Technical capabilities for organizing the engineering systems of a private house are becoming more sophisticated and attractive in the eyes of the consumer. One of the most responsible tasks of this direction in the economic arrangement is the organization of heating. The operation of the piped heat supply network today is becoming less and less necessary without special power equipment based on a circular pump. For the heating system, pumping units are available that can operate under high pressure and under conditions of high temperature loads. There are plenty of models and modifications of this device on the market - it remains only to make the right choice. But first you need to figure out what, in principle, you need a pump in the heating infrastructure.
Circular Pump Tasks
Individual heating in private homes in most cases is organized by means of a water supply network with hot circulating medium. The movement of the coolant is a key factor in the operability of the heating system. And in this sense, it is necessary to distinguish between piping circuits with natural and forced circulation. In the first case, due to the elementary laws of physics, hot flows circulate in the system in a natural way - from the boiler, heated water rises, and in the cooled state it drops due to the acting gravity. This principle works in small houses, but in conditions of even an average area there is a risk of stopping flows, which in winter is fraught with freezing of pipes. So why do we need a circular pump in heating? It is in conditions of difficulty in the natural movement of hot flows that the forced circulation provided by the pump is required. Such units are mounted in a heat supply system on the segment of the return pipe that connects the boiler and the target radiator equipment. With proper placement of pipes and a pump, you can guaranteed to get a uniform and stable distribution of thermal energy throughout the house.
Types of Circular Pump
Two categories of such units should be distinguished - models with a “dry” and a “wet” rotor. Outwardly and even in operating parameters, they practically do not differ, but during operation, certain nuances of their work are very noticeable. So, the presence of a “dry” rotor means that the device will make a lot of noise and vibrate, but at the same time it will provide high performance. A typical device for a circular pump for heating with a wet rotor differs in that the power plant is always located in a served water environment. This is necessary to lubricate the element base, which ultimately reduces the noise effect, but also reduces the efficiency. In addition, due to direct contact of the coolant with the mechanical elements, the quality of the water is reduced, which can be harmful to pipes.
Characteristics of a circulation pump for heating
Now you can go on to an overview of the main operational characteristics that evaluate the performance of circular pumps:
- The volume of coolant that passes through the heating equipment in 1 min. Experts in evaluating this parameter advise equating the power of the unit to the flow of water. For example, if the capacity of the boiler equipment is 20 kW, then the pump is selected according to the flow rate of about 20 liters of water.
- Type of coolant. In the heating system, not only hot water can be served, but also special mixtures - for example, with non-freezing additives. It is important initially to think over this nuance, since different materials of the pump design have their own limitations in terms of contact with a particular chemistry.
- Diameter of a branch pipe. One of the characteristics (along with pressure) that directly affect the throughput and flow rate of the coolant. So, the marking of a circular pump for heating systems 25/4 is common, which indicates the diameter (in millimeters) and the pressure head (in meters of water column). On average, a 25 mm nozzle lets 30 l / min through if the water column is 4-6 m.
- Medium temperature. Maximum thermal load at which the pump can operate normally. Modern models are able to withstand up to 110 ° C.
The rating of circular pumps for heating presented below will help to more accurately determine the choice of a suitable unit for operation in certain conditions.
1. Grundfos ALPHA3
One of the most high-tech offers in the general segment of circular pumping units today. The Danish company has long been developing the ALPHA line of circular pumps, but in this case we are talking about the third generation of the family. It focused on the best practices of previous generations and included unique innovations.
Of the basic operating parameters of the ALPHA3, a nozzle diameter of 25 mm, a pressure of 4 m and an installation length of about 180 mm can be noted. But the most important thing is the ability to control the circular pump for the Grundfos ALPHA3 heating system. The developers have provided an interface provided by the proprietary application for the GO Remote smartphone, thanks to which the user can control all the main equipment parameters from a distance. In particular, the remote control lends itself to the selection of the operating mode, error reading, diagnostic operations, etc. Moreover, in the operating modes, automatic adjustment is also taken into account with an emphasis on the target equipment being supplied - radiators, floor heating systems or for closed circulation in the circuit. For security, a special system balancing option is provided. Through special sensors, the pump electronics constantly monitors the hydraulic characteristics of the heating system, giving recommendations for adjusting shut-off and control valves.
2. Wester WCP 25-60G
The case when compliance with high consumer demands on a variety of evaluation criteria demonstrates a product from a company known for the most part only to specialists. We can say that the universal circular pump for heating WCP 25-60G is optimally suited for single and double pipe systems. The unit operates stably under temperature loads up to 110 ° C and with a pressure of 6 bar. The case made of cast iron guarantees the durability and reliability of the equipment.
Users themselves note the ergonomic advantages of this model. Among them, it is possible to note the possibility of mounting in vertical and horizontal planes, compact dimensions and low noise level. Unpleasant factors for increasing vibration are noted at the maximum load of the circular pump. In principle, it is not recommended to use operating modes with maximum speeds for a domestic heating system, but in extreme cases, oscillations can be minimized by transferring the pump to a lower operating speed.
3. "Belamos BRS 25 / 4G"
Budget solution from a domestic manufacturer worth only 2 thousand rubles. Again, a universal unit for household systems with a small load. With a maximum head of 4.5 m, the pump maintains a capacity of 2.8 m 3 / h. The owners at the same time indicate a high quality of work - stable maintenance of the set temperature for a long time and maintaining the purity of the aquatic environment without impurities. This option is especially suitable for those who are counting on the minimum cost of maintaining a circular pump. For the heating system of a small house, they will correspond to the costs of maintaining a medium-power light bulb. However, for these advantages it is necessary to sacrifice not the best quality of the complete fasteners and rotor impeller, which is made of plastic.
4. Wilo Star-RS 25/4
In terms of quality of parts and assembly, this model corresponds to the ALPHA3 level, while providing ample opportunities for use in combined heating systems with ventilation and water supply. The unit has three high-speed pumping modes, provides a maximum throughput of up to 3 m3 / h and practically does not impose requirements in terms of temperature restrictions. The only recommendation for a coolant is that the water is not too hard. According to the working process of the circular pump for the Wilo heating system of this version, users note a low noise level, reliability, convenience during installation operations (wide configuration with a full set of fasteners affects) and resistance to network differences. Among the shortcomings, a price tag of 5.5 thousand rubles can be noted. and the possibility of implementing only horizontal installation.
5. "Gileks Compass 32-80"
A model combining high performance and belonging to the democratic segment of circular pumps. Structural features in the form of a large-format nozzle with a large pressure column determine the high velocity of the flow. As a result, even a large house can be warmed up in just 15-20 minutes. If we talk about specific indicators, then per hour the volume of the coolant is about 8 m3. At peak load, it consumes 245 watts, which is also a lot from the point of view of energy consumption. What is noteworthy, with solid power, the circular pump for the Gileks Circulator heating system in terms of vibrational vibrations and noise corresponds to small-sized units. Quiet operation is organically associated with a uniform distribution of coolant, high productivity and technical reliability. But in terms of electricity costs, this model shows the worst results in the ranking.
How to choose a circular pump for heating?
In addition to the basic performance characteristics, functionality and technical compatibility with the pipeline and heating equipment, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the design of the unit. To a large extent, the durability of the equipment resource and the stability of the implementation of the main tasks will depend on it.
The most attention in the selection is given to the materials of manufacture of the housing and rotor. Preferences can be given to cast iron as the most reliable solution, but it should be borne in mind that this metal cannot be combined with a pipeline that serves clean water for food needs. Which circular pump is best for a heating system in terms of rotor design? The most reliable designs are provided by ceramic components. In an extreme case, you can give preference to stainless elements, but if they are complemented by plastic consumables, this will be a serious minus of the unit. Also, in a comprehensive assessment of the reliability of equipment, you can focus on the IP security class. At a minimum, it is worth choosing models with a marking of at least IP44, which will indicate effective isolation of the pump filling from dirt, water and dust.
Unit Operation
The pump is mounted in the circuit by tapping into the pipeline with the preliminary installation of stop valves on the side of the heat source. Before operating the equipment, the system must be filled with water. At this point, a minimum pressure should be set on the pipeline line before entering the pump nozzle. Next, it is connected to the mains with the necessary cable insulation, after which the equipment turns on. In the future, as prescribed by the technical instructions, the circulation pumps for the heating system should be regularly checked for air in the system. In modern models, automation is responsible for this part of the diagnosis. In other cases, air is removed mechanically. Dehumidification should be carried out through the pump, opening the exhaust valve at the highest point of the unit. Also, some models are provided with a special air separator. There is no need to strive to remove air through the circular pump from the entire system. Firstly, it is technically difficult to implement, and secondly, complete dehumidification is carried out in a separate order on the marked technological areas. It is desirable for such purposes to provide the pipeline with appropriate fittings in the form of the same valves with air separators.
Pump maintenance and repair
As part of periodic maintenance activities (approximately every 3 months), the user is required to check the equipment design, cable integrity and connection nodes. Diagnostic automation should also always be monitored. As for the repair of the circular pump for heating, at home, you can eliminate a number of problems associated with the breakdown of the fuse, damage to the cable and protective automation. Some of the functional organs can be replaced without the help of specialists, but repair of the rotor or restoration of structural integrity is carried out as part of the overhaul of the unit. In the event of a malfunction in the internal electrical contacts or frequent monitoring of dry running, a complete pump replacement may be required.
Conclusion
The operation of the heating system as part of the engineering of a private house depends on many parameters and factors, many of which are somehow caused by a pump that supports the forced movement of the coolant. It determines the velocity of circulation of hot fluid, allowing more precise control of the dynamics of heating. Which circular pump is best for a heating system is also a multi-level issue that requires a comprehensive analysis. It is necessary to take into account directly the hydraulic characteristics, and control capabilities, and the structural parameters of a particular model. That is, one can approach such a choice only on the basis of a detailed assessment of the conditions for the future operation of the heating system and its requirements for the circulation function. Then, at the stage of equipment selection, the characteristics of the models are compared with the intended requirements. Moreover, the assessment should not also ignore the stylistic properties and appearance of the unit.