Among solid fuel boilers, the most popular are wood-fired solid fuel boilers.

Solid fuel wood boilers

The boiler has an electric air blower, which is controlled by an electronic system from a thermostat. As a result of changes in the amount of air, the power of the boiler during the combustion process changes depending on the temperature of the coolant.

The electronic system displays various indicators to monitor the operating mode of the boiler. The boiler has an indicator of the minimum amount of fuel in the firebox and sends a signal to the owner about this. The design of the boiler provides the possibility of additional fuel loading without stopping the combustion process.

Equipment manufacturers produce universal combi boilers, which can burn fuel in two modes - with air supply either from below or from above. The cost of such boilers is naturally higher.

Automatic solid fuel boilers

Automatic solid fuel boilers are available for sale. It would be more correct to call them semi-automatic, since the boiler still requires certain actions from a person periodically, albeit not every day.

You can get acquainted with the design and operating principle of an automatic solid fuel boiler if you watch this video clip:

The fuel for an automatic boiler can be granulated coal with a fraction of 5 - 25 mm. or wood pellets - pellets, as well as pellets from other combustible materials - peat and waste of plant and animal origin.

The need to use only granular fuel for combustion in automatic boilers, causes certain difficulties for home owners. The cost of such fuel on the market is noticeably higher than conventional chopped wood or coal.

In automatic boilers, manufacturers often provide the possibility of replacing the burner for granular fuel with another burner - for gas or liquid fuel. Instead of a burner, grates can be installed. In this option, the boiler turns into a regular wood-burning boiler.

Granulated fuel is usually sold in bags. Fuel is easily and dust-free loaded into the boiler hopper. One loading of the bunker is enough for 3 - 10 days of boiler operation.

After ignition at the beginning of the heating season, combustion in an automatic boiler occurs continuously. The automatic boiler can operate in two modes:

• Active combustion mode, at which the boiler power can be in the range of 10 - 100% of the nominal.
• Combustion support mode, when the boiler power is selected to ensure the coolant temperature in the boiler circuit is about 55 degrees C. The automatic controller switches the boiler to support mode when there is no heat extraction from the heating circuit. This mode is necessary to protect the boiler from low-temperature corrosion (see below for more details), and also ensures that the boiler is always ready to resume active combustion.

During boiler operation it is necessary:

• Monitor the filling of the bunker and load fuel into the bunker once every 3 - 7 days.
• Remove ash from the removable ash drawer every 2 to 4 days.
• Once a week, clean the internal surfaces of the boiler from deposits with a special tool.
• Every year, before the start of the heating season, clean and check the serviceability of the boiler chimney.

How to choose the power of a solid fuel boiler

A solid fuel boiler must be selected so that its rated heating power corresponds to the heat losses of the heated object.

Choosing a boiler with a rated power that is too high leads to the fact that the boiler operates in a mode of significant power limitation most of the time. And this, in turn, leads to a decrease in efficiency (increased fuel consumption), increased formation of deposits (soot, tar), accelerated corrosion of the boiler and chimney. The risk of overheating of the coolant in the boiler increases. The cost of boilers increases as power increases.

That's why you should not buy a boiler that has significantly higher power than heat loss at home.

True, when selecting a boiler with a large power reserve, the burning time of one load of fuel increases - there is more firewood in the firebox. But, this advantage can be realized profitably only in a heating system with a heat accumulator.

Accurately calculating the heat losses of a house and the power of a heating boiler is quite a complex task, the solution of which is best entrusted to specialist designers. Managers of a company that sells boilers will most likely advise you to choose a boiler with excess power - this is beneficial for them.

Approximately choose the boiler power for heating the house, guided by generally accepted values ​​of specific power per 10 m 2 of heated area according to climatic zones:

• For the southern regions of Russia: 0.7 - 0.9 kW/10m2.
• For the middle zone - 1.2 - 1.5 kW/10m 2.
• For northern regions - 1.5 - 2 kW/10m 2.

For example, for the Moscow region, in a house with a heated area of ​​150 m2, a boiler with a capacity of 150 m2 x 1.2 kW/10 m2 = 18 kW should be installed.

For a house built in compliance with modern energy saving requirements, the smaller of the specified values ​​is used for calculations.

It should also be taken into account that the heat capacity of non-freezing liquids is 20% lower than that of water. When used as a coolant, the boiler power may drop by 10 - 15% of the nominal value.

A water heating system with natural circulation of coolant is recommended for use in houses with a heated area of ​​​​no more than 100 m 2. In larger houses or in heating systems with heated floors, forced circulation of the coolant is used with the installation of circulation pumps.

Protection of solid fuel boiler from overheating

In a solid fuel boiler, the burning fuel, and the boiler itself, have a fairly large mass. Therefore, the process of heat release in the boiler has great inertia. The combustion of fuel and heating of water in a solid fuel boiler cannot be stopped instantly by stopping the fuel supply, as is done in a gas boiler.

Solid fuel boilers, more than others, are prone to overheating of the coolant– boiling of water if heat extraction is lost, for example, if the circulation of water in the heating system suddenly stops, or more heat is released in the boiler than is consumed.

Boiling water in the boiler leads to an increase in temperature and pressure in the heating system with all serious consequences - destruction of heating system equipment, injury to people, damage to property.

Modern closed heating systems with a solid fuel boiler are especially prone to overheating, since they contain a relatively small volume of coolant.

Heating systems usually use polymer pipes, manifold control and distribution units, various taps, valves and other fittings. Most elements of the heating system are very sensitive to overheating of the coolant and pressure surges caused by boiling water in the system.

A solid fuel boiler in a heating system must have protection against overheating of the coolant.

To protect the solid fuel boiler from overheating In a closed heating system that is not connected to the atmosphere, two steps must be performed:

1. Shut off the combustion air supply to the boiler furnace to reduce the intensity of fuel combustion.
2. Provide coolant cooling at the outlet of the boiler and do not allow the water temperature to rise to a boil. Cooling must occur until the heat generation is reduced to a level at which boiling of water is no longer possible.

Let's look at how to protect the boiler from overheating, using the heating diagram shown below as an example.

Connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler to a closed heating system

Scheme of a closed heating system with a solid fuel boiler. 1 - boiler safety group (safety valve, automatic air vent, pressure gauge); 2 — tank with a supply of water for cooling the coolant when the boiler overheats; 3 - float shut-off valve; 4 - thermal valve; 5 - connection group for expansion membrane tank; 6 — coolant circulation unit and boiler protection from low-temperature corrosion (with a pump and three-way valve); 7 - heat exchanger for protection against overheating.

Boiler overheating protection works as follows. When the coolant temperature rises above 95 degrees, the thermostat on the boiler closes the air supply damper into the combustion chamber of the boiler.

Thermal valve pos. 4 opens the supply of cold water from the tank pos. 2 to the heat exchanger pos. 7. Cold water flowing through the heat exchanger cools the coolant at the outlet of the boiler, preventing it from boiling.

A supply of water in tank pos. 2 is necessary in case there is no water in the water supply, for example, during a power outage. Often a common storage tank is installed in the water supply system of a house. Then water for cooling the boiler is taken from this tank.

A heat exchanger to protect the boiler from overheating and cooling of the coolant, pos. 7, and a thermal valve, pos. 4, are usually built into the boiler body by boiler manufacturers. This has become standard equipment for boilers designed for closed heating systems.

Heat generators that draw energy from different types of solid fuel have their own operating characteristics that should be taken into account when connecting to the heating system. Therefore, the wiring diagram of a solid fuel boiler includes several mandatory elements and devices that ensure long-term operation of the unit and its protection in emergency situations.

Features of operation of solid fuel boilers

The process of burning wood or coal is somewhat more complicated than burning the same methane (natural gas). Methane is a simple inorganic compound that decomposes at high temperatures into carbon dioxide and water with some carbon monoxide. Wood and coal are complex organic substances that, when burned, form several substances and gases, some of which are aggressive. This leaves its mark on the longevity of the heat generator. Individual piping of solid fuel boilers is done in order to create an optimal operating mode and thereby extend their service life.

One of the features of the operation of water heating units that burn solid fuel appears after the firebox is ignited and reaches operating mode. If the installation of heating pipelines is carried out directly to the heating installation and, during heating, cold water is passed through the water jacket of the unit, then condensation will begin to form intensively on the internal walls of the firebox. It reacts with combustion products, mixes with ash and firmly adheres to a metal or cast iron surface. The results are as follows:

1. The steel walls of the combustion chamber are corroded by corrosion.
2. A cast iron firebox is not as susceptible to corrosion, but its rough surface allows plaque to stick, which is very difficult to remove. The same coating will appear on the walls of the steel chamber.

To successfully combat condensate, it is necessary to install a small circulation circuit with a three-way valve; it is not recommended to connect a solid fuel boiler to the heating system directly.

There is one exception to the rule - when connecting the heat generator to a gravity heating system operating without a circulation pump, installation can be carried out directly. The coolant here flows according to the principle of convection, increasing its speed as it warms up, without condensation appearing. True, this is only possible with low power heating equipment and in small houses.

Another feature of the operation of wood heating systems is inertia. When the water temperature in the system is sufficient, the automation closes the access of air to the firebox and stops the process. Nevertheless, combustion continues for some time, the coolant temperature exceeds the set one. The same phenomenon is observed when the circulation pump stops as a result of a power outage. Water in the jacket can boil, forming steam, and destroy the jacket or rupture pipes. To avoid this, a safety group with a relief valve set to a certain critical pressure is installed on the supply pipe or directly in the boiler water tank.

Connection diagram to the heating system

Below is a detailed typical piping of a solid fuel boiler with polypropylene with a small circuit and a mixing unit.

The purpose of the mixing unit is to prevent cold water from leaking from the return pipeline into the water jacket of the heat generator. A three-way valve, set to a temperature of at least 45º, closes the movement of the coolant in a small circle until its temperature reaches the set value. The valve then mixes water from the system into the return line. In order to clean it from scale and sludge, a filter is placed in front of the three-way tap - a mud filter. In this case, it must be installed exactly in the position as shown in the diagram; vertical installation of the filter is a mistake.

Piping the boiler with a buffer tank

Many manufacturers strongly recommend using . A boiler buffer tank is used for the following reasons:

• When the air damper is closed in the chamber, wood smoldering occurs with insufficient oxygen, and this leads to an increase in the proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) in combustion products and increased environmental pollution. Therefore, a solid fuel boiler must operate at medium or full power, accumulating excess heat in the accumulator tank.
• After the firewood burns out and the firebox goes out, the energy contained in the storage tank will be enough to heat the house for some time. The duration of this period of time depends on the volume of the tank.

The figure shows a diagram of the piping of a solid fuel boiler with a battery tank, a small circulation circuit and two mixing units. The arrows on it show the coolant circulation.

An alternative to the previous connection methods is to connect a solid fuel boiler with a buffer tank (hydraulic arrow). The connection diagram is somewhat reminiscent of the previous one, with the difference that the hydraulic arrow does not serve as a heat accumulator, but is intended for hydraulic separation of the boiler circuit with the rest of the heating branches. There can be many of the latter: radiator heating, heated floors, indirect water heating boiler for domestic hot water. In this case, the temperature of the coolant in each branch needs to be different. Below is a diagram of connecting a solid fuel boiler with a buffer tank and a distribution manifold to a boiler and radiator heating system.

1 – heat generator; 2 – temperature sensor; 3 – three-way valve of the boiler circuit; 4 – membrane expansion tank; 5 – buffer capacity; 6 – radiators; 7 – heating circuit circulation pump; 8 - three-way valve of the heating circuit; 9 – room thermostat; 10 – indirect heating boiler; 11 - circulation pump of the DHW heating circuit; 12 – security group.

Collaboration with electric boilers

Very often, wood or coal-fired water heaters become a second heating unit in a furnace room where there is already a gas or electric installation. They will need to be properly connected to each other in order to work together correctly, so that one unit supports the other. This is very convenient, for example, when all the coal in one of them burns out. Then the electric or gas water heater automatically turns on. A typical wiring diagram for a solid fuel boiler and an electric boiler is shown in the following figure. It is assumed that the electric heater has its own circulation pump built in.

Conclusion

The presented circuits are the most common due to their simplicity and reliability; in reality, there are many more different connection methods. It is better to choose the right one for yourself with the help of a specialist, taking into account all factors and wishes.

There are many different schemes for connecting a solid fuel boiler for heating systems. It all depends on the system and its type, and of course the boiler; the most important thing in all this is the selection of the required technical installation system for a specific connection. Of course, the project can be ordered from licensed organizations that have a lot of experience and education, but finances do not always allow this, so many people draw boiler connection diagrams on their own. First of all, the efficiency of a solid fuel boiler depends on the correct connection. Installation of a heating system for a wood-burning boiler differs from installation of an electric or gas boiler. What is the difference? The fact is that the operating temperature of a wood-burning boiler is 60 - 90 degrees, and this temperature is almost impossible to accurately regulate, because all solid fuel boilers are inert boilers. Few people know all the intricacies of the operation of such a boiler, and they make the mistake of using these boilers at temperatures below 55 degrees, this temperature is the dew point, which will lead to the appearance of condensation that will flow out of the boiler.

At low temperatures, a lot of soot is formed in the chimney and heat exchanger, which will lead to difficulty in maintenance and to a decrease in efficiency. To avoid all these problems, you need to install a buffer tank, also called a heat accumulator. If everything is calculated correctly, then the heat will be transferred with maximum efficiency to the buffer tank, which will serve as a thermos, and the heating system itself will extract heat as needed. With this connection, the solid fuel boiler will produce maximum efficiency, will never overheat, it can be used with maximum efficiency, while fuel will be saved, that is, firewood, there will be less need to burn soot, and there will also be minimal condensation.

How to install a boiler safely, reliably and get maximum comfort.

In order to comfortably use a solid fuel boiler, and also to keep the house warm, the boiler needs to be loaded several times a day, at least twice, of course, all this directly depends on the correct selection of the boiler power and the use of a buffer tank. When choosing a boiler, you need to take into account the height of the ceiling, the thickness of the walls, whether the house is insulated or not, the presence of heated floors and the temperature zone.

Systems using a solid fuel boiler and a buffer tank are not cheap, but at the same time, they are in great demand in European countries. This gives the advantage of independence and efficiency over other heat sources such as electricity or gas.

The connection diagrams for a solid fuel boiler, which are presented on our website, are suitable for almost every home, and it is they that most manufacturers recommend using when connecting a wood-burning boiler to a heating system. The thermo-mixing valve adds cold water to hot water, which prevents cold water from entering the boiler body, this protects the boiler from thermal shock and corrosion; when using such a valve, your boiler will work for a very long time. The change in water volume will be compensated by the expansion tank, and the boiler safety group, also called the “burst valve,” will operate at the moment of excess pressure. The STS-20 valve will supply cold water to the cooling coil from the water supply system at the moment when the temperature in the boiler body reaches 95 degrees, with this scheme the boiler will operate as safely and economically as possible. Another important element in the operation of solid fuel boilers is the correct installation of the chimney. If the chimney is installed incorrectly, many troubles may arise that will lead to a decrease in efficiency, the formation of tar and condensate in the boiler body and smoke in the house or boiler room.

Connection diagrams for a solid fuel boiler in a place with a gas or electric boiler:

Diagram of a solid fuel boiler and a gas diagram of connecting a solid fuel boiler diagram with a buffer tank
connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler diagram with a boiler diagram with a buffer tank

What kind of boiler room should there be for a solid fuel boiler?

Based on the requirements of regulatory documents, “How to connect a solid fuel boiler,” all boilers over 30 kW must be installed in a separate room.

If the boiler is less than 30 kW, it can be installed in a house or basement; for convenience, you can store fuel for it in one room, but not less than 1 m from the boiler. Before deciding where the boiler will be installed, you need to prepare the base for its installation, it must be made of non-combustible materials, everything in the boiler room must have a fire resistance limit of 0.75 hours. The boiler must be installed so that it can be accessed from all sides, There should be a distance of at least 1 meter from the front of the boiler to the wall, which will ensure trouble-free maintenance of the boiler and its loading with firewood.

The ventilation in the room must be supplied, the minimum diameter of the ventilation duct is 14 cm, and it must be located under the ceiling of the room, preferably above the boiler.

If the boiler is connected to the sewer, then before releasing the water into the sewer system, it is necessary to install a floor drain; if for some reason it is impossible to connect the drain, you need to make a container or well in which the water will be cooled before being discharged into the sewer, You also need to install a pump in this well to pump out water.

Video instructions for installing a solid fuel boiler:

» » » How to connect a solid fuel boiler - Instructions

Unlike electric and gas heating units, solid fuel boilers are almost never equipped with circulation pumps, a safety group, or adjustment and control devices. Everyone solves these issues independently, choosing a heating device piping scheme in accordance with the type and features of the heating system. Not only the efficiency and performance of heating, but also its reliable, trouble-free operation depends on how correctly the heat generator is installed. That is why it is important to include in the diagram components and devices that will ensure the durability of the heating unit and its protection in the event of emergency situations.

In addition, when installing a solid fuel boiler, you should not give up equipment that creates additional convenience and comfort. you can solve the problem of temperature differences when rebooting the boiler, and an indirect heating boiler will provide the house with hot water. Have you thought about connecting a solid fuel heating unit according to all the rules? We will help you with this!

Typical wiring diagrams for solid fuel boilers

The opinion that a solid fuel boiler is an obsolete unit covered with dirt and soot is wrong, isn’t it?

The complexity of controlling the combustion process in solid fuel boilers leads to high inertia of the heating system, which negatively affects the convenience and safety during operation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the efficiency of units of this type directly depends on the temperature of the coolant. For efficient heating operation, the piping must ensure the temperature of the thermal agent is within 60 - 65 ° C. Of course, if the equipment is not integrated correctly, such heating at above-zero temperatures “overboard” will be very uncomfortable and uneconomical. In addition, the full operation of the heat generator depends on a number of additional factors - the type of heating system, the number of circuits, the presence of additional energy consumers, etc. The ones presented below take into account the most common cases. If none of them meets your requirements, then knowledge of the principles and structural features of heating systems will help in developing an individual project.

Open type system with natural circulation in a private house

First of all, it should be noted that open gravity-type systems are considered the most suitable for solid fuel boilers. This is due to the fact that even in emergency cases associated with a sharp increase in temperature and pressure, the heating will most likely remain sealed and operational. It is also important that the functionality of the heating equipment does not depend on the availability of power. Considering that wood-burning boilers are installed not in megacities, but in areas remote from the benefits of civilization, this factor will not seem so insignificant to you. Of course, this scheme is not without its drawbacks, the main ones being:

• free access of oxygen to the system, which causes internal corrosion of pipes;
• the need to replenish the coolant level due to its evaporation;
• uneven temperature of the thermal agent at the beginning and end of each circuit.

A layer of any mineral oil 1–2 cm thick, poured into the expansion tank, will prevent oxygen from entering the coolant and reduce the rate of evaporation of the liquid.

Despite its shortcomings, the gravity scheme is very popular due to its simplicity, reliability and low cost.

Installation diagram of a solid fuel unit in an open heating system

When deciding to install using this method, keep in mind that for normal coolant circulation, the boiler inlet must be at least 0.5 m below the heating radiators. The supply and return pipes must have slopes for normal coolant circulation. In addition, it is important to correctly calculate the hydrodynamic resistance of all branches of the system, and during the design process try to reduce the number of shut-off and control valves. The correct operation of the system with natural coolant circulation also depends on the installation location of the expansion tank - it must be connected at the highest point.

Closed system with natural circulation

Installation on the return line will avoid the harmful effects of oxygen and eliminate the need to control the coolant level.

Design of membrane expansion tank

When deciding to equip a gravity system with a sealed expansion tank, consider the following points:

• the capacity of the membrane tank must contain at least 10% of the volume of the entire coolant;
• a safety valve must be installed on the supply pipe;
• the highest point of the system must be equipped with an air vent.

Additional devices that are included in the boiler safety group (safety valve and air vent) will have to be purchased separately - manufacturers very rarely equip units with such devices.

The safety valve allows the coolant to be discharged if the pressure in the system exceeds a critical value. A normal operating indicator is considered to be a pressure of 1.5 to 2 atm. The emergency valve is set to 3 atm.

You will learn more about this system in our next article:.

Features of systems with forced coolant movement

In order to equalize the temperature in all areas, a circulation pump is integrated into the closed heating system. Since this unit can provide forced movement of the coolant, the requirements for the level of installation of the boiler and compliance with slopes become negligible. However, you should not give up the autonomy of natural heating. If a bypass branch is installed at the outlet of the boiler, then in the event of a power outage, the circulation of the thermal agent will be ensured by gravitational forces.

The use of a bypass will allow, if necessary, to switch to the natural method of coolant circulation

The electric pump is installed on the return line, between the expansion tank and the inlet fitting. Thanks to the lower coolant temperature, the pump operates in a more gentle mode, which increases its durability.

Video: Tying a solid fuel boiler

Correct installation of a solid fuel boiler in a closed heating system

A huge advantage of solid fuel boilers is that their installation does not require any permits. It is quite possible to carry out the installation yourself, especially since this does not require any special tools or special knowledge. The main thing is to approach the work responsibly and follow the order of all stages.

Boiler room arrangement

The disadvantage of heating units used to burn wood and coal is the need for a special, well-ventilated room. Of course, it would be possible to install a boiler in the kitchen or bathroom, however, periodic emissions of smoke and soot, dirt from fuel and combustion products make this idea unsuitable for implementation. In addition, installing burning equipment in living rooms is also unsafe - the release of fumes can lead to tragedy.

A solid fuel boiler is best installed outside residential premises

When installing a heat generator in a boiler room, several rules are followed:

• the distance from the combustion door to the wall must be at least 1 m;
• ventilation ducts must be installed at a distance no higher than 50 cm from the floor and no lower than 40 cm from the ceiling;
• There should be no fuel, lubricants or flammable substances and objects in the room;
• The base area in front of the ash pit is protected with a metal sheet measuring at least 0.5 x 0.7 m.

In addition, at the location where the boiler is installed, an opening is provided for the chimney, which is led outside. Manufacturers indicate the configuration and dimensions of the chimney in the technical data sheet, so there is no need to invent anything. Of course, if the need arises, you can deviate from the documentation requirements, but in any case, the channel for removing combustion products must provide excellent traction in any weather.

How to properly install a chimney

When installing a chimney, all connections and cracks are sealed with sealing materials, and windows are also provided for cleaning the channels from soot and a condensate catcher.

Preparing to install a heating unit

Before installing the boiler, select a piping scheme, calculate the length and diameter of the pipelines, the number of radiators, the type and quantity of additional equipment and shut-off and control valves.

Despite all the variety of design solutions, experts recommend choosing combined heating, which can also provide natural circulation of the coolant. Therefore, when making calculations, it is necessary to consider how a parallel section of the supply pipeline (bypass) with a centrifugal pump will be installed and to provide for the slopes necessary for the operation of the gravity system. You shouldn’t give up on buffer capacity either. Of course, its installation will entail additional costs. However, a storage tank of this type will be able to level out the temperature curve, and one load of fuel will last for a longer time.

Connecting the boiler to a heating system with a dual-purpose buffer tank

Particular comfort will be provided by a heat accumulator with an additional circuit, which is used for hot water supply. Considering the fact that due to the installation of a solid fuel unit in a separate room, the length of the hot water circuit increases significantly, an additional circulation pump is installed on it. This will eliminate the need to drain cold water while waiting for hot water to flow.

Before installing the boiler, it is imperative to provide space and not forget about devices designed to reduce pressure in the system in critical situations. A simple strapping diagram that can be used as a working design is shown in our drawing. It combines all the equipment discussed above and ensures its correct and trouble-free operation.

You will learn even more information about the arrangement of the boiler room and installation of equipment from our article:.

Installation and connection of a solid fuel heat generator

After carrying out all the necessary calculations and preparing the equipment and materials, installation begins.

1. The heating unit is installed in place, leveled and secured, after which the chimney is connected to it.
2. Heating radiators are mounted, a heat accumulator and an expansion tank are installed.
3. A supply pipeline and a bypass are installed, on which a centrifugal pump is installed. Ball valves are installed in both sections (direct and bypass) so that the coolant can be transported by forced or natural means.
   

   We remind you that the centrifugal pump can only be installed with the correct orientation of the shaft, which must be in a horizontal plane. The manufacturer indicates diagrams of all possible installation options in the product instructions.

4. The pressure line is connected to the heat accumulator. It must be said that both the inlet and outlet pipes of the buffer tank must be installed in its upper part. Thanks to this, the amount of warm water in the container will not affect the readiness of the heating circuit. We definitely note the fact that cooling the boiler during the reboot period will reduce the temperature in the system. This is due to the fact that at this time the heat generator will work as an air heat exchanger, transferring heat from the heating system to the chimney. To eliminate this shortcoming, separate circulation pumps are installed in the boiler and heating circuits. By placing a thermocouple in the combustion zone, you can stop the movement of coolant through the boiler circuit when the fire dies out.

   

   Installing separate pumps on the boiler and heat exchange circuits can solve the problem of heat leakage through the boiler when it cools down

5. A safety valve and an air vent are installed on the supply line.
6. Connect the emergency circuit of the boiler or install shut-off and control valves, which, when the water boils, will open the main line for its discharge into the sewer and the channel for supplying cold liquid from the water supply.
7. Install a return pipeline from the heat accumulator to the heating unit. A circulation pump, a three-way valve and a settling filter are installed in front of the boiler inlet pipe.
8. An expansion tank is mounted separately on the return pipeline.
   

   Note! Shut-off valves are not installed on pipelines that are connected to protection devices. These areas should have as few connections as possible.

9. The upper outlet of the heat storage tank is connected to a three-way valve and the circulation pump of the heating circuit, after which the radiators are connected and the return pipeline is installed.
10. After connecting the main circuits, they begin to install a hot water supply system. If the heat exchanger coil is built into a buffer tank, then it will be enough to simply connect the cold water inlet and the outlet to the “hot” line to the corresponding pipes. When installing a separate indirect heating water heater, use a circuit with an additional circulation pump or three-way valve. In both cases, a check valve is installed at the cold water supply inlet. It will block the path for heated liquid into the “cold” water supply.
11. Some solid fuel boilers are equipped with a draft regulator, the function of which is to reduce the flow area of ​​the blower. Due to this, the air flow into the combustion zone is reduced and its intensity, and, accordingly, the temperature of the coolant is reduced. If the heating unit has this design, then install and adjust the drive of the air damper mechanism.

    

    Installing an automatic draft regulator will allow you to control the fuel combustion process

The places of all threaded connections must be carefully sealed using plumbing flax and a special non-drying paste.

After installation is completed, coolant is poured into the system, centrifugal pumps are turned on at full power and all connections are carefully inspected for leaks. After making sure that there are no leaks, fire up the boiler and check the operation of all circuits at maximum modes.

Features of integrating a solid fuel unit into an open heating system

The main feature of open heating systems is the contact of the coolant with atmospheric air, which occurs with the participation of an expansion tank. This container is designed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the coolant that occurs when it is heated. The expander is installed at the highest point of the system, and in order to prevent hot liquid from flooding the room when the tank is overfilled, a drain tube is connected to its upper part, the other end of which is discharged into the sewer.

Open type expansion tank design

The large volume of the tank forces it to be installed in the attic, so additional insulation of the expander and the pipes suitable for it will be required, otherwise they may freeze in winter. In addition, you must remember that this element is part of the heating system, so its heat losses will lead to a decrease in the temperature in the radiators.

Since the open system is not sealed, there is no need to install a safety valve or connect emergency circuits. When the coolant boils, the pressure will be released through the expansion tank.

Special attention should be paid to pipelines. Since the water in them will flow by gravity, the circulation will be influenced by the diameter of the pipes and the hydraulic resistance in the system. The last factor depends on turns, narrowings, level changes, etc., so their number should be minimal. In order to initially impart the necessary potential energy to the water flow, a vertical riser is installed at the outlet of the boiler. The higher the water can rise along it, the higher the coolant speed will be and the faster the radiators will warm up. For the same purposes, the return inlet should be located at the lowest point of the heating system.

Finally, I would like to note that in open systems it is preferable to use water rather than antifreeze. This is due to higher viscosity, reduced heat capacity and rapid aging of the substance upon contact with air. As for the water, it is best to soften it and, if possible, never drain it. This will increase the service life of pipelines, radiators, heat generators and other heating equipment several times.

Pay attention to the article on choosing coolants for heating systems:.

Video: Connecting a solid fuel boiler with your own hands

As you can see, the choice of boiler integration scheme depends on many factors, including the features of the heating system and the need to install additional equipment. If you have successfully understood all the nuances, then you can safely get to work. Finally, I would like to note that heating is one of the most complex and critical engineering systems. If you don't have confidence in your own abilities, don't experiment. Remember that installation errors will sooner or later result in serious problems, so do not hesitate to ask specialists for advice.

Any equipment, no matter what category of complexity it falls into, requires a serious approach to installation and subsequent operation. Otherwise, the period of uninterrupted operation may be significantly reduced. It is also necessary to adhere to certain rules when connecting a solid fuel boiler, despite the simplicity of the design.

Installation Features

When installing such equipment, you should follow the basic rules that will allow you to operate the device as safely as possible.

Before starting work, you need to make the calculations necessary to determine the technical parameters of the device, as well as select a suitable location.

• The unit operating on solid fuel must be located in a separate room measuring at least 7 square meters. m.
• It is mandatory to create fresh ventilation in the boiler compartment: for 1 kW of device power there must be 8 sq. cm air duct.
• The floor covering should be selected taking into account fire resistance, and a sheet of metal should be placed in front of the boiler.
• The device should be located at some distance from the side surfaces: at least 200 cm from the front and more than 50 cm from the side walls.

Attention!
When carrying out work, it should be used for connection to the pipes of solid fuel boilers.
Their length should not be less than 15 cm.

Installation process

Installation is not very difficult, which means it can be done with your own hands. Next, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main stages that you will have to go through during the installation of the heating device. With proper installation, the heating system will serve for many years.

Preparing the base

Regardless of the connection diagram used for solid fuel boilers, a support structure on the floor is prepared in the room. Usually it rises 10-20 cm above the main part of the lower plane. The most popular option is a reinforced concrete screed.

Strapping device

When organizing the system, special attention must be paid to selecting the most effective operating mode and adjusting the temperature. If the piping is performed correctly, it is possible to save money, since thermal energy in this case is optimally distributed.

During installation, one of several schemes can be used.

• Piping in a heating system with natural circulation is the simplest option, since it does not imply additional devices. All adjustments are made manually, fuel is added as it burns. Such a scheme assumes the presence of pipes with a large diameter.
• A forced circulation system must include a special pump for pumping liquid. With its help, the coolant moves evenly along a closed circuit. Thanks to this device, it is possible to adjust heating radiators separately. However, the building must have electricity to operate.
• Collector wiring is considered the most complex, which is due to the presence of a large number of different devices - valves, air vents, gate valves, taps and other devices for monitoring the necessary parameters. The price of such a heating network is quite high.
• A ring piping scheme with primary and secondary circuits is used, as a rule, in residential buildings with many consumers. The device requires the installation of several devices at once to organize coolant circulation.

Important!
Solid fuel heating units that depend on electrical energy must be equipped with emergency circuits so that normal operation continues when the lights are turned off.

Creating a chimney

The devices are equipped with a pipe for removing combustion products, the cross-section of which must correspond to the size of the outlet located in the upper part. Most often, ready-made elements are used, consisting of metal inserts and heat-insulating material.

Ideally, the chimney should have no turns, but if they are present, they should be made as smooth as possible. All joints between the components of the pipeline must be sealed so that smoke from the boiler does not penetrate into the heated room. For these purposes, heat-resistant tape or a special composition can be used.

Particular attention should be paid to the outlet of the pipe above the roof, since the quality of traction will depend on this.

• If the distance from the ridge to the chimney does not exceed 150 cm, then you need to make an outlet 50 cm above the highest point.
• When moving up to 300 cm from the intersection of the slopes, the pipe should be installed so that the upper part is flush with the ridge.
  
• If the chimney is located at a decent distance, then it should be located below the top of the roof with an angle of no more than 10 degrees.

As a conclusion

After studying the instructions, many individual developers will understand how to properly connect a solid fuel boiler to the heating system of a residential building. The choice of the final scheme will depend not only on the preferences of the owners, but also on the operating conditions, because in some cases some costs have to be incurred. Other important consumer information is contained in the video.