Collectors for heating: efficient operation of the heating system

The most important conditions to ensure proper functioning and efficient operation of the heating system are its competent installation and distribution. Today, many schemes available that allow to realize any project of heating in accordance with the characteristics and layout of the house. The most effective return operation circuits are able to provide heating collectors, which is devoted to this article.

What is the collector heating system

heating collector contains the bulk comb which consists of a feed member that distributes heated in boiler for supplying coolant to the radiator and the back part, returning the cooled heating medium to the heat generator. Last component assembly provides a uniform and smooth heating of each element in the system.

Using the distribution manifold comb can adjust the temperature, pressure and volume of the coolant, which allows to control the heat supply to each separate room of the house. To a distribution manifold, because of its integration, various heating devices are connected in the form of convector radiators, floor heating systems or radiant heating embodiment. Dimensions of the device determined by the number of contours represented tubes that are attached thereto. The maximum number of elements can reach 12 pieces. In this case, the collector includes two combs, each of which is located at the 6 loops.

Useful advice!Some manufacturers produce collectors with a large number of manifolds or single product, which is available to order.

Each output device has an outlet valve and an adjusting or shut-off valve. The presence of these elements makes it possible in each circuit to carry out adjustment of the pressure and need to disconnect the branch for repair.

To improve the performance of the system and be able to maintain control over all technological processes in each room comb body can be used as a platform for the installation of flow meters, heat meters or the air discharge spillway valves.

The operating principle of the distribution of heating collector

Consider the principle of the distribution of the collector node. Heated coolant from the heat generator is supplied to the feed comb. The intermediate node movement the fluid velocity decreases, which is due to the increased diameter of the internal device. Thus, the coolant is distributed uniformly in the system.

Important!The inner diameter of the distribution unit is determined by calculation, by providing the coolant speed in no more than 0.7 m / s.

Further liquid through connecting pipes with a smaller section moves separately disposed in outline and is discharged to the radiator or to the grid floor heating. Such a distribution promotes heating of each element, where coolant enters the same temperature.

Reaching the radiator, the coolant gives off heat received from the heating generator. Next, fluid is directed in the opposite direction along the other contour to the distribution unit. There coolant is given in the opposite comb, from which it is sent to the appliance.

Installation of heating collector is the most effective and reliable option for the house. However, the arrangement of the unit will be more expensive than installing traditional tee system.

Advantages and disadvantages of the distribution manifold for heating systems

Manifold embodiment of the heating system has its positive and negative sides. This comb is capable of providing uniform heat distribution and the maintenance of the required coolant temperature in all heating devices. In this case, it is possible to organize a drop in temperature in case of need.

Implementing regulation heating collector, you can not only control the temperature, but also completely cut off every branch that prevents idle heat returns. This is especially useful for larger homes where some rooms are not used for living. Adjustment is carried out from the cabinet for heating collector.

Distribution manifold assembly is characterized by ease of installation and maintenance. In case of breakage of one of the parts of the system will be sufficient to cut off the damaged branch via a control device. Heating comb has an attractive appearance, which allows to arrange the device at any convenient location.

Gidrokollektora The disadvantages are the high cost of construction due to the high cost of the material from which the product is made. Quality fittings is also quite expensive. However, installation costs to a minimum, due to the simplicity of design.

Fully and effectively the heating system will work only in conjunction with the circulation pump, the operation of which would entail additional energy costs.

comb device involves a large number of branches for each heating unit, which is set to a separate tube. This increases the complexity of the installation and the total cost of the entire system.

Collectors for heating: the variety of devices

There is no standard configuration of the heating manifold. The apparatus may be provided in any modification that allows to adapt to a variety of heating systems with a different device type and number of contours. The comb has from 2 to 12 contours of the indicator determines the price of heating reservoir. In the operation amount of the branches involved can vary.

The technical characteristics of the distribution of heating units can be divided into the following types of collectors: solar, with gidrostrelkoy and radiator. The number of elements of the system are distinguished simple and advanced models. The first embodiment is not equipped with additional devices for controlling the operation of the device and for its adjustment. He is represented by a simple comb with several branches, each of which can be turned off. In such a system is not supposed to exercise control over the temperature and volume of coolant.

Improved products provided with pressure regulators, temperature and pressure sensors, control units supplied water thermostats for automatic pressure adjustment, electronic faucets and valves for controlling the supply of cold and hot water, air for discharging bubbles of the pipes air.

Important!Options manifold assembly may vary, depending on the specific requirements of the system, which affects the functionality and cost of installation.

Flat or vacuum solar collectors for heating homes

Solar collectors differ from traditional installations for heating its construction. They consist of panels designed to convert solar energy into heat. Absorber flat products represented by an aluminum plate, which is a copper coil. On it there is a natural circulation of coolant, supposing the displacement of warm up and its direction of flow to the radiators.

Such systems, it is advisable to use in the southern regions. Devices used to produce hot water which can be used for central hot water as a coolant or heating systems.

Vacuum collector for heating consists of a light absorbing flasks, which are arranged in the tube, wherein the coolant moves. Such a system is characterized by high efficiency. It can be installed even in regions with low solar activity.

Solar collectors placed on the roof of the house, where the highest level of concentrated solar radiation. Such systems do not take up much space and not interfere with anyone.

The circulation of the coolant can be a natural or forced way. In the former case the heated water expands and rises, and the cooled stream is forced into the heating tank. Forced circulation pump presupposes. Using taps, you can change the movement of water in the system.

Solar collectors during the summer house provide hot water. In the spring and autumn period the system may be used as an alternative to heating, allows you to save gas or electricity consumption, thereby reducing costs spent on the payment resources.

Radiator manifold water

Collector for radiator heating is the most popular because nearly every house is equipped with a battery. Dispensing assembly is represented by two interrelated combs where the first is supplying heating medium to the heating devices, and removes the second liquid back to the heater.

Such collectors can have diagonal, top or bottom connection. The last option is the most common, because all the wiring is hidden under the surface of the floor or skirting board that is not evident.

radiator heating collector is installed on each floor of the house in a place that will ensure equal length of supply branches every heater. The node may be arranged in the pocket or mounted in a special cabinet on the wall. The number of taps depends on the number of premises that are fixated on one comb. The number of collector groups should focus on long loops. Per node is 120 m pipeline.

Important!If it is impossible to achieve equality of rings connected to the collector of each finger requires doukomplektovat circulation pump.

All connected to the node branches are separate circuits, provided with its own shut-off valve and automation. There are installed shut-off control valves needed to select the optimal delivery of coolant.

Characteristics of the distribution manifold with gidrostrelkoy

At arrangement of the distribution of the heating system with a large number of circuits should be used with gidrostrelkoy collectors, which is necessary for balancing the entire assembly. This is achieved because the apparatus separates the hydraulic circuit from the secondary circuit of the boiler. By decoupling cylinder assembly with one hand connects the heater, on the other - the system of floor heating or radiator heating.

Hydraulic arrow shows a vertical hollow tube fitted with elliptic caps at the ends. It contributes to equalization of temperature and pressure that ensures optimal temperature between flow and return.

This allows gidrorazdelitel if necessary mixed streams flow to compensate the deficit in the secondary circuit to maintain a constant volume of water. This is accomplished by circulating a portion of the secondary coolant. Hydraulic hand eliminates the risk of sharp temperature drops in the pipes, which adversely affects the operation of the system shown.

Important!The optimum and efficient operation of the heating system gidrostrelkoy possible if each circuit of its own circulation pump.

Nodes with gidrostrelkoy intended only for complex heating systems in large facilities. This is the most suitable option for heating distribution manifold 4 circuit. In this case, it is possible to organize independent nodes with different operating parameters, such as hot water, radiator heating, floor heating, water heating in a pool. Each of the 4 circuits for heating the reservoir can vary in diameter internal section, the type of heating radiators or installed option.

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If collectors are used for the boiler in the factory, they doukomplektovyvayut special branches for air and waste, thereby increasing the efficiency of the entire system.

Features comb distribution manifold for water

To increase comfort use of hot and cold water plumbing collectors used with cut-off valves. The device provides separation of water into multiple streams. Because the diameter of the inlet exceeds a given value for the outlet by 20-40%, with simultaneous opening of several valves the water flow and pressure reduction occurs.

The collector circuit is more convenient and comfortable to use than the traditional one. However, its cost will be several times higher than the price of a conventional system. For example, a distribution manifold for Pexay water costs 5-10 thousand. rub.

Collectors are made of stainless steel, brass, polypropylene or crosslinked polyethylene. Pipes for water supply systems can be attached by means of threaded connections, through the cone, using compression fittings. Used as a combined option which involves the connection on the thread for large diameters and soldering or compression fittings for small.

Distribution manifolds for water supply can be equipped with taps 2-6. The product has two connections for mounting, which correspond to the tube diameter, the water supply. They are also used for connecting several elements in the composite body without additional adapters.

Important!The reservoir water supply system lets you disable one of the water users for the purpose of carrying out repair work without affecting the others.

When choosing material for the collector should consider the type of feed pipe. It is better if they are made of the same material. It should take into account that the plastic products connect compression fittings, and polypropylene - by soldering. Before collector must install a filter, metering device and check valve.

Useful advice!To facilitate the installation work and ensure that the connection elements necessary to a collector for water supply pipes and fittings were manufactured by the same manufacturer.

Materials for the production of the collector distributor comb for heating

different materials, but they must be different high strength and high performance can be used to make heating reservoir.

Currently popular are steel, plastic and brass collectors. Steel may be used for the production of both central and local elements. It does not deform under the influence of high temperature and high pressure, special alloys do not corrode, which increases their lifespan. The main disadvantage of steel elements is the high price of heating collectors.

Brass devices are not less in demand. Due to the fact that the material endures a high pressure and temperature, it is ideally suited for both local and centralized nodes. According to its technical and operational characteristics similar to stainless steel. Brass collectors are characterized by high cost exceeding a price of steel counterparts.

Polymeric products have a more limited range of applications. Plastic manifolds are not able to withstand the heat in the central node, so they can be used only for local embodiments where the coolant temperature is lower. Products are characterized by light weight, ease of installation, and prolonged use. The main advantage of products is their low cost.

Important!Plastic pipes should not be used for connection of floor heating systems.

Basic guidelines for choosing the heating collector

Before you buy a heating collector, should study the technical characteristics of the devices, which includes the system bandwidth, the maximum operating pressure products, the possibility of connection of additional loops, availability of equipment for the control and automation, the amount consumed electricity. These parameters are specified in the passport of the device.

Important!From the collector installation location will depend on the pressure in the distribution system.

When choosing a collector for radiator heating systems and floor heating should be borne in mind that high-quality and durable device will have a high cost. This is due to the fact that for its manufacturing expensive durable materials are used, as manufacturing technology is carried out on the newest, advanced equipment. Guarantee of quality is the acquisition of the collector well-known manufacturer with a worldwide reputation.

A simple system can be set independently, and assembling an improved type heating manifold are best left to the expert. Especially it concerns the distribution unit for 3-4 loop. Manifold system can properly function in the presence of taps, plugs and the circulation pump for each circuit, which will increase system cost.

Choice of central heating reservoir space

Before making the connection collector heating check the mounting location on the absence of any interference. Such distribution implies a floor heating system installation of pipelines. For each floor organized independent heating circuits with independent control. This takes into account the parameters of the subsystem that they serve.

Assembly mounted in a separate recess just above the floor. Place of location of the device selected by another home design stage. If it was not provided, then the collector can be placed anywhere, hiding it in the closet. The main requirement is the optimal humidity of the room where will be located the distribution of heating unit. Suitable for this purpose room, hallway or closet.

Cupboard under the distribution unit can be made independently or purchase ready-made from the manufacturer, which produces valves. The design presented metallic compartment with doors. The end walls of the products are made holes for piping systems.

If a collector installation site without facing the aesthetic requirements, then it can be attached to a wall in the clear with the help of special clamps.

Popular manufacturers of heating collectors

Popular manufacturers of high-quality reservoirs are considered the company Rehau and Oventrop, which give the maximum warranty period for its products. Consumers noted the high quality of products, reliability, ease of installation and long life.

Oventrop Company specializes in the production of universal models of collectors, that are ideal for radial heating, underfloor heating system and water supply. For the manufacture of products using high quality stainless steel. The collectors can withstand temperatures up to 120 ° C. The cost of products ranges from 2.5 to 28 thousand. rub.

The most popular among consumers for radial rake heating, made of stainless steel. Such collectors are designed for a pressure of 10 bar and the temperature in the system to 100 ° C. Buy the product can be over 1.7 thousand. rub. Distribution manifolds for underfloor heating tool steel produced with the valve complemented by a regulated system operation. The collectors are designed for a pressure of 6 bar and the temperature to 70 ° C. Buy a two-circuit product can be 3.5 thousand. rub.

Distribution manifolds Rehau are more attractive appearance, which makes it possible to mount them on the wall of the open way. Products are made of stainless steel and brass. The company produces advanced models, complete with flow meters, valves, valves and pump. The device can be purchased for 1,5-32 thousand. rub., which depends on the amount of product contours.

Very popular HKV comb for floor heating systems made of brass. The collector is designed for temperatures up to 80 ° C and working pressures up to 6 bar. Cost of goods bypass is 6.5 thousand. rub.

Manifold Rehau HLV can be used for the radial heating. Brass product withstands a temperature of 80 ° C and a pressure of 8 bar. Price models - 4 thousand. rub.

Noteworthy is a domestic manufacturer of the North, which offers quality hydraulic manifolds at an affordable cost, which varies in the range 2.5-20 thousand. rub. Products are made advantageously of steel. Characterized by an ideal price-performance ratio collectors for heating Pexay, the price of which is 5-12 thousand on average. rub.

What does make heating collector with his own hands: versions

Before you begin to self-manufacturing device is required to perform the calculation heating the reservoir with a number of circuits required to prepare the materials and instruments.

For heating the pipe diameter should be equal to 12.7 mm. Collector performed diameter 25-40 mm, which is determined by the type of boiler. The distance between the taps is 15 mm, and between the feed and reflux yield - 25 cm.

For production of polypropylene heating reservoir need pipe diameter of 32 mm and tees 32h32h16 mm. On one side of the pipeline is installed tee, joined and air bleed valve to drain water. On the other hand its assembled valve and pipe or feed diverter.

The assembly also can be assembled from brass fittings and T-joints, by performing pre-heating collector circuit with the necessary quantity of contours. The elements are fastened together by means of cushioning material in the form of a linen hemp or liquid preservative. Complex systems of collectors mounted via better profile pipe and shut-off and control valves. In this case, pipes of different diameter are used, which are connected by welding.

Guarantee reliability and efficient operation of the heating system is correctly selected and correctly assembled manifold assembly. Due to the fact that it may consist of several circuits are given the opportunity to exercise control over each group individually heaters, which makes operation of the heating system is particularly convenient and comfortable.