Heating and water supply systems today are at an unprecedented level of technological development. Even at home, an ordinary private trader can organize an efficient and easy-to-manage autonomous heating system using special equipment. Moreover, if the inclusion of power units is partial, then in principle it will not be possible to do without full-fledged means of distributing flows. And the key element of this control valve is the collector unit, which performs several tasks at the same time, helping to improve the reliability and safety of the heating infrastructure as a whole.
Device assignment
The main function of the plumbing manifold is to distribute the coolant over several heating circuits. For example, if it is planned to organize a heating system in the house with several groups of pointsconsumption in the form of batteries and radiators, then it is the collector that will set the direction to each of them. In addition, at a higher level of distribution, this node can coordinate flows between the water supply, heating and maintenance system, for example. The functionality of the device can also be extended due to the task of mixing flows. Such abilities are endowed with a collector-mixing unit, in which a block is provided for receiving a working medium with different temperature conditions. The mixing function as such is required to change the outlet stream temperature. So, if the flow from the heating boiler initially goes to 85-90 ° C and it is impractical to lower it for other reasons of hot water supply, then, for example, for a warm floor that runs on a coolant with a mode of 30-45 ° C, special water treatment will be required by mixing.
Manifold design
The device is formed by one or more pipes arranged parallel to each other and providing branch pipes for connection with different branches of the water supply or heating system. The node can also combine several collectors - for example, a configuration with separation of the supply and return distribution blocks is very convenient. The list of regulating and connecting equipment includes thermostatic valves, shut-off elements, taps, drain valves, etc. Additional functionality of the manifold assembly can be represented by air vents, pressure gauges, thermometers and filters with a drainage system. Moreover, some manufacturersCirculation pumps are also available as an option for higher capacity systems, directly serving the manifold block.
Hardware highlights
There are many structurally and functionally different versions of collectors. The average performance of most models is as follows:
- The construction material is brass or stainless steel. It is possible to use plastic and copper fittings, not to mention rubber seals.
- Working temperature - from 70 to 130 °C. For use in an apartment, the collector assembly is designed for a heat load of up to 95-100 °C.
- The number of outlet pipes is from 2 to 10. The possibility of expansion by increasing the supply circuits of the unit is also not ruled out.
- Pressure - 10 to 16 bar.
- Valve diameter - typically 1/2 or 3/4 inch.
- Capacity - from 2.5 to 5 m3/hour.
Features of the manifold for underfloor heating
An underfloor water heating system is an example of a local distribution of flows through a manifold, in fact, within a single point of consumption. From here comes a number of features of the organization of the distribution group:
- Due to the low power load, the requirements for the material of manufacture are reduced, so specialized collectors for underfloor heating systems can be made ofpolypropylene.
- The need to lower the temperature regime. As already noted, the collector-mixing unit for underfloor heating pre-converts hot streams, bringing the temperature up to 30-45 ° C. But this condition is not always required - depending on the pipeline material.
- Equal distribution of flows. The water heated floor is mounted with the expectation of the same length and throughput in all circuits. For a manifold, this means the possibility of the same design and configuration of outlet pipes with valves.
- Flow meters and pressure gauges must be installed at each water outlet.
Assembling the structure
It is advisable to initially purchase complete distribution units, which will eliminate installation errors, but self-assembly has its advantages. For example, you can take into account individual technical features and make an appropriate adjustment for them. How to assemble the collector assembly in order to avoid mistakes and take into account the nuances of a particular application? The assembly is carried out on the basis of "native" components or parts suitable for the characteristics. It is necessary to join the elements with the use of sealants and sealants, which will increase the reliability of the connections. Do not ignore the recommendations of the manufacturer - for example, in relation to the allowable tightening torque of fittings, he will give the most accurate torque indicators for specific parts. Lastly, the installation of auxiliary and optionaldevices - measuring instruments, pump, air vent, etc.
Installing the collector
Integration of the device into the heating system with connection to the mains is carried out in the following order:
- Return and flow pipes are released.
- The external threads are being cleaned on the connection pipes and manifold nozzles.
- If the design does not provide for sealing rubber rings, then you must independently apply sealant, flax fibers or FUM tape to the threads.
- Ball valves are installed on the prepared branch pipes. The installation of the collector node to the outlets from the riser or other main channels begins.
- The fasteners of the spurs with taps are tightened to a sufficient degree of sealing. Again, protracted forces vary from case to case.
- The balancing valve is connected, plugs and impulse pipes are installed, if any are provided in the project.
Connecting the node to consumer pipes
When the collector is fixed and connected to the central pipeline, you can connect it to the communications of the same batteries and radiators. Preliminary, a similar processing of threaded connections is performed with the application of sealing and sealing materials. In this part, due to differences in the throughput of heating equipment, it may be necessary to create transitional sections with repair inserts. It is advisable to install manifold adapters withusing PEX pipes and fittings made of polypropylene. When connecting supply pipes, it is better to use a compression sleeve system, which will increase the reliability of the circuit in terms of resistance to vibrations in high circulation conditions.
General installation recommendations
When performing technical and installation work on the manifold block, the following rules should be followed:
- It is possible to start installing the node in the water supply or heating system only after checking the communications by crimping.
- At the time of installation, the supply circuit from the riser must be freed from the coolant.
- When connecting the collector unit to third-party pipes, regardless of their purpose, the alignment between the return and supply circuits must be maintained.
- When performing installation, adjustable wrenches and wrenches are used, but not their pipe counterparts.
- Fill the assembled manifold with water gradually to minimize the risk of water hammer.
Commissioning activities
Before putting the device into operation, several adjustment operations should be carried out. First of all, it is necessary to set the pressure indicator, taking into account possible differences. This is usually done on the DPV valve, after which the water flow ratings for the STP type valve are set. In the future, the operation of the collector unit for heating will be controlled through a thermostatic head (in modern versions). In it, with an accuracy of 1 ° С, the currenttemperature regime. In more advanced models of the regulatory system, the possibility of software adjustment with intelligent control algorithms is allowed, which takes into account the microclimate indicators in the complex.
Device maintenance
Under the condition of intensive use of the heating system, it is recommended to check the collector for leaks and the condition of functional organs every month. Measuring devices and flow meters are checked for accuracy, and connections - for reliability. Faulty elements of the collector assembly should be replaced with their counterparts with the same performance characteristics. As a rule, this applies to consumables, seals, regulator knobs and valves. The system should also be rebalanced periodically. This is done through trim valves with flow meters.
Conclusion
Heating systems in private homes, and increasingly in apartments with floor heating, are constantly being expanded to include new functional components. On the one hand, such an overload does not have the best effect on the size of the heating infrastructure, and on the other hand, each innovation increases the reliability and efficiency of the system. As for the collector, it can become a good base for placing such functionality. Along with the key functions of distribution and mixing of flows, the complete manifold assembly will also act as a means of cleaning, venting and maintaining the circulation of flows. Of course, such an acquisition will be expensive, especially when it comes to models from companies like Wilo or V altec. But, as the feedback from the users themselves shows, a properly organized distribution and mixing unit will justify itself both in terms of performance and for reasons of energy savings.
