One-pipe heating system, colloquially called "Leningrad", is very popular among private developers. The thing is its efficiency, as well as the ease of installation and operation. Especially often in small country houses, a single-pipe heating system with a lower wiring is used. We will talk about it later in the article.
Design features
When designing the heating systems of a country house, first of all, it is necessary to determine which design - one-pipe or two-pipe - will be most convenient in this particular case. The first is easier to install and easier to operate. However, it does not work as efficiently. Monotube systems are used mainly only in small single-storey buildings. Includes such a design:
- heating boiler;
- PVC pipes;
- radiators;
- usually a circulation pump;
- expansion tank ;
- security group;
- Filters
- fitting.
It is a diagram of a single-pipe heating system with a lower wiring (or from any other) closed loop in which the coolant moves in a circle. If desired, in a private house, you can use the option with both a natural cycle and a forced one. In the latter case, a circulation pump is installed in the system , which transfers the coolant.
The closed- type (forced) heating system has such an important advantage as the possibility of significant fuel savings. The option with natural circulation when using a single-tube design is extremely rare. Mainly due to its lack of effectiveness. In this case, the coolant circulates through the pipes due to the temperature difference at the outlet and inlet of the boiler. Since, passing along the perimeter of the rooms, water or antifreeze gradually cools, extreme heat radiators may already not be enough. Thus, in the far rooms the air will warm up much worse than in the neighboring ones. When using the pump, the coolant circulates through the pipes faster and cools less, respectively.
What is the bottom connection
Designing heating systems is a very important procedure. When drawing up a scheme, you should consider everything to the smallest detail. So, for example, heating radiators can be included in the circuit in different ways. Sometimes the diagonal method is used, in which the inlet and outlet pipes are located on two sides of the battery - above and below. Lateral connection is also often used. In this case, the pipes are connected to the radiator on one side. The lower connection assumes their connection on both sides, but only from the bottom. This method has both its advantages and disadvantages. The first include ease of installation and the possibility of wiring pipes under the floor. The disadvantage of the lower connection is considered not too high compared with other methods, the degree of heat transfer of the batteries.
Boiler installation
What is the scheme of a single-pipe heating system with a lower wiring, we figured it out. Now let's see how to mount it correctly. The assembly work begins as follows:
- First, a heating boiler is mounted. In single-tube systems, all their varieties can be used. The most economical and easy to maintain are gas models. In private houses, if there are highways in the village, they are usually installed. Installation of the boiler can be done independently. To do this, only follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- The chimney is discharged into the street with a gasket at the junction of the ceiling with heat-resistant material. The boiler can only be connected by specialists. Mounted or hung on the wall, it must be strictly horizontal.
Installation of pipes and radiators
They continue to install the heating system at home with a hinge of batteries. Radiators are usually mounted under the windows. They should be located on the walls in such a way that the distance from their lower edge to the floor is about 10 cm, to the window sill - 8 cm, to the wall - 5 cm. This will ensure maximum heat transfer.
At the next stage, pipes for heating are installed. Radiators are usually connected via bypass. This allows, if necessary, to shut down the battery without stopping the entire heating system. Bypass is easy to install. Actually, the pipe itself passes under the radiator, the latter is attached to the pipes allocated from it.
For each battery, an ordinary crane and a Mayevsky crane are installed. The latter serves to drain excess air during pressure testing and is mounted on the supply pipe directly next to the radiator. An ordinary tap is designed to disconnect / connect the battery.
Installation of a broad tank
Collecting any types of heating systems, including one-pipe, this element should be given maximum attention. The safety of operation of the entire structure and its durability depend on how correctly the tank is mounted. It can be installed in the system in two ways. Conventional models are mounted in such a way that they are about 1-2 m above the boiler. Membrane options are installed next to the heating apparatus. In any case, installation is carried out on the return pipe.
Circulation pump installation
This important structural element cannot be installed on the feed pipe. The water temperature in this highway is very high. A constant overheating can lead to premature failure of the device. Therefore, pumps for heating systems are mounted on a return pipe, through which already cooled water approaches the boiler. The appliance should be installed in bypass with cranes. Directly in front of it should be fixed a special filter. The coolant in the pipes is never very clean. Sludge may build up inside the system, scale will form, etc. If you do not use the filter, the structure will clog.
Following the installation of equipment such as pumps for heating systems, the boilers themselves are connected and a trial run of the equipment is carried out. Pipes are connected to the inlet and outlet pipes of the heating unit according to the instructions. Previously, in any place (closer to the boiler), a security group is mounted. At the lowest point in the system, a drain valve crashes.
Security group
The structure of this node of the heating system includes such elements as:
- air vent;
- console;
- pressure gauge;
- shut-off and safety valves.
Typically, a safety group is mounted on an outlet pipe. Without it, the system cannot be put into operation.
Filling and checking the system
Thus, you now know what a diagram of a single-pipe heating system with bottom wiring is, as well as how it is mounted. After the assembly is complete, you can proceed to the crimping operation. She will need a pump. With its help, water should be pumped into the system under a pressure slightly higher than the working one (for private houses this is usually 3-5 atm.). During the crimping operation, you should carefully inspect all joints, fittings and tees for leaks. Any problems you have will need to be fixed.
How to achieve uniform heat distribution in a single pipe system
As already mentioned, the main disadvantage of such designs is the different heating temperature of the radiators. In order to achieve uniform heat distribution in all rooms, batteries with different number of sections can be used. However, it is much more convenient to make adjustments by means of cranes installed on the radiators. A smaller amount of coolant should pass through the ones closest to the boiler, and more, respectively, through the distant ones.
Feature Selection
Of course, the heating system device begins with the selection of the necessary components and parts. In single-pipe heating systems, almost the same elements are used as in any other. Radiators can be:
- Aluminum. This is a fairly aesthetic easy option that can withstand a lot of pressure. The disadvantage of such radiators is considered primarily the demanding quality of the coolant.
- Bimetallic. These models are made of two types of metals - aluminum and steel. They serve much longer than the first variety. The fact is that aluminum does not directly contact them with the coolant. Of it, only the actual heat-transferring plates are produced.
- Cast iron. This is a well-known type, quite reliable, but very weighty.
Pipes for heating are currently most often used metal-plastic. However, you can install either steel, or even copper. The latter option is considered the most reliable. But when choosing aluminum radiators , copper pipes cannot be used in the system.
In constructions with a natural circulation system , metal-reinforced plastic or steel larger than when using a diameter pump should be installed. Too thin lines will make water movement difficult. Pipes are installed in a system with natural coolant circulation with a slight slope.
As you can see, the scheme of a single-pipe heating system with a lower wiring does not differ in any particular complexity. Mount it in the same way as any other. The main thing is to comply with the assembly order and not violate any standards. In this case, the house will be warm and safe.