mixing unit in the floor heating system is written in this article.

Each of these solutions provides for an individual installation diagram. Proper installation of all the elements can be carried out only after all miscalculations detailed operating point parameters.

Also, there are differences in the required amount circulators. The boiler is equipped with every line of this device. planned to install only one for underfloor heating.

Designing a distribution unit

Universal scheme of the project such as heat radiation is not there. Each case is different, so the unit is equipped with the necessary instruments privately. However, you should familiarize yourself with generic recommendations and regulations.

Installation Rules comb

Installation of the collector is not possible in the apartment. However, there is an exception to the rule - in some homes in the regeneration of all utilities, installed additional valves, which mediates the connection of the heating circuits. Such an arrangement allows an individual collector wiring.

Schematic heating arrangement should be made so that the location of bleed screw It was on a comb. This option is considered to be optimal, ie. A. With the time of the circuits required to release trapped air.

Features radiotherapy group

Radiation band wiring has a plurality of nuances, but part of them and peculiar to heating the other modifications.

Features of the system with a comb:

1. The package should include a loop expansion tankWith a volume of more than 10% of the total volume of the heat carrier.
2. Optimal location of the expansion tank -. In the return pipe to the circulation pump, that is to lower temperature..
3. If you use a thermo-hydraulic spread, the circuit is designed so that a tank was placed in front of the main pump responsible for the forced displacement of water in the boiler piping.
4. Mounting the circulation pump is carried out in a strictly horizontal position. If you do not adhere to this rule at the first airlock device and lose the cooling lubricant.

The distribution group may be collected from various materials: polypropylene, or metal. Selection is carried out based on the skills and the availability of tools for assembly of parts.

It is also considered important and the process of selection of pipes for the installation of the distribution group.

The main factors to consider when selecting the contour elements:

1. Purchase of pipes only in the bays. Due to this connection are not met in the wiring, installed under a concrete screed.
2. Heat resistance and the degree of tensile strength We must be determined individually, based on the technical data of heating system.

Due to the predictability of the workers autonomous heating characteristics can be used polypropylene tubes. They have no undesirable and compounds sold integral lines of 200 m.

Material termoustochivostyu different and is able to withstand up to 95 ° C with an acceptable pressure level in the gap 10 kg / 1cm².

For multistorey buildings is preferably chosen from stainless steel, corrugated pipe.

This material shows excellent technical capabilities to handle the load:

• the heated heat transfer fluid to 100 ° C, which is more than enough for the heating circuit;
• pressures up to 15 atm .;
• pressure disruption to 210 kg / 1cm².

Fittings designed for polypropylene can be made of plastic or brass. Couplings equipped with a locking ring which is strung on the pipeline.

An important characteristic of polypropylene pipes is considered the memory machining results in the plastic deformation material.

For example, when stretching the tube extender and install the connector fitting, after a certain time, the pipe will return its former state and obozhmet item. Secure the contact can be a retaining ring.

Calculation of the heating collector

Initially, you will need to calculate its basic parameters for production of thermal-hydraulic comb - length, diameter section of the pipes and the number of heating main branches. Calculate these characteristics can be used alone or special software.

Hydraulic design balance - the basic condition requiring compliance. Applying the three diameters rule gidrorazdelitelya to perform the following steps - summarize diameter plug section contours.

As a result, we obtain an amount equal to the diameter of the main pipe connects to the flow. Engaging this principle reduces the likelihood of imbalance throughout the heating system.

As a place for the distribution unit use a special cabinet or enclosure. When constructing the system must adhere to the allowable minimum distance between the two heat-conducting input and output lines - 6 diameters.

Also relevant question correctly matching the performance of the circulation pump. To do this, we calculate the specific system of water consumption rate and, starting from the results, make the choice of the pump.

If the circuit is complicated multiple combs, rendering is performed for each individual circuit and in general the whole system.

Assembly equipment can be carried by the tube with any kind of cross section. This aspect does not affect the functioning of the device, and does not increase the local loss. Due to the circulation pump, they will be compensated.

Rules component selection

Performing all the calculations, the next step is the selection of the required set of mechanisms. The easiest consists of a set of valves. However, with such a device is difficult to adjust the power of the individual heating lines.

To solve this problem on the transfer comb sets head parts, through which can be infinitely adjustable. On return manifold mounted rotameters.

For warm water floors complete the circuit will be different.

To assemble such elements require:

1. Shut-off and regulating valve. Installation is carried out on the connecting pipes. With this reinforcement is carried out fully or partially stop the inflow of coolant. It is recommended to apply the automatic modification.
2. Variable Area Flowmeters. Such elements are mounted on the return manifold. They perform a similar function as the previous element, only in the return pipe.
3. mix with knot. By mixing the hot and cold water flows predetermined optimized operating heating mode.

Kit collector necessarily equipped with security group led by a pressure gauge, an air valve, a thermostat and a circulation pump. It can be supplemented by actuators, which control output from the control electric unit. Thus, the system can be automated.

Subtleties of self-assembly

Before the production, it is necessary to make the collector circuit with the location of all site elements. As the material of manufacture is better to choose steel pipe with a square-section type. This form is simple to handle, significantly reducing labor costs for installation of nozzles.

Phased production process of modular construction distribution unit is as follows:

1. The marking and cutting the main body. According to the design scheme is necessary to make counting shaped tube. C using a gas torch make holes in the marked areas.
2. preparation of compounds. On nozzles by die cut thread.
3. completing with. Further prepared pipe segments are welded to the housing. Their fixation is necessary to perform spot welding potholder. Then, when the main welding billets are welded at the edges.
4. fasteners. To block welded mounting brackets.
5. Cleaning and topcoat. After cleaning the body is primed and coated with heat-resistant paint for metal products. Paint flow and return flow is performed by two different colors for easy recognition.

If used for the production of polypropylene pipes, you should pay attention for the presence of the reinforcing layer. In its absence, a plastic structure may be subjected to deformation by present temperature.

For those who do not have special tools available, can be assembled from individual comb elements ready. Better to choose a hardware company.

Installing the comb into the heating system

The primary task - to check on the distribution manifold leaks. Installation realized in the design scheme. Depending on the material used for manufacturing the main unit, connecting conditions are determined.

Select connection technology is totally dependent on the modification of the instrument used.

In addition to exposure level, the installation must be followed and these rules:

• electric boilers and gas type are connected to the upper or lower nozzles;
• the circulation pump mounted in the front portion of the structure;
• connection paths can be effected at the top or bottom of the combs;
• indirect heating appliances and boilers that operate on solid fuel, must be connected to a distribution group side;
• gidrorazdelitelny entire assembly for floor heating system is located in a protective box - so reducing the risk of damage to the constituent elements of the manifold.

At the final stage of heating is necessary to produce a control run for timely determination of hidden or made obvious shortcomings structure.

Additional information on the organization of radiation heating system using Manifold Refer to this article.

Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

Detailed technical process collector assembly groups:

Ready combs for arranging floor heating, equipped not always required functionality, as a consequence of its high cost are not available to the masses of users. Let's see how to build a budget version of the design with their own hands:

Implementation of a distribution group can be accomplished with polypropylene tubes. How to do this can be found in a movie:

Proper selection of components and assembly of the collector unit - the key to efficient and reliable operation of the heating main. Due to the minimum number of compounds the risk of leakage is minimized. An important advantage - the ability to control and adjust each of the heating circuit.

Share your experience with the readers of the assembly and connection of the distribution manifold. Please leave comments on the article, ask your questions and participate in discussions. The feedback form located below.