How to choose a gas column

Probably to all is known common from ancient times expression: " my house - is my fortress."Of course, it is possible to invest in it a very different meaning. But if viewed from the domestic point of view, from the standpoint of a caring and economical master, this can be perceived as the desire for the maximum possible autonomy, for independence from public services with their unpredictable fads in the form of changes in the conditions for the provision of services, tariff increases,preventive works, repairs, accidents and the like.

It's no secret that not only owners of private houses, but also apartment owners in high-rise buildings have recently increasingly installed their own independent heating systems for housing and hot water. About heating boilers - in a separate publication, and this article will be devoted to questions on how to choose a gas column, so as not to experience problems with providing the with hot water.

But

still before speech will go about the problems, in fact, the choice of these devices, you need at least briefly, familiarize yourself with their basic device. This is necessary, first of all, to try to dispel a number of rather common prejudices that were formed in the collective consciousness with respect to the speakers for a long time, they settled there firmly and very hard to "neutralize" .

Gas column unit and its advantages

In order not to make mistakes with the choice of such a heating device, it is necessary though that the would approximately understand its device. Despite the fact that the range of modern gas columns is quite large, they use uniform principles of both internal structure and functionality.

In the diagram - an approximate structure of a typical modern flow-through gas heater. Certainly, specific models from different manufacturers may have their own peculiarities, but only in questions of layout or maintenance of convenience of operation.

1 - fume hood covered with metal walls, volume , from which gas combustion products are extracted in one way or another. Can be completely sealed or also connected to the atmosphere of ( in conventional, chimney or chimney columns).

2 - copper heat exchanger. A pipe system with a "jacket", which perceives the direct effect of the flame of gas burners. It is here that the heating of running water.

3 - ignition sensor. Sets the control signal to open the common gas solenoid of the valve only if the pilot fuse is operating.

4 - ignition wick. There can be a different principle of action - this will be discussed below.

5 - gas burner, more precisely, several gas burner lines, ensuring 0 their uniform water heating in the heat exchanger.

6 is a water unit that includes, among other things, a cold water connection( poses .9), a screw water flow controller( poses .9, not all models), and a drain valve( poses .10, also - optional, not on all columns).

The main element of the water node is always the the so-called "frog" .

gas valve stem. In fact, it is a working cylinder, the volume of the is divided into two parts by an elastic membrane.

Both halves of the "frog" are connected by a nozzle of a certain diameter. The point is that when you open the water through the column, behind the account the pressure difference in the two parts of this "frog" membrane flexes upward and pushes the rod, which is connected to the spring-loaded gas valve, opening it. As soon as the water flow is terminated ( the water tap is closed), the pressure under the membrane drops, the valve returns to its original position, and the gas burner, respectively, immediately goes out.

11 - on this circuit - a node with microswitches( optional).

12 - gas block with gas hose connection( key 13).It is here that a spring-loaded gas valve is located, connected by a rod( rod) with a water junction.

14 - in this column - the electronics unit that controls the operation of the water heater. In inexpensive simple columns may simply be absent. Pos.8 - compartment for batteries( batteries) needed to generate a flammable impulse in the ignitor.

15 - connection connection to the hot water disassembly line.

16 is a mechanical regulator that performs switching of operating modes, control of water flow and gas flow levels. In modern columns, the can be completely replaced by the with an electronics module, with control signals transmitted via push-button or touch-panel control panels.

17 and 18 - a cascade of sensors working column. The concrete "filling" can be different - this will be mentioned below in the article.

As already mentioned, any model can have its own distinctive features of , but the basic principle of the structure all early still remains single.

The scheme for connecting the column to the water pipes, regardless of the of its model, is the same for all - it is depicted on the figure.

So, when water is opened on the hot hot water tap , water from the cold main starts to flow through the column. The pressure of the water flow opens the gas supply valve, which causes the ignition of the burners( about the ignition mechanism - just below).The energy of the combustion gas is converted into water heating - and the water of the desired temperature flows on the hot mixer faucets.

This is one of the main advantages of the gas column - it works exclusively at the time when hot water is required, while the rest of the time is in the "standby" mode or in the off state. The owners of the house( apartments) use hot water only when necessary, and at the same time do not depend on the boiler works.

The second main advantage is, of course, operating costs. So far, the still at a cost with natural gas no other energy carriers can not equal.

Disadvantages of the column, of course, , too, are available, and considerable.

• It will not be possible to install on its own - coordination with relevant organizations is required, drafting and approval of projects( unless, of course, the house was previously equipped with such water heaters).
• Operation column, even in the most modern its option, still requires all tenants to comply with certain safety rules.
• The reserve of heated water is not created by , unlike an electric or gas boiler.
• The initial installation of the column can be associated with very large-scale work to ensure the removal of combustion products or the creation of forced ventilation.

It should be noted that the designers of gas columns managed to solve most of the "old problems" of gas flow-through water heaters. Nevertheless , some kind of bias from the of a certain number of people to them remained. Therefore, in the next section of the article, let's try to examine more closely the modern columns in the light of persistent myths about their danger or inconvenience.

Video: common device for a typical gas water heating column

Modern gas columns - is it worth being afraid?

An interesting feature of gas columns is that they, willingly or unwillingly, can even change the demand, and hence the prices, in the secondary housing market. Realtors will not let you lie - very often one of the main issues in the initial consideration of proposals is the connection of the house to the centralized hot water supply and, accordingly, the presence or absence of gas water heating columns.

It is characteristic that there is no unity of views on this issue. Of course, people exhausted still from childhood years old Soviet speakers, with their whims, noise, unsightly appearance, with constant "pressure" from the elders about strict rules of use and the danger of their violation, and they do not want to hear about buying an apartmentwith gas water heaters.

. However, there is also an opposite category - people already familiar with the inconsistency of public utilities, with excessive tariffs and payment for to counters on hot water ,( with to wait for the firstdrops hot water , often need to shed at least 3 ÷ 5 minutes cold, as the circulation circuits in many multi-storey houses are simply cut off).And such experienced customers, on the contrary, will more arrange housing with a column. However, many prefer to combine both opportunities - this is the most reasonable approach.

What are the main "myths" about gas columns continue to live, discouraging potential buyers of such equipment?

1. The column is very difficult to control, requires self-ignition of matches and constant monitoring.

Let's deal with it.

Well, firstly, any technique, regardless of complexity, requires control. No one blames the gas stove with for its with an open flame, or a mixer in the bathroom, which also needs to be monitored so that it does not leak over time.

Secondly, lighting matches can be found only on those same "rarities" still Soviet installation. Probably, somewhere they still and are issued, however, all, without exception, modern, worthy mentioning models are kindled differently.

- The most simple, "imperfect" modern speakers are equipped with a piezo spark. Before use, it is necessary to light the pilot fuse by pressing the appropriate button, while turning the control knob to the appropriate position. Even such a scheme is considered already "outdated", is used increasingly rarely and gives way to other principles of ignition.

- is the most popular electric ignition .At the time of water start-up, a sensor is triggered, which the gives the signal to the electric scoop. At the same time, a channel of limited gas supply to the torch opens and a spark is generated to ignite it. The energy for sparking comes from either of installed batteries ( usually 1.5 or 3 volts), or from the mains.

- Another with one modern method is the " NidroPower " system. In the cold water supply pipe, a hydraulic turbine is integrated in the column. With the defined fluid pressure( usually about 0.3 - 0, 5 bar ) the turbine induces an electric charge sufficient to generate a spark for the ignition of the ignition torch that the will then fire on a common gas burner.

All this is read for a long time - but in fact the process of automatic ignition of the flame at the start-up of water occurs within just a few seconds.

So, in modern columns, no special human intervention( except for the preliminary opening of the gas tap) is required: let hot water - and use.

By the way, you can immediately give an answer to the possible pigs - and why in general need a pilot torch( torch) can not immediately give the ignition to the main?

You can not! While the torch does not warm up the sensor, the solenoid valve for starting the gas does not work. The very small amount that is selected at the moment of starting on the wick, - does not present any danger to people, it will easily go into the ventilation. But if suddenly the column is accidentally extinguished, the sensor has cooled down, then the flow of gas will be blocked - the electromagnetic valve closes the line completely.

2. It is widely believed that the column is a highly explosive device.

And what could explode there? If the speech goes to about gas, then it is not at all more dangerous in this respect than a conventional gas stove. Similarly, provided that there is no leakage, normal ventilation, explosive gas concentration can not be undertaken.

If to speak about probability of explosion of superheated of volume of water, the boiler in this plan, probably, even is more dangerous. In the same column, with its flow-through principle, such conditions for the - explosion are much smaller. The more so that the in any( even the oldest and the most imperfect) is always at least two boundaries of "defense", about of which from the same mentioned: solenoid valve, which will not allow self-ignition of the burner, and water valve- "frog ", overlapping gas in the absence of a water flow.

3. In something similar to the second point of the fear: explosion, can and will not, but gas leakage will cause to poison and sad outcome.

It is possible to refute, giving the same arguments that are set forth in two paragraphs above. And you can only add once again: the degrees of protection of a conventional gas cooker are much less, and the likelihood of allowing a stove or oven to leak gas into the living quarters is much higher. Nevertheless, , are more afraid in this respect, for some reason, of gas columns, although this is completely illogical.

4. Another one very persistent, but completely incomprehensible prejudice - they say, the gas column will completely ruin the interior of the kitchen.

. Probably, only can say so , in whom the image of the old, rusted old column with the metal pipes going to it, will not "erode" in any way.

Accuse modern gas columns in the non-aesthetic - all is equivalent to making similar complaints to refrigerators, microwave ovens, hoods, ovens and .Gas water heaters fit perfectly into the situation of ku ku hni, occupy very little space, and, at times, impersonate a common interior background with just the presence of a smoke pipe.(and even then - not always).

That still to consider when choosing column

So, we come to the general opinion: to be afraid of gas columns - there is no need, they should become reliable and safe assistants in the household. Hence, we should take a closer look at the criteria that should be taken into account when choosing this device in the shop.

Gas column power

This parameter covers the ability of the gas column to heat a certain amount of water per unit time to the desired temperature. In general all the variety of these devices can be divided into three classes:

Low-power gas columns. The nominal does not exceed 19 kW, and is able to serve such a water heater only one point of consumption at a time.

Medium power columns are devices with a rating of 20 to 28 kW.Usually they are already sufficient for the simultaneous hot water in two places.

The most powerful - gas columns, which "give" 29 kW or more. Their performance is even enough to take in one place a bathroom with a simultaneous , for example, washing dishes in the kitchen, or with simultaneous using hot water in the three , places - quite enough for any "everyday" situation even in a quite countrymansion.

column body. They can object - kilowatts, although they are indicated in the product passport and on the information plate on the case, still they do not tell the ordinary user a little. To object to this - is difficult, so try to explain this value more intelligibly.

The main purpose of the column is raising the water temperature from the original value( TWH ) to the required for domestic use( Tn ).The difference between these two values ​​(delta) and show what our water heater is capable of.

ΔT = Тн - Твх

In itself, the "delta" is uninteresting - it is necessary to know how much water the column can heat up for such a difference in unit of time.(usually measured in liters per minute).

How to determine the required power?

You can accept for claiming that for the normal operation of the kitchen a wash requires about 4 liters of heated water per minute. For taking a shower - usually 6 liters.(These values ​​are checked by practice, and by the way, they are guided by them when developing special economizer devices in the form of aerators or special fittings, which even if they do not allow to use more significant volumes of , thus helping to save water).

The calculation of the power of the required water heater can be performed using the formula:

M = ΔТ × Σ v / 14. 3

M - required power,

ΔТ - heating value( see above )

Σ v - total volume simultaneous consumption;

14,3 is a coefficient that takes into account the heat capacity of water.

Assume that a column is selected that allows the simultaneous use of a shower and a sink in the kitchen. The total volume of the will then be Σ v = 4 + 6 = 10 l / min.

The value of ΔТ - depends, of course, on the water temperature at the inlet. If we assume that that water comes from a water pipe with a temperature of the order of 10 - 15 ° With , rise of by 25 degrees should be quite acceptable - there will be about 40 ° with , that is sufficient andfor receiving shower, and for washing dishes.

Total we get:

M = 25 × 10 / 14.3 = 17.4 kW

It is clear that this - value is the lower allowable limit. It is recommended that add the 15 - 20 % reserve, and then round up to whole values ​​in the larger direction. We get 21 kW.The purchased column should have this power. Of course, all models of water heaters have their gradations, capacities, but you need to buy such that the value was not lower.

Perhaps this may seem too complicated. In addition, the initial value of the temperature can be different, for example, in winter, water can have and about 5 degrees at the inlet. In order not to force readers to "suffer" with formulas, it is better to bring up a table in which the column power will be linked to the with the input temperature and with the overall performance of the device, provided that it issues to the water mixer in 40 ° With :

Tap water temperature at the column inlet	Amount of water heated to +40 ° C, depending on the column power( liters per minute)
up to 3 kW	6 kW	8 kW	12 kW	15 kW	18 kW	21 kW	24 kW	27 kW
5 ° C	1.3	2.75	3.6	5.5	6.75	8.25	9.4	10.75	12
10 ° C	1.5	3.1	4, 2	6.1	7.75	9.25	10.75	12.3	13.75
15 ° C	1.75	3.6	4.75	7.25	9.0	10, 75	12.75	14.3	16.2
18 ° C	2.1	4.3	5.75	5.5	10.7	12.9	15.0	17.25	19.25

Usually both the power and the ΔТ are the base values ​​of the water heater and must be specified in the technical documentation.

Number of "degrees of protection"

For the presence of safety levels, the briefly went , but can mention the necessary and desired degrees of protection and monitoring of the device:

• Water flow sensor( most often - the usual "frog"): will not allow the gas valve to open if the main condition of the device's operation is not met - flow.
• Thermal combustion sensor, connected by a contact wire with a solenoid valve. When cooled( damping the wick) causes a complete overlap of the gas flow to the column.
• Ionization combustion sensor - other in principle, but similar in design to the above.
• Chimney draft sensor. Gives a command to stop the gas supply, if for some reason the draft in the chimney is missing or reduced to dangerous limits. This is not so SC- to focus on the combustion products in the room in quantities that are hazardous to human health. Water pressure sender. Do not let st rp be given to the ignitor if the pressure in the water pipe is weak. By the way, at this point you need to pay attention - if there are frequent pressure jumps in the water supply network, then you need to select a column with the appropriate level of "sensitivity".
• The sensor of water overheating - there is far it in all columns, but the option is very useful - it will not allow to scald with boiling water, and the scale in the pipes will be much less.
• Input and output temperature sensors - there is only in modern, "heaped" columns, in which the level of heating is controlled and adjusted, as they say "online".
• Safety pressure relief valve is, if for some reason, any protection level has not worked( which is very unlikely), the valve will not allow the critical exchanger to form a critical pressure.

Control of

column The vast majority of modern mid-range columns has two control elements - adjustment of the flowing water and the number of of the incoming to the gas burner( combustion intensity).This is usually enough to optimally adjust the water heater to the desired operating mode.

column Some models have an additional switch " winter-summer " for more economical operation, with considering the that in summer and the water inlet temperature is higher and the comfort heating threshold can be in defined degree reduced.

, can have a digital thermometer on the panel, where it is often possible to insert the temperature limit for the corresponding sensor.

More convenient in operation, but, of course, and much more expensive in price, gas columns with integrated, automatic adjustment of power water heater indicators. The special electronic unit evaluates the flow rate, water and gas pressure, made by the preset , and supports all parameters of the column operation in such a way that the output is always the water of one, precisely set by the user temperature.

Combustion chamber and chimney

A very important point is the type of combustion chamber and the system of the output of gas combustion products. Thus, the combustion chamber can be of an open and closed type.

• With the combustion chamber open, the combustion products are diverted to the top of the column housing, with their further entry into the chimney channel. Such a scheme is inexpensive, but it will be convenient only in a private house, since for such a column a chimney will be required, and it is almost impossible to build it according to all the rules in a high-rise building.

Another type of speaker with an open chamber is a low-power, up to 10 kW water heater, the combustion products into which the in general is thrown just into the kitchen premise. It would seem convenient, but here why - then these speakers, to put it mildly, "do not praise".They are unsafe , although have certain degrees of protection, but they do not differ with reliability.

In a number of regions of Russia they are either simply banned for installation, or the premises are subject to particularly high demands - minimum volumes of kitchens, ventilation and ventilators in them, forced three-fold ventilation,gas analyzer and , .In a word, it's better to refuse such a "neighborhood", although the is not as high on the .By the way, serious manufacturers are not engaged in such products - practically all such columns, despite quite Russian names, come from neighboring China.

Some speakers of this type have an additional protection option - built-in operation timer. So, to prevent dangerous concentration in the room of combustion products, the operation of the water heater is limited, for example, by 15 minutes - after the expiration of the this time, the gas supply is simply interrupted.

• In an apartment, the best option is to have a column with a sealed, closed combustion chamber. Both the air supply and the discharge of combustion products in them are forced by means of built-in fans. Usually, a coaxial chimney is used for this, which combines both functions. Often, the columns for sale come complete with the chimney coaxial tube of the required length.

Such a chimney can be placed in the apartment of a high-rise building, leading it to the street through the wall. Of course, in this case, you should also evaluate the possibility of placing the pipe - has account for this account . In order for reader to "anticipate" the feasibility of such a solution of the issue in its specific conditions, it is possible to give the diagram and the accompanying table with valid parameters:

Location exiting nozzle coaxial vent	minimum distance, mm
A	Directly below the opening or the uncovered dormer	300
B	below horizontal gutters and downpipes	150
C	Below the eaves	200
D	Below protruding balconies, canopies, lowers the level terraces	200
E	From verticalDownspouts	150
F	From the inside and outside corners of the building horizontally	300
G	When exiting through the wall - above ground level, the roof of the annex orad balcony	300
H	adjacent to other sites or elevations of the terrain - distance from the pipe cut at least	600
I	From the venting of another device in the adjacent building	1200
J	From the garage window with the entrance to the house	1200
K	Vertically from the gas outlet of the other deviceon the same wall	1500
L	Horizontally from the gas outlet of another device on the same wall	300
M	Vertically from the opening door and window openings	300
N	Horizontally from the opening door and window openings	300
O	At the vertical outlet through the roof of the extension - from the adjacent main wall, at least	300
P	. When exiting through the roof - from the roof level, at least	300
R	. When exiting through the roof - from the nearest window horizontally, at least	1000
S	. When exiting through the roofroof - from the next chimney, vent or gas pipe	600

Speaker manufacturers

And this is also a very important aspect of choice. Alas, it's no secret that in this sphere of production there has been a lot of falsification, obvious fakes or copying of very poor quality. Often, behind the flowery names, there are frankly low-quality products. It is not excluded even the probability of acquiring such a column, which will not receive "welcome" for installation in the relevant authorities.

The best option is to deal with the local gas business in advance - whether they have any restrictions or, conversely, recommendations for the purchase of water heaters. Very often, with such organizations, there are also own stores that will immediately supply with the column purchased for the warranty and service.

If the purchase is made on its own, then it's never worth to purchase the used equipment with would be a tempting offer, and as would neither convinced the the seller that the column worked only a month and is in excellentcondition. Only new, only with passport, corresponding to the serial number of the product, and only with mark about the place and date of sale!

Video: gas column "Electrolux NanoPlus "

If we are talking about specific manufacturers, then the water heaters "Beretta" ( Italy), "Vaillant" or "Bosch" ( Germany), "Electrolux" and "Ariston" of European assembly are the absolute authority. One can not help but say kind words to the domestic manufacturer - in terms of "functional" Russian gas columns "Neva" do not lag behind foreign analogues, and they try to get to the world standards in terms of quality.

Video: exchange to me with about the gas column "Neva-Lux 6014 "