Steam heating is considered one of the most dangerous, however it continues to be used in various conditions. Its efficiency has been proven by many years of operating experience. Heating equipment differs due to different wiring options.
How does steam heating work
Many people confuse steam heating systems with water ones. In fact, these are two devices that are completely different in design. The principle of operation of steam heating consists of several stages.
- The operating device (boiler) is supplied with fuel.
- Under the influence of combustion, the pipes with water inside are heated.
- When they are heated, water moves up and enters the expansion tank.
- From here, steam is released, which is transported to the coolants, due to which the premises are heated.
- In the process of fuel combustion, all waste is discharged into a chimney, which is installed in the wall or goes to the roof.
Steam boilers with this principle of operation are unsafe, since there is a high risk of burns when in contact with the parts of the devices. The coolant temperature reaches 100 degrees.
Advantages and disadvantages
Steam heating can only be used in exceptional cases. In doing so, you need to consider some of the pros and cons of the equipment. The positive qualities include:
- Efficiency and efficiency of heat transfer. A few minutes after starting the device, the room is heated.
- The system is capable of delivering an efficiency of more than 2300 kJ when steam is generated, while a conventional water boiler when cooling is only 100 kJ.
- It does not require the arrangement of special radiators: you can do it with several pipes.
There are more cons, and they are quite serious.
- The equipment is prohibited for use in public spaces and apartment buildings. This is because there is a high risk of explosion if handled incorrectly.
- Due to rapid heating, warm air circulates too actively in the room, which destroys all moisture and raises dust.
- The elements of the system are heated to critical temperatures, therefore, they are considered traumatic and require special finishing.
- Not suitable for all indoor finishes. Most modern building materials are easily deformable when exposed to high temperatures.
- There is no possibility to regulate heat transfer. To make the room temperature comfortable, it is necessary to additionally equip the heating branches and turn them on as needed.
- When steam is heated, a loud noise is generated, which is unbearable for home conditions.
- There are constant fluctuations in the temperature in the room, since the system has an automatic system that turns off the working mechanism as it heats up.
Be careful when handling steam radiators. Any contact with cold water can lead to depressurization of the system (metal burst).
Where is applied
The area of use of this heating option is quite narrow. Such units are permissible for operation in production workshops, private houses, subject to safety precautions.
Steam heating in a private house will be appropriate if it is used for a short time, as it dries the air too much.In winter, such equipment can be left unattended. There is a minimum amount of water in the system, so the risk of explosion and depressurization is not great.
Wiring types
The steam type of heating can be distributed throughout the room in several ways. Each of them has its own characteristics.
- Upper. This implies a ceiling-mounted steam outlet. Pipes go down to the radiators. Usually, they try to use this type of system for efficient heating, since here steam moves along one carrier, and condensate in another.
- Lower. The condenser and steam move along the same pipes. As a result, water hammer and depressurization of the system may occur. The pipes are located at floor level.
- Intermediate. The steam outlet is laid at the level of the window sill, so the hot pipes are in the access zone. This increases the risk of getting burned. The principle of operation of this design is similar to the upper wiring option.
Regardless of the method of dilution of heat carriers, all pipes transporting steam must be laid at a slope of 1-2 degrees.
Organization of steam heating
Steam heating has a different fuel source. It can be natural gas, liquid or solid fuels. Before setting up, it is advisable to choose the right heater and accessories for it.
Boiler selection
The type of equipment is determined by the area of the room. The more the building needs heating, the more powerful the boiler must be.
- For premises up to 200 square meters - 25 kW;
- Buildings from 200 to 300 sq.m - 30 kW
- Premises with an area of 300-600 square meters - 35-60 kW.
Traditionally, the calculation uses 1 kW of power per 10 sq. M. This rule is optimal if the ceiling height in the room is at least 2.5-2.7 m. When buying heating equipment, be sure to ask the seller for a certificate.
Pipes
Among the large assortment of pipes for the arrangement of steam heating, only metal options are used. They do not deform when exposed to high temperatures. Among them, budgetary steel ones prevail. However, with high humidity, corrosion quickly develops on the surface.
It is allowed to use galvanized or copper pipes. The latter are expensive, require soldering for a tight connection, and are considered as reliable as possible. They give off heat energy to the room much more efficiently. At the same time, they are very hot.
Life time
The service life of steam-type heating depends on compliance with safety requirements. Usually, with the correct setting and sealing of the system, the structure will last for more than a dozen years. However, with pressure surges inside the pipes, malfunctions in the operation of the boiler and its components are possible.
When using steel pipes for a heater, it is worth remembering that they will not last long. Hot and humid steam will circulate in the carrier. These are optimal conditions for the development of corrosion and the appearance of rust. Often this problem occurs precisely at the seams.
General installation guidelines
Many people face errors or dysfunction of heating after its organization. Therefore, it is important to consider some tips. They will help eliminate various troubles.
- Reinforced-plastic pipes are not suitable for brazing due to the high temperature of the coolant.
- Each stage of the installation must be performed by specialists, or at least supervised by them. One wrong step and the system can fail, cause damage to property and health.
- The amount of steam generated must be taken into account (it is prescribed on the package). The speed of heating the room depends on this.
Steam heating systems are considered efficient and easy to operate. For the device to work correctly, you must comply with safety requirements and do not forget to regularly service it.
