Collector groups for underfloor heating: installation and control

Effective operation of floor heating systems is provided by a balanced and reliable collector group. This distribution block, which delineates the flow of coolant through the branches of the heating pipeline. Such nodes may have different configurations and technical characteristics, and in some modifications also perform auxiliary functions. Qualitatively installed collector groups for the warm floor allow achieving not only an optimized water supply, but also significant energy savings.

What is a collector group?

The structure of the distribution group is formed by two sanitary combs, on which stop valves are placed . In the simplest models, such blocks are formed by the supply and return manifolds with holes for controlling the heat carriers. Mechanized structures provide for the provision of flywheels with handles for adjustment. More sophisticated modern versions also allow the possibility of automated control of the supply and discharge of water. The expanded configuration assumes that the collector group for the warm floor assembly can be equipped with shut-off valves with a thermometer, end nodes and metal brackets. The additional functionality is usually represented by flowmeters that integrate into the circuits.

Specifications

The upper limit of the operating temperature is a distinctive indicator of the collectors designed for operation in the underfloor heating system. So, in comparison with radiator valves such designs work with heat carriers at 40-50 ° С. In this case, the flow regulation can vary from 0.5 to 6 l / min on average. An important characteristic is the pressure under which the collector groups for the warm floor function . The pump can adjust this value within 6-10 Bar. As for the materials of manufacture, the metal base is made of stainless steel, and the fittings are most often made of brass. Also in the constructions, plastic components represented by polypropylene may be provided. By the way, from the same material are carried out and heating the contours of the warm floor.

Installation Configurations

Practice is the use of vertical and horizontal circuits, which organize the supply of circuits with a coolant. The simplest configuration involves the use of a single-pipe vertical wiring system - respectively, and the collector will be required in the minimum configuration. But such designs have many drawbacks, among which are possible violations in the distribution of heat and low accuracy of adjustment of the initial temperature regime. The two-pipe system includes full-format collector groups for the warm floor, which are organized separately from central heating. Among the minuses of such designs is a high water flow and the complexity of installation operations.

Installation work

Installation of the warm floor system begins with the installation of the collector cabinet, which then puts all the distribution equipment. Module placement is already implemented in assembled form, after which contours are connected to its nodes. The connection of individual components is carried out in different ways, depending on the type of the reservoir itself. For example, branch pipes can be provided with threads or special welded outlets. At the outlet nozzles, there may already be pre-installed adjustment and control elements, including valves, valves, tuning valves, etc.

The contour making materials also influence the technology by which the collector group for the warm floor will be mounted. With your own hands, if necessary, you can also implement transition points from polypropylene outputs to metal ones. The threaded connection in this case is carried out by combined fittings with the attached reinforcement. As an alternative, a polypropylene tee is also proposed, which also ensures the distribution of the ducts. After the completion of technical operations, the system must be operational. Test run is carried out at an elevated pressure index. Regarding the regulatory level, the pressure should be increased by 20-25%. This will make it possible to check the tightness of the connection, to identify flaws and structural defects.

Managing the Collector

Collector units are initially supplied with a closed-loop control system. The valves can be opened by removing the protective sleeve, at the same time, the flowmeter must be rotated by the adjusting nut as far as it will go. At the same time, it is not recommended to use wrenches, since there is a risk of shear and fixing threads of the device. To set the desired flow rate, it is necessary to reduce the flow volume. As this action is carried out, the flowmeter must also rotate. When the optimum value is reached, you can put the valve sleeve back on. The balancing and setting of each circuit should be carried out periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The regularity of preventive measures depends on the configuration in which the water-heated floor is supplied. After a certain period of operation, the collector group also becomes clogged at the junctions and joints. Therefore, cleaning and washing of such areas should be carried out.

Recommendations for the use of flowmeters

Correct work of the flowmeter is possible only under condition of optimum adjustment of coolant supply circuits in accordance with the needs of the user. Unused valves must be tightly closed. It is desirable to keep the cap from the flowmeter 5-7 mm below the normal closed position. It should also be noted that the collector groups for the warm floor can be supplemented by other measuring devices. Their integration can make their own adjustments to the flow rate, so you should make a correction for the non-target flow of the coolant.

Manufacturers of collectors

Leaders in the market of sanitary equipment for heating systems can be attributed to the company Valtec and Comisa. These manufacturers produce quality collectors in the collection, supplemented by all the necessary fittings. In particular, the collector group for the warm floor Valtec in the newest versions provides the presence of EPDM-rings, which eliminate the need for sealants in the joints. Budget solutions are offered by IPS and TIM. These are functional and reliable units that are also suitable for most floor heating systems.

Conclusion

Against the background of the proliferation of automated control systems for the parameters of engineering equipment, the mechanics of reservoirs may seem outdated. Even electric floor heating in this respect has a huge advantage. On the other hand, the collector groups for the warm floor differ in their advantages in the form of economy and lack of need for conducting electrical wiring. The advantages of a collector control include a high degree of reliability. Manufacturers of combs and sanitary fittings constantly improve the connection mechanisms, which ensures not only the durability of the structure, but also the rational flow of the coolant.