Circulation pumps are installed in heating systems with forced or natural circulation. It is needed to increase heat transfer and to be able to adjust the temperature in the room. Installing a circulation pump is not the most difficult task; if you have a minimum of skills, you can do it yourself, with your own hands.
What is a circulation pump and why is it needed
A circulation pump is a device that changes the speed of movement of a liquid medium without changing the pressure. In heating systems, it is placed for more efficient heating. In systems with forced circulation, it is an indispensable element; in gravitational systems, it can be installed if it is necessary to increase the thermal power. Installing a circulation pump with several speeds makes it possible to change the amount of heat transferred depending on the temperature outside, thus maintaining a stable temperature in the room.
Sectional view of a wet rotor circulation pump
There are two types of such units - with a dry and wet rotor. Devices with a dry rotor have a high efficiency (about 80%), but they are very noisy and require regular maintenance. Wet rotor units operate almost silently, with a normal quality of the coolant, they can pump water without failures for more than 10 years. They have a lower efficiency (about 50%), but their characteristics are more than enough to heat any private house.
Where to put
It is recommended to install a circulation pump after the boiler, before the first branch, but it does not matter on the supply or return pipeline. Modern units are made from materials that normally tolerate temperatures up to 100-115 ° C. There are few heating systems that work with a hotter coolant, therefore considerations of a more “comfortable” temperature are untenable, but if you are so calmer, put it in the return line.
Can be installed in the return or direct pipeline after/before the boiler up to the first branch
There is no difference in hydraulics - the boiler, and the rest of the system, it does not matter whether there is a pump in the supply or return branch. What matters is the correct installation, in terms of tying, and the correct orientation of the rotor in space. Nothing else matters.
There is one important point at the installation site. If there are two separate branches in the heating system - on the right and left wings of the house or on the first and second floors - it makes sense to put a separate unit on each, and not one common one - directly after the boiler. Moreover, the same rule is preserved on these branches: immediately after the boiler, before the first branching in this heating circuit. This will make it possible to set the required thermal regime in each of the parts of the house independently of the other, and also in two-story houses to save on heating. How? Due to the fact that the second floor is usually much warmer than the first floor and much less heat is required there. If there are two pumps in the branch that goes up, the speed of the coolant is set much less, and this allows you to burn less fuel, and without compromising the comfort of living.
There are two types of heating systems - with forced and natural circulation. Systems with forced circulation cannot work without a pump, with natural circulation they work, but in this mode they have a lower heat transfer. However, less heat is still much better than no heat at all, so in areas where electricity is often cut off, the system is designed as hydraulic (with natural circulation), and then a pump is slammed into it. This gives high efficiency and reliability of heating. It is clear that the installation of a circulation pump in these systems has differences.
All heating systems with underfloor heating are forced - without a pump, the coolant will not pass through such large circuits
forced circulation
Since a forced circulation heating system without a pump is inoperative, it is installed directly into the break in the supply or return pipe (of your choice).
Most problems with the circulation pump arise due to the presence of mechanical impurities (sand, other abrasive particles) in the coolant. They are able to jam the impeller and stop the motor. Therefore, a strainer must be placed in front of the unit.
Installing a circulation pump in a forced circulation system
It is also desirable to install ball valves on both sides. They will make it possible to replace or repair the device without draining the coolant from the system. Turn off the taps, remove the unit. Only that part of the water that was directly in this piece of the system is drained.
natural circulation
The piping of the circulation pump in gravity systems has one significant difference - a bypass is required. This is a jumper that makes the system operational when the pump is not running. One ball shut-off valve is installed on the bypass, which is closed all the time while pumping is in operation. In this mode, the system works as a forced one.
Scheme of installation of a circulation pump in a system with natural circulation
When electricity fails or the unit fails, the faucet on the jumper is opened, the faucet leading to the pump is closed, the system works like a gravitational one.
Mounting Features
There is one important point, without which the installation of the circulation pump will require alteration: it is required to turn the rotor so that it is directed horizontally. The second point is the direction of the flow. There is an arrow on the body indicating in which direction the coolant should flow. So turn the unit around so that the direction of movement of the coolant is “in the direction of the arrow”.
The pump itself can be installed both horizontally and vertically, only when choosing a model, see that it can work in both positions. And one more thing: with a vertical arrangement, the power (created pressure) drops by about 30%. This must be taken into account when choosing a model.
Power connection
Circulation pumps operate from a 220 V network. Connection - standard, a separate power line with a circuit breaker is desirable. Three wires are required for connection - phase, zero and ground.
Electrical connection diagram of the circulation pump
The connection to the network itself can be organized using a three-pin socket and plug. This connection method is used if the pump comes with a connected power cable. It can also be connected via a terminal block or directly with a cable to the terminals.
The terminals are located under a plastic cover. We remove it by unscrewing a few bolts, we find three connectors. They are usually signed (pictograms are applied N - neutral wire, L - phase, and "earth" has an international designation), it is difficult to make a mistake.
Where to connect the power cable
Since the entire system depends on the performance of the circulation pump, it makes sense to make a backup power supply - put a stabilizer with connected batteries. With such a power supply system, everything will work for several days, since the pump itself and the boiler automation “pull” electricity to a maximum of 250-300 watts. But when organizing, you need to calculate everything and select the capacity of the batteries. The disadvantage of such a system is the need to ensure that the batteries are not discharged.
How to connect a circulator to electricity through a stabilizer
Installation of a circulation pump: diagrams, installation rules
How should the installation of the circulation pump be carried out, its piping for systems of various types, how to connect it to electricity.
Installing a pump in a heating system: an analysis of the basic installation rules and tricks
For uniform distribution of heat in a house equipped with an autonomous heating system, various models of circulation pumps are used. This equipment provides forced circulation of the coolant through pipes and batteries. At the same time, radiators are heated simultaneously in all rooms, regardless of their distance from the heating boiler. The heating pump is being installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, which describes in detail the installation process of this equipment. In practice, several methods have been tested for locating pumping units in the heating system of a private house. In each case, the owner of the facility chooses the most suitable option, taking into account the type of boiler and expansion tank used, the type of heating system, and the presence of additional elements.
Selecting the right unit
When choosing a pump, attention is paid to two main parameters: the force of the coolant flow and the hydraulic resistance that it overcomes when creating pressure. At the same time, the characteristics of the purchased circulation pump should be 10-15% lower than the calculated values. If you install a powerful pump in the heating system, you may encounter the problem of increasing power consumption, excessive noise, and rapid wear of equipment parts. A low-power pump will not be able to provide the pumping of the coolant in the required volume. Many models of modern circulation pumps are equipped with electronic or manual motor shaft speed controllers. The highest efficiency value is achieved at maximum shaft speed.
Thermal valves, installed in many heating systems, regulate the temperature in the room in accordance with the specified parameters. The valve closes when the temperature rises. This increases the hydraulic resistance and, accordingly, increases the pressure. These processes are accompanied by the appearance of noise, which can be eliminated by switching the pump to low speeds. Pumps with built-in electronics that can smoothly regulate pressure drops depending on changes in the amount of water cope with this task more efficiently.
Determining the location of the pump insertion into the system
Correct operation of pumping equipment is possible provided that the location of its insertion into the pipeline is correctly determined. The pump must force the coolant to circulate through the heating system, thereby ensuring the rapid advancement of hot water from the boiler to all batteries installed in the house. This is how a typical connection diagram for a heating circulation pump looks like, which is most often used by specialists in practice.
Typical scheme for connecting a pump that provides forced circulation of the coolant to an autonomous heating system of a private house or country cottage
Its main elements are a boiler (1), a membrane tank (7), a pump (5), heating radiators (8), as well as:
- socket connection (2);
- valves (3);
- signaling system (4);
- strainer (6);
- line for feeding the heating system with water (9);
- management (10);
- temperature sensor (11);
- emergency sensor (12);
- grounding (13).
In autonomous heating systems, sealed pumps with a "wet" rotor of a non-throttling type are usually installed. These models do not require additional lubrication of parts and replacement of gaskets. These functions are performed by the coolant. The water pumped by the pump also cools its elements, and also ensures the silent operation of the equipment. The body of a throttleless pump is made by manufacturers of cast iron, and the rotor is made of steel or wear-resistant plastic. The device, which does not require intensive maintenance, is able to work for 20 years or more.
Basic installation rules
Any equipment is supplied accompanied by the manufacturer's instructions, which reflects all the important information about its device, the principle of operation and installation rules. After reading this technical document carefully, you can understand the basic rules for handling it.
It is very important for self-installation to choose the desired position of the product relative to the horizon. The location of the motor shaft must be strictly horizontal. Otherwise, air pockets may form, leaving the bearings without lubrication and sufficient cooling. This will lead to rapid wear of parts and an early breakdown of equipment. There is an arrow on the pump housing, in the direction of which the coolant should move in the system.
Options for the correct and incorrect location of the circulation pump with a "wet" rotor. It is strictly forbidden to place the equipment as shown in the bottom row.
The need for water filtration
A sump is installed in front of the pump, the function of which is to filter the coolant. The mud filter retains abrasive particles, sand, scale and other contaminants that have entered the water. If such elements get inside the pump, the impeller and bearings may be destroyed. Since the diameter of the tie-in for mounting the pump is small, an ordinary coarse filter can be used. Please note that the barrel, which serves to collect various suspensions, is directed downwards. In this position, the filter will not interfere with the circulation of water. With partial filling, the barrel will not lose the ability to pass the coolant.
Important! Most filters are equipped with an arrow indicating the correct direction of water flow in the circuit. If you ignore the direction of the arrow, you will have to clean the sump much more often.
Location of the pump in the heating circuit
In principle, most models of modern pumps are able to work equally well both on the supply and on the return. The equipment can be embedded in any part of the heating circuit. In this case, it should be borne in mind that the duration of the operation of the bearings and plastic parts of the device will depend on the temperature of the coolant. Therefore, it is better to embed the equipment on the return pipeline after the expansion membrane tank and before the heating boiler.
One of the options for the correct insertion of the circulation pump into the pipeline of the heating system of a private house with a circuit length of not more than 80 meters
What is the bypass for?
The circulation pump is a volatile device. In the event of a power outage, the heating system must operate under natural circulation conditions. To do this, it is necessary to minimize the resistance in the circuit by reducing the number of bends and turns, as well as using modern ball valves as shutoff valves. When open, the clearance in the ball valve matches the diameter of the pipe.
The circulation pump is installed on the bypass, which is cut off from the main system using two ball valves. Such placement of the equipment allows it to be repaired or replaced without damage to the heating system of the house. In the off-season, the heating system can operate without a pump, which is shut off using the same ball valves. When frost intensifies, the pump is put into operation, opening the shut-off valves along its edges and closing the ball valve on the main circuit. This is how the direction of the coolant flow is adjusted.
Installation of the circulation pump on the bypass (bypass pipe) using three ball valves ensures the flow of the coolant in the desired direction
Electrical connection
If the heating system is designed according to the principle of forced circulation, then in the event of a power outage, the pump must continue to operate from a backup power source. Therefore, it is recommended to install an uninterruptible power supply that will allow the heating system to function for a couple of hours. This time is usually enough for specialists to eliminate the cause of an emergency power outage. External batteries connected to a backup power source can extend the autonomous operation of the equipment.
Connecting the pump to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which is additionally reinforced by three battery units connected in series into a single circuit
When making the electrical connection of the equipment, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of moisture and condensate getting into the terminal box. A heat-resistant cable is used if the coolant is heated in the heating system by more than 90 ° C. The power cable must not come into contact with the pipe walls, the engine, or the pump housing. The power cable is connected to the terminal box from the left or right side, while the plug is rearranged. With a lateral location of the terminal box, the cable is brought in only from below. And yes, grounding is a must!
Operation check and commissioning
After completion of installation work, the heating system is filled with water. Then the air is removed by opening the central screw located on the cover of the pump housing. The water that appears will signal the complete removal of air bubbles from the device. After that, the pump can be put into operation.
After reading the instructions and reading this article, you can carry out the installation work yourself. If you do not understand how to install a pump for heating, then invite a professional craftsman.
Installing a pump for heating: how to put a pump in a heating system
Tips for installing a circulation pump for heating. How to properly install the pump for heating: analysis of all the nuances, technical problems and much more. Video and photo.
Heating pump connection diagrams: installation options and step-by-step instructions
Uniform distribution of heat in a house with an autonomous heating system is due to the model of the pumping device used. Due to this equipment, the forced movement of a warm medium through pipes and radiators is ensured.
To determine which heating pump connection scheme will be optimal for self-implementation, many details have to be taken into account.
Pros and cons of using a heating pump
A couple of decades ago, in the private sector, houses were equipped with gravity-flow heating. A wood stove or gas boiler was used as a heat source. For overall circulation devices, there was only one area of \u200b\u200bapplication - district heating networks.
Today, manufacturers of heating equipment offer smaller units with the following advantages:
- The speed of movement of the thermal carrier has increased. The heat generated by the boiler quickly enters the radiators. Due to this, the process of warming up the premises was significantly accelerated.
- The higher the speed of movement, the higher the throughput of the pipes. This means that the same amount of heat can be delivered to the rooms with a smaller diameter pipe.
- Water heating schemes have undergone significant changes. The highway can be laid with the slightest slope. Also, the complexity and length of the line can be anything. The basic rule is the rational choice of the heating pump based on the required power.
- With the help of a household circulation device, it became possible to organize underfloor heating in the house, as well as an efficient closed-type heating system.
- It became possible to hide the entire heating line of communications passing through the rooms, which is not always well combined with the design of the room. Quite common options for laying pipes behind stretch ceilings, in walls or under flooring.
The disadvantages of pumping systems include the conditionality of functioning from the supply of electricity and its consumption by the pumping apparatus during the heating season.
Therefore, if the site is often deprived of power supply, it would be advisable to install a device to provide electricity in uninterrupted mode. The second disadvantage is not critical and can be eliminated by proper selection of power and device model.
Choice of insertion point of the device into the system
The installation of a circulation pump is supposed to be in the area immediately after the heat generator, not reaching the first branching line. The selected pipeline does not matter - it can be either a supply or a return line.
Where can I put the pump
Modern models of household heating units made of high quality materials can withstand temperatures up to a maximum of 100 ° C. However, most systems are not designed for higher heating of the coolant.
Its performance will be equally effective both on the supply and on the return branch. And that's why:
- The density of water when heated to 50 ° C is 987 kg / m 3, and at 70 degrees - 977.9 kg / m 3;
- The heating unit is capable of generating a hydrostatic pressure of 4-6 m of water column and pumping almost 1 ton of coolant per hour.
From this we can conclude: an insignificant difference of 9 kg / m 3 between the static pressure of the moving coolant and the return does not affect the quality of space heating.
Are there exceptions to the rules?
As an exception, inexpensive direct combustion boilers operating on solid fuels can serve. Their device does not provide for automation, therefore, at the moment of overheating, the coolant begins to boil.
Problems begin to arise if the electric pump installed in the supply line begins to fill with hot water with steam. The heat carrier penetrates through the housing with the impeller and the following occurs:
- Due to the action of gases on the impeller of the pumping device, the efficiency of the unit decreases. As a result, the coefficient of the circulation rate of the heat carrier is significantly reduced.
- An insufficient amount of cold liquid enters the expansion tank, located near the suction pipe. The overheating of the mechanism increases and even more steam is formed.
- A large amount of steam, when it enters the impeller, completely stops the movement of warm water along the line. Due to the increase in pressure, the safety valve is triggered. Steam is released directly into the boiler room. An emergency is being created.
- If the firewood is not extinguished at this moment, the valve will not be able to cope with the load and an explosion will occur.
In practice, from the initial moment of overheating to the operation of the safety valve, no more than 5 minutes pass. If you mount the circulation mechanism on the return branch, then the length of time for which steam enters the device increases to 30 minutes. This gap will be enough to eliminate the heat supply.
From this we can conclude that it is impractical and even dangerous to install a circulation device on the supply line. Pumps for solid fuel heat generators are best mounted in the return pipeline. However, this requirement does not apply to automated systems.
Heating with a group of individual lines
If the heating system is divided into two separate lines, heating the right and left sides of the cottage or several floors, it would be more practical to install an individual pump for each of the branches.
When installing a separate device for the heating line of the second floor, it becomes possible to save money by adjusting the required mode of operation. Due to the fact that heat has the ability to rise, it will always be warmer on the second floor. This will reduce the rate of circulation of the coolant.
The tie-in of the pump is carried out in a similar way - in the area located immediately after the heat generator to the first branch in this heating circuit. Usually, when installing two units in a two-story house, the fuel consumption for servicing the upper floor will be significantly less.
Schemes for different types of systems
Initially, it is necessary to determine the tie-in zone of the circulation device. With its help, the process of active movement of the liquid is carried out - the flow passes through the boiler and is forcibly directed to the heating radiators.
For the location of the domestic pump, it is necessary to determine the most convenient area so that it can be easily serviced. At the supply, it is installed after the safety block and shut-off valves of the boiler.
On the return pipeline, the pump is placed after the expansion tank in front of the heat generator.
Due to the presence of various mechanical impurities in the water, for example, sand, problems may arise in the operation of the pumping mechanism. Particles contribute to the jamming of the impeller, and in the worst case, to stopping the motor. Therefore, directly in front of the unit, you will need to put a strainer-strainer.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the issue of an open-type heating system. It is capable of operating in two modes - with forced and gravity circulation of the coolant.
The second option is more suitable for areas with frequent blackouts. This is much more economical than buying an uninterruptible power supply or a generator. In this case, the unit with shut-off valves must be installed on the bypass, and a tap must be inserted into the straight line.
In stores you can find ready-made units with a bypass. In place of the flow tap, they have a check spring valve. This solution is not recommended - the valve produces a resistance force of 0.1 bar, which is listed as a large indicator for a gravity-flow type circulation system.
It is better to use a reed valve instead. However, its installation is carried out strictly horizontally.
Solid fuel pump and boiler
The pump is connected to a system with a solid fuel unit on the return line. In this case, a pumping device is connected to the boiler circuit with a bypass and a three-way mixing valve. In addition, the latter can be equipped with a servo drive and a clamp-on temperature sensor.
Due to the fact that the maximum performance of heating equipment is used to the full only in the cold period, it is possible to install a heat accumulator (TA). It is able to absorb excess heat, and then, on demand, give it to the heating circuit.
This battery is made in the form of a tank and lined with heat-insulating material. On one side of the device there are two branch pipes intended for its connection, and two on the other - for connection to the radiator line.
In the process of passing the liquid through the boiler, which operates at maximum, the coolant in the heat accumulator warms up to 90-110 degrees over time. In a large circuit, a tie-in of another circulation device is required.
Depending on the degree of cooling of the liquid in the heating system, the required amount of heat from the storage device will enter here through the valve.
Pump installation diagram
To perform its functions, household circulation equipment, regardless of the manufacturer, must be correctly installed on a pipe or shut-off and control valves.
Fastening is carried out by means of union nuts. This fixation option will allow, if necessary, to remove it, for example, for inspection or repair.
Correctly executed installation of all elements of the heating system ensures uniform heating of the entire line. During the installation of the circulation pump, the following rules must be observed:
- It is allowed to install the device on any section of the pipe. The pipeline can be positioned horizontally, vertically or inclined. However, the rotary axis must be in a horizontal position. Therefore, installation "head down" or, conversely, up is not possible.
- It is worth paying attention to the location of the plastic box where the power contacts are located - they will be on top of the case. Otherwise, they may be flooded with water in an emergency. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws on the casing and turn it in the required direction.
- Observe the direction of flow. It is indicated by an arrow on the body of the device.
With all its weight, the pump presses on the body of ball valves located nearby. This should be taken into account when choosing fittings. High-quality parts are equipped with a powerful body, which during operation will not be covered with cracks from daily loads.
Installation of additional equipment
Regardless of the type of heating circuit used, where one boiler serves as a heat producer, it will be enough to install a single pumping device.
If the system is structurally more complex, it is possible to use additional devices that provide forced circulation of the liquid.
The need for this appears in the following cases:
- when heating a house, more than one boiler unit is involved;
- if there is a buffer capacity in the strapping scheme;
- the heating system diverges into several branches, for example, maintenance of an indirect boiler, several floors, etc.;
- when using a hydraulic separator;
- when the length of the pipeline is more than 80 meters;
- when organizing the movement of water in the floor heating circuits.
To perform the correct piping of several boilers operating on different fuels, it is necessary to install backup pumps.
For a circuit with a heat accumulator, it is also necessary to install an additional circulation pump. In this case, the line consists of two circuits - heating and boiler.
A more complex heating scheme is implemented in large houses on 2-3 floors. Due to the branching of the system into several lines, pumps for pumping coolant are used from 2 or more. They are responsible for supplying the coolant to each of the floors to various heating devices.
If it is planned to organize heated floors in the house, then it is advisable to install two circulation pumps. In the complex, the pumping and mixing unit is responsible for preparing the coolant, i.e. keeping the temperature at 30-40 ° C.
In some cases, the installation of pumping units is not required at all. Many models of wall-mounted electric and gas generators already have built-in circulation devices.
Rules for connecting to the power supply
The circulation pump is powered by electricity. The connection is standard. It is recommended to run a separate power supply line with a surge protector.
To connect, you need to prepare 3 wires - phase, zero and ground. You can choose any of the connection methods:
- through the device of the differential machine;
- connection to the network along with an uninterruptible power supply;
- pump power supply from the boiler automation system;
- with thermostat control.
Many are wondering why complicate, because the connection of the pump can be done by connecting the plug to the wire. This is how the pumping device is plugged into a regular outlet.
The first option is not difficult to self-assemble. It is necessary to install a differential machine for 8 A. The wire cross section is selected based on the rating of the device.
In the standard scheme, power is supplied to the upper sockets - they are marked with odd numbers, the load - to the lower ones (even numbers). Both phase and zero will be connected to the machine, so the connectors for the latter are denoted by the letter N.
To automate the process of stopping the circulation of the heat carrier when it cools to a certain temperature, an electrical circuit for connecting a pump and a thermostat is used. The second is mounted in the supply line.
At the moment when the water temperature drops to the specified value, the device disconnects the power supply circuit.
There are no difficulties in supplying electricity through an uninterruptible power supply, for this it has special connectors. A heat generator is also connected to them when there is a need to provide electricity.
If you choose the method of connecting the pump to the boiler control panel or automation, you will need good knowledge in the power supply system or the help of a professional.
If you know all the connection rules, there will be no difficulties with the installation of the circulation pump, as well as when connecting it to the power supply at home. The most difficult task is to insert a pumping device into a steel pipeline. However, using a set of lerok for creating threads on pipes, you can independently arrange the arrangement of the pumping unit.
Heating pump connection diagrams: options and step-by-step instructions
The choice of the heating pump connection scheme depends on the complexity of the main line itself. Possible options for mounting a circulation pump, thematic videos and photographs are given.
In heating systems with natural and forced circulation, a circulation pump is used. This is a device that changes the speed of a liquid without changing the nominal pressure. In the heating system, it is needed for efficient heating. Installing a circulation pump is not a difficult task, with minimal skills in this work, you can do the installation yourself.
Features of circulation pumps
In systems with a forced circulation system, a pump is installed to increase the heat capacity. Proper installation of the circulation pump in the heating system allows you to change the heat that is transferred depending on the outside temperature while maintaining the stability of the heating in the room.
There are two types of such equipment.: with dry and wet rotor. Devices with a dry rotor have an increased efficiency (about 80%), do not create a lot of noise and require constant care. The operation of a device with a wet rotor is different, it is with low efficiency (about 50%), noisier, and its performance is sufficient to heat any private house.
30 years ago, so-called vertical central heating was used in houses, which was powered by liquid circulating through pipes, and the heat source was a gas boiler or a wood-burning stove. Now there has been a transition to the construction of private housing using heaters with a pump, which has the following advantages:
- The coolant speed increases.
- The heat produced by the boiler is quickly delivered to the radiators and returned to its place.
- The heating process is greatly accelerated.
- The speed is higher, so the same amount of heat can be supplied to pipes with a smaller diameter. In other words, a pipe with forced circulation of water in the pump is cheaper. Now the trunk can be wrapped with a minimum deviation and complicate. The main thing is to make the right selection of the pump unit and set the pressure.
- An internal pump to circulate water in the heating system made it possible to have underfloor heating and efficient high pressure closed systems.
- It was possible to remove the pipes that run along the walls and do not always harmonize with the kitchen interior. Now thermal lines are built into the walls, under the floor and behind the false ceiling.
As the main disadvantage of pumps, it can be noted that if there is a need to frequently turn off the circulation pump, a generator must be installed or connected.
Device operation
Despite the large amount of information, it is difficult for many to understand where and how to properly install a circulation pump to ensure forced circulation of water in the home heating system. You need to follow the instructions. Often this the block is located on the return pipeline, which leads to the following situations:
- The temperature of the liquid in the supplies is much higher, so the pump does not work.
- The density of hot water is less.
- The static pressure in the pipeline is higher, which facilitates the operation of the device.
Sometimes, getting into the room where the boiler is installed, which provides heating in the apartment, you can see that the system is based on a return. We can say that this is the only correct solution, even if you do not know about the centrifugal device that can be in the outlet pipe.
In an emergency situation and as a result of an increase in pressure, a safety valve is activated, which releases steam from the boiler. If the action is not completed, the valve releases the pressure and the result is an explosion of the boiler body.
Experience shows that no more than 5 minutes after the start of the heating process, the safety valve is activated. If you install the device on the return pipeline, steam does not appear in it, and the time before an accident will increase to 20 minutes. That is, if a check valve is installed, the explosion cannot be prevented, but it can be delayed in order to gain time for making a decision.
The principle of operation of pumps
Circulation devices run on electricity. There are two approaches to the system, which leads to their separation into a “dry” and “wet” type device. The principle of operation of the dry circuit is that the drive is completely isolated from each pump and turbine, and the rotation is transmitted through the shaft. As a rule, such devices are quite massive.
Dry pumps for circulating water in a heating system are powerful and efficient devices that provide very high flow rates and high system pressures. Without them, it is difficult to control heating. It is necessary to install them in an apartment or a private house. However, there are some disadvantages:
- The shaft that transmits the rotation is a complex sealing system that prevents leakage of fluid under pressure. These seals wear out over time, requiring regular preventive maintenance, including replacement with new ones.
- The operation of the pump is always accompanied by an air-cooled sound effect.
Finally, the system is a very costly choice, a wet rotor pump would be the best option. The vertical pump with a "wet rotor" also comes in various types.
One-pipe and two-pipe systems
Specialists distinguish between two heating schemes with forced circulation of the heating agent - one-pipe and two-pipe. The choice of one or another option depends not only on the location of the circuits, but also on the length of the pipelines, as well as the type and quantity of equipment for shutdown, regulation and control.
A single-pipe heating system is characterized by the sequential inclusion of heating radiators in the circuit. The coolant returns through a separate pipeline to the boiler only after it has been rotated in turn through all the devices of the system. The disadvantage of this method is that radiators that are closer to the thermal block become warmer than those that are further away, and this reduces the thermal efficiency and life of the equipment. The introduction of a circulation pump into the circuit and temperature equalization is achieved at all points in the system.
A two-pipe layout has advantages over a single-pipe layout, since all heaters are connected in parallel to the supply and return lines, which contributes to an even distribution of temperature throughout all rooms. Forced circulation of the refrigerant leads to an increase in the efficiency of the system and the ability to regulate its thermal power.
Do-it-yourself installation
It is important to know how to properly install the pump for heating. You also need to know which pump to put in the heating system. Each unit comes with an instruction manual that is carefully studied in order to properly install it yourself. All liquid is drained from the system, a part of the pipe is cut off at the place where the pump is to be installed.
In many cases, cleaning out an old system that has accumulated dirt and rust is required. It is inconvenient to do this through the drain cock due to the small cross section of the hole, so the incision site is used. On the one hand, a hose is connected through which water is fed under pressure, and on the other hand, water flows out.
A bypass is installed in the area for the pump. This is necessary in the event of a device failure or power outage. Then the coolant will pass through the main line, the valve of which is manually opened. It is better to install an automatic one instead of a conventional ball valve, which reacts to changes in pressure in the system.
On the bypass, two ball valves are placed on each side of the pump to turn off the water for maintenance or, if necessary, remove it. Install the air release valve vertically in the upper part of the bypass line. It is recommended to install the pump use the following sequence of actions:
- Drain and clean the heating system.
- A system that has been used for a long time is recommended to be flushed a couple of times by filling it with water and then draining it.
- Install the purchased pump according to the plan according to the plan, following the principle of energy management.
- After installation, fill the device with liquid (water).
- Check the operation of the heating system. In case of any errors, their strict correction is necessary.
- Remove accumulated air from the system using the central screw. Outgoing water is a sign that the operation was carried out correctly.
- Turn on the built-in pump after filling it with water. When connecting equipment to the network, it is recommended to use an automatic fuse with a special flag.
The fuse has an additional function as a switch. To install an additional pump in the system, you should pay attention that it turns on only after the relay signal. To synchronize the operation of both pumps, you must connect a second device to the relay or use an alternative parallel connection.
Filter installation
In order for the pump to work more reliably and for a longer time, the coolant passing through it must be absolutely clean. Otherwise, the bearings and the impeller may simply be destroyed by the ingress of third-party objects into them. The dirt filter, which is installed in front of it during the cooling process, captures all contaminants, sand and other small abrasive particles that appear in the system. Filters can always be changed.
As a dirt filter, you can use the usual coarse filter used in the water supply system. This is a small piece of pipe with an external dirt trap.
There is a metal structure in the straight cut that cuts off debris that can damage equipment. All debris should settle in the pipe, which can be periodically cleaned by unscrewing the plug at its end. Contamination must not be allowed.
Uniform distribution of heat in a house with an autonomous heating system is due to the model of the pumping device used. Due to this equipment, the forced movement of a warm medium through pipes and radiators is ensured.
To determine which heating pump connection scheme will be optimal for self-implementation, many details have to be taken into account. In this article, we will consider in detail the possible connection schemes, we will analyze in detail the connection rules.
We will also pay attention to the intricacies of choosing a place for installation, supplementing the material with thematic photos and diagrams.
A couple of decades ago, in the private sector, houses were equipped with gravity-flow heating. A wood stove or gas boiler was used as a heat source. For overall circulation devices, there was only one area of \u200b\u200bapplication - district heating networks.
Today, manufacturers of heating equipment offer smaller units with the following advantages:
- Increased the speed of movement of the thermal carrier. The heat generated by the boiler quickly enters the radiators. Due to this, the process of warming up the premises was significantly accelerated.
- The higher the speed of movement, the higher the throughput of the pipes. This means that the same amount of heat can be delivered to the rooms with a smaller diameter pipe.
- Water heating schemes have undergone significant changes. The highway can be laid with the slightest slope. Also, the complexity and length of the line can be anything. The basic rule is the rational choice of the heating pump based on the required power.
- With the help of a household circulation device, it became possible to organize underfloor heating in the house, as well as an efficient closed-type heating system.
- It became possible to hide the entire heating line of communications passing through the rooms, which is not always well combined with the design of the room. Quite common options for laying pipes behind stretch ceilings, in walls or under flooring.
The disadvantages of pumping systems include the conditionality of functioning from the supply of electricity and its consumption by the pumping apparatus during the heating season.
The leading company Grundfos, which develops equipment for heating, has released innovative models of Alpfa2 circulation pumps that can change performance based on the needs of the heating system, which saves on electricity consumption
Therefore, if the site is often deprived of power supply, it would be advisable to install a device to provide electricity in uninterrupted mode. The second drawback is not critical and can be eliminated by the power and model of the circulation pump.
Choice of insertion point of the device into the system
The installation of a circulation pump is supposed to be in the area immediately after the heat generator, not reaching the first branching line. The selected pipeline does not matter - it can be either a supply or a return line.
Where can the pump be placed?
Modern models of household heating units made of high quality materials can withstand temperatures up to a maximum of 100 ° C. However, most systems are not designed for higher heating of the coolant.
The temperature index of the coolant in the personal heating network rarely even reaches 70 °C. The boiler also does not heat water above 90 degrees.
Its performance will be equally effective both on the supply and on the return branch.
And that's why:
- The density of water when heated to 50 ° C is 987 kg / m 3, and at 70 degrees - 977.9 kg / m 3;
- The heating unit is capable of generating a hydrostatic pressure of 4-6 m of water column and pumping almost 1 ton of coolant per hour.
From this we can conclude: an insignificant difference of 9 kg / m 3 between the static pressure of the moving coolant and the return does not affect the quality of space heating.
Are there exceptions to the rules?
As an exception, inexpensive ones can serve - with a direct type of combustion. Their device does not provide for automation, therefore, at the moment of overheating, the coolant begins to boil.
Installation of collector wiring in a heating system using a solid fuel boiler is considered the most effective. However, this type of heating of a private house is one of the most difficult to perform.
Problems begin to arise if the electric pump installed in the supply line begins to fill with hot water with steam.
The heat carrier penetrates through the housing with the impeller and the following occurs:
- Due to the action of gases on the impeller of the pumping device, the efficiency of the unit decreases. As a result, the coefficient of the circulation rate of the heat carrier is significantly reduced.
- An insufficient amount of cold liquid enters the expansion tank, located near the suction pipe. The overheating of the mechanism increases and even more steam is formed.
- A large amount of steam, when it enters the impeller, completely stops the movement of warm water along the line. Due to the increase in pressure, a trip occurs. Steam is released directly into the boiler room. An emergency is being created.
- If the firewood is not extinguished at this moment, the valve will not be able to cope with the load and an explosion will occur.
In practice, from the initial moment of overheating to the operation of the safety valve, no more than 5 minutes pass. If you mount the circulation mechanism on the return branch, then the length of time for which steam enters the device increases to 30 minutes. This gap will be enough to eliminate the heat supply.
In inexpensive heat generators made of low quality metal, the pressure of the safety valve is 2 bar. In high-quality solid fuel boilers - this indicator is 3 Bar
From this we can conclude that it is impractical and even dangerous to install a circulation device on the supply line. Pumps for solid fuel heat generators are best mounted in the return pipeline. However, this requirement does not apply to automated systems.
Heating with a group of individual lines
If the heating system is divided into two separate lines, heating the right and left sides of the cottage or several floors, it would be more practical to install an individual pump for each of the branches.
When installing a separate device for the heating line of the second floor, it becomes possible to save money by adjusting the required mode of operation. Due to the fact that heat has the ability to rise, it will always be warmer on the second floor. This will reduce the rate of circulation of the coolant.
The tie-in of the pump is carried out in a similar way - in the area located immediately after the heat generator to the first branch in this heating circuit. Usually, when installing two units in a two-story house, the fuel consumption for servicing the upper floor will be significantly less.
Schemes for different types of systems
Initially, it is necessary to determine the tie-in zone of the circulation device. With its help, the process of active movement of the liquid is carried out - the flow passes through the boiler and is forcibly directed to the heating radiators.
For the location of the domestic pump, it is necessary to determine the most convenient area so that it can be easily serviced. At the feed, it is installed after the shut-off valves of the boiler.
In order to carry out maintenance and control of the functioning of the equipment, it is necessary to install shut-off valves. Thus, any element of the heating system can be removed without completely dismantling the line
On the return pipeline, the pump is placed after the expansion tank in front of the heat generator.
Due to the presence of various mechanical impurities in the water, for example, sand, problems may arise in the operation of the pumping mechanism. Particles contribute to the jamming of the impeller, and in the worst case, to stopping the motor. Therefore, directly in front of the unit, you will need to put a strainer-strainer.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the issue of an open-type heating system. It is capable of operating in two modes - with forced and gravity circulation of the coolant.
The second option is more suitable for areas with frequent blackouts. This is much more economical than buying an uninterruptible power supply or a generator. In this case, the unit with shut-off valves must be installed on, and a tap must be inserted into a straight line.
In stores you can find ready-made units with a bypass. In place of the flow tap, they have a check spring valve. This solution is not recommended - the valve produces a resistance force of 0.1 bar, which is listed as a large indicator for a gravity-flow type circulation system.
It is better to use a reed valve instead. However, its installation is carried out strictly horizontally.
Solid fuel pump and boiler
The pump is connected to a system with a solid fuel unit on the return line. In this case, a pumping device is connected to the boiler circuit with a bypass and a three-way mixing valve. In addition, the latter can be equipped with a servo drive and a clamp-on temperature sensor.
The solid fuel boiler connection scheme is based on two important elements that allow it to function effectively in the heating system of a private house. These include: a safety group and a mixing unit based on a three-way mixing valve
Due to the fact that the maximum performance of heating equipment is used to the full only in the cold period, it is possible to install a heat accumulator (TA). It is able to absorb excess heat, and then, on demand, give it to the heating circuit.
This battery is made in the form of a tank and lined with heat-insulating material. On one side of the device there are two branch pipes intended for its connection, and two on the other - for connection to the radiator line.
The heat accumulator has two circuits: small and large. The first receives energy from the boiler, the second - gives the coolant to the heating system as needed
In the process of passing the liquid through the boiler, which operates at maximum, the coolant in the heat accumulator warms up to 90-110 degrees over time. In a large circuit, a tie-in of another circulation device is required.
Depending on the degree of cooling of the liquid in the heating system, the required amount of heat from the storage device will enter here through the valve.
Pump installation diagram
To perform its functions, household circulation equipment, regardless of the manufacturer, must be on a pipe or shut-off and control valves.
Fastening is carried out by means of union nuts. This fixation option will allow, if necessary, to remove it, for example, for inspection or repair.
When choosing a model of a circulation pump, it is necessary to pay attention to its ability to function in different positions. Vertical placement of the device reduces its power by up to 30%
Correctly executed installation of all elements of the heating system ensures uniform heating of the entire line.
During the installation of the circulation pump, the following rules must be observed:
- It is allowed to install the device on any section of the pipe. The pipeline can be positioned horizontally, vertically or inclined. However, the rotary axis must be in a horizontal position. Therefore, installation "head down" or, conversely, up is not possible.
- It is worth paying attention to the location of the plastic box where the power contacts are located - they will be on top of the case. Otherwise, they may be flooded with water in an emergency. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws on the casing and turn it in the required direction.
- Observe the direction of flow. It is indicated by an arrow on the body of the device.
With all its weight, the pump presses on the body of ball valves located nearby. This should be taken into account when choosing fittings. High-quality parts are equipped with a powerful body, which during operation will not be covered with cracks from daily loads.
Installation of additional equipment
Regardless of the type of heating circuit used, where one boiler serves as a heat producer, it will be enough to install a single pumping device.
If the system is structurally more complex, it is possible to use additional devices that provide forced circulation of the liquid.
The need for this appears in the following cases:
- when heating a house, more than one boiler unit is involved;
- if there is a buffer capacity in the strapping scheme;
- the heating system diverges into several branches, for example, maintenance of an indirect boiler, several floors, etc.;
- when using a hydraulic separator;
- when the length of the pipeline is more than 80 meters;
- when organizing the movement of water in the floor heating circuits.
To perform the correct piping of several boilers operating on different fuels, it is necessary to install backup pumps.
For scheme c, it is also necessary to install an additional circulation pump. In this case, the line consists of two circuits - heating and boiler.
A more complex heating scheme is implemented in large houses on 2-3 floors. Due to the branching of the system into several lines, pumps for pumping coolant are used from 2 or more.
They are responsible for supplying the coolant to each of the floors to various heating devices.
Regardless of the number of pumping devices, they are installed on the bypass. In the off-season, the heating system can operate without a pump, which is closed using ball valves
If it is planned to organize heated floors in the house, then it is advisable to install two circulation pumps.
In the complex, the pumping and mixing unit is responsible for preparing the coolant, i.e. keeping the temperature at 30-40 ° C.
In order for the power of the main pumping device to be enough to overcome the local hydraulic resistance of the floor contours, the length of the line should not exceed 50 m. Otherwise, the heating of the floors will become uneven, respectively, and the premises
In some cases, the installation of pumping units is not required at all. Many models of wall-mounted electric and gas generators already have built-in circulation devices.
Rules for connecting to the power supply
The circulation pump is powered by electricity. The connection is standard. It is recommended to run a separate power supply line with a surge protector.
To connect, you need to prepare 3 wires - phase, zero and ground.
You can choose any of the connection methods:
- through the device
- connection to the network along with an uninterruptible power supply;
- pump power supply from the boiler automation system;
- with thermostat control.
Many are wondering why complicate, because the connection of the pump can be done by connecting the plug to the wire. This is how the pumping device is plugged into a regular outlet.
The circuit with a differential automaton is used for the so-called wet groups. The heating system built in this way provides a high degree of safety for wiring, equipment and people.
The first option is not difficult to self-assemble. It is necessary to install a differential machine for 8 A. The wire cross section is selected based on the rating of the device.
In the standard scheme, power is supplied to the upper sockets - they are marked with odd numbers, the load - to the lower ones (even numbers). Both phase and zero will be connected to the machine, so the connectors for the latter are denoted by the letter N.
To automate the process of stopping the circulation of the heat carrier when it cools to a certain temperature, an electrical circuit for connecting a pump and a thermostat is used. The second is mounted in the supply line.
At the moment when the water temperature drops to the specified value, the device disconnects the power supply circuit.
In order for the thermostat to turn off the circulation process at the right time, it is installed on the metal section of the pipeline line. Due to the poor conduction of heat by polymers, mounting on a plastic pipe will cause incorrect operation of the device
There are no difficulties in supplying electricity through an uninterruptible power supply, for this it has special connectors. A heat generator is also connected to them when there is a need to provide electricity.
If you choose the method of connecting the pump to the boiler control panel or automation, you will need good knowledge in the power supply system or the help of a professional.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Rules for installing heating equipment in the video:
The video explains the features of a two-pipe heating system and demonstrates different installation schemes for devices:
Features of connecting the heat accumulator to the heating system in the video:
If you know all the connection rules, there will be no difficulties with the installation of the circulation pump, as well as when connecting it to the power supply at home.
The most difficult task is to insert a pumping device into a steel pipeline. However, using a set of lerok for creating threads on pipes, you can independently equip the pumping unit.
Do you want to supplement the information presented in the article with recommendations from personal experience? Or maybe you saw inaccuracies or errors in the reviewed material? Please write to us about it in the comments block.
The basic rule for creating any heating main is: the longer the line, the worse the water circulation in the system. For this reason, there are problems with uneven heating of rooms. The easiest and most convenient way is to install the pump in the heating system of a private house.
Why connect a pump?
Gravity heating is based on the principle of communicating vessels: the water in the upper reservoir is heated by a gas burner and begins to flow through the pipes, passes through all the batteries and returns to the lower reservoir, from which it again enters the heating chamber. Using a natural circulation system, it is necessary to provide a height difference sufficient for a good coolant current.
In practice, this is extremely difficult to do, therefore, heating with natural circulation is characterized by a small heating area, a maximum of 60-80 m². For large, and even more so 2 or 3-story houses, a tie-in water circulation pump will definitely be required. This will ensure uniform distribution of the coolant along the entire length of the heating system.
In addition, due to the installation of the pump, fuel consumption is reduced. Water passes through the system faster, accordingly, it does not have time to cool too much and less heat energy is required to reheat it.
An alternative option is to install pipes of a larger diameter. But in this case, the total cost of materials and work will be much higher, in addition, for houses with an area of more than 200 m², this still does not completely solve the problem.
How to choose a circulation pump?
In the cold season, the device operates 24/7. Low-quality options will not withstand the load and will quickly become unusable. To avoid this, you need to know the selection criteria:
- pipe diameter;
- throughput of the boiler;
- water temperature;
- total displacement of the system.
The pressure in the system depends on the diameter. Therefore, you need to know how many atmospheres the pump is designed for. It is better to buy with a margin, at the time of the first start-up of the system and air bleeding, water hammer is possible - short-term periods of pressure increase. If the device is picked up butt, it will break. In addition, the inlet and outlet pipes of the pump must match the diameter of the system. Otherwise, you will have to buy adapters and other fittings.
Some boilers heat 2-5 liters per minute, others - 10-20 liters. In order for the device to cope with the volumes, it must have the appropriate bandwidth, otherwise the pump will not cope and the device will fail.
Manufacturers make products using various technologies, the cheaper the pump, the lower the quality of the spare parts. Individual units are not always designed for temperatures above +60-70°C. In regions with cold winters, where the coolant is supplied at a temperature of + 75-85 ° C, this fact must be taken into account.
One of the main elements of the circulation pump is the motor. When choosing a device, you need to understand how many liters per cycle will be pumped. The motor resource must be selected with a margin, in addition, it is better to install a device that has built-in overheating protection.
Types of pumps
Heating systems use 2 types of pumps:
- dry;
- wet.
The first option is large industrial pumps, which are used for heating systems of large plants, factories or apartment buildings. They are noisy, take up a lot of space and are more expensive than their counterparts. The main plus is high power. It is recommended to install only for objects such as private hotels and boarding houses.
Wet pumps are designed specifically for tapping into a heating system. They work directly in the aquatic environment, so all components are resistant to corrosion and moisture.
The motor and other electrical parts are insulated with rubber gaskets. Therefore, when choosing a device, it is not recommended to purchase models from the market. They could be in the sun for a long time, respectively, the rubber dried out and the device would burn out in 2-3 months, since the water would flood the motor.
Choosing a place to install the pump
How to install the pump in the heating system? The main thing is to choose the right place. Basic instructions are included with the device. In addition, there are general recommendations:
- Tap into the system in places where the pump will be easily accessible. There should be plenty of free space around so that diagnostics or repairs do not cause problems.
- The direction of the water supply does not really matter, but it is better to install the pump on a hot branch. This will ensure uniform distribution of the coolant throughout the heating system.
- Most often, the pump is placed near the expansion tank. This is convenient and practical, since it is possible to check both nodes at once and, if necessary, repair or replace parts. When figuring out where to put the pump, you also need to remember that the device makes noise during operation. Therefore, the place should be located at a distance from living rooms.
Tools and Consumables
Proper connection of the pump implies the preliminary preparation of the necessary equipment. For work you will need:
- 2 plumbing or 2 Swedish keys of the appropriate diameter;
- fum tape 10 mm;
- 3 ball valves;
- 2 tees.
The basic set may differ depending on the type of pipes used.
For efficient heat distribution, it is better to connect the circulation pump before the start of the heating season. In this case, you can immediately check how efficiently it works.
Circulation pump installation steps
The procedure is simple and consists of 3 steps:
- tie-in;
- connection;
- examination.
Consider options for how to mount the pump on metal or plastic pipes. These options are different from each other.
Cutting into a metal pipe
To save time and do everything right right away, you need to:
- Check the system for the presence of water and, if necessary, drain the residue.
- Select the part of the pipe where the unit will be installed.
- Mark the points on the pipe for the entry of the pump pipes.
- Weld in 2 threaded pipes.
The first point is mandatory, if water flows into the welding process, there will be big problems, since the seams will not seize correctly.
At the second stage, you need to check the selected section of the pipe for strength, inspect so that rust does not show through. If everything is in order with this, marking is done according to the formula pump length plus 10-15 cm.
It remains to drill holes in the pipe and weld the pipes. Tap the seam with a hammer to knock off the scale and check the strength of the structure. During the welding process, the welded sockets must be strong, make sure that the thickness of the seam is the same along the entire radius. The pump does not literally cut into the heating system, but is screwed to the nozzles with special fittings. Before twisting, you need to wind the thread with fuma.
Connection to a plastic pipe
The connection diagram of the circulation pump differs only in the absence of welding, first a tee, then a branch pipe. For maximum reliability, it is recommended to use the pipe soldering method. This will remove corrosion-prone elements from the structure. In addition, metal nuts in the case of tightening often give microcracks, through which water then leaks.
Also, for both schemes, it is necessary to install an additional ball valve in the area between the nozzles. This is done so that it is always possible to redirect water from the pump directly to the system. Accordingly, the device can be removed for repair or replaced without shutting down the entire heating system.
Installation of ball valves on the branch pipe
Cranes are installed, at first only the side that enters the branch pipe is installed, always on the thread. For metal pipes, there will be no problem, if the tap diameter is different, just screw the adapter. For plastic pipes, special fittings must be used.
They are either soldered to the pipe through a connector and an additional socket with an assembled fitting, or fixed directly in the pipe using special clamp nuts. The second way is less reliable.
Why do we need a crane, consider in more detail. If, even after installing the pump, heat is distributed unevenly, or problems appeared during operation, it means that the pump cannot cope with pumping.
Accordingly, it is necessary to remove the pump and carry out diagnostics. If you do not install stopcocks, this will not work, as you will have to stop the boiler and drain all the water. If there are taps, it is enough to shut them off, and the water will go along the old branch, and the pump will be suitable for dismantling.
Pump installation
When the nozzles are installed, it remains only to screw the pump to the taps. To do this, wrap the thread with fuma and tighten the nuts. Often the corners are included. Therefore, they are immediately screwed to the pump. If there were no components in the box, you need to separately purchase corners of the appropriate diameter and screw them to the inlet and outlet pipes.
It is not recommended to overtighten the nuts so that they do not burst. It is better to wait until the start and check for leaks. You can tighten the fasteners later. In this case, any scheme for installing a circulation pump in a heating system can be used, but it is necessary to strictly follow the basic principles and follow the sequence of actions.
System start
After completing all installation work, the resulting design must be checked. In this case, the system starts first without a pump. This is a prerequisite, otherwise water hammer will begin to occur in the pipes, which, at best, will damage the connections in the pipes, and at worst, break one or more batteries.
Air penetrates into the pipes of an open heating system, it can circulate along the entire length of the pipeline and fill the voids. This leads to the fact that traffic jams appear that interfere with the normal passage of water. To get rid of the problem, you need to bleed the air and only then start the pump.
Then you can move on to testing.
The procedure is done like this:
- Turn off the valve on the supply line.
- Open the tap on the supply pipe and wait 30-40 seconds for the water to fill the pump.
- Open the tap on the outlet pipe.
- Turn on the device.
The important point is that the temperature of the coolant must be increased gradually. When heated, all bodies expand, if boiling water is immediately put into the system, the connections will not have time to win back smoothly and leaks will appear. To avoid this, increase the water temperature from +40 to +70°C gradually.
- up to 100 m² - by 5 ° every 10 minutes;
- up to 200 m² - by 5 ° every 30 minutes;
- 300 m² or more - by 10° every hour.
This will allow you to evenly warm the entire line.
System check
For normal water circulation, the heating system needs to warm up. It takes 2-3 hours. Wait for the indicated time and feel each battery, they should all be the same temperature.
If you find something hotter or colder, try deflated. For overheated batteries, it is necessary to bleed in the subsequent radiator, for cold ones - in the previous one. Most likely, the problem will be solved.
Another possible reason is leakage. Carefully inspect the junctions of the batteries with the pipe. Even if there are no obvious puddles, water may appear at the joints. Change the connection and the problem will go away.
The last uncharacteristic moment is extraneous noise in the pump. In new models, this problem only occurs if foreign objects, rust or other debris get into the pump. To avoid this, it is recommended to put a filter on the supply pipe. Eliminated by disassembling and cleaning the pump.
Installing the pump is easy, the procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour. Starting the system is longer, but also will not cause much difficulty, but there are still a few operational issues:
- The first thing you need to pay attention to is the position of the pump relative to the horizon. A prerequisite for the device to serve for a long time is that the motor shaft must be located either at an angle of 90 ° or at 180 °. Any misalignment will cause the bearings to wear 2 to 5 times faster.
- The main disadvantage of the circulation pump is that it does not work without electricity. If the owners are at home, it is not difficult to come and switch the tap, but in the case when they are not there, the house will not be heated.
To solve this problem, it is recommended to use ball valves with a check valve. The device works in this way: water is supplied to the pump until the pressure at the inlet and outlet is the same. If the outlet pressure drops, the valve switches the water supply to the self-flowing line.
This method will not provide the same high-quality circulation of the coolant in the system, but the house will still be heated. During the day, the lack of heat will not cause much harm, but if the lights were turned off during the holidays, and the owners were not at home for 5-10 days, the water in the pipes would freeze and they would burst.
Don't forget to clean the mud pans. There is a lot of rust and salt deposits in metal pipes. The water circulation rate after turning on the pump will increase by 1.5-3 times, respectively, all the dirt will go straight to the pump. At the beginning of operation it is recommended to carry out cleaning once a week.
If after the specified time the filter is clean, then most of the debris has already been washed away. And the procedure can be repeated 2 times a year: after stopping the system for the summer and a week after the start.
Bearings are erased in 3-4 years in operating mode 6 through 6. If the pump operates in northern temperatures, 8-9 months a year, its resource will last for 2 years maximum. A sure sign that it's time to change the bearings is the appearance of noise in the pump. This is because the shaft begins to rotate with play, as a result, the load on the housing and all parts increases.
To avoid damage to the entire pump, it is enough to disassemble it and replace the bearing rings. These components are inexpensive, and the work itself takes 20-30 minutes. Remember, the device should work without diagnostics for no more than 2 years, this will avoid costly repairs.
Powerful boilers quickly heat water, but due to the diameter of the pipes, it takes a long time for it to reach the batteries by gravity. The pump solves this problem if it is connected to the supply line. On the other hand, hot water negatively affects most nodes, so the device breaks down faster.
When there is no task to warm up the house as quickly as possible, and the main emphasis is on durability, it is recommended to install the pump on a cold water line. In practice, this will extend the life of the device by 2-3 years.
Using these simple recommendations, you can maximize the life of the device. A pump for a private house heating system is a convenient and practical thing, if there are problems with heat distribution, you should not think for a long time. Determine the parameters of the system and buy the right model.
One of the main types of equipment that is used in the heating system of a private house is a circulation pump. This device allows you to more efficiently transport the coolant through the system, which will contribute to uniform heating of the premises. In our article, we will describe why an additional pump is needed in the home heating system, get acquainted with the scheme and place of its installation, use in the Underfloor heating system.
Is it necessary and in what cases
Many owners of suburban real estate, and especially two-story houses, are interested in the question of installing an additional circulation pump in the heating system. They come to this conclusion after uneven heating of the radiators in the premises, provided that the boiler has sufficient power. If the temperature difference between the boiler and the coolant in the pipelines exceeds 20 degrees, then it will be necessary to remove air pockets or put the existing pump at an increased speed.
Installation of additional pumping equipment is necessary in the following cases:
- When adding an additional circuit to the heating system, and especially when the length of the pipes exceeds 80 meters;
- For uniform movement of the coolant in pipelines.
Important! In case of incorrect calculations of the heating system, the installation of additional equipment will lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the heating system.
Before installing an additional pump, balance the heating system using balancing valves An additional pump in the heating system may not be needed if it is balanced with balancing and regulating valves, so before buying additional equipment, bleed the batteries and add water to the system. If everything works fine, then there is no point in installing an additional pump.
hydraulic separator
If there is a need to install an additional pump, then another device must be included in such a heating system - a hydraulic separator. In the list of terms used, a hydraulic separator can also be called an anuloid or a hydraulic arrow.
Such devices are recommended to be used in heating systems where the heat carrier is heated using long-burning boilers. The fact is that the heating devices in question can operate in several phases (fuel ignition, combustion process and attenuation), and each of these phases must maintain a certain combustion mode.
Installing a hydraulic arrow in the heating system allows you to create a certain balance in the work of heat and heating the system. The anuloid itself is made in the form of a pipe with four outlet pipes. The main functions of this device include:
- Automatic removal of accumulated air;
- Capturing sludge particles (works as a dirt trap).
Note! From these characteristics, it can be understood that the hydraulic separator is considered an important device in the heating system, so it must be installed without fail in the presence of a pump.
Heating in a private house performs many functions that must be implemented regardless of the coolant flow rate with possible pressure drops in pipelines. It is rather difficult to achieve efficient operation of the system, because the liquid enters the pipeline circuits from one source of thermal energy - the boiler, which will ultimately lead to an imbalance in heating. To prevent such situations, the hydraulic separator serves, it performs the function of decoupling.
Where to put
In an autonomous heating system of a private house, it is recommended to install circulation pumps with a wet rotor that rotate without the use of special lubricants. The coolant and lubricating element here is the coolant. When installing such a device, the following rules must be observed:
- The pump shaft must be in a horizontal position with respect to the floor surface;
- The movement of water flow in the system must match the direction of the arrow on the device;
- To prevent liquid from entering the pump terminals, the box must be mounted on the top or side of the equipment.
According to some users, it is better to install the pump on the return pipeline. Here, the coolant temperature is minimal, which will increase the life of the device, but not all experts agree with this statement. The fact is that the pump is designed for operation in a coolant medium, the temperature of which can reach 110 degrees.
Note! The only requirement for installing the pump is the convenience of its maintenance, that is, such a device can be mounted between the boiler and heating radiators on the direct or return pipeline. Boosting equipment must not be installed between batteries.
Installation scheme
In practice, two schemes for installing a circulation pump are used in a single-pipe and two-pipe heating system. Before carrying out installation work, carefully study the attached instructions. At the preparatory stage of the work, water is drained from the system and the pipes are cleaned of contaminants by additional pumping of the liquid. The pump is installed according to the attached scheme, then the coolant is poured into the circuit and the unit is turned on.
As we have already said, it is best to install the pump on the return line using a tap or, as it is also called, a bypass. Such a device is necessary to shut off the water and replace the pump in the event of a breakdown. The diameter of the outlet pipe must be smaller than that of the central pipeline.
At each end of the bypass, in front of the inlet and after the outlet of the pump, valves are installed for emergency shutdown of the coolant. Another valve is installed on the central line to direct the flow of fluid through the pump. Before entering the pumping equipment, a special filter is fixed, which will accumulate harmful particles in the water.
with underfloor heating
Note! In the "Heat floor" system, the circulation pump is installed in a horizontal position after the mixing unit in the section of the supply pipeline. In some wiring diagrams, several such devices are installed, each of which will pump liquid within one floor.
Pump installation diagram in the "Warm floor" system During the filling of the system with coolant, it is not always possible to get rid of the air present here. Accumulated gases often block the movement of fluid, and not every manifold can be used as a bleed valve. To solve this problem, the circulation pump has a special outlet valve, made in the form of a disk.
To release the accumulated gases, you need to turn this part with a screwdriver counterclockwise. After water is supplied from the slot, the disk is twisted and the pump is started again. This procedure is repeated several times in a row.
