Good and expensive

Your comfort level and financial situation may be greatly impacted by the decisions you make regarding heating and insulation for your house. There is frequently disagreement in the home improvement industry about what is "good" and what is "expensive." However, what if they don’t conflict with one another? Let us investigate the relationship between quality and cost by delving into the realm of insulation and heating.

Priority one should be given to comprehending the significance of efficient insulation and heating. These components are essential for long-term energy efficiency and cost savings in addition to providing warmth for your house throughout the winter. A house that is adequately heated and insulated not only provides a comfortable living space but also minimizes energy consumption, which lowers utility costs and has a minimal effect on the environment.

These days, there are a lot of options available on the market that span a wide price range when it comes to heating and insulation solutions. On the one hand, there are options that are affordable and could even be enticing due to their first low cost. It’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of these less expensive options over the long run, though. Even though they might save you money up front, the cost of energy inefficiency, regular maintenance, and replacements may wind up being higher.

However, there are more expensive premium heating and insulation options available. These solutions frequently have excellent quality, dependability, and energy efficiency to offer. Even though they might cost more up front, they can pay for themselves over time with lower energy costs, a higher-value home, and more durable performance. They essentially provide an economical and high-quality combination that can result in savings and comfort for many years to come.

In the case of insulation and heating, where does the line draw between what is "expensive" and what is "good"? Value is more important than just price. The secret is to identify solutions that offer the ideal mix of long-term advantages, affordability, and quality. You can create a cost-effective and comfortable home environment by investing in dependable heating and insulation products or services, demonstrating that "good" and "expensive" can indeed go hand in hand when it comes to the well-being of your home.

Connecting the comb

Manifold installation is a labor-intensive process. Nevertheless, because this system is very user-friendly and efficient, modern homes attempt to install this distribution method despite all the challenges.

Installation is made much simpler by the fact that modern models are made with installation complexity in mind. Installing the collector is possible; it can be mounted on the wall or placed inside a designated cabinet. Fastening clamps are included in the set for this purpose, and the product’s high corrosion resistance makes it long-lasting.

Installation without a hydrostrel

This easiest installation technique assumes that the collector serves multiple heating circuits (several radiators, for instance), and that the coolant temperature remains constant. One circulation pump is connected, and all circuits are connected directly to the comb. Pumping equipment parameters have to match the heating system’s capacity and the coolant’s generated pressure.

Because the resistance in the circuits varies, balancing must be used to maximize the hot water flow rate. To achieve this, balancing valves—which can be used to modify the heat carrier’s flow rate in a different circuit—are mounted on the return collector connections in place of stopcocks.

DIY manifold for heating purposes.

Installation with pressure equalization

When it’s necessary to supply consumption points with different temperature regimes, a more labor-intensive method is needed. For instance, the temperature range for a floor heating system is 40–50°C, the heating medium in radiators is between 50 and 80°C, and hot water for household use needs to be heated to 90°C.

A hydrostrelka, which consists of multiple pairs of spigots and a section of blind, sealed pipe at both ends, plays a special role in this instance. The hydrostrelka must be connected to the boiler apparatus by the first pair, and the comb by the second pair. This obstacle establishes a region with the least amount of hydraulic resistance.

The mixing units, which have three-way valves for controlling temperature, are located directly on the comb. Every outlet has a self-contained pump that supplies the necessary amount of hot water to a specific circuit.

The most crucial factor is that these pumps’ overall capacities should not be greater than those of the primary pumping apparatus attached to the boiler.

Combs for heating systems are installed using both techniques. You can purchase anything that might be needed from specialty shops. Additionally, any unit can be bought here in its entirety or in component parts (savings because of self-assembly). You can create a heating comb by hand to further reduce the associated expenses.

Situated close to the heating apparatus, the boiler collector is subjected to high temperatures that are beyond the resistance of metal. The local comb can be made with plastic or polypropylene pipes, and there aren’t many strict requirements.

It is preferable for the local collector to select the required scallops from the available inventory. Additionally, the manufacturing materials—steel, brass, plastic, and cast iron—must be considered. Molded combs are the most useful because they eliminate the chance of leaks. The threaded ends on even the most affordable products ensure that there are no issues when connecting to pipes.

One system with a boiler, hydronic shooter, and manifold

Competent individuals craft collectors out of metal, plastic, or polypropylene, but since a threaded connection must still be bought, the equipment is not significantly less expensive than ready-made items. From the outside, it appears to be a series of tees joined by pipes.

Modifications of distribution combs

There are numerous varieties of manifolds for heating systems available on the equipment market today.

Manufacturers provide collector blocks with a complete set of built-in elements as well as connecting links with the most basic design, which does not call for the presence of auxiliary fittings to regulate the equipment.

Collector block, which has every functional component required to establish the ideal environment for the heating system to run smoothly and efficiently

Brass models with one-inch branch passageways and two connecting holes on the sides are basic execution devices.

These devices have plugs on the return collector, which can always be used to install more devices in the event that the system needs to be "built up."

Intermediate prefabricated units have ball valves and a more intricate design. Every outlet has a regulating valve that can be turned off. The more costly models have the following options:

• flow meters, The main purpose of which is to regulate the flow of coolant in each loop;
• temperature sensors, designed to control the temperature of each heater;
• vent valves automatic type for water drainage;
• electronic valves and mixers, aimed at maintaining the programmed temperature.

Depending on the connected consumers, there can be anywhere between two and ten circuits.

Use materials that are resistant to outside influences when manufacturing comb collector blocks, regardless of how sophisticated and adaptable the machinery is.

The intermediate prefabricated manifolds, if the material of manufacture is used as a basis, are:

1. Brass – are characterized by high performance parameters at an affordable price.
2. Stainless – steel structures are extremely durable. They can easily withstand high pressure.
3. Polypropylene – models made of polymeric materials, although they are characterized by low price, but in all characteristics they are inferior to metal "brothers".

To increase their operational parameters and prolong their service life, metal models are coated with thermal insulation and treated with anticorrosive compounds.

Polymer-based separating structures are used in systems heated by boilers ranging in capacity from 13 to 35 kW.

The device’s components can be cast or fitted with collet clamps to connect it to plastic pipes made of metal.

However, experts advise against selecting a comb with collet clamps because they frequently "sin" of coolant leakage at the valve’s connection points. This happens as a result of the gasket failing quickly. And replacing it isn’t always an option.

In one- and two-pipe heating schemes, collectors are employed. One comb provides the heated coolant and receives the cooled coolant in single-pipe systems.

Disadvantages and advantages of the collector circuit

The benefits of the collector scheme offset the intricacy of the pipe wiring required to implement it:

1. Each radiator is an autonomous and separately controlled element. That is, in each room you can set the desired temperature regardless of the temperature in the boiler or in other heating circuits, or turn off the radiator (group of radiators) without stopping the heating system;
2. Taking into account the fact that each heat pipe connected to the collector from the heating system transports hot liquid only to one heating device, it is more reasonable to use pipes with a reduced diameter compared to the calculated total diameter of the pipes. It is recommended to observe the minimum permissible distance between a heating device or a group of radiators, and the collector.

Distinct connections for the heating appliances

Customers value the factory-made or home-made collector heating system scheme, which is provided above for general cases, because it allows them to create multiple independent heating circuits with varying pressures and temperatures. With this system, you can set up various temperature schedules for various rooms within a single building using a single boiler. Another version of the manifold is outfitted with a hydrostrelka, which resembles a big water pipe, to connect multiple circuits.

The hydrostrelka is not installed in the same manner as the collector; instead, the circulation cycle is closed between the return and heat carrier supply pipes. The hydrostrelka’s coolant starts to flow as the boiler keeps heating the fluid in the primary circuit, making it possible to cut into it and connect radiators at various levels and points.

There will be variations in pressure and temperature at the end point of a separate heat receiver (radiator) due to this unusual connection of radiators to the hydrostrelka. It is more convenient to incorporate a hydrostrelka when heating pipes, radiators, and a "warm floor" system are combined.

Artisanal hydrostrelka

Pressure and temperature in pipes will vary in circuit connection locations; however, if the collector and drawings, which were created for circulating pumps, are utilized, this variation in drop does not matter. Heating circuits can also be connected in series, with no more than two in a circuit; however, this connection arrangement prevents the circuits from being controlled independently of one another.

Collectors’ serial connection

The following are some drawbacks of the pipe distribution collector organization:

1. The energy consumption of the collector scheme is higher than when batteries are connected in series. The larger the heated area, the higher the heat costs;
2. Collector heating equipment is inherent to work only in a one- or two-pipe design of the heating system, which can be spread along the walls of the premises. But when organizing the ray distribution to conduct the pipes along the walls or in a hidden way will not be possible because of the large volume of the practical scheme and a large number of heating pipes;
3. When laying pipes in the floor under the concrete screed, the following disadvantages of the method appear: for pipes laid under the floor, it is not allowed to make any connections – neither welded, nor threaded, nor any other to prevent hidden leaks, otherwise you have to remove a layer of concrete screed, and this is almost a major overhaul of the room with all the ensuing consequences;
4. The total hydraulic resistance of the collector heating circuit will be significant, especially when laying pipes with a small diameter. Also, when realizing the collector scheme of pipe distribution it is necessary to use a circulation pump (pumps), because the natural pressure in the pipes will not allow the coolant to move freely through the pipes;
5. When using in the collector heating scheme of several autonomous heating circuits it is obligatory to install a circulation pump for each large circuit. This leads to financial costs both when installing the system and during its operation;
6. Energy dependence of the collector heating system – one of its significant disadvantages, as circulation pumps require connection to the power grid. In case of an emergency power outage, the heating will not be able to provide the required thermal regime, as the movement of the coolant through the pipes will simply stop.

How to make a collector yourself

The following video provides an intriguing overview of a homemade distribution manifold:

The first step in the manufacturing of this practical gadget should be project design. It is important to consider the following information:

• the number of heating circuits in the house;
• the number and characteristics of the heating equipment that will be installed at the moment (boilers, boilers, etc.); – the number and characteristics of the heating equipment that will be installed at the moment (boilers, boilers, etc.).п.);
• the number and characteristics of heating equipment that is planned to be included in the system in the future (heat pumps, solar panels, etc. п.);
• number and characteristics of additional equipment.

Extra gear translates to:

• storage tanks;
• drain/fill valves;
• make-up valves;
• thermometers and pressure gauges;
• safety groups, etc. п.

Once all of these considerations have been made, the size of the connection for each group of pipes (supply + return), as well as for other system components, must be determined. Furthermore, each circuit’s direction needs to be understood. The collector can be entered by the pipes from the side, below, or above.

Indirect boilers and solid fuel boilers are typically cut into the collector’s ends. Electric and gas boilers are typically installed on the distribution manifold from above; however, it is more practical to install such equipment from the end if a hydrostrelka or separate circulation pump connection is required. The most common connections for heating circuits come from above or below.

You can now start sketching out the distribution manifold’s design on paper. A basic pencil and a cell notebook would work well for this (fans of high-precision projects can use a sheet of millimetrovki). Though it’s recommended to spread the distance between the circuits by 100–200 mm, you can go with any distance; any more or less will just be inconvenient. Within the same bounds, the distance can change between each circuit’s supply and return as well as the heating boiler. If the distance between each circuit is the same, the device will appear more organized and you will be able to tell them apart visually.

Should the sub-mixture or pumping station modules of industrial production be connected, the project’s supply and return distances should align with the features of that specific model.

The supply and return sections of the manifold are represented by two long rectangles that should be drawn on paper and marked accordingly. It is now required to engage the device’s ends, such as by noting the floor boiler’s connection. The connections for every heating circuit and every piece of extra equipment are then consistently shown on the scheme.

The project of a homemade distribution manifold for a private home’s heating system is shown in the diagram quite clearly. All circuit names must be indicated, and thread diameters must be specified.

To prevent any confusion, it is advised to sign each circuit and element and to indicate the dimensions of every thread as soon as the project is being drawn up.

Taking another sheet of paper and carefully redrawing the scheme repeatedly makes sense after the initial rough drawing has been made, reviewed, and carefully considered. It is now clear how many components and devices are required to create the collector, as well as what these components are made of. You can prepare tools, buy everything you need, and create an estimate.

When building the distribution manifold, the metal must be free of rust, precise markings must be made in accordance with the diagram, and all holes must be cut.

Making a homemade collector out of a square-sectioned metal pipe will be the most convenient option. To achieve this, it is essential to:

1. Cut two pieces of metal pipe of suitable size.
2. Cut sections of round metal pipe.
3. Clean all metal parts of the future collector from rust.
4. Make markings in accordance with the previously made scheme.
5. Cut out all the necessary holes.
6. Assemble the collector according to the scheme and tack the joints with welding.
7. Weld all pipes and threads.
8. Weld the necessary fasteners.
9. Clean all welding seams, removing any scale.
10. Degrease the surface of the device and paint it.

It is advised to hold off on starting the installation until the paint has had a few days to dry. The ready-made collector needs to be connected to the heating system.

All connection points, threads, and fasteners must be welded once the distribution manifold is assembled. Following completion of the welding process, the seams are cleaned.

In the realm of heating and insulating your home, the debate often revolves around the trade-off between quality and cost. While it"s tempting to opt for cheaper options upfront, investing in good-quality heating systems and insulation materials can lead to long-term savings and better comfort. Quality products might come with a higher price tag, but they often offer greater energy efficiency, durability, and effectiveness in regulating indoor temperatures. Moreover, they can contribute to reducing energy bills and minimizing environmental impact in the long run. Therefore, when making decisions about heating and insulation for your house, it"s essential to consider the balance between upfront expenses and the potential benefits of investing in quality solutions.

Description

Flexible supply line made of stainless steel.

Heating manifold for boiler room 2 circuits length 645 mm 6 555 rubles.Heating manifold for boiler room 3 circuits length 895 mm 8 165 rubles.Heating manifold for boiler room 4 circuits length 1145 mm 10 235 rub.Heating manifold for boiler room 5 circuits length 1395 mm 12 420 rubles.Heating manifold for boiler room 6 circuits length 1645 mm 15 295 rub.Heating manifold for boiler room 7 circuits length 1895 mm 18 860 rubles.Heating manifold for boiler room 8 circuits length 2145 mm 23 000 rub.Heating manifold for boiler room 9 circuits length 2395 mm 28 520 rubles.Heating manifold for boiler room 10 circuits length 2645 mm 34 845 rubles.Heating manifold for boiler room 11 circuits length 2895 mmHeating manifold for boiler room 12 circuits length 3145 mmHeating manifold for boiler room 13 circuits length 3395 mmHeating manifold for boiler room 14 circuits length 3645 mm

One collector bracket, 350 rubles.

Link to Hydrostrel (1200 rubles).1-1/2-inch Wn. 80x80x550 with a maximum power of 120 kW costs 4140 rubles.1 1/2′′ Wn. 80x80x1120 up to 200 kW Hydrostrelka 5 635 rubles.1 1/2′′ Wn 100x100x550 with a maximum power of 200 kW 5 980 rub.1 1/2′′ Wn 100x100x1120 up to 290 kW/7,820 rubles Hydrostrelka.

The main reasons for choosing an installation company to install heating in a country house are experience and ability to explain how the heating system that will be mounted in a private house is organized. If the heating installer does not understand how the circuit he is going to assemble will work. It is unlikely that anyone will choose such masters. The price of the heating system mainly depends on the materials used. And so the cheapest heating installation includes pipes and fittings made of polypropylene, heating convectors, cheap boilers. Moreover, the heating scheme for a private house up to 70 square meters. м. very simple heating boiler, polypropylene pipes, a bucket of fittings, 4 to 5 radiators, radiators can be connected in series or parallel (one-pipe, two-pipe). Installation of a country house, which is twice as big from 140 sq. km. м. provides already two cheap wall-mounted boilers or one floor boiler more expensive. A lot of pipes and fittings, which initially everyone wants to hide in the floor in the screed or in the walls under the plaster. Which means that the bricked pipes should be of high quality, and should not have a connection, as this is the main place of leaks. And to hide the heating pipes in the screed and for a better installation of heating it is necessary to use the radial heating scheme.

More than 20 years ago installation organizations switched to new schemes with radial heating distribution. Engineers and designers have a lot of experience in designing collector heating schemes. Now most of the mounted heating schemes are made on the basis of beam schemes. But for a large area you need a large number of radiators. And to each radiator is not a big stream of coolant. And if there are 70 such radiators, connecting them in one big flow, we will get a huge river of coolant. Boiler manufacturers do not think about such volumes inside the boiler. But for piping the boiler room, at the stage of installation work on heating can be installed hydrostrelka in which the flow from the boiler is mixed with a part of the coolant from the return flow, which increases the amount of coolant. After application of the hydrostrelka, the heating manifold will receive the volume of coolant needed for the heating system. But the size of the hydrostrelka, heating manifold, pipes should be appropriate for this heating system. This is why a powerful collector with increased flow capacity is at the center of heating systems.

Flexible bellows are available in the following sizes: 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, and 65 mm. They can be ordered in any length.

Preparatory work

Gathering supplies and doing several calculations are necessary before building a heating collector distributive by hand. These include figuring out the length of the comb, the number of heating circuits, and the internal cross-section of the connecting spigots.

Maintaining the hydraulic balance in the design is crucial. To achieve this, it is essential to confirm that the collector spigots’ capacities match the total of the linked circuits’ identical features.

This is essential to the collector’s dependability and longevity.

Heating engineers can provide their services or use specialized programs to help with the independent calculation of the heating manifold. It is important to give careful consideration to the calculations since the accuracy of the results will dictate the accuracy of the collector assembly.

The homeowner should get the following components ready after doing the calculations:

1. valves with a stem;
2. flow meters;
3. shut-off and regulating valves;
4. pipes with different diameters.

Additionally, creating oneself as a collector gives you access to a particular work tool:

• construction level;
• welding machine;
• bolgar;
• consumables for soldering;
• protective equipment (goggles, gloves, overalls).

Pipe selection

While pipelines of different materials can be used for water supply and circuits, polymers are the most common material used in homes because they come in coils of different lengths and are simple to bend when creating loops.

Heat-resistant PE-RT polyethylene, cross-linked PEX metal plastic, and an aluminum layer sandwiched between the inner and outer sheaths are the primary materials used in heating pipelines.

The high rigidity of metal plastic makes it difficult to bend with small radiuses, and mechanical impact on the surface during installation or prior to screed laying causes bends and fractures. As such, metal plastic is not a very practical material for warm floors. In order to repair metal plastic piping, a section that needs to be connected can be inserted using compression or crimp fittings; this results in an increase in hydraulic resistance and a decrease in the through channel.

Heat-resistant and cross-linked polyethylene pipes both have a roughly 50-year service life. PE-RT pipes are thought to be simpler to install in colder rooms and are readily repairable by soldering, though this technique is not widely recognized. PE-RT is also less expensive than cross-linked polyethylene PEX, even though both categories’ products are readily available in the construction market at reasonable prices.

Rice. Nineteen fundamental underfloor heating pipe laying schemes

Hydrostrelka and solar collector

Similar in function to a water supply comb, a hydrostrelka or solar collector gathers carrier from multiple sources in one body and distributes it to circuits for various uses.

When a large number of circuits and heated room areas are connected to a large volume of coolant used for heating, a hydraulic distributor is installed. Connect the boiler, hydroaccumulator, heating radiator and warm floor collectors, boiler, pumping equipment, and installation of a circulation pump for each collector link to the riser hydrostrelka.

The device offers a convenient way to connect distribution units and is designed to equalize temperature and stabilize pressure in connected circuits. A hydrostrelka is a large-diameter pipe or container with welded side connections that is positioned vertically (though it can also be placed horizontally). Its upper section has a deflating valve, and its lower section has a coolant draining valve.

In places with a lot of sunny days throughout the year, solar panels are utilized. Solar collectors are also used to heat coolant used for heating and other household uses in order to conserve energy.

Solar collectors are made to heat the heat carrier, which is either liquid or air, whereas solar panels are made to convert ultraviolet radiation into electrical energy.

This is how the most basic and widely used collector device is made and functions. The heat receiver, a black plate with a pressed coil of copper or aluminum covered in black absorbent, is housed in the metal case beneath the protective glass. The solar radiation receiver is situated on an insulating material layer. After being heated by solar radiation, the cooled coolant is transferred along the coil by the heating system’s circulation pump and enters the boiler.

Due to the system’s significant heat losses, more costly schemes employ a vacuum-sealed, absorber-coated pipeline. The apparatus looks like a row of glass flasks with pumped air on the outside. Inside are heated copper pipes filled with refrigerant, each of which is attached to a solar collector that distributes heat. A unique low-boiling-point refrigerant is used as a heat carrier in these systems; when heated, it evaporates and transfers its energy to the carrier that is moving through the heat-exchange collector.

How is a homemade device better than a purchased version

A range of pre-made distribution collector models are available in heating equipment stores. Isn’t it simpler to purchase such a gadget in order to save time and effort? The truth is that every home, especially a big one, has a heating system that is special to it.

This is the final layout of the homemade distribution manifold prior to painting. Such a device costs a lot less than an industrial model does.

The collector principle is also applied by the solar heating system. See our upcoming article at https://aqua-rmnt.com/otoplenie/alt_otoplenie/solnechnoe-otoplenie-chastnogo-doma.html for instructions on building such a system yourself.

Installing two collectors at the same time is often necessary because it is nearly impossible to find a ready-made collector that will fit precisely. Be aware that an inexpensive DIY gadget can run you several times less money than an industrial collector, let alone two.

Does the heating system function in the absence of a collector? Yes, but not very effectively. Eventually, the homeowner—weary of trying to fix the heating system for ever—meets a master and gets expert advice to install a distribution manifold.

Operating principle

Local and boiler manifolds are two of the many types of manifolds used in heating systems today. Their sizes and modes of operation are different.

The boiler feed comb has a pump for fluid circulation in addition to shut-off mechanisms because it provides the heat carrier to the system circuit. The coolant is transferred to the second comb in the collector.

The collector also includes a hydrostrelka and sensors for pressure and temperature. The latter preserves the ideal temperature differential between the thermal fluid entering and leaving the system.

The size and method of operation of the local comb vary. A heating system could have multiple of these configurations. The circulating fluid is mixed in extra combs if hot water is used in place of the cooled coolant in the main collector.

Until the temperature falls below a predetermined point, the heat carrier travels in them in a closed loop. The temperature control system is in charge of a sensor, which opens a valve to shut off the fluid supply from the main line when the temperature drops. Coolant that has cooled down enters and combines with the hotter coolant.

In these collectors, there is an additional pump in place of the hydrostrelka. It feeds a regular portion of hot liquid from the main line and advances the water through the circuit. Through a different pipe called the return pipe, the same volume of cold water is returned to the boiler. Both underfloor heating systems and radiator connections are made using local manifolds.

An overview of a hand-made collector for distribution

To ensure that the whole house’s heating system operates efficiently, professionals recommend installing a central comb and the necessary number of local collectors. When combined, they produce the desired result.

How to choose

Prior to deciding to install a distribution manifold in your home heating system, you should take into account the following factors regarding the installation and purchase of the manifold:

1. High cost. There is no doubt that this technology is very high quality, convenient, and can increase the productivity of heating devices at times, but at the same time it is also the most expensive among all currently existing devices. This is due to both the use of premium metal. and the additional purchase of various parts, fittings and equipment, from which the following nuance emerges;
2. Circulation pump and other appliances. The collector system will only function if there is a circulation pump in place. additional fittings for each circuit, taps, plugs and the selected manifold cabinet;
3. Installation work. Installation of such a system is quite complex and requires a certain amount of time and financial capacity, especially if the connection will be made to the "warm floor" system. All this can bring a certain amount of discomfort if the house is already furnished rather than under construction.

If you are willing to overlook the aforementioned points, you can move on to the direct selection of the distributive heating manifold. Focus more on the technical specifications, which are as follows, than on the material it is made of.

When selecting a collector, consider the technical features of

Maximum system pressure that the apparatus is capable of handling;

The device’s approximation of its electrical energy consumption;

Number of circuits that match each heating device in the home; the distribution manifold’s flow capacity; the potential for adding the required circuits in the event that the number of heating devices increases; the availability of a variety of automatic auxiliary devices; and the manufacturer’s company’s reputation.

Although it would be excellent if you knew everything mentioned above, experience has shown that only professionals in the field can calculate all of the parameters in the most accurate way. These professionals can assist not only with decision-making but also with the subsequent fine-tuning of the system’s operation.

Design and principle of operation of the collector heating system

With the help of this scheme, it is possible to plan not only the heating of the space using radiators but also, for instance, the creation of a "warm floor" in the space, which eliminates the need for batteries entirely. However, the heating system is still based on the same principles and is largely unchanged.

Types of collectors

One can use collectors for:

• organization of traditional heating (with the help of radiators). It is possible to combine radiators in groups of 2-3 radiators to save pipes and facilitate installation;
• heating on the principle of "warm" floor;
• for dividing one circuit into 2 or more circuits. In this case, the boiler serves as a source of energy for both circuits, but the temperature of the coolant in them may differ significantly (different types of coolant may even be used).

An illustration of the use of a hydrodividing tool (hydrocollector)

Because of the higher resistance associated with the collector heating scheme with floor heating, the heating system may need an extra circulation pump. The manifold cabinet should ideally be positioned in the middle of the house so that the length of the heating pipes in each room will be roughly equal.

The manifold for underfloor heating should ideally be located in the middle of the house.

In such a scheme, a mixing unit—where the heat carrier’s temperature is lowered—will also be required. The water temperature at the boiler outlet is approximately +90ᵒC, and the coolant temperature in floor heating systems should be approximately +40ᵒC.

Elements of a manifold heating system

Usually, every component is concealed in a different little cabinet that is tucked away in a conspicuous spot close to the wall. In order to avoid disturbing the room’s interior, the pipes are located beneath the floor.

The comb is the primary component (two pieces are required). From the outside, the comb (also known as the scallop) resembles a straightforward pipe segment with multiple welded branches (the number of branches varies between 2 and 12 in purchased models).

Kindly take note! Purchased combinations can be linked to one another if needed. Thus, a comb can be made for any number of inputs and outputs. Flow meters and thermostats are typically installed in collector heating systems; the overall cost of these components is not very high.

Selecting the appropriate model is not too difficult because purchased scallops come with sensors for water flow measurement and thermoregulation installed at the factory.

Flow meters and thermostats are standard equipment on collector heating systems; these are not very expensive devices when considering the overall cost of the system. Selecting an appropriate model is not too difficult because purchased scallops come with thermoregulation and water flow measurement devices installed at the factory.

The supply comb has flow meters installed on it. Additionally, air vent valves must be installed on the comb in order to remove air from the heating system. On the comb that receives the cooled coolant, thermostatic regulators are mounted.

The image displays the primary components concealed within the collector cabinet.

Features of operation and location of individual elements

After entering the supply comb’s main pipe, the boiler’s heated and cooled coolant travels via smaller pipes to the radiators. It is advised to use pipes that are roughly the same length and diameter to guarantee that all heating devices heat up equally. The cooled coolant is then returned to the boiler via the second collector comb and the outlet pipe.

The temperature in the room is adjusted by the installed thermostat, which also regulates the water’s temperature and, if needed, the coolant flow through the radiator.

Only when certain requirements are satisfied will collector heating operate steadily:

• It is mandatory to install an expansion tank to compensate for the increase in the volume of the coolant during heating.

Reminder: 10% of the volume of the heating medium in the system should be the minimum volume of the expansion tank.

• The circulation pump is located on the return;
• The optimal place for the expansion tank is the section of the pipe before the circulation pump.

Functioning principle of the distributor

The collector’s primary function is to disperse heat flows from the main line evenly throughout the system’s circuits and, as a result of the circulation turnover, to return the cooled liquid to the boiler.

The separate branches of the manifold-connected system split off from one another.

The apparatus is an intermediate distribution unit, with two linked parts serving as its primary components:

• supply comb – is responsible for supplying the heating medium;
• return – performs the function of draining the cooled coolant to the heat generator.

As a group, they constitute a collector group. Numerous terminals for connecting circuits to heating devices are located on each comb.

A heating system’s collector

Manifold manufactured in a factory

Comb distributed using PP pipes

The home’s collector connection

Parts of the assembly of the manifold

Manifold and two-pipe scheme combination

The beam schemes’ technical apparatus

Ball valvesand dissolving valves

The device has the option to add outlet valves, shut-off or regulating valves, to each of its outlets.

Their presence allows for the regulation of pressure within each circuit and the ability to stop the flow of coolant, for example, in the event that a branch needs to be disconnected for repair.

The comb body is also utilized as an installation platform in order to improve system performance and provide control over all heating processes in every room of the house that needs to be heated:

• vent valves;
• overflow valves;
• flow meters;
• heat meters.

The manifold system operates on a very basic principle. The heat generator heats the liquid, which then enters the supply comb.

Because of the larger internal diameter of the device, the liquid moves more slowly inside the intermediate collecting unit and is dispersed throughout all of the outlets.

The distributor can have any amount of outlets, and if more are needed, the construction can always be expanded to include more outlets.

Finding the necessary cross-sectional area is simple if you know that the flow rate is equal to the heat generator capacity and the water velocity. For calculations, liters only need to be converted into the handy unit of milliliters (mm3) in advance.

Coolant enters separately laid circuits through connecting sockets (the cross-section of which is smaller than the diameter of the collector unit pipe) and travels to floor heating grids or radiators.

Each element that is provided with an equal-temperature heat transfer medium is appropriately heated as a result of this distribution.

Calculations are used to determine the collector’s internal diameter so that the heat carrier’s speed inside the collector doesn’t exceed 0.7 m/s.

The liquid is sent through a different pipe in the opposite direction to the distribution unit after reaching the battery and absorbing the heat from the heating process. After passing through the return comb, it is routed to the heat generator.

A collector-based system is, quite rightly, the most dependable and efficient for a country cottage.

The cost is the only thing that can deter a cautious owner. Ultimately, the configuration of this kind of system will cost more than the component of a traditional Tee-type system.

A clever solution like this, which calls for setting up distinct supply pipes, makes radiators heat evenly.

Design and principle of operation of the collector

Collectors are utilized in solar systems, boiler room plumbing, underfloor heating, and radiators. They transfer heat from the mains to specific circuits or devices and then return the heat carrier to the heating boiler.

Although collectors’ designs are generally similar, they vary in specific details based on the intended use. This particular model is intended for subfloor heating.

Collector and comb design

In general, a manifold for a heating system consists of two combs: supply and return. A comb is a pipe with an end connection for the central input and the necessary number of side branches for connecting heating circuits. The outlets can be equipped with control devices: manual valves or automatic thermostats of various designs. The upper, supply comb is equipped with an air vent. The combs can be made of brass, stainless steel or plastic. On sale are more often available models with the number of branches from 2 to 12, but there are also with a large number of connections. Combs can be connected to each other, creating the desired configuration.

The collector is constructed from two stainless steel combs with five outlets apiece. The outlets have Maevsky, thermostatic, and manual valves as well as filling and emptying functions.

How the manifold system works

After entering the comb, the heat carrier is dispersed among the various circuits. We refer to such a scheme as radial. Unlike traditional one- and two-pipe systems, the coolant at each circuit’s inlet is at the same temperature. The hydraulic resistance of each circuit must not vary greatly for the system to function properly. Additionally, the number of devices and pipe lengths must be comparable. Every circuit has a regulating device by default; with their assistance, the collector heating system of a private residence or a much larger building can be precisely adjusted and balanced.

The hydraulic resistance of the circuits (beams) linked to the same comb must be comparable.

Radiator and underfloor heating manifolds

Radiators and heated floors use different groups of heating manifolds. Floor-by-floor distribution: if the building is large, there may be multiple collectors per floor. Each level should have a collector of its own. The radiator coils can be connected to single radiators as well as groups of two to three radiators. Since the groups are connected by tees, the coolant volumes in the circuits ought to be similar.

In a two-story home with radiator manifold heating, combs must be installed on both floors.

A mixing unit is a feature of the heating manifold group used for underfloor heating. The heating medium’s standard temperature must be lowered, and it must be kept at an ideal temperature of no more than 40 ºC. Additionally, even though the underfloor heating distribution manifold has a pump, the total head will not be sufficient to drive through every loop. One loop (circuit) can have a maximum length of 80 meters, and it is advised to maintain a 30% difference between the shortest and longest loop.

Placing the floor heating collectors closer to the floor’s center will make it more convenient and ensure that each circuit’s length is comparable.

Hydrostrel and solar collector

The hydrostrel and the solar collector are the two other distributor types in the heating system that are unique.

The hydrostrelka, also known as a hydrodistributor, hydrocollector of the heating system, or thermohydrodistributor, is a unique manifold to which the heating boiler circuit is connected on one side and all other circuits that the coolant circulates through on the other. It can include hot water supply, pool heating, air heating in forced ventilation systems, and more, in addition to radiators and underfloor heating. The hydrostrelka helps to establish hydraulic and, consequently, temperature balance by reducing the mutual influence of the system’s various circuits.

Circuit for a step manifold. The coolant flows are distributed to the second level collectors, radiators, and underfloor heating systems by the first level splitter, the hydro collector (hydrostrelka). The liquid enters each of the individual beam circuits right away.

The solar collector heating system is an extremely intelligent apparatus that functions on a fundamentally different structure and principle than a heat exchanger. A subject for a different article.

How to choose

Prior to deciding to install a distribution manifold in your home heating system, you should take into account the following factors regarding the installation and purchase of the manifold:

1. High cost. There is no doubt that this technology is very high quality, convenient, and can increase the productivity of heating devices at times, but at the same time it is also the most expensive among all currently existing devices. This is due to the use of premium quality metal, and with the additional purchase of various parts, fittings and equipment from which the following nuance emerges;
2. Circulation pump and other devices. Collector system will function only if there is a circulation pump, additional fittings for each circuit, taps, plugs and selected collector cabinet;
3. Installation work. Installation of such a system is quite complex and requires a certain amount of time and financial capacity, especially if the connection will be made to the system "warm floor". All this can bring a certain discomfort, if the house is already equipped, and not at the stage of construction.

This guide will assist you in self-assembling the floor heating system’s collector:

If you are willing to overlook the aforementioned points, you can move on to the direct selection of the heating distribution collector. Focus more on the technical specifications, which are as follows, than on the material it is made of.

1. When selecting a manifold, pay attention to the technical specifications of the maximum allowable system pressure, that the equipment can handle;
2. approximate consumption calculation electric energy by the device;
3. number of circuits suitable for all heating devices in the house;
4. the capacity level of the distribution collector;
5. potential possibility of adding the necessary circuits in the event of an increase in heating devices;
6. availability of various automatic auxiliary devices;
7. reputation of the manufacturer.

You will be fine if you understand everything mentioned above, but as experience has shown, only professionals in the field can calculate all parameters in the most accurate way. These professionals will assist not only with the initial decision but also with any subsequent adjustments to the system’s operation.

Installation and connection of the distribution comb

It is helpful to follow these guidelines when installing and connecting the distribution manifold for underfloor heating:

• Filling the comb with all loops due to their long length is done with a small flow of liquid to avoid blowing out, usually the procedure takes 1.5 – 2 hours of time for floors of 100 square meters.
• After pouring the coolant into the system, close all loops except one – water is passed through it and drained through the drain valve, making sure that there is no air in the loop. Do the same with the other loops, pumping and draining water through them in succession.
• After all loops are filled with coolant, leave one loop connected, turn on the circulating electric pump and pump water through it, opening the valve to drain air.
• Repeat the operation for each individual loop, pumping the fluid for 5-10 minutes.
• When the run is complete, open all circuits, turn on the electric pump and the boiler for complete deflating through automatically vented valves, which can last several hours.

Flow meters are used to guarantee that every loop has the same temperature. The idea behind these meters is that the longer a loop is, the more water should be passed through it. For instance, if a loop is 100 meters long, a second is 60 meters long, and a third is 40 meters long. To adjust the loop that is longest, unscrew the flow meter’s nut to the maximum through channel, and mark the flow rate to see it visually.

The maximum reading of the longest loop in the proper proportion is used to determine the flow rate in loops that are shorter in length. For instance, the 60-meter branch has a value of 1.2, the 40-meter branch has a value of 0.8, and the longest 100-meter branch has a maximum flow rate of 2 units.

Fig. 15: Characteristics and varieties of collectors from well-known manufacturer Valtec

Collector comb

It’s easy to select the ideal scallop for manifold heating.

Since the device is not complicated, the material of the housing should be the first consideration.

Devices that can be purchased include:

• with steel body and branches;
• with cast iron housing;
• with plastic housing.

Cast comb should be preferred even in situations where there is a large pressure drop because the housing won’t leak under such circumstances. Regarding the supply and return pipe connections, even in the most basic models, the outlets have threads, which makes installation much easier.

Tightness is guaranteed by molded body.

Without buying a comb, collector heating can also be arranged in one of two ways:

• with the use of welding – from the point of view of economy is a very controversial option. Firstly, not everyone knows how to work with a welding machine, and secondly, the quality of the seam can not be guaranteed. In the event of a leakage failure, the leakage is guaranteed. In addition, the missing fittings will have to be purchased, resulting in a negligible saving;
• Well, and the most budget-friendly option – from PP pipe. In this case, the comb resembles a series of tees connected in series with a plug at the end. From the tools you will need only a device for soldering PP piping. Such a collector will have all the weaknesses of the polypropylene pipeline, in particular, a decrease in strength at high temperature of the coolant.

An illustration of a low-cost polypropylene comb is shown in the picture.

Calculation of collector heating

When buying a standard product, the homeowner does not need to compute the collector’s parameters (through diameter, length, and cross-section of outlet connections) or the diameter of the pipes. You can locate the required formulas in the network if you wish to perform such computations, but in this instance, it is simpler to follow the standard dimensional parameters of manufactured factory goods.

Determining the length of pipes to guarantee the required temperature in the room at known temperature characteristics of the heat carrier is the primary computation task. The average citizen can use an online calculator or computer program more easily for this purpose than complex engineering calculations, which are limited to specialists in the field of heating.

The program or calculator enters the first information regarding the required temperature in the room and its area, the diameter and spacing of the pipes, and the temperature of the medium in order to produce the desired result. Online resources offer reviews of several calculation programs, including Audytor CO from Sankom, Valtek Complex from the same company, and Raucad/Rauwin 7.0 from Rehau.

Fig. 17 Assembly of the collector unit

Basic principles

Every project needs a unique strategy for the design and installation of a private home’s heating system. Nonetheless, there are still a few points that all experts agree upon. For this reason, it is strongly advised against using this system, for instance, in apartments, where it is nearly impossible to complete the project.

Generally speaking, two or more risers enter a separate room in multi-story homes. Each of them has multiple heating devices connected to it. It is required to connect each radiator to a single riser pipe in order to implement the parallel plan. Stated differently, every heat supply channel is sealed off save for the one that the radiators are suspended from. A solution like this could result in neighbors living above simply freezing because they wouldn’t get the heat they need.

In a private home, this kind of arrangement will only have an impact on the owners. The most important thing is to consider a few quirks:

1. The automatic air valve is placed directly on the return and supply manifold. It is they that allow all the air to be removed from the system.
2. An expansion tank is always installed in the circuit. Its capacity should not be less than 10% of the total volume of liquid in the system. The price of these devices is relatively small to save money. And the increase in the volume of liquid in the system when heating – necessarily.
3. The optimal area for installing an expansion tank is the return supply line, not reaching the pump. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of these devices. They do not tolerate turbulence in the flow. At the specified location, such phenomena are least expected.
4. The installation of circulation pumps is an unprincipled issue. But in the case of use, experts recommend choosing a return line for installation. In this place, the temperature of the liquid is minimal, which favorably affects the service life of the mechanism.

Crucial! It is important to make sure the shaft is in a horizontal position when installing the pump. If not, there might be some operational issues.

What material they can be made of

A heating can that is mounted from:

• brass;
• stainless steel;
• copper;
• polypropylene.

Although the first kind of comb is thought to be very dependable, cottage installations don’t use it very frequently. Although brass manifolds are costly, they are strong and suitable for networks with pressures as high as 14 bar.

The most widely used combs available right now are made of steel. Up to 10 bar of pressure can be applied in systems using these manifolds. provides long-term service to distributors of this kind at a reasonable cost.

Ways to withstand pressure of up to 30 bar using copper combs. These distributors are highly costly. These kinds of collectors are typically only utilized when the system’s heat carrier is something other than water, like oil.

Budget-friendly polypropylene combs are also frequently used in private homes. What sets these distribution heating manifolds apart is their capacity to tolerate pressures of up to 6 bar, albeit at the expense of a relatively short service life. The cost of polypropylene comb, which is now produced using both industrial and artisanal methods, is between 600 and 1000 dollars.

Among other things, it pays to exercise greater caution when purchasing a manifold. The truth is that there are regrettably a lot of imitations of these pieces of equipment available nowadays. The customer might be offered painted steel, for instance, in place of brass comb. Frequently, one can find collectors of regular steel in the market, posing as stainless steel manufacturers.

Types of heating collectors

Specialty stores carry a variety of heating manifolds with varying features, such as the manufacturer, the quantity of connected circuits, the materials used in construction, and the presence of flow meters or thermal heads. Nonetheless, they can generally be separated into two distinct groups:

• boiler room manifolds;
• local combustion heads.

Collector for boiler room

The boiler room collector is typically constructed from metal pipes and has multiple pumps for liquid circulation. It is made up of a feed comb and a comb that is meant to hold the cooled liquid. The supply header houses pumps with taps, and the receiving header typically has shut-off valves.

A hydrostrelka is an essential component of the design that ensures the optimal temperature differential between the supply and return circuits. This distinction enables the heat-generating unit to be maintained with the least amount of energy expenditure. In order to keep an eye on everything, the boiler manifold is also outfitted with temperature sensors and pressure control devices. This component is often placed in a designated space and has fairly respectable proportions.

Distribution comb

The heating distribution comb is considerably smaller than the boiler manifold but serves the same purposes. There is also a slight variation in the principle of operation. Should the heated fluid entirely replace the cooled coolant in the boiler collector unit, the two are combined and reintroduced into the system via the distribution comb.

In most cases, an extra circulation pump is responsible for performing the functions of a gyrostrictor in combinations. Due to varying flow temperatures, it assists the local heat-carrying fluid in moving in a circle, entraining a portion of the heated coolant. Antifreeze or cooled water flows into the main line simultaneously. This principle of operation distributes a metered amount of heat transfer fluid to one or more heating circuits.

When equipping the so-called warm floor and when three or more thermal devices are present in a single room, the distribution comb of the heating system is typically installed. It contributes to the overall complex’s optimal operation and lowers the heat generator’s energy usage.

Although the distribution comb and the manifold unit in the mini boiler room appear to have similar purposes at first, it is their combined usage that contributes to the overall high efficiency of the heating system.

Good	Expensive
Durable materials	High-quality insulation
Energy-efficient heating systems	Top-notch installation services

Regarding insulation and heating for your house, the age-old argument of "expensive vs. good" frequently comes up. Many homeowners question whether spending a large sum of money on premium goods and services is actually worthwhile. Even though it can be tempting to choose less expensive options, it’s important to recognize the long-term advantages of high-quality insulation and heating systems.

Above all, putting quality first guarantees increased energy efficiency. Although less expensive solutions could first appear like a good deal, they frequently fall short of more expensive products in terms of efficacy and durability. High-quality heating systems and insulation are made to minimize heat loss, which will eventually lower your energy costs. You’re making a prudent investment in your home’s affordability and sustainability in the future by spending more money up front on high-quality goods.

Selecting high-quality heating and insulation options not only saves energy but also improves your home’s general livability and comfort. By removing drafts and cold spots, proper insulation maintains a constant temperature throughout your living area. Furthermore, dependable warmth is produced by high-quality heating systems without the need for ongoing maintenance or repairs. This means that no matter the weather outside, you and your family will be in a more comfortable environment.

Additionally, investing in high-quality insulation and heating systems can benefit your family’s health and wellbeing. Good insulation controls humidity, which lowers the possibility of the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause allergies and respiratory problems. Furthermore, high-quality heating systems frequently have sophisticated filtration capabilities that enhance indoor air quality by eliminating allergens and pollutants. Making high-quality products a priority is an investment in your family’s health and safety as well as the comfort of your house.

In conclusion, even though high-quality insulation and heating solutions may cost more up front, the advantages over time greatly exceed the cost. It is wise for any homeowner to invest in high-quality goods and services because they can lead to better indoor air quality, increased comfort, and energy efficiency. By putting quality above quantity, you’re investing in your family’s long-term health and sustainability as well as increasing the value of your house.

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