Any heating system of an apartment or apartment building will work properly if this process is established, and it is possible to do it even on your own. However, everyone is inclined to solve this issue in their own way. The most popular way to achieve the productive work 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 advantages. About them and 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, which has many conclusions, they are intended for connecting home heating devices, as well as for adjusting the volume of temperature and water supply pressure. This device centrally controls the heating processes in a separate room in the living space. This element of the system can be adapted to radiators, underfloor heating, convectors and panel heating methods.
The device has two interconnected parts that are combined into one unit. The first of these is the supply manifold, while the second is the return manifold. The first action is aimed at controlling the flow of coolant to the existing circuits, which, if necessary, can be blocked by valves.
Need to use
A return manifold is required for proportional heating of premises, which is ensured by the method of balancing the pressure level in the branches.
A distribution manifold is installed on each floor, when it comes to a large private building. The system is very convenient, because with its help you can adjust the temperature not only on each floor, but also in every 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 the collectors
There are no particular variations of the equipment described above, while the differences depend on the base material, the number of circuits and built-in auxiliary devices. The production of combs can be adjusted using materials resistant to external negative factors, while the functionality and complexity of the equipment can be completely different.
Given the above, the following types of collectors can be distinguished:
- 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, therefore, it is also necessary to highlight simple and improved types of distribution combs. The former do not have auxiliary parts for adjusting 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 manifold is a tube with a number of branches and a pair of connecting holes on the sides.
Complex collectors
If we are talking about a more complex model, then it can be equipped with:
- sensors;
- control units;
- automatic thermostats;
- electronic mixers;
- valves;
- automatic air exhaust devices;
- valves for draining water.
Sensors are required to take pressure and temperature into account. With the help of control units, the coolant is supplied, but automatic thermostats maintain a certain level of pressure in the system, whereas when the permissible values are exceeded, they reduce it. The pre-programmed temperature is maintained using mixers and electronic valves.
Collector manufacturing
Distribution comb (collector) can be performed by you independently. First you need to plan everything, and first of all, you need to 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 should know where the coolant will be directed. If we are talking about heating equipment, then we should determine its power, water temperature, etc. In addition, if it is planned 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 calculate the amount of equipment by type of valves, storage tanks, fittings, pumps, pressure gauges, thermometers and more. You can make a comb for water. The distribution manifold should only be made after determining the design of the device. It is important to consider where each circuit will go, and which side you will fail. Experts advise to pay attention to the nuances of the connection. For example, electric or gas boilers are connected from below or from above to a 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 aggregates and indirect heating boilers , their insertion is carried out exclusively from the end. But the supply circuits cut into the bottom or top.
Specialist advice
The distance between the nozzles of the return and supply circuit should be in the range from 10 to 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 arrange two compartments: return and feed.
Manufacturing technique
If you will be installing a distribution manifold, then the return and supply compartments must be made of square and round pipes. 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 appropriate materials, which should be connected according to the drawing using a welding machine. The joints should be cleaned with an iron brush, if necessary, degreased.
The finished device should be tested for leaks, for which all nozzles are well closed, only one is left. Hot water should be poured into it. The distribution manifold was made correctly if none of the joints were leaking. In the next step, 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 stop valves. Some people wonder if it is easier to purchase a ready-made device. As practice shows, it is not always suitable for a certain heating system. Sometimes you have to align the thermal performance. For example, some resort to the decision to install an additional comb. This becomes a source of costs and creates an extra amount of work.
System Installation Location
A distribution manifold for a warm floor can be installed on each floor, in this case a special collector block is mounted. Usually this is a niche in the wall, which is located 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 it is a utility room. For this, collector cabinets for heating are also used. Usually they are made of metal and equipped with a door, as well as a stamping, which is necessary for piping in the side walls. Inside there may be mounts for the manifold block. Sometimes the cabinet can be built-in or laid on.
Collector price
The distribution manifold (2 circuits) may have different costs, but if we are talking about the manufacturer Rehau, then it will have to pay 5500 rubles. Such devices are intended for radiator heating systems. If the base is stainless steel, then the equipment will cost more, for such a model for 2 circuits you will give 7300 rubles. Distribution collector (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 designed for radiator wiring. The case does not have coatings; brass is used as the manufacturing material. This collector is tested during the manufacturing process under high pressure and consists of two distribution pipes with a diameter of 1 inch. Connection is possible on both sides.
If you are interested in the HKV distribution manifold, then you should know that this device is an equipment with control valves. It is intended for underfloor heating and has two exits. It is based on stainless steel, there are no flow meters in the kit. The brackets are galvanized and soundproofed, and the feed line is equipped with control valves. Such a water distribution manifold is equipped with taps, so they do not have to be purchased separately.
Which collector to choose
As practice shows, the widest assortment of collectors is presented by Oventrop. The equipment of this company can be designed for any kind of heat generator, the device can have a pump. The output tubes and the comb of Oventrop collectors are not made of plastic, but of stainless steel, this eliminates the deformation of elements when exposed to high temperatures. Ball valves, sealing valves and nuts are made of antirust brass, which significantly extends the life of the collectors.
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 today offer such devices. You can make the right choice by looking at the specifications and prices, but if you don’t want to spend money, you can also make this device yourself.