Any heating system for an apartment or a residential building will work properly if this process is established, and it is possible to do it even on your own. However, everyone tends to solve this issue in their own way. The most popular way to achieve productive operation of the heating system is to use distribution manifolds, their main function is to proportionally distribute the flows emitted by the coolants. This technology has many features and benefits. They will be discussed below. It is noteworthy that you can set up the system yourself, as well as make a collector.
Description
In general, the distribution manifold is a metal comb that has many leads, they are intended for connecting home heating appliances, as well as for adjusting the volume of temperature and pressure of the water supply. This device centrally controls heating processes in a separateliving space room. This element of the system can be adapted to radiators, underfloor heating, convectors and panel heating.
The device has two interconnected parts, which are combined into one block. The first of them is the supply manifold, while the second is the return manifold. The action of the first is aimed at controlling the supply of coolant to the existing circuits, which, if necessary, can be shut off with valves.
Need to use
The return collector is required for proportional heating of the premises, which is provided by the method of balancing the pressure level in the branches.
The distribution manifold is installed on each floor when it comes to a large private building. The system is very convenient, because it can be used to regulate the temperature not only on each floor, but also in each room. And during repair work, it will be enough to turn off only one circuit, while the rest of the house will not be deprived of heating.
What are collectors
Specific variations of the equipment described above do not exist, while the differences depend on the base material, the number of circuits and the built-in auxiliary devices. The production of combs can be established using materials resistant to external negative factors, while the functionality and complexity of the equipment can be completely different.
Given the above, we can distinguish the following typescollectors:
- brass;
- polymer;
- copper;
- steel.
The number of circuits can vary from 2 to 12 pieces. With an increase in heating equipment, you can easily add the missing circuits to the overall system. The level of complexity of the design can be different, so simple as well as improved types of distribution combs should also be highlighted. The former do not have auxiliary parts to adjust the operation of the device, while the latter have built-in control elements, a large number of fittings, special sensors and automation. The simplest version of the collector is a tube with a number of branches and a pair of connecting holes on the sides.
Complex Manifolds
If we are talking about a more complex model, then it can be equipped with:
- sensors;
- control blocks;
- automatic thermostats;
- electronic faucets;
- valves;
- automatic air outlets;
- water drain valves.
Sensors are needed to take into account the level of pressure and temperature. With the help of control units, a coolant is supplied, but automatic thermostats maintain a certain level of pressure in the system, while if the permissible values are exceeded, they reduce it. The pre-programmed temperature is maintained using mixers and electronic valves.
ProductionCollector
Distribution comb (collector) can be made by you yourself. First you need to plan everything, and first of all, you should decide on the components of the heating network. It is important to know the number of circuits, the number of heating equipment, as well as the number of additional equipment. As for the first factor, you must know where the coolant will be directed. If we are talking about heating equipment, then you should decide on its power, water temperature, etc. In addition, if you plan to integrate heating elements into the system in the future, it is best to take everything into account in advance, this also applies to heat pumps, as well as solar panels.
You must count the number of equipment by type of valves, storage tanks, fittings, pumps, pressure gauges, thermometers and more. You can make a water comb. The distribution manifold should only be manufactured after the design of the device has been determined. It is important to consider where each circuit will pass, and from which side you will let it down. Experts advise paying attention to the nuances of connection. For example, electric or gas boilers are connected from below or above to the collector. If there is a circulation pump in the system, then the connection is made only from the end of the comb. As for solid fuel units and indirect heating boilers, their tie-in is carried out exclusively from the end. But the feed contours cut in from below or from above.
Advicespecialist
The distance between the pipes of the return and supply circuits should be between 10 and 20 cm. It is not worth increasing or decreasing this value, since maintenance will be accompanied by difficulties. In the same range, it is necessary to place two compartments: return and supply.
Production method
If you will mount a distribution manifold, then the return and supply compartments must be made of a square and round pipe. Some experts prefer the first option, as it is easier to work with. It is important to follow the sequence of work, it provides for the preparation of the appropriate materials, which should be connected according to the drawing using a welding machine. The joints must be cleaned with an iron brush, if necessary, degreased.
The finished device should be tested for leaks, for which all pipes close well, leaving only one. It should be filled with hot water. The distribution manifold was made correctly if none of the joints dripped. At the next stage, the collector is painted and left to dry. The connection of all pipe systems is carried out at the next stage, as well as the installation of valves. Some are wondering if it is not easier to purchase a ready-made device. As practice shows, it is not always suitable for a specific heating system. Sometimes it is necessary to align thermalindicators. For example, some resort to the solution of installing an additional comb. This becomes a source of cost and creates extra work.
System installation location
Distribution manifold for underfloor heating can be installed on each floor, in this case a special manifold block is mounted. Usually this is a niche in the wall, which is at some distance from the floor. The niche should be located in a room whose operating conditions are not accompanied by increased moisture. The device can be placed on the wall, if we are talking about a utility room. For this, collector cabinets for heating are also used. Usually they are made of metal and are equipped with a door, as well as stamping, which is necessary for connecting pipes in the side walls. Inside there may be mounts for the manifold block. Sometimes the cabinet is built-in or overhead.
Collector price
The distribution manifold (2 circuits) may have a different cost, but if we are talking about the manufacturer Rehau, then you will have to pay 5,500 rubles for it. Such devices are intended for radiator heating systems. If the basis is stainless steel, then the equipment will cost more, for such a model for 2 circuits you will pay 7300 rubles. The distribution manifold (3 circuits) will cost 5200 rubles, in this case we are talking about the same company.
And if you are interested in the HLV 3 model, then you should know about some of its characteristics. These devices are equipped with ball valves and are intended for radiator wiring. The case has no coating,Brass is used as the manufacturing material. This manifold is high pressure tested in the manufacturing process and consists of two distribution pipes 1 inch in diameter. Connection possible on both sides.
If you are interested in the HKV distribution manifold, then you should know that this device is equipment with control valves. It is designed for underfloor heating and has two outputs. The basis is stainless steel, there are no flow meters in the kit. The brackets are galvanized and soundproofed, and the supply line is equipped with control valves. Such a distribution water collector is equipped with taps, so they do not have to be purchased additionally.
Which collector to choose
As practice shows, the widest range of collectors is presented by Oventrop. The equipment of this company can be designed for any type of heat generator, the device may have a pump. The outlet tubes and the comb of the Oventrop collectors are not made of plastic, but of stainless steel, this eliminates the deformation of the elements when exposed to high temperatures. Ball valves, sealing valves and nuts are made of anti-corrosion brass, which greatly extends the life of the manifolds.
Conclusion
If you do not want to spend money on heating non-residential premises at home, then you need to purchase a distribution manifold. Rehau and many other companies now offer such devices. You can make the right choice by readingcharacteristics and prices, however, if you do not want to spend money, then this device can be made independently.
