Collectors for heating: calculation, installation diagram and do-it-yourself installation of the collector into the system, photo and video. Collector for heating: principle of operation, installation and connection rules Collectors for underfloor heating systems

The term "collector" refers to a node or device, which is a piece of pipe with many bends, making it look like a comb (hence the name "comb"). Through it, flows of liquid coolant with different temperatures can be mixed until the specified parameters are reached, and then distributed along the circuits.

The system should have two such combs - on the supply pipe, and on the return. One receives the coolant from the boiler and doses it, directing it to the circuits, and the second collects these flows on the way back and returns to the boiler for reheating.

1. To control the flows on the combs there are fittings with metering valves. A manometer is connected to them to control the pressure. In some systems, a pump may also be included, through which water is circulated in the system.
2. The passage part of the comb has a slightly larger diameter than that of the main pipeline (it is determined by calculation). When it enters the collector, the speed of the coolant decreases, which makes it possible to redistribute the flow or change the trajectory of its movement.
3. Radiator heating and underfloor heating should have their own separate collectors, to which branches are connected leading to a particular room or to different floors.
4. If necessary, one branch can be closed, or simply lower the temperature of the coolant supplied to it, without affecting the characteristics of other circuits.

Note! Alternatively, you can install such an assembly, as in the photo, which is called the hydraulic distribution arrow.

On a note! If repairs are required, it is enough to turn off only one circuit without touching the rest. It will also reduce the operating costs of the system when no one lives in a room (for example, a guest room), and there is no need for its constant heating.

Features of the distribution of the coolant

The heating distribution unit is always individual in structure, since standardization is inappropriate here. The modification can be any and must be adapted to the technical device and other features of the system, which may include completely different complete variations of devices and fittings.

The simplest option is when there are no devices at all, but there is only the simplest comb with two or three outputs. In such a system, it is only possible to turn off one of the circuits, but control of the volume and temperature of the heat-transfer fluid is not provided.

Yes, this is not always necessary. For example, in a small cottage heating system, in which the heat carrier is heated by a gas-fired boiler. Usually he himself performs the functions of a controller, since almost all modern models are equipped with the appropriate devices.

Heating boilers for a private house (especially gas floor boilers) are popular in different countries of the world, including ours. All these products have a similar appearance, but still differ from each other in characteristics. In order to purchase the best option, we will consider the main criteria for choosing boilers.

In large branched systems, advanced manifolds are installed, which are equipped with a complete set of control fittings: thermostat, pressure sensor and regulator, mixing valves and air vents. The configuration varies, and the cost of the node depends on it.

In a house in which, in addition to radiator heating, there is also a heated one, the distribution unit may look like in the photo: on the left is a collector for radiator circuits, on the right for heated floors, and in the middle is a mixing unit, the center of which is a pump that provides circulation.

If the house has several levels, collector nodes are installed on each floor. The installation location is chosen so that it is possible to ensure the same length of the supply to each radiator.

The length of the circuit should not exceed 120 m - with a larger value, an additional collector group is formed. In addition, longer routes should be equipped with a pump, since the coolant in them will cool faster.

Depending on the specific conditions, combs are selected according to the type of connection. It can be upper or diagonal, but preference is more often given to the lower one, in which the wiring can be hidden in the floor or plinth structure. The node is usually hidden in a special cabinet, or a niche is arranged in the wall to install it.

As for the hydraulic arrows: they are mounted on large objects with a large number of circuits, when it is necessary to compensate for the loss of not only temperature, but also the volume of the coolant. This is achieved due to its secondary circulation, but this will only be possible if each circuit has its own pump.

In fact, through one hydraulic gun it is possible to equip several nodes independent of each other, each of which has its own working settings. But even the usual “unsophisticated” collector allows you to maintain stability in the system even when several taps are open at once.

What to look for when choosing

The cost of a separate comb or an integral collector assembly depends not only on the power of the device or its equipment, but also on the material of manufacture. The most expensive are stainless steel products, brass ones are slightly cheaper.

The most affordable are combs made of polyethylene (connected with fittings) and polypropylene (soldering is used for connections). They are light and easy to install, but the inability of polymers to withstand high temperatures is a significant drawback that limits the scope of products.

On a note! The choice of one or another option is carried out not only for reasons of cost, but also depending on which pipes are installed. It is ideal when all elements of the system are assembled from the same type of material - and even better if they are also from the same manufacturer.

In addition to the outlets to the circuits, the comb has a hole for joining the pipe and a plug in which a valve for air release can be mounted. By removing it, one product can be attached to another, making up one solid block, without using adapters.

After you decide on the material, you should pay attention to the technical parameters of the products. Among them is not only the number of connection circuits, but also:

1. throughput.
2. Maximum allowable pressure (working).
3. Completeness of control devices and degree of automation.
4. Interaxal distance of the contour.
5. Minimum and maximum temperature (working).

Collector assemblies can also be sold complete with a cabinet for installation. But in principle, you can assemble yourself not only the cabinet, but also the collector itself.

Prices for collectors for water supply and heating systems

Collectors for water supply and heating systems

Video - Collectors for radiators and underfloor heating

Factory manifold assembly

Let's start with a specific example of what a ready-made distribution unit from the manufacturer consists of.

Table 1. Assembly of the factory manifold.

Steps, photo	A comment
	This collector unit is called ready only because all the necessary and optimally selected elements have already been assembled. He himself is in a disassembled state, and all the details will still have to be put together.
	This is a feed comb, each outlet of which is equipped with a flow meter (red device on top). Through it, the temperature range in the circuits is set. It is on this comb, if necessary, that the coolant supply to the circuits is shut off.
	The return comb, in contrast to the supply one, is equipped with thermostatic pressure-operated shut-off valves. From above they are covered with caps, on the front side of which the direction of rotation is indicated (plus and minus), by turning which you can adjust the feed manually.
	Instead of a cap, a servo drive can be installed on the valve, which will automatically regulate the flow of water. These devices are not included in the kit, but are purchased separately.
	The desired temperature is set on the thermostat, and it already sends a signal to the servo.
	By means of taps, the heating system is turned off.
	At the end of each collector, nodes are installed through which water can be drained from the system or air can be bled.
	The purpose of the thermometer, we think, does not need to be explained.
	On the left side of the supply comb there is a hole through which heated water flows from the boiler. A tee with a thermometer is first screwed onto it, and then a ball valve, through which it will be connected to the pipeline. The same is done on the return.
	On the right, drain nodes are screwed onto both combs.
	The collector assembly kit includes a bracket, through which both combs are connected together, and then hung on the wall.
	The assembly assembly is attached to the wall, or installed in a special cabinet.
	It remains only to connect the supply pipeline and circuits to the collector.

Video - Collector for underfloor heating and heating. Overview, assembly and installation of the manifold block from STOUT

Assembling a homemade collector

The easiest way, of course, is to buy a ready-made node - if, of course, you are able to pay several thousand rubles for it. If not, you might as well purchase all the components of the assembly individually and assemble it yourself. If this is a polypropylene version, you will need a special soldering iron and scissors for cutting pipes.

Prices for scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes

Scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes

All the same can be done by taking metal parts as a basis - the only difference is that they will be assembled on threaded connections. Otherwise, the whole manifold assembly principle is the same as in the case of the factory assembly, which we presented in the previous chapter.

Prices for a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes

Soldering iron for polypropylene pipes

Video - Homemade heating manifold

The most important condition for the proper functioning of the heating system is the full heating of all rooms in the house. It is much easier to divert water flows from one boiler to different rooms than to install a new boiler in each. It is for the distribution of heat that the collector serves, with which you can also control the temperature.

Device and purpose

The collector is a bulk comb.

It works like this:

• water enters;
• through special outlets, it is carried through the pipes.

A collector works in a similar way, collecting chilled water from several pipes into one and then redirecting it to a common boiler. It is possible to connect various heating devices to such an assembly group, regardless of their technical parameters.

The size of the distribution manifold depends on the number of circuits - pipes connected to it. In the vast majority of cases, the largest number of circuits is 12. The collector then does not consist of one comb, but of two - 6 circuits each. If you need to get more circuits or a single rather than a paired comb, then some manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of collectors to order.

Principle of operation

The heating unit can be connected both to classic radiators and to “warm floors”. The difference will be only in the location of the collector, and not in the principle of operation. So, in any case, the collector system serves to distribute water flows to all heating devices, and this is achieved by a peculiar structure of the collector and connecting pipes to it in the future.

An important limitation is the need to be able to maintain the temperature. It should not change significantly when it enters the pipes. For example, for a "warm floor" system, a temperature of 40-50 degrees will be sufficient, and for radiators - 70-80 degrees. The collector must be designed for a temperature not lower than suitable. When connected to both a radiator and underfloor heating at the same time, it should be possible to dilute hot water with cold water or otherwise reduce the temperature below without affecting the overall flow.

Advantages

The collector method has its fans both among professionals and among the inhabitants.

This is due to the positive features that this method of heating guarantees.

• Heat is distributed evenly. A priori, it is supposed that the temperature, entering the pipes from the collector, does not fall. In this regard, uniform heating and maintaining the temperature in all devices connected to the system is achieved. It is always possible to lower the temperature if necessary.
• Possibility of customization. If desired, you can not only adjust the temperature, but also completely turn off any of the branches. For example, if one of the rooms does not need heating, then you can simply turn off the radiator, thereby preventing idle heat transfer. This is especially convenient if you live in a large house, such as a 3-story mansion, and do not always use all the rooms. Adjustment is carried out from the manifold cabinet.

• Ease of repair. If any of the parts of the system breaks, you do not have to turn off the entire system (we are not talking about the breakdown of the collector itself). It will be enough to cut off the heat supply to the damaged branch.
• aesthetic appeal. By connecting a collector, you get the opportunity to place pipes anywhere, and not just above the radiator. Many take advantage of this circumstance and make the pipes hidden, hiding them under the plinth or behind a false wall.

Flaws

In addition to all these advantages, the hydrocollector also has disadvantages.

• High price. Even choosing a model from a not very famous manufacturer, you will still spend a lot of money, since thermal collectors are made of high-strength steel. Installation of conventional pipes is many times cheaper. But it is also worth remembering that you will have to purchase additional accessories, which are also quite expensive.
• A prerequisite is the presence of a circulation pump. Any collector systems work only with him. This greatly increases the cost of electricity.
• Lots of pipes. The collector system implies the presence of branches for each heater. Therefore, the number of pipes will increase according to the number of heating appliances. For many, it turns out to be difficult to install such a system, not to mention the fact that this is a rather time-consuming task.

All of the above nuances are a reasonable reason to think about the validity of installing a collector for heating, especially when it comes to an apartment building.

Kinds

Today there is a large selection of all kinds of collectors. They differ not only in technical features, but also in the type of wiring and materials. Each modern device is equipped with an air vent designed to bleed air bubbles, due to which the heating efficiency is greatly reduced.

According to technical characteristics, thermal collectors are divided into five types, and some of them are suitable only for installation by specialists. It is necessary to take this fact into account before choosing any of the varieties. And you also need to remember that combined options are possible that combine two or more types. In this case, we are talking about hydraulic systems.

Solar

Interestingly, solar collectors, which save significant amounts of money on electricity, work not only on fine, clear days, but also on rainy, cloudy ones. Under the open sun, they can heat up to 80-90 degrees - a temperature almost equal to the temperature of the supply boiler.

With proper skill, a solar collector can be made independently, armed with tools and materials. Ready-made models powered by solar heat are rarely offered for purchase. Not a single eminent company has such models in its arsenal.

Such collectors are vacuum.

Heat is transferred not through water, but through antifreeze.

Hydrogun

When talking about collectors with a hydraulic arrow, they mean a flow distributor. Such additions are needed if a large number of branches and circuits are implied. Basically, such situations occur on large objects.

A hydraulic arrow, also called a hydraulic separator, is needed to balance the entire system. With its help, it is possible to equalize pressure and temperature, thereby guaranteeing a suitable temperature between supply and return. With the help of a hydraulic arrow, it is even possible to mix the flows, if necessary.

It is irrational to use a hydraulic separator in simple systems. It is needed only for complex ones. If we are talking about factory collectors of this type, then they are additionally equipped with a special branch for debris and air, thereby increasing the efficiency of the entire heating system.

distribution

Actually, each of the described collectors, which serves to distribute water flows, is distributive. This is a generic name for everyone, however, you can often see the "distribution manifold" as a separate species.

There are two combs here. One is connected to a boiler or other heat source, and the second water is fed back. It should be noted that the connection scheme here is parallel, not serial, so that a change in temperature in one of the branches does not affect the temperature in the others.

A coplanar collector is also a subspecies of a distribution collector, however, coplanarity is achieved simply by installing two independent units next to each other.

Simple

Simple systems are not supplied with additional controls or adjustments. In the most primitive version, one can imagine a simple system using the example of a tube with several branch holes. There is no way to monitor the temperature, but if necessary, you can completely turn off each of the branches.

advanced

Such systems are fully equipped with everything necessary: ​​a temperature and pressure regulator, automatic sensors, additional fittings.

If we talk about additional elements, then the most popular are:

• sensors for pressure and temperature control;
• supply water control units;
• thermostats for automatic pressure adjustment;
• electronic valves and mixers for regulating the supply of cold and hot water, whereby it is possible to control the set temperature;
• air vents to release air bubbles from pipes.

The complete set of collector systems can vary, which affects the price and functionality.

Types of wiring

To begin with, it should be said that the collector wiring is already significantly different from all classical types. It guarantees the maintenance of the same temperature in all pipes, while there is no heat loss, and if necessary, the temperature can be artificially lowered, or even completely turned off the heating.

Radiator heating

According to the architecture of the building, pipes can be laid at the bottom or at the top of the room. The most preferred option is to lay pipes from below, since in this case they can be hidden under the baseboard or under the floor.

Radiator heating of any type is the main source of heat in the house, and therefore you need to be aware of the temperature limits. It is 90 degrees. In this case, the recommended temperature should be at least 70 degrees.

If a large area is being heated, then it is additionally recommended to introduce a hydraulic arrow. This is due to the need to adjust the pressure, since strong drops appear. By equalizing the pressure, it will be possible to extend the service life of the pipes many times over.

Below is a diagram of the radiator decoupling.

Underfloor heating system

This variety is almost never used as an independent source of heating, which is the reason for the temperature standards. So, for a warm floor it is acceptable if the temperature is 40-50 degrees. Of course, this is not enough for full-fledged heating, so it is necessary to establish radiator heating. However, both systems can be fed from the same collector.

There are several restrictions.

• The collector must be mixed or universal. Only such models are suitable for connecting both a “warm floor” and a radiator to them.
• Thermoregulation is a must. In this case, it will turn out to set different temperatures for the floor and for the radiator.

In connection with the listed parameters, it is best to choose distribution manifolds.

materials

Collectors are made from different materials, but it is important that they all have increased strength, whether it be brass or polymers. Each material is good in its own way and can be used in some special area. Some materials have a limited range of use, for example, if they do not tolerate high temperatures.

To date, the most popular are brass, steel and polymer manifolds. Let's take a closer look at each of the varieties.

Steel

Collectors made of high-strength steel are in great demand. This is due to the fact that steel is suitable for the manufacture of both central and local elements. Steel does not warp under the influence of high temperature. Special alloys are not subject to corrosion, as a result of which their service life increases significantly.

It should be borne in mind that steel products have their drawbacks. Many note that the price of such models is quite high due to the high material consumption and unattractive cost of the upgraded steel.

There are also more democratic options - from "stainless steel", but they are not suitable for the central collector, since the temperature here is much higher. When heated, such pipes are easy to deform.

Brass

Brass collectors are in demand on a par with steel. Even experts find it difficult to point out the obvious differences between them, citing that it's all about appearance and cost. Indeed, in terms of physical characteristics, brass is close to "stainless steel", so there is no significant difference which manifold to choose.

Like steel, brass is suitable for central and local nodes, as it tolerates high temperatures and pressures very well. Nevertheless, it is preferable to use it specifically for the central node, since brass manifolds are expensive, and in the case of local options, this will turn out to be an unreasonable waste of money.

If we talk about metal options, then there are also copper counterparts. They are more expensive than others, although they do not differ in characteristics, and sometimes even slightly inferior to steel and brass collectors.

Polymers

The range of application of polymer systems is narrower than that of metal systems. Plastic models cannot withstand the high temperatures of the central node, so they can only be used for local options. So, local collectors are connected to the central one, and not to the boiler itself, therefore the temperature in them is slightly lower.

Otherwise, polymers are in no way inferior to metal. In terms of service life, they sometimes even outstrip metal counterparts, not to mention hygiene. Now most craftsmen are trying to use plastic collectors, as they are easier to work with, they have less weight. Mounting them is also much easier, the main thing is to follow the connection rules.

Before you opt for any particular option, you need to pay attention to several important characteristics. The ease of installation, quality and service life of the collector depend on them.

Price

It is logical to conclude that a quality thing cannot be cheap. In the case of collectors, it is the high cost that shows the good quality of the product. This is due to the fact that the production uses more modern and durable materials, and the production itself is carried out in factories equipped with the latest equipment. Chinese clandestine factories mainly use low-quality polymers and cheap manual labor.

Availability of other parts

The entire collector system can fully function only if there are such components as a water circulation pump, fittings, plugs, taps. Pay attention to how the selected model correlates with third-party equipment available in the house.

Difficulty of installation

Modern high-end collectors can be easily mounted on your own, but this will require some experience. And also installation takes a lot of time, especially when it comes to "warm floor" systems. If you are unsure that you will be able to carry out the installation yourself, it is strongly recommended that you also include money in the estimate for hiring a team of specialists. But you should also keep in mind that it is much easier to install a collector when the house is being built, and not being finished.

Technical specifications

Of course, the characteristics of the collector have a huge impact on the purchase decision. Despite the fact that the calculation can only be done by professionals, even an amateur will be able to roughly assess the acceptability of a particular model for his case.

• It is necessary to consider where the collector will be installed: in an apartment or in a private house. This affects the pressure in the system.
• Estimate how much the collector will absorb electricity. Usually this information is available on the packaging.
• It is necessary to take into account the number of circuits: 2, 3 or 4.
• Among other things, the throughput of the device is important. Remember that it varies depending on the area: for example, for a two-story house and for Khrushchev, the throughput will not be the same.
• Find out if you can add contours if you need to increase the number of heaters.

Company manufacturer

The reputation of the company, the guarantee that it provides is important. Look at how many years the company has been on the market. Those who provide a quality product hardly appeared only yesterday, as a rule, they have their own history and temporary baggage.

Manufacturers

The fact that you won’t be able to save money on buying a collector does not mean that you can choose it thoughtlessly, guided only by the rule “expensive means good”. It is important to pay attention to the country to which the manufacturing company belongs, as well as its history.

Today, there are practically no companies on the market offering high-quality collectors. You can look at the products made in Italy and Germany. Firms from these countries lead in terms of the number of worthy firms. If we make a comparison, then, of course, Germany is in the lead. The most noteworthy are the two brands: Oventrop and Rehau. They provide the best guarantees. Among other things, buyers give excellent reviews about the collectors of these particular brands, saying that they are relatively easy to install and repair, last a long time and fully pay off their cost.

Oventrop

This company offers to the attention of customers a number of universal models suitable for both radiator heating and systems of “warm” and “cold floors”. All samples are made of stainless steel of different composition depending on the application. The most popular are manifolds for heating Multidis SF and Multidis SH, which can withstand temperatures up to 70 degrees and up to 120 degrees, respectively. But it is also recommended to pay attention to related parts of the same brand.

The cost of collectors varies from 2,699 rubles for a comb for 2 circuits to 28,312 rubles for a hydraulic combination for 3 heating circuits. As for the combs, the maximum cost of the option for 12 circuits is 10,023 rubles. Prices for end plugs start at 649 rubles.

rehau

Many users note one minor detail: from an aesthetic point of view, Rehau products look more attractive than Oventrop. Here, the collectors are not made of "stainless steel", but of brass. The company offers models HKV and HKV-D, which differ from each other only in the presence of additional functionality in the form of flow meters, taps and valves for regulation. The number of circuits is limited to twelve.

Prices range from 1,343 rubles for a double-circuit comb to 31,335 rubles for a 12-circuit stainless steel collector for a "warm floor".

The maximum cost of a distribution manifold for radiator heating is 12,172 rubles.

In addition to German and Italian brands, the Russian company Sever deserves attention. offering hydraulic manifolds. Most of the mixed-use models are therefore suitable for both radiators and underfloor heating. All models are steel, and the composition of the steel depends on the chosen configuration.

The cost starts from 2,140 rubles for a three-circuit model and ends at 23,130 rubles for a 12-circuit stainless steel manifold. Additional products can also be purchased here.

Manufacturing methods

Before you start making a homemade collector, you need to select the material and prepare the necessary equipment. For example, to make a model out of steel, you will need a welding machine. But do not rush to choose polypropylene. In order to connect polypropylene parts, you will need a special device with which they weld such pipes. Sometimes it's easier to get an ordinary welding machine than for plastic.

Calculation and distribution of contours

From the very beginning, you need to understand how many heating circuits you will need. You need to take into account each available heater, so you will have to evaluate each room according to the list below.

In order not to forget anything, use the following list:

• the presence of a "warm floor" system;
• rooms in which there should be a higher or lower temperature compared to other rooms;
• floor heating;
• heating of each wing.

The rules for manufacturing a collector for heating are as follows: the distance between the layers is 10-15 mm, the distance between the supply and return collectors is 25-30 cm.

The diameter of the pipes should be 12.7 mm. The collector itself is made with a diameter of 25.4-38.1 mm, depending on which boiler is installed.

Made of polypropylene

To make a polypropylene collector assembly with your own hands, you will have to use the remains of pipes and fittings.

You will need:

• pipe with a diameter of 32 mm;
• tees 32/32/16 mm.

A tee must be installed on one side. An air vent must be connected to it from above, and a drain valve from below. On the other hand, a valve and a pipe are attached. The pipe can be inlet or outlet, depending on the purpose of the collector. The supply pipe goes to the boiler.

The remaining outlet with a diameter of 16 mm must be equipped with a valve or flow meter, depending on which collector is for water supply or drainage. This completes the work, and it remains only to fix the received collector systems on the wall using brackets.

Knot of brass fittings

If a ready-made brass collector is quite expensive, then it will be possible to spend much less money on a home-made one. For the construction of such a design, you will need tees and fittings. They are connected to each other using linen tow or a liquid fixative as a cushioning material. Parts must be connected, guided by the assembly diagram. An example can be seen in the picture below.

After the collector is assembled, it must be tested. Making the connection correctly is difficult, so the likelihood of leaks is high.

From a profile pipe

It is most difficult to make a collector from pipes with different sections, since welding work will be required here. This model can be called the most "fancy". It is suitable for heating large areas, it can have many wiring for pipes. Often, such samples are supplied with a hydraulic arrow.

You will need the following samples:

• profile pipe 8x8 cm or 10x10 cm;
• round pipe.

The calculation of the pipe section is performed in special programs. It is necessary to set the required heating output, water speed, temperature difference between supply and return.

In this case, you will need to build a circuit, given the number of circuits. Remember that the distance between the wiring should be about 15 cm, and between the collectors - at least 20 cm. A typical circuit looks like this.

Next, you need to mark the pipe with a rectangular cross section according to the scheme, and then make holes for the wiring using a gas cutter. Weld pre-prepared small pieces of threaded pipes to the holes. The block is ready, it remains to weld brackets to it, prepare and paint.

Installation

Before carrying out installation work, it is necessary to check the place of future installation for the presence of any interference. Nothing should impede the operation of the collector.

Next, take into account which collector you are attaching: a radiator or for a “warm floor”. A definite plus is that the installation height does not play any role: in the case of a collector, this is not critical. On the other hand, some restrictions are imposed by the strapping scheme. For example, with classic beam piping, you need to remember that it works most efficiently only in houses with a large number of rooms or floors.

The temperature is adjusted after the installation of the collector unit and the heating pipes from the collector. The easiest way to regulate the temperature is with a thermostatic head. Even at the construction stage, you need to attend to the installation of such additional equipment.

The option with the installation of a light drive and a thermostat is equally well suited for both adjusting the radiator and adjusting the “warm floors”.

Installation of such equipment requires special knowledge and skills, so it is better to entrust it to professionals.

Today you can meet innovative developments in heating systems, but water heating seems to always be in the lead. After all, such a system is effective and practical, most people are very satisfied with it. But every water heating system can become less efficient over time. And then many begin to be interested in ways to modernize it.

It is to such methods that the distribution manifold for heating can be attributed, which successfully replaces one- and two-pipe heating. Such a system can increase efficiency, ease of use and suitability for repairs. A mixing unit for heating is also used as an improvement in the underfloor heating system.

Heating distribution manifold

Collector device and principle of operation

The collector heating system is a comb from which leads are made for connecting heating devices. The number of such conclusions can be quite different. If necessary, the node can be supplemented with taps. Valves for draining and discharging water and air, heat meters can also be placed on the collector.

Adjusting or shut-off valves can also be placed on the outlets, thanks to which it will be possible to regulate or turn off the flow of the heat carrier. The device is placed in the heating system as a collector unit, which includes the supply and return combs. They are equipped with outlet valves and taps.

The heating comb functions very simply. The heat carrier, which is heated by the boiler to the required temperature, goes to the supply comb. Then it is distributed between heating devices. A pipeline is made to each device, through which the heat carrier flows. In the radiator, the liquid, which has already given up part of the heat, is partially cooled, goes through another pipe to the return comb and from there to the boiler. Thanks to this distribution, the radiators are heated evenly, since each one has a separate supply pipe.

In a multi-storey building, a heating manifold is installed on each floor, which makes it possible to obtain separate floor-by-floor heating circuits with autonomous control.

If necessary, you can turn off the heating of the entire floor or just a few devices, so maintaining and repairing the heating mixing unit is much easier. This distribution will not affect the operation of the entire heating system. The use of a collector system increases the efficiency of the heating equipment, since it is possible to put devices on its outputs that regulate the temperature and pressure of the heat carrier, a flow meter.

Heating plan with collectors

Features of the collector system

If the distribution comb of the heating system is installed in a low-rise country or private house, then here it is considered the most efficient and reliable. The arrangement of such a system will be more expensive than the installation of traditional one- and two-pipe systems.

When you plan to install collector heating, you should remember that it cannot work without a circulation pump.

In addition, the installation of such a system is quite time-consuming and complicated. Undoubtedly, the installation of a collector system is best left to professionals. For installation, you will need a lot of pipes, as there will be an individual wiring from the collector to each heating device.

Types of collectors

To date, manufacturers offer many models of devices such as distribution combs for heating. Among these models, you can find devices that have the maximum set of elements. For example, on the supply side there may be flow meters that regulate the flow of heat carrier in each loop so that it is better distributed. Thermal sensors are made on the return pipe to control the temperature of each heating device. The system will allow you to automatically control the heating of each radiator. The price of such a comb will be high.

Distribution combs for heating

You can also choose simpler models. For example, a brass comb for a heating system with an inch passage. The device has plugs on the return manifold, so, if necessary, you can put additional devices. There are also cast devices, and simple ones with collet clamps for pipes and metal-plastic. Such collectors are the cheapest option, but also problematic. After all, such a device will suffer from possible leakage of the heat carrier in the area where the valve is connected, since the seal wears out quickly, and it is not always possible to change it.

Jacks of all trades often make the collector of the heating system themselves.

So, you can take a stainless steel pipe of the required diameter, where the outlets are welded. Also here it will be necessary to put additional elements in order to get a full-fledged equipment. That is why many people use the budget option - a collector for heating made of polypropylene. Such a heating system device, like a polypropylene heating comb, is quite convenient, but still inferior in quality.

Making a heating manifold with your own hands

Place for the system

The best place to put the heating collector device will be its choice during the design process. If you have a building on several floors, then on each one a place is made for a collector block. Usually a niche is made in the wall, which is located at a small height from the floor. The niche must be in a room that is protected from excessive moisture.

The device can be installed directly on the wall, if it is a utility room, or special collector cabinets for heating are excellent for it. Such cabinets are made of metal, they have a door and a stamping, which serves to supply pipes in the side walls. Inside there may also be special mounts for the manifold block. The locker can be overhead or built-in.

Advantages and disadvantages of the collector system

First of all, the advantages that the collector heating scheme provides come down to ease of operation and management. Here, each component of the entire circuit can be controlled independently and centrally. Therefore, if you are at one point in the house, you can set the temperature for any room. If necessary, you can completely turn off the heating device or a group of devices. The shutdown will not affect the rest of the rooms.

Each branch that enters the heating control unit of the collector system feeds only one radiator or a small group of them, so you can take a small pipe diameter.

If necessary, the heating manifold circuit will allow you to make several circuits with different heating parameters - temperature and differential. For this, a hydraulic arrow is used - this is a type of device such as a hydrocollector of a heating system, which is a pipe with a large internal volume.

It is put somewhat unusually, a kind of short circuit of the supply and return is made. The boiler constantly heats water in the primary circuit, it slowly circulates inside the hydraulic arrow, when water is taken at different distances from the supply and return tie-ins, you can get different values ​​​​in the pressure and temperature drops of the heat carrier.

There are several shortcomings of the system. Note that the distribution manifold of the heating system is not a cheap pleasure. The cost of such a system is probably the only thing that deters consumers. After all, the annular collector for heating is made of high strength steel, and its price is much higher than simple pipes. Also, for the arrangement of the system, high-quality shut-off valves are required. The amount of reinforcement depends on the number of circuits.

Also, the disadvantages include the fact that the collector unit for heating is able to work only with the presence of a circulation pump, and this is the cost of electricity.

The well-established operation of any heating system, whether it be a residential building or an apartment, is a key issue and, accordingly, a task that everyone tends to solve in their own way. To date, the most common way to achieve the most productive functioning of heating systems can be called the use of distribution manifolds, the main task of which is the most proportional distribution of heat flows generated by various coolants. In addition, this technology has a lot of other advantages and features, which this article will be devoted to.

What is a heating distribution manifold

By the way, one of the most adapted collectors for our country are products of the European brand STOUT. Collectors are manufactured on high-tech equipment at a factory in Italy. Strict quality control at all stages of production allows the consumer to be completely confident in the quality.

STOUT collectors are produced at the same factories where products from famous brands of the premium segment are produced, but they are much cheaper. Savings are achieved due to the absence of the need to overpay for the "hype" of the brand and its "status".

If the above points are not paramount for you, and you are ready to put up with them, you can proceed to the direct selection of the heating distribution manifold. You should pay attention not so much to the material from which it is made, but to the technical parameters that are listed below:

It will be just great if you understand all of the above, but as practice shows, only specialists in this field can make the most correct calculation of all parameters, who will help not only with the choice, but also with the subsequent adjustment of the system.

Top Producers

Like it or not, it’s obviously impossible to save money on such a device, since such savings can turn into even greater costs for repairing and reinstalling a poor-quality collector system. So it's best to trust time-tested and consumer opinion companies, among which the leading positions are occupied by German companies Oventrop And Rehau.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that, of course, the collector heating system deserves due attention and all the costs associated with it will pay off over time through high-quality and rational heating the entire living space. But in order to achieve such an effect, it is necessary to professionally and responsibly approach the choice and installation of such a device.

Rehau manifold - video

In plumbing, a collector is a section of a pipe with an enlarged cross section that collects (or distributes) water from several branches of a smaller diameter. In the heating systems of administrative, residential and industrial buildings, this element is found under the name "distribution comb". Our task is to consider a heating collector for a private house, talk about the principle of operation, application options and installation methods.

Why do we need a collector, the principle of operation

The device of this plumbing fixture is very simple. In fact, this is a piece of large diameter pipe, equipped with threaded fittings for connecting the water system circuits. The length of the heating comb depends on the number of connections, the main line is usually connected to the end.

Reference. As a rule, collectors are supplied with branch pipes of the same diameter, which is 0.5 ... 0.75 of the section of the main chamber. The distance between the fittings can be different - depending on the flow rate of the coolant in the circuits and the purpose of the comb.

What happens in the collector, where water enters from 2 ... 10 parallel branches:

1. From several lines, a coolant with different parameters enters the collection pipeline - temperature, flow rate, flow rate per unit of time.
2. In a large cross section of the comb, the speed of water movement decreases, and the hydraulic resistance decreases.
3. Mixing in the main chamber, different streams acquire the same temperature and speed at the outlet.

Scheme of operation of the collector pipe for collecting coolant

So, the task of the collector is to collect the coolant, equalize its parameters and send it back to the boiler along the main line. You can’t do without a comb when you need to bring several highways into one pipeline with different water flow rates, hydraulic resistance and length. Try to connect such branches on tees - 2-3 circuits will immediately stop working normally.

The heating distribution manifold works in the same way, only in the opposite direction. Water from the boiler, slowly flowing through the main chamber, diverges in the required amount along the secondary lines.

One bare pipe with branches is of little use without accompanying fittings - taps, valves and other elements. The manifold assembly helps to solve several important tasks:

• regulate the amount of coolant for each branch, between them;
• by mixing, reduce the temperature of the supplied water and maintain it at a given level;
• empty the system, bleed air;
• automatically control the microclimate of each room using room thermostats.

Types of collector nodes

Before considering the types of combs, we will indicate how they can be used in water heating systems for private houses and apartments:

• distribution and regulation of water temperature in the contours of underfloor heating, abbreviated as TP;
• distribution of coolant to radiators (collector) circuit;
• overall heat distribution in a large residential building with a complex heat supply system.

On the left in the photo - a coplanar collector for distributing the coolant along the branches, on the right - a finished collector module with a hydraulic arrow

In country cottages with branched heating, the collector group includes the so-called hydraulic arrow (in other words, a thermo-hydraulic separator). In fact, this is a vertical collector with 6 outlets: 2 - from the boiler, two - to the comb, one top to remove air, water is discharged from the bottom.

Addition. There are cascade hydraulic arrows with a large number of fittings, where heating circuits are connected directly. Then the collector type distributor is not used.

Now about the types of distribution combs:

1. To limit the water temperature, regulate the flow and balance the contours of the warm floor, special collector blocks made of brass, stainless steel or plastic are used. The size of the connecting hole of the main heating main (at the end of the pipe) is ¾ or 1 inch (DN 20-25), branches - ½ or ¾, respectively (DN 15-20).
2. In radiator beam schemes, the same combs of floor heating systems are used, but with reduced functionality. We will explain the difference below.
3. Large-sized steel collectors are used for the general house distribution of the heat carrier, the connection diameter is over 1” (DN 25).

Factory collector groups are not cheap. For the sake of economy, homeowners often use combs made of polypropylene, or take cheap distributors for water systems. Next, we will indicate the problems associated with the installation of homemade and plumbing collectors.

Combs for radiator and floor systems - stainless steel, brass and plastic

Comb device for underfloor heating

The temperature of the heat carrier supplied to the underfloor heating circuits must not exceed 50 °C, the optimum temperature curve is 40/30 °C. If the floor surface heats up more than 30 degrees, the room will become stuffy and uncomfortable.

Only gas boilers are capable of keeping 40–50 ° C on the supply, and even then, with a loss of efficiency. In order to effectively consume gas or another energy carrier, water must be heated to 60 degrees, and then the temperature at the entrance to the TP loops should be reduced. This is one of the main tasks of the collector block, which consists of the following elements:

• the collector itself - 2 separate tubes (supply and return) with wall mounting brackets;
• push acting thermostatic valves with Eurocone pipe connection;
• flowmeters (rotameters) with a scale of 0.5…5 l/min;
• end blocks with automatic air and drain valves;
• blocks of pointer thermometers;
• shut-off ball valves;
• bypass line with bypass valve.

Distributor design for underfloor heating systems

Rotameters and pressure valves are screwed into special sockets on the comb, the latter are closed with plastic caps. Air vents with drain valves are screwed into the ends of the collector tubes on one side, blocks of thermometers and taps on the other. The bypass is installed depending on the design of the comb.

Note. Typically, flow meters are on the supply line, thermal valves - on the "return". But there are other models of collectors with rotameters on the return line. If you confuse the distributor tubes, then you will not be able to twist the valves instead of the flow meters - the internal shape of the bushings is different.

Behind the thermometers are ball valves, followed by a circulation pump and a mixing unit. Let's consider each element of the collector group separately.

Design and purpose of flowmeters

Rotameters are designed to control and regulate the maximum fluid flow through the loops. The elements are screwed into special nozzles on the collector without winding materials - the seal is a gasket made of EPDM rubber.

A spring-loaded rod with a working plate at one end and a control washer at the other is installed in the flowmeter body. How a rotameter works:

Reference. On collectors of some manufacturers unregulated rotameters are installed. Separate valves built into the pipe body are used to limit the flow. See how these elements look like in the video below.

Flow meters installed on the return line are similar, only the spring is on the other side of the control washer. The coolant enters from below and pushes the plate up, the rod and washer rise. How to distinguish between different types of rotameters:

• if, in the absence of a flow, the washer is at the top of the flask, then the flow meter is placed on the supply;
• if at zero water flow the washer is at the bottom of the scale, the element is intended for “return”;
• the scale on the flask is graduated in the corresponding direction, in the first case the reading is from top to bottom, in the second - from bottom to top.

During operation, rotameters must be serviced - cleaned as they become dirty. A transparent flask serves as an indicator, when it is covered with a coating from the inside, the element should be unscrewed, disassembled and dirt removed from the working surfaces.

How a thermostatic valve works

Structurally, the product does not differ from other similar thermal valves - radiator or two-way. When the spring-loaded rod is pressed, the plate descends into the saddle, blocking the passage of the coolant. There is a possibility of presetting: the maximum flow is limited by the rotation of the valve core with a hex key.

Clarification. There are 2 types of valves - normally open and normally closed. The first ones are described above - when you press the stem, the passage closes. The latter are used less frequently, where the channel is initially closed, when the stem is lowered, the hole opens.

The purpose of the thermostatic valve is to regulate the flow of the coolant during operation (not balancing!). Management is implemented in 3 ways:

1. Manual. The position of the stem is regulated by a plastic handle, which is screwed onto the valve from above.
2. Automatic RTL thermal heads that press the stem when the return temperature rises. Do not confuse them with conventional radiator heads that respond to air temperature.
3. Electric servo drives associated with room thermostats or weather-compensated automation.

Manual control requires constant attention from the user - when the ambient temperature changes, you will have to tighten or release the stem. RTL-type thermal heads automate the process, but work well only on short loops - up to 60 m. Servo drives plus thermostats are applicable everywhere.

Other comb accessories

At the beginning of the publication, we listed the tasks that the collector group of underfloor heating should solve. With balancing and flow control, it is clear - these functions are performed by rotameters and valves. Let's move on to the rest of the accessories:

1. Terminal unit for emptying and automatic removal of air bubbles. The element consists of a housing with a drain cock and a float air vent. The fitting is closed with a stopper, which is also a lamb for opening the valve.
2. Blocks of pointer thermometers marked up to 80–90 °С. The purpose is clear - measuring the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the comb.
3. Ball valves. Depending on the way the collector is connected to the heating, taps are used straight, angled, with an American and internal / external thread.
4. A bypass jumper with a bypass valve is used in systems with automatic control. If, due to warm weather, all circuits close, the coolant goes through the bypass in a circle, the pump will not work “for itself”. In normal mode, the valve will not allow water to circulate directly, it will make it move along the loops.

From left to right: end fitting for emptying with manual air cock, block with automatic air vent, ball valves and thermometers

Note. Through the terminal node, you can not only drain the coolant, but also pump it in in case of repair. The collector is cut off by taps from the main line, the TP circuits are emptied or replenished through the side fitting.

The number and variety of additional fittings depends on the manufacturer of the comb. These accessories are basic, in addition to them, various plugs, adapters and valves are also used.

A mixing unit is located in front of the collector block, its composition depends on the method of preparation of the coolant for the TP. There are 3 ways to bring water in underfloor heating to the desired temperature:

1. Mixing into the hot water circuits with a two-way thermostatic valve. The element launches portions of the coolant at the command of a thermal head with an external temperature sensor in the form of a copper bulb. The latter is attached to the metal wall of the collector and is connected to the head through a capillary tube.
   
2. Mixing of cooled and heated coolant with a three-way valve. The principle is as follows: the pump drives water through the bypass along the circuits, when it does not cool, the valve opens the supply of heated water from the boiler line. The difference from the previous method is a smoother feed, mixing quality.
   
3. Restriction of the return flow with RTL thermal heads installed on the comb's thermal valves. Here the pump module is not needed at all.

There are three ways to control a two- or three-way valve: manually, using a thermal head with a remote flask and an electric actuator. The latter is controlled by a controller that receives signals from room or weather sensors.

Distributor for radiant heating system

Recall: beam wiring provides for an individual two-pipe connection of each radiator to a common distribution manifold located in a convenient place (usually closer to the center of the building).

An example of radiant heating in a one-story house

For mounting the collector assembly, the following combs are used:

• factory for TP (described above), made of stainless steel, brass or plastic;
• factory for water supply with built-in shut-off valves, made of polypropylene or metal;
• homemade manifolds twisted from brass fittings, polypropylene tees.

The choice of comb type depends on your budget and requirements for the radiator system. If each battery is equipped with its own balancing valve and thermal head, then a clean manifold without valves and flow meters is sufficient. Leave the air and water bleed module.

Advice. With a limited budget, you can choose an inexpensive water manifold with taps shown in the photo. Many homeowners do this and balance the system with radiator valves.

If you want to automate the operation of heating and reduce all adjustments to a collector cabinet, buy a comb for underfloor heating. Install all accessories - rotameters, valves with servomotors, air vents, room regulators. The mixer is still not needed, the coolant is supplied to the batteries directly from the boiler room.

The video below shows a combined heating manifold distributing heat to radiator wiring and floor circuits. Both parts of the comb are installed in parallel. Note that the master used water distributors to distribute the coolant.

Common house collector group

The main comb performs the same functions as the TP collector - it distributes the coolant along the branches of the heating network of various loads and lengths. The element is made of steel - stainless or black, the profile of the main chamber - round or square.

Reference. Factory-made main collectors are called coplanar. This buzzword means that all parts of the comb lie in the same plane - the vertical supply pipes cross the “return” chamber through and through and vice versa. The goal is to reduce the weight and dimensions of the structure.

There are compact models of distributors for 3-5 circuits, made in the form of one pipe. What's the trick: the "return" collector is placed inside the supply chamber. As a result, we get 1 common building with 2 cameras of the same capacity.

In the vast majority of country houses up to 300 m², distribution collectors are not needed. For several heat consumers, it is used, described in a separate article. When should you think about buying a common house heating comb:

• the number of floors of the cottage - at least two, the total area - over 300 squares;
• for heating, at least 2 heat sources are involved - a gas, solid fuel, electric boiler, and so on;
• the number of individual branches of radiator heating - 3 or more;
• there is an indirect heating boiler, heating circuits for auxiliary buildings, pool heating.

These factors must be considered separately and in combination, and in order to select a model of specific sizes, calculate the load on each branch. Hence the conclusion: it is better not to buy a collector without consulting an expert.

Drawing of a coplanar manifold and a photo of the finished product with pump groups

Installation nuances

The technology for attaching the collector to the wall is quite simple: the comb of the TS and beam wiring is suspended on mounting brackets, the hinges are connected with Eurocone fittings. Pipes going to the top of the collector (usually a "return") are passed under the bottom.

Advice. No one is forcing you to mount the distributor on brackets. If necessary, the tubes can be spread apart and mounted on the wall separately. The collector box is used in the premises of the residential area, when installing the collector in the boiler cabinet is not needed.

Let's briefly list the main points:

1. The size of the comb is selected according to the diameter of the pipes used in the heating loops - Ø16 or Ø20 mm. Accordingly, we take a distributor for ¾ or 1 inch. The material of the product does not play a role, stainless steel wins in terms of price / quality ratio.
   
2. If the number of comb outlets exceeds 12, assemble the manifold assembly in 2 sections. When installing accessories, winding materials are not used, since the parts are equipped with rubber seals.
3. A heavier common house collector is hung on hooks, reinforced brackets or installed on the floor. Pumps, pipes and other piping elements must not load the distributor with their own weight.
4. The hottest coolant receives an indirect heating boiler. The coil and the circulation pump of the water heater are connected directly to the comb, usually from the end.
5. Branches of radiator heating and TP are connected to the collector through mixing units with three-way valves. Each line is equipped with a separate pump, selected according to pressure and capacity.

   Heavy coplanar comb can be placed on the floor - weld metal supports

An important point. The mixing unit for underfloor heating can be placed in the boiler room, near the main comb. Then water of the required temperature will go to the TP distributor.

Finally, about homemade collectors

Above in the text, we mentioned budget options for combs - plumbing, polypropylene and home-made. Such distributors are used without problems in radiator beam circuits. To balance and regulate the flow, a balance valve and a valve with a thermal head are installed on each battery. We supply the collector with “air vents” + drain taps.

If you put the specified combs on the TP, then you will encounter such nuances:

• the distributor cannot be equipped with rotameters;
• without flowmeters, it is difficult to balance circuits of different lengths;
• there are stopcocks on the factory plastic collectors, which means there is nothing to regulate the flow;
• combs assembled from polypropylene or brass tees have many joints;
• it is worth noting that homemade distributors do not look too good.

A self-made underfloor heating collector can still be brought to mind. We assemble the distributor from tees, and on the return pipes we mount thermostatic radiator valves with RTL thermal heads, as shown in the photo.

A skilled owner will calmly manufacture a coplanar common house collector - weld it from a round or profile pipe. But here there is a snag in the calculations: you need to know the cross section of the chambers and pipes for a particular heating system. If a specialist calculates these parameters, use the experience of the wizard from the video: