Homemade collector for underfloor heating. Assignment and installation rules for the collector of the water-heated floor
Constructions autonomous systems heating increasingly seek the ideal. Maximum performance, minimum costs, reliability and durability are standard requirements that users present today to heating units and systems. One of the nodes that provides, as a minimum, the efficiency and productivity of the heating system is the collector. Collecting the collector for the warm floor with your own hands is easy enough, knowing its scheme and understanding how it should work.
What is a collector assembly in heating
The collector is a unit of plastic (less-metal) pipes, valves, manometers, valves, fittings and other auxiliary units. The collector is designed to mix the coolant coming from different heating circuits and further distributing them along the same. As a result of mixing, the temperature of the liquid is equalized, accordingly, the temperature in the heated rooms remains constant and stable.
From the correct assembly of the collector depends the quality of the work of the system of warm floors.
The principle of operation of any heating system is known - the heated heat carrier after cooling through all the circuits and pipes cools, and under the action of the circulation pump or natural circulation again enters the collector, where it is mixed through the return pipe (return). The proportions of the heated and cooled coolant are regulated by special valves, its temperature is controlled by thermal sensors, weather sensors and pressure sensors. If the heating system is too long or the layout of the house does not allow organizing natural circulation, a circular pump is switched on in the collector.
Usually in an apartment or house radiators are connected to the boiler, sometimes self-made registers. In any case, the temperature of the coolant in radiators should be within 70-95 0 C. When connecting the system "warm floor", which is often done in modern apartments, the temperature of the coolant should not exceed 30-55 0 C. According to the sanitary norms, the maximum temperature the warm floor should not be more than 30 0 C, otherwise the floor decorative coating (linoleum, MDF, PVC tiles) will warp, the air in the room will be overdried, and walking on the hot surface is not very comfortable.
Therefore, in such cases, the collector is included in the system, because the temperature difference in central system heating and in the system "warm floor" is significant, and the boiler produces only one temperature value. Another reason for installing the collector - the warm floor has a large length of pipes. Consequently, the total pressure in the system will drop. To maintain the pressure at the required level, it is necessary to install circulation pump, which is part of the design of the reservoir.
What the collector consists of
The standard collector circuit consists of the following elements:
- The mixing valve is two- or three-way.
- Shut-off valves and valves for balancing.
- Temperature sensor and manometer.
- Circular pump.
- Automatic air vent.
- To assemble the collector, fittings, tees, adapters, nipples and other auxiliary elements for installation will also be needed.
The collector operates as follows: when the temperature rises above a preset value, the thermal head closes the valve and the hot coolant is supplied in a smaller amount. When the coolant cools, the valve supplies the coolant more. Heat carrier from the return pipe is supplied with a constant head, and from the supply pipe - if necessary. Thus, the average temperature of the coolant remains at a constant level.
Valve Assignment in Manifold
A two-way valve passes the coolant in one direction, but has a low flow capacity. The positive moment in the application of the two-way valve is that the hot heat carrier is supplied smoothly and without jumps. Such valves, due to their small capacity, are used in large rooms - up to 200m 2. The latest valve models are equipped with servo drives. Servo - motor with an accurate valve position sensor, which allows accurate and step-by-step opening / closing of the access opening.
The principle of the two-way valve in the system of "warm floors". The three-way valve mixes or separates the coolant flows. Another name for the three-way valve is a mixing or separating valve. In the valve body there are three branch pipes through which it is connected to the heating pipes. The valve takes the coolant from the boiler, transfers it to the heating system, and simultaneously receives the coolant from the return flow to mix it with the hot feed. Three-way valves are installed in independent heating systems at the outlet collector system, where it is not necessary to limit the flow rate with uniform mixing.
The valve becomes clogged during prolonged use and, in order to be easier to replace, the connector used is an American connector.
If several collectors are installed in the circuit of the heat-carrier circuit, a splitter with an air vent is installed at the outlet of each of them. The air is vented from the upper side of the splitter, the drain valve is installed from the bottom and serves to drain the coolant when repairing the system.
Some simplified heating circuits do not require mixing of heat carrier flows, so the valve may not be installed. To maintain a constant temperature in such systems, one circulation pump is sufficient. The pump must be installed only in the return pipe to avoid excess fluid intake from the heating system.
For automatic temperature control, weather sensors can be connected to the "warm floor" system. How does such a sensor work: a sharp cooling on the street makes the room cool faster, and so the heating should automatically increase. The weather sensor sends signals to switch on / off the boiler or increase / decrease the degree of mixing of hot and cooled coolant. Manual adjustment of temperature depending on the weather is inefficient and too inaccurate. Weather-proof sensors check the temperature several times per minute, and if necessary, the servos turn the valve in either direction by 5 ° C.
If you do not know how to assemble the collector of the warm floor, then you can look for the units in the assembly.Simple collector for underfloor heating
To assemble the simplest collector, you need a ¾-inch mixing valve, a nipple and ¾-in. Adapter, a tee, a 90-degree knee and an ¾-inch American coupling, a 1-inch circulation pump, ball valve ¾-in., half-inch collector connector and ½ or ¾-inch manifold, ¾-inch male and female connectors, air vent and drain cock.
Multi-circuit collector for underfloor heating
Collect a multi-circuit collector for a warm floor with your own hands is not difficult. Structurally, it consists of a thermal head with a sensor (sensor-remote type), a mixing valve, an ¾ inch American, a ¾-inch nut, a 1-inch tee and a nipple, a circulating pump with ½-in-taps connected, an inch plug, a collector with half-inch ball valves , ½-inch fitting, union nuts for the pump and metal-plastic pipes ½ "in diameter.
Wiring plan for the floor heating. If the pipes of the "warm floor" system are connected to the manifold, then it is recommended to use compression fittings. Before joining, a shallow chamfer is made on the pipe, so that the pipe is tightly inserted into the landing nest. After installing and connecting the entire collector system to the boiler and to the "warm floor" system, it is necessary to press the pipes to check them for operation.
Pressurization takes 3-5 hours, so that if there is even the slightest leak, it can manifest itself. Also for several hours the system will show the maximum room warm-up temperature. All collector circuit placed in a special collector cabinet, which is mounted on a wall near the boiler or installed near the connection point to warm floor.
For the heating of apartments and cottages in recent years, often used systems such as "water-heated floor." With this method, the heating elements are laid in the screed or between layers of different floor materials. The collector for the warm floor is responsible for the flow distribution and regulation. Its main elements are a circulation pump (necessary for regulating and maintaining the circulation of the heat medium) and a control valve (for feeding the system hot water as coolant cools down). In order to understand the principle of the system, consider it in detail.
Video instruction for installation of a collector of a warm floor
Principle of operation and installation rules for the reservoir
With this method of heating the room, the function of the heating radiators is carried out in specially arranged flexible tubes: the coolant circulates through them hot water), heated by gas boiler or other equipment.
Installation works begin with the selection of the location for the installation of the manifold. This is a metal cabinet with a door, the dimensions of which are 600 × 400 × 120 mm. If the wall allows - the cabinet is embedded in it, if this is impossible (not enough wall thickness) - install outside. Most often, the site of installation is chosen to be a section of the wall, near the center of the room, near the floor surface.
In the middle of the collector cabinet, the heating pipes laid in the floor are connected to the common pipes of the system - the supply and return pipes. The feeder delivers the coolant to the switchgear (collector) from the heating device, and the return one - delivers the cooled water back to the heating device. Here, in the collector cabinet, there are regulating devices and a circulation pump providing continuous circulation of the coolant.
The principle of the collector for a water-heated floor provides an efficient distribution of flows and their adjustment
A shut-off valve is installed on each pipe leaving the collector and entering into it: the connection is made using a compression fitting. With the help of such locking devices, it is possible, if necessary, to limit the amount of coolant passing through the pipes in the room, or completely shut off the heat supply. The remaining rooms will be heated in the same mode.
More about the collector: in fact, it is a pipe welded from both sides, on the side of which there are several (inputs) outputs. To these outputs (inputs) are connected pipes of the system of the warm floor. Excess outputs are closed by plugs. The collector is a mixing unit, which can be equipped with a drain cock and a device for automatic air evacuation. The tap and air vent are installed on opposite sides. The tap is necessary for draining the coolant in the event of an accident or for repair, and the air vent is used to get rid of air plugs that interfere with water circulation. Due to the fact that all pipes differ in length, in order to avoid hydrodynamic imbalance, the system must be provided with thermostatic valves and flowmeters. As a rule, the collector for the water floor goes on sale in assembled form.
The collection cabinet - the "heart" of the floor heating system
Types of mixing units
The collector for the water-heated floor can be equipped with three-way mixing valves or with two-way feed valves. The first type operates on the principle of mixing heated hot water in the boiler with cold, cooled water. Mixing valves can be equipped with servo drives. Such manifolds, despite their versatility, are not without flaws: in the event of an erroneous valve operation, hot water entering the system can cause pipe rupture due to sudden temperature changes. The high flow capacity of the valves makes adjustment difficult. But, despite the shortcomings, collectors with three-way mixing valves are indispensable for systems with weather-dependent automatic control and for rooms with an area of more than 200 m².
Another type of mixing units (with two-way feed valves) is more popular: in them the "feed" and "return" are mixed constantly, so that the system overheating is excluded. A small (relatively) bandwidth makes the adjustment as accurate and simple as possible. This type of this device is used for small areas - no more than 200 m².
The structure of the water-heated floor includes a multitude of constituent elements
Advantages of warm floors with mixing units
Heating systems such as "warm floor" with mixing units have several advantages:
- Sanitary safety: heat is evenly distributed throughout the room, which prevents the appearance of mold in damp, unheated corners. In addition, to keep clean such a room is easier: there are no radiators that accumulate dust.
- Such systems are safe: the inability to directly contact with heated parts eliminates burns, which is important if the house has small children.
- Warm floors with collectors are economical: in comparison with other methods of heating, their effective functioning is almost twice cheaper.
- Durability: with the right approach to installation and operation, such a system will function smoothly for at least fifty years.
To ensure that the heating system is efficient and reliable, you should contact the professionals for installation works. Errors made on their own implementation will be difficult to fix.
Installing a water-heated floor, it is important to connect it correctly. The circuits are connected to the boilers not directly, but with the help of collectors, sensors, valves and pumps. Most often, consumers manage the finished mixing unit, it will cost today 20-30 thousand rubles. But many craftsmen, who in their efforts to save successfully collect the collector of the warm floor on their own. Of course, there would not be a hindrance to a proper consultation of a specialist or just an experienced master, but you can do this and just use the online resources with useful recommendations and video materials.
The photo shows the general view of the collector unit for the warm floor
Collector function
The question of why he is needed is idle. The collector is an element of a special purpose, and if explained in a simple way, it is a piece of pipe that has several exits on one side. From the so-called. The collector is connected to the valve. Special contours for the side openings ("outlets") connect the contours of the warm floor.
Exit distribution manifolds is closed by a plug, but it will be even more correct to install a splitter there, on the one hand a drain cock, on the other a vent, automatically eliminating the danger of unwanted air in the system.
The construction of this type applies to both the supply line and the return pipe. So there will not be one comb for the warm floor, but a pair, as, indeed, other details. The entire mixing unit is placed in a special collector cabinet, which is needed purely to remove the collector itself, not only because it is not intended for general review, but also because it is desirable that the assembly be regulated by one person, and not is accessible to all and everyone, especially there is no need to twist it to children. In the cabinet, the heating pipes are connected with other elements of the house's heat supply, and various adjusting devices are installed.
It is desirable that the collector cabinet for the "Warm Floor" system has a lock
The collector is thus designed to mix and distribute the coolant from the parallel heating circuits. Due to the large cross section and low speed, heat carriers are mixed in the collector, performing the task of equalizing the set parameters.
The connection scheme is such that, during the flow of hot liquid through the circuit, it cools down, but returns to the collector for mixing through the "return". For the adjustment, special valves are installed, by means of which the ratio of warm and hot water can be controlled automatically, and also other control sensors - pressure, temperature and even weather on the street. In a set of some collector units, circulating pumps can also be used.
If in the house the combined heating (usual radiators and a warm floor), without a collector here in any way not to manage. Radiators require a much higher temperature than a warm floor, whose maximum limit should not exceed 30 degrees. S., in order not to violate the sanitary norms and not to spoil the ecology with a collapsing floor covering.
Hence, in the contours of the floor of the apartment you will need to direct cooler water than in radiator batteries. And the length of the pipes will require increasing the pressure in the system, so you need a second pump.
Homemade mixing unit for underfloor heating (video)
If you want, you can immediately go to the video that will help you navigate the problem and, at the very least, understand if you can solve it yourself on your own. The material is very useful and detailed on the shelves, just like a beginner needs:
Below is a video review of the main distribution manifold, made by the owner himself under the guidance of the master. Also very informative and interesting, I recommend those who are trying to understand this engineering system and some practical nuances:
Elements of a collector unit
Before you do something yourself, you need to understand the site map in all its details. And it consists of:
- Mixing 2-way or 3-way valve;
- Circular pump;
- Balancing and shut-off valves;
- Collectors (2);
- Thermal head with temperature control sensor;
- Pressure gauges for pressure monitoring;
- Air vent for removing unnecessary air from the system;
- Also, different fittings, nipples, tees and other connecting elements are required.
Thermal head monitors the temperature of the liquid entering the circuits.
When it exceeds the threshold, the valve closes, the hot water supply is reduced. When hot water coolant cools, more water is supplied.
From the return flow the coolant is transferred in non-stop mode, hot only as needed.
At the two-way valve, the throughput is low, so that the hot coolant flows smoothly and without sudden changes. Such a mixing system is used more often than others, but it must be remembered that it is optimal for relatively small rooms (no more than 200 sq. M.).
Valves are sometimes clogged. For a simple replacement, experts recommend mounting it on a plug-in American-type coupler.
Triangular
The three-way valve balances the ratio of the water supply from the boiler to the return flow through the bypass.
Its main specificity is the mixing of the coolant inside the valve, where a damper perpendicularly located relative to the supply pipe and the return flow is located.
By changing the position, adjust the balance of the water supply, thus controlling the temperature.
This option is considered universal, used in heaped heating systems with many circuits and automation.
The disadvantages of three-way valves include temperature instability (oscillations). In addition, there is a risk of falling into the hot water circuit with erroneous thermostat indicators. This type of valves has a high throughput, so that a slight shift can affect the temperature.
These valves are often put servo drives, controlled by various sensors - temperature, weather.
Meteorological sensors
To regulate the temperature regime automatically (by adjusting to the weather outside the window), so-called weather-sensitive sensors are connected to the systems of the warm floor. A sharp cooling will cause the room to cool down sooner, so it will need more intensive heating. To increase the efficiency and efficiency of the warm floor, the coolant flow increases, and the temperature rises.
You can set everything up and in manual mode, hoping to randomly choose the optimal ratio. But is not it better to use weather-compensated controllers, since there is such an opportunity. The meteorological sensors with a regularity of 20 seconds test the temperature, and if the optimum parameters are not met, the valve is moved by 1/20 part. The most modern controllers can automatically reduce the supply of water, in the absence of the owners of the house.
Assembly diagram
By purchasing all the necessary elements of the collector for the warm floor, you can do it yourself. To do this, you need to collect the entire set of prepared elements according to one of the schemes shown in the figure below.
Circuit installation for two circuits
After you acquire all the necessary elements, you can assemble a self-made collector for a warm floor. To do this, the elements must be carefully collected according to one of the schemes shown in the illustrations.
When installing a water-heated floor it is important to properly connect it. Therefore, the circuits are connected to the boiler not directly, but through manifolds, sensors, valves and pumps. If you buy a ready mixing unit, the price for it will cost you 10-20 thousand rubles.
In this article we will tell you about how you can save, and collect the collector of the warm floor with your own hands.
Why you need a collector
The collector is a technical element that mixes and distributes the heat transfer medium from various parallel heating circuits. Due to its large cross-section and low speed, it allows mixing in it a warm and hot coolant, leveling the set parameters.
The connection scheme is arranged in such a way that after the passage of hot liquid through the circuit, it cools down, and returns to the collector for mixing through the return pipe. To regulate the ratio of hot and hot water, special valves are installed, and for temperature monitoring - heat sensors, outdoor weather, and pressure sensors. To increase the pressure in the system, the collector unit can include a circulating pump.
Now let's imagine an example: in your home from the boiler connected heating radiators, which for normal operation require a coolant temperature of 75-95 degrees. Also you want to connect a warm floor to the boiler, but the water temperature in it should not be above 35-55 degrees. Otherwise you will violate health standards (the maximum temperature of the floor surface is 30 degrees), spoil the finish flooring, and it will release harmful substances.
In such a situation, a collector can not be avoided. You will need to send outlines to more cold water, than in radiators. In addition, because of the large length of the pipes, it will be necessary to increase the pressure in the system, so you will need to put an additional pump.
Elements of a collector unit
The scheme of a conventional mixing unit consists of the following parts:
- Mixing two or three-way valve;
- Circular pump;
- Balancing and shut-off valves;
- Collector (2 pcs.);
- Thermal head with a sensor for temperature monitoring;
- Pressure gauges for pressure monitoring;
- Air vent to remove air from the system;
- In addition, you will need various fittings, nipples, tees and other connecting elements.
Two-way valve
- The thermal head monitors the temperature of the fluid entering the circuit.
- As soon as the temperature becomes high, it closes the valve, and the hot water supply decreases.
- When the coolant cools, it opens the hot water supply more.
- At the same time, the coolant is supplied in a constant mode from the return, and the hot medium only when necessary.
The two-way valve has a low flow capacity, so the flow of the hot coolant flows smoothly and without sudden jumps. Basically, this kind of mixer is used, but it is suitable only for rooms of less than 200 squares.
Advice!
Like any faucet, the valve can eventually clog, so for easy replacement it is recommended to install it on a detachable "American" coupler.
Three-way valve
- The three-way valve simultaneously balances the water supply from the boiler and the return flow through the bypass.
- Its main difference is the mixing of the coolant inside it.
- Inside it is a damper, which is perpendicular to the supply and return pipes.
- By changing its position, the water supply ratio is adjusted, and the temperature changes.
Specialists consider this option to be universal, and use it in complex heating systems with a large number of circuits and automatic adjustment.
The drawbacks include possible sudden temperature fluctuations, and hot water can enter the circuit if the thermostat is incorrect. This valve has a high flow capacity, so even a small displacement of the valve can greatly change the temperature.
Often, such valves are placed by servo drives, which are controlled by weather sensors or air temperature sensors.
Meteorological sensors
To be able to adjust the temperature in automatic mode, depending on the weather outside the window, to weather-sensitive sensors. With a sharp cooling, the room will cool down more quickly, so its increased heating will be required. To increase the efficiency of the warm floor, it will be necessary to increase the temperature and flow of the coolant.
Of course, you can adjust everything manually, but you can not choose the optimal feed ratio. Therefore, weather-dependent controllers are used. They check the temperature every 20 seconds, and if it does not match the optimal values, change the valve position by 1/20 part. More advanced controllers can lower the water flow rate when there is no one at home.
Assembly diagram
After you have bought all the necessary items, you can make a self-made collector for a warm floor. To do this, assemble the elements by one of the schemes shown in the photo.
Advice!
Conclusion
When using the collector, use special compression fittings. Before doing this, it is recommended to make a small chamfer on the pipe so that it fits snugly into the socket. The video instruction in this article will show you in practice the process of connecting the collector. "Width =" 640 "height =" 480 "frameborder =" 0 "allowfullscreen =" allowfullscreen "\u003e
Advice!
The collector can be assembled on a warm floor with your own hands in a special inner or outer cabinet.
Outer cabinets have a width of 12-16 cm, so not every pump will fit into them.
The inner cabinet can be slightly enlarged by covering the rear wall.
Conclusion
When using the collector, use special compression fittings. Before doing this, it is recommended to make a small chamfer on the pipe so that it fits snugly into the socket. The instruction in the video in this article will show you in practice the process of connecting the collector.
The collector for a warm floor (it's also a "heating comb") is a pipe with outlets for connecting other pipelines. It controls the distribution of the coolant in the water supply system. The collector for a water-heated floor has such design features: on the pipe on both sides there is an internal and external thread, the number of contours: from 2 or more.
Principle of operation: the coolant enters the collector, after which it is distributed along the connecting loops of the heating system. After skirting the whole circle, the liquid returns back to the collector to get to the boiler, where it will heat up and again go circulating through the pipeline.
The price of the collector depends directly on the configuration - the more complex the design, the higher the cost. The cost is also affected by the availability of special fasteners.
Kinds
Collectors are classified by purpose, material and method of installation. You can distinguish:
Nevertheless, the three-valve comb is continued to be installed in large rooms from 200 m² or in houses where precise microclimate adjustment is required - these can be nurseries, greenhouses and other premises.
Correct installation scheme: the supply manifold is mounted from above, and the receiver from below. If you assemble the system in another way, it will work for you, however, you will lose a significant part of the heat, because the supply manifold will heat the return coolant.
Location and features of the installation of the collector unit
Experts recommend installing open metal or closed cabinets. Place under the cabinet is chosen based on the location of the water floor - for a heating system consisting of several branches, the space under the cabinet should be selected in the middle, that is, at the same distance from all working contours. This location guarantees high performance and reliability of the heating system.
Collector cabinet for water-heated floor
Ideal location: a thick and well-protected wall, which allows you to accurately bring the pipeline. If the heating system is installed throughout the house, then it should be divided into separate units with cabinets.
How to choose a collector
Observations have shown that the owners of the water-heated floor are most often selected by the collectors, based on their financial capabilities. However, there is one characteristic that is highly not recommended to be ignored. It's about the number of exits.
How better to calculate the number of exits, and why do people make mistakes at this stage? Because of the different floor areas: a small room needs one loop, and for a large room - 2-3 or more. Required amount loops calculated by the formula: S (floor area) x 6.5 m / n pipe, which will be installed in the room. For example, 40 x 6.5 = 260 points, then for the room you need two loops (at the rate of 1 loop per 200 points).
How to choose the manual or automatic collector?
A few words about the manufacturers
Collectors of Russian origin are made of stainless steel, and also have the maximum number of extensions - flow sensors, nests, etc.
Europeans prefer ferrous metal. In terms of functionality, the models of European origin are practically the same as Russians.
Chinese models are devices without automation, that is, you have to manage the collector in manual mode. They are considered the cheapest and are perfect for servicing small houses. Do not forget to install a three-way valve and pump if you plan to use Chinese products.
What are the most famous and reliable manufacturers? Rehau's products are a guarantee of quality and functionality. The name of this company is known to almost all manufacturers of warm floors, as its products pass several stages of testing for durability, compatibility and safety.
A water floor without a collector - is it possible or not?
Yes it is possible. For installation, we need such devices and materials: pipeline, boiler, pump assembly, components for the pipeline and a three-way valve. Let's note, some experts try to cut a warm floor in central heating at home, forgetting that this approach to installation can have unfortunate consequences - at best you have a broken water pipe, and at worst you will flood yourself and your neighbors.
In addition, illegal connection to the central heating system faces fines on the part of the supervisory authorities. There are two ways of connecting the pipeline: snake and snail. Both schemes, where the collector for the warm floor is not used, consist of a double pipeline: two parallel loops - one supply, and the other - the return one.
What a plus for the "snake"? You can distribute heating zones of your own choice. The advantage of the "snail" is the uniform distribution of the coolant throughout the area.
Install a powerful boiler so that the water floor device works correctly and without failures. There is no fundamental difference between the gas and electric boiler. The main thing is that its power exactly corresponds to the warm floor. It is also recommended to connect the pump to the heating system without a collector so that the coolant circulates normally through the pipeline.
