Water devices for floor heating differ from electrical units in the principle of operation of the coolant. The collector plays a major role in the design of the water system. The distribution hub ensures efficient operation of equipment in the home.
The need to install a collector for underfloor heating
The main function of the collector is to mix the coolant and then distribute it to the heating circuits. The principle of operation is based on the flow of heated water into the structure, where it is mixed with cold water. Further, it is redistributed for subsequent circulation. The mixing level of cold and hot liquid is regulated by means of valves.
The collector provides:
- long service life and safety of using the heating system;
- reducing the risk of burns and other injuries;
- savings in gas and electricity consumption.
The heat carrier is heated up to 75-90 ° С. This is an optimal indicator for radiators, but an unacceptable value for a warm floor. If water of this temperature enters the pipes, the person in the room will feel uncomfortable. In addition, the floor covering can deform. For these reasons, the installation of the collector is shown.
The device equalizes the temperature of the forward and return flows, regulates the operating parameters of the heating system by means of sensors, and also ensures uniform heating of the pipes.
Collector device
Warm water floor is an independent heating system, which involves connection to the main one. For this purpose, collectors are used.
The simplest design of the device includes a pipe segment to which other pipes are connected. One end of the distribution unit is connected to the discharge section. Water floor pipes are connected to additional outputs. Unified structures are rarely mounted. They were replaced by devices with complex configurations.
The purpose of the two-way model is to regulate the supply of hot water to the cold floor heating circuit. The function is provided by a thermal head, which closes the valve when the temperature rises, and opens it when the temperature decreases. The valve is installed when heating an area of 190-200 square meters, when the installation of radiators in the room is not expected.
The advantage of the model is the presence of a supply valve, which eliminates temperature fluctuations in the heating system.
The three-way device is universal. It is included in complex heating systems with a large number of heating circuits. The unit is used to heat a room with an area of 250 square meters.
The disadvantage of three-way valves is sharp temperature drops when a large volume of hot water enters the circuit. To eliminate this effect, the collector is supplemented with servos and weather sensors.
Collector components
The manifold includes various structural elements, each of which performs a specific function.The inclusion of this or that part in the device is limited and depends on the general technical parameters of the heating system.
A modern distribution unit contains a large number of elements, among which it should be noted:
- Circulation pump. It provides the heating system with the right pressure. Hot water is fully circulated, which increases the efficiency of the underfloor heating system.
- Mixing unit. This is a regulator through which the system is fed with hot water. The operation of the unit is automated: changes in the coolant parameters are recorded, after which the valve automatically opens and remains in this form until the water temperature rises to the required value. The servo drive acts as a thermostat.
- Distribution comb. It is a unit with a large number of outlets for connecting water. Flow meters are mounted on the comb, which distribute hot water to different sections of the circuit.
- Meteorological sensor. The device regulates the supply of hot coolant and ensures uniform heating of the floor.
In expensive models representing a ready-made manifold system, there is an air vent. The main function of the element is to remove the accumulation of excess air.
Purpose and installation features
Correct installation assumes an even supply of hot water to the circuits. The operation of each component of heating should not depend on the level of the indicator on other devices.
When choosing collectors, the number of circuits that are connected to heating is taken into account. The system will only work if there are sufficient leads available. The assembly includes shut-off valves for each outlet. The valves ensure an accurate flow rate of the heating medium.
The device is mounted in a special cabinet 12 cm thick. All additional elements must be placed in the box: monometers and air vents. There should also be enough space for floor heating pipes. The nodes are located above the contours of the heating system.
The pipes from the collector are directed downward. This eliminates air congestion.
Homemade constructions
To collect a homemade unit, you should clearly understand the design of the heating system. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of the collectors and their main purpose. You also need to make a competent calculation.
Before making a device with your own hands, you need:
- determine the indicators of the branches of the warm floor;
- calculate performance indicators, coolant flow rate and location of fragments;
- indicate the presence of other heating devices that will be connected to the distribution unit;
- choose a control and regulation system;
- designate the location of the collector.
It is important to pay attention to the selection of component parts. They must be designed to function in similar heating systems.
The diameter of the distribution manifold is chosen so that its cross-sectional area is the same as the cross-sectional area of the pipes.
Assembling from purchased parts
Assembling a distribution unit for underfloor heating from purchased parts is not difficult. Each product comes with step-by-step instructions. It contains a blueprint.
Heat carrier pipes are equipped with factory valves and flow sensors. They should be connected if the set includes the collector in sections with two or three branches.
For ease of assembly, it is advisable to fix the tubes with brackets. Then plugs, connection elements, locking fittings and control devices are mounted. The next step is to mount the unit to the wall and install the circulation pump and valve.Reverse installation is not recommended as it will be difficult to secure the assembly.
A pump and a valve with a thermal head or a servo drive are attached based on a given scheme, after which heating pipes coming from the boiler are connected to them, and pipes of heating circuits are connected to the outlets.
Replacement of some parts
The factory device is very expensive. This explains the attempt to collect the underfloor heating collector with your own hands. It is impossible to make all the component parts. Some factory items will have to be purchased. When using polypropylene, all parts are soldered taking into account tightness. The position of the nozzles should be monitored for ease of connection.
An easy way to assemble the distribution unit is to solder the device from polypropylene pipes and fittings. The required cross-section of pipes is 2-3 cm. Tees and bends of the same diameter are also required. The number of fittings, valves and heating circuits must be the same.
First, pipe fragments are measured and cut. The distance between the tees should be small. Then valves, adapters and fittings for connection to the pump are welded to the tees.
The do-it-yourself manifold for a warm floor has drawbacks: there is no thermostatic valve and a flow sensor on the supply pipe. The system is regulated manually.
It is advisable to assemble the manifold with the replacement of factory parts for the simplest schemes of the heating system. Equipment of complex design is recommended to be purchased in specialized stores.
