Purpose and installation of collectors for heating

An efficient heating system is a productive and reliable pipeline. For its modernization, a heating manifold is used in the form of a special block. The comb provides heat distribution around the circuit, which contributes to a comfortable temperature in the house.

Distributor operation specifics

A collector is a distribution type device for a heating system that promotes uniform heat distribution. The cooled water, under the influence of the circulation circulation, flows back into the boiler. The branches of the main line, thrown onto the distributor, function independently.

Device design

The intermediate assembly consists of two parts. The supply comb brings the coolant to the communications, and the return comb brings it to the heat generator when it cools down. Two combs are a collector group, and one circuit or several wiring to heating devices can be connected to each of them. The pressure inside each of the circuits is regulated.

Features of work

The principle of operation of collector heating consists in heating water by a heat generator and supplying it to the supply comb. Due to the large internal diameter of the assembly, the liquid in it slows down the speed and is distributed to all outlets.

The coolant moves to the individual circuit through connecting pipes with a smaller diameter than the distributor. Heated water can be directed to radiators, underfloor heating system, ensuring uniform heating of each element.

After entering the circuit and releasing heat, the water moves through another pipeline to the distributor. In this case, the direction will be opposite. Having reached the return manifold, the coolant is sent to the heat generator.

The collector type of heating is suitable if you have a country house or a two-story cottage.

Types of collectors

The collector is designed for a closed circulation heating system. The device can be of several modifications.

Radiator manifolds

The water appliance is placed on the battery and contributes to an even distribution of water in each section. It can be connected at the top, side, bottom or diagonally. If you have an apartment, the bottom setting is optimal - the contours are hidden under the skirting board or floor covering.

The private house is equipped with radiator distributors on each floor. They are placed in the center of the wiring, hidden in niches or special cabinets. If the same number of rings is not output to the collector devices, an individual circulation pump is used for each outlet.

The radiator type of mechanisms has several connection features:

• the branches of the distributor unit form separate circuits with shut-off valves;
• for underfloor heating, copper or polypropylene pipes are used;
• the connection is carried out using one-piece fittings;
• valves are installed to adjust the amount of coolant;
• circulating sediment is located in an intermediate unit at the entrance to the return pipe;
• the number of pipes depends on the number of rooms connected to one manifold.

One collector group should have 120 m of pipe.

Thermohydraulic distributor

Hydrostrelka is used in a productive or branched heat supply system, to which a multi-storey type of buildings is connected. On one side of the link-link, a circuit for a heating boiler is displayed, on the other - heating batteries or warm floors.

Distribution hydrocollector provides:

• elimination of sharp jumps in water temperature;
• increasing the operational resources in the system;
• saving fuel and electricity;
• maintaining a constant volume of water in the tank by mixing and secondary circulation;
• compensation of the costs of the secondary circuit coolant;
• separation of the boiler hydraulic circuit from the secondary wiring;
• support of the temperature balance of heating communications.

Normal operation of the line with a hydraulic boom in the winter season is ensured by the circulation pump of each circuit.

Solar collectors

In regions without autonomous water supply or non-gasified areas, heating can be realized using solar collectors. Structurally, the devices are designed as greenhouses capable of storing solar energy. The heat carrier circulates in a natural way - the circulating flows are created by the fans of the absorbing plate.

The sunbeams are adopted by the flat box dispenser. The black heat-absorbing plate accumulates heat flows and transfers them to a heat carrier, which is used as an air flow or water. Innovative systems work in the direction of the sun's movement.

Solar installations are expensive, and even in the southern regions they are used as an auxiliary heating device.

The distribution manifold for heating is produced with 2-12 circuits. When installing additional devices, the number of circuits can be increased.

Classification by design complexity, materials, equipment

When choosing dies, several parameters must be taken into account. Depending on the complexity of the design, the devices are simple and modernized. The first group is executed without adjusting parts and is an iron pipe with several branches and side holes for connecting to the system.

The upgraded options are equipped with:

• controllers of pressure and temperature parameters;
• sensors that regulate the supply of heat carrier;
• automatic thermostats - monitor and automatically lower the system pressure;
• electronic mixers and valves to maintain the set temperature regime;
• flow meters for adjusting the amount of coolant in the loops;
• automatic air vents and automated drain valves.

The following materials are used for the manufacture of intermediate units:

• brass, designed for long-term use;
• stainless steel that can withstand high pressure and is durable;
• polypropylene, which is a budget material.

Modernized manifolds are manufactured with ball valves, into which control valves are inserted. Metal models have anti-corrosion and heat-insulating coating.

Recommendations for the selection of devices

When buying combs for heating, several nuances must be taken into account:

• Collet models are prone to leakage at valve connections. Their seal breaks down faster and cannot be replaced.
• The system functions normally only with a circulation pump.
• To hide the collector, you need a special cabinet or niche.
• The maximum pressure indicator depends on the block material.
• The flow capacity of the distributor determines the amount of coolant moving through the pipes for a certain time.
• Auxiliary elements improve the functionality of the device.
• The number of outlets must be equal to the number of cooling circuits.

Technical parameters are prescribed in the product passport.

Auxiliary elements

The collector heating system is organized using additional elements:

• air vent - installed when the radiators and the unit are located on the same floor;
• adapter - needed when installing a ½ "air vent on a ¾" threaded manifold;
• corners - ensure the connection of the pipeline and the direction of the air vent upward;
• faucet - needed to connect the pipe from the boiler to the distributor;
• squeegee with union nut - used to shut off the water or gas supply and disconnect a faulty device;
• clamps with plastic dowels or brackets - will be needed to fix the unit.

The collector connected to the underfloor heating is equipped with a make-up tap.

Connection and installation requirements

The installation and connection of the collectors is carried out during the installation of the heating system. Intermediate appliances are placed in corridors, dressing rooms or storage rooms. Surface mounted or built-in wardrobes are suitable for this. If they are not there, a special niche is set up at a height of 20-30 cm from the floor.

A unified scheme for connecting the collector system has not been developed, but experts give several recommendations:

• The expansion tank must have a volume of 10% of the total amount of heat carrier.
• Installation of an individual pump for each circuit.
• An expansion tank is placed in front of the pump on the return line.
• In the presence of a hydraulic arrow, the tank is placed in front of the main pump, which circulates the small circuit.
• The pump resource increases when it is located above the return flow.

The collector shaft is placed horizontally, which prevents airing of the system and problems with its cooling.

Choosing a place of installation

The collector system is characterized by a floor-by-floor installation of pipes with the organization of an independent autonomous circuit. The distributor can be installed anywhere, hiding it in a cabinet with holes for pipes on the end walls.

The room should maintain optimal humidity, so a pantry, dressing room or corridor is ideal. If the collector is installed in the country, it is fixed open on clamps or brackets.

Self-assembly of the collector unit

You can make a distribution manifold with your own hands from several materials. You will need to choose the right tools, make calculations, create a drawing. The calculation takes into account the number of circuits, the presence of warm floors, rooms with a maximum and minimum temperature, the type of heating on each floor.

The collector disconnection should have a distance of 10-15 cm, the supply and return combs are separated from each other by 25-30 cm. The diameter of the device depends on the type of boiler, but 25.4-38.1 mm will be enough.

Polypropylene device

A polypropylene collector mechanism can be made from a 32 mm diameter pipe and 32/32/16 mm tees. A tee is placed on one side of the device, to which an air vent is connected at the top, and a drain valve at the bottom. On the other side there is a return / supply pipe and a valve. The feed is directed to the boiler.

The 16 mm diameter bend is equipped with a valve. The whole structure is fixed to the wall with brackets.

Brass knot

A homemade distributor can be made on the basis of brass fittings and tees. Linen tow or rattlesnake will be the lining material. After assembly, the device is tested. If connected incorrectly, it will leak.

Collector from a professional pipe

If you have welding skills, you can make a model for a large house where there is a multi-pipe wiring.The hydraulic boom system is made from a professional pipe 8x8 or 10x10 cm and a round pipe. Their cross section is calculated based on the thermal power of the system, the speed of the water, the difference in temperature indicators at the time of supply and return.

The wiring is removed by 15 cm, the collectors - by 20 cm. The pipe is installed according to the sketch, and the holes for the wiring are made with a gas cutter. Small parts of the tubes are pre-welded to the block. After assembly, the mounting brackets are attached to the device by welding.

The collector type of heating provides efficient and uniform heating of the home. The system is costly and difficult to install, but pays off in the first season of operation. If you want to save money, the craftsmen can make the distributor themselves.