Classic heating stoves and fireplaces in private houses, saunas and bath buildings without fail require the organization of a chimney system. It can also be equipped in the traditional way (masonry), or you can use a more technological and practical solution in the form of a finished structure. In the domestic market, in particular, Ferrum chimneys are popular, reviews of which note reliability, durability and functionality. In addition, this option is quite attractive in terms of prices - the main thing is to determine the appropriate model of the device.
General information about the manufacturer
Ferrum is a Voronezh enterprise that specializes in the development and production of stainless steel structures. One of the areas of its activity is the production of chimneys for various types of heating equipment. On theToday, the company's capacities are focused on single- and double-walled pipe chimneys for heat generating equipment. The range of target equipment with which Ferrum products are combined is very wide. It covers both typical solid fuel stoves with boilers and gas water heaters with ventilation ducts and drains.
Chimney arrangement
One of the key advantages of Ferrum's chimneys is a prefabricated frame device, thanks to which the user can simulate a variety of structure layouts. The basis of any set is formed by pipes for the Ferrum chimney, and with several sections. The initial level is represented by a pipe that directly connects the conditional boiler and the floor that separates the lower floor from the attic. This is followed by a section leading to the roofing, and an outlet is placed on the roof. For attachment points, the kits provide special clamps, and a passage cover is mounted in the passage through the roof. An umbrella or a deflector is installed on the very top of the pipe, depending on the model. The range of flue pipe diameters varies on average from 80 to 300 mm.
Chimney materials
Practically all load-bearing and functional components of chimneys are made of stainless heat-resistant steel. In particular, Ferrum specialists use AISI 304, AISI 430, AISI 439 alloys, as well as metals with a polished mirror surface. The structure of these alloys is characterized by lowcarbon content and a high concentration of chromium (over 11%), which just determines the resistance of the structure to high temperatures and mechanical stress. Each element of the system down to the clamp and the smallest hardware is characterized by corrosion resistance, so even the internal attic condensate is absolutely harmless to the structure. As for reliability, Ferrum stainless steel chimneys have walls up to 0.5 mm thick, so neither wind loads nor accidental impacts are terrible if the structure is properly installed.
Design features
In the manufacture of chimney elements, the company uses advanced technologies for spot seam welding, as well as argon-arc equipment. Infusible electrodes by TIG technology are used as consumables for welding. It is thanks to such joints that strong pipe joints with increased tightness are formed. In the case of AISI 439 alloys, overlap welding and laser welding methods are also used. As reviews of Ferrum chimneys of this type show, the structures are highly resistant to deformation. Strong seams inside the pipes keep the cylindrical shape even under conditions of intense dynamic impacts. This is very important from the point of view of the patency of the channel. The absence of the smallest dents ensures the free passage of smoke without turbulence and soot deposits on the walls.
Types of Ferrum chimneys
As already noted, the manufacturer uses two basic fundamentally different structuralsolutions: single and double wall pipes. In the first case, the simplest channel device is used, designed to be placed inside a heated room or boiler room. The main thing is to provide for the technical possibility of connecting the pipe to the heat generating installation and bringing it outside. The main disadvantage of designs with a single pipe is the impossibility of bringing them out through the roofing. On the other hand, reviews of Ferrum chimneys in a single-wall configuration emphasize their installation flexibility, compactness and the ability to implement a variety of connection schemes, which is very important in small boiler rooms.
As for double-walled models, they fully reflect the principle of the sandwich chimney. The structure is formed by two pipes (one into the other), between which a layer of thermal insulation is placed. It is the insulation that allows the use of such pipes outside in conditions of sudden temperature changes. Bas alt fiber is used as a filler, which holds its shape and does not burn.
Advantages of the Ferrum sandwich chimney
The main advantages of this design are provided by a multilayer structure with a central functional filler in the form of a bas alt heat insulator. This device has the following advantages:
- Fire resistance. The material does not support combustion in the event of a fire on the roofing or in the attic. If the structure of the roof contains a fire-resistant layer, then through a single conductor inthe chimney fire will also not pass.
- Minimizing condensation. The accumulation of heat does not interfere with air circulation at all, which eliminates the accumulation of moisture on the inner walls of pipes.
- Improve structural strength. The presence of a middle layer of mineral fiber with a thickness of 30-100 mm in itself increases the rigidity of the walls, making them heavier only within the permissible limits.
Chimneys for gas water heaters
The features of chimney models designed for gas equipment include the use of a coaxial and separate system for the output of combustion products. Structurally, the same Ferrum stainless steel sandwich chimneys are used, but with a small diameter - about 80-100 mm. Seams are usually laser spot welded as it is important to ensure a smooth and even surface on the inside. Clamp connections can be used for field assembly, as well as the butt welding method. In order to increase the sealing, silicone rings are used, which also prevent the accumulation of condensate in the junctions of the two sections.
Stove chimneys
The use of smoke exhaust pipes in combination with sauna stoves means that materials and structures are resistant to high thermal loads. Accordingly, only a double-walled chimney is used with a pipe wall thickness of at least 0.8 mm. It is important to consider that the high temperatures of the exhaust gases will also create loads on the insulation layer. Therefore, in order to exclude thermal degradation, it is necessary to givepreference for stainless chimneys "Ferrum" with an insulation density of at least 120 kg / m3. The thickness of the thermal insulation should not be less than 50 mm.
Installation of Ferrum chimneys
At the stage of preparing the wiring diagram, several installation parameters should be fixed, which the manufacturer recommends to follow:
- The height of the chimney pipe from the heating unit must be 3 m.
- The protrusion above the roof is at least 50 cm.
- From the parapet and ridge, the exit point of the pipe should be at least 1.5 m.
- If a higher building is located near the house, then it will be necessary to increase the height of the structure so that the neck is higher than the top point of the nearest building.
- Throughout the installation process, a spirit level should be used to assess the position of the pipe, which must be perfectly vertical.
Direct installation of the Ferrum chimney begins with fixing the base section to the heat exchanger through the damper. Metal clamps, welding and silicone sealant are used to connect the elements. The next docking point will be the second pipe segment, and then the final one, which will provide a base for exiting through the roof deck. In advance, a hole of a suitable diameter should be prepared in the roof for installing the passage. The metal passage is attached to the roofing material in a circle, after which an annular seal is installed. At the final stage, the chimney outlet pipe with a cover is mountedor deflector. From below, it is connected with the same clamps to the attic section of the pipe, and in the passage area it is sealed with mounting foam.
Feedback on Ferrum chimneys
The responses of the users themselves about the designs of this company are generally positive. Various technical and operational advantages are noted from ergonomics of use to fire safety and technical reliability. So, many advantages are due to an optimized design. The owners praise it for its ease of assembly, the ability to build a variety of configurations for assembly, functionality and durability. Separately, it is worth noting reviews of Ferrum sandwich chimneys, which emphasize practicality, maintaining optimal thermal conditions and the complete exclusion of moisture, which usually negatively affects metal structures of this type. Plus, it is worth adding to this the moderate cost of the Ferrum kits - for example, a sandwich pipe with a diameter of 150 mm can be purchased in full for 2 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
Metal sectional chimneys are very popular today and the manufacturer "Ferrum" demonstrates an example of the optimal implementation of this concept. However, when buying, it is important to pay attention to small nuances regarding the quality of a particular product. For example, a Ferrum chimney sandwich pipe must have an even and clear cut. Metal surfaces must be free of dents and other damage with defects. It would be useful to check the mechanics of docking between the individual elements of the kit- there are situations when you have to artificially adjust the sections by connecting adapters and other fittings. It is advisable to avoid such fasteners by using pipes and clamps that are strictly suitable for each other in advance. Together with the kit, a marking is also taken indicating the parameters of each structural element. In the future, it will also help to correctly perform the installation operations.
