How to make a two -pipe heating system

Keeping your home comfortable and efficient, especially in the winter, requires making sure it is well-insulated and heated. This can be accomplished, for example, by installing a two-pipe heating system. In comparison to single-pipe systems, this system minimizes energy waste and offers more precise control over temperature distribution. This post will explain the principles of a two-pipe heating system and how to install one in your house.

The basic idea behind a two-pipe heating system is straightforward but effective: one pipe heats the water for the radiators, and another pipe returns the cooled water to the boiler for reheating. Compared to single-pipe systems, where the same pipe delivers both hot water to the radiators and cooled water back to the boiler, this design enables more even heat distribution throughout the house.

The capacity of a two-pipe system to offer independent control over every radiator in your house is one of its main advantages. This enables you to independently control the temperature in every room, improving comfort and reducing energy use. Furthermore, a more efficient heating process is achieved because there is less chance of heat loss during circulation due to the separation of the supply and return pipes.

Although installing a two-pipe heating system may seem difficult, homeowners can accomplish the task with the correct information and direction. To find the ideal location for radiators and pipes, start by evaluating the heating requirements and layout of your house. It is possible to make sure that the system is installed correctly and complies with local building codes by consulting with a professional heating contractor.

For your two-pipe heating system to continue operating efficiently and effectively after installation, regular maintenance is essential. Check for leaks, air pockets, and other problems that might interfere with its operation on a regular basis. Furthermore, arranging yearly maintenance by a trained specialist can assist in spotting possible issues early on and taking appropriate action to resolve them.

Types of two -pipe heating systems

These systems are the sole focus of our discussion because they are superior to single pipes in a number of ways. It would be pointless to enumerate them all; instead, focus on the most important one: the two-pipe system operates so that coolant enters each radiator at nearly the same temperature.

The phrase "nearly" refers to instances where this rule is not applied; these instances include schemes gathered from corrugated steel, copper, and stainless steel pipes that are not coated in a thermal insulation layer.

The truth is that a private home’s heating system, which you built yourself using unmilled metal pipes, will heat the space in addition to radiators. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal, the coolant that is removed from the boiler and flows through such a highway will gradually cool. Even though the temperature drop is negligible when compared to one-pipe wiring, it must be considered.

Note: Since the material will only be used half, many proponents of single-pipe schemes, like Leningradka, claim that they are less expensive. However, they also overlook the decrease in water temperature, which calls for an increase in radiator power—that is, the addition of sections. These are substantial additional funds.

Systems are classified as vertical or horizontal based on how the risers are oriented in space. These systems can have upper, lower, or combined wiring. When a vertical scheme is used, one or more risers are erected inside the structure and are powered by the first floor or basement heat source. As illustrated in the figure, radiators are directly connected to vertical risers.

Since the coolant for the risers is supplied by the main pipelines from below, this scheme has less wiring. With a combined version, only the supplying horizontal collector passes under the ceiling and the opposite is from below. A vertical system with an upper outlet implies that they are laying on top. The highways that are typically placed on top are located in the attic area and, if they are not present, beneath the last floor’s ceiling. which is not very appealing in the eyes of the eye.

Horizontal systems

This is a closed two-pipe system where a set number of heating devices connect the horizontal branches that are laid in place of the vertical risers. The branches may have upper, lower, and combined wiring, just as in the prior instance; however, this occurs within the same floor, as illustrated by the schemes:

The system with the upper wiring, as shown in the figure, necessitates installing pipes in the attic or beneath the building’s ceiling and will be difficult to install inside, not to mention materially expensive. Due to these factors, the system is rarely used, such as when the boiler room is located on the building’s roof or when heating basements. Any homeowner will agree, however, that it is preferable to start from the roof boiler of the pipe from the bottom if the circulation pump is properly chosen and the system is configured.

When installing a two-pipe gravitational system—where convection causes the coolant to flow naturally—combined wiring is essential. Such schemes remain applicable in multi-story buildings, small homes, and areas with erratic power supplies. One of its drawbacks is that a lot of large diameter pipes run through every room, making it challenging to conceal them. plus the project’s high material intensity.

The horizontal system with lower wiring is the last one. The fact that the scheme is the most well-liked is not by accident; it combines many benefits with virtually no drawbacks. The radiator eyeliners are short, and the pipes can always be frozen in the floor screed or concealed behind an ornamental screen. In this instance, material consumption is reasonable, and it is challenging to identify a better option in light of the work’s effectiveness. Particularly when a more sophisticated passing system is applied, as the scheme below illustrates:

The fact that the water in the supply and reverse pipelines travels the same distance and in a single direction is its primary benefit. Thus, in terms of hydraulic stability, this is the most dependable scheme—as long as all the calculations are done accurately and the installation features are taken into consideration. By the way, the intricacy of the ring contouring device reveals the subtleties of systems with the coolant passing through. Because the pipes frequently need to pass through doorways and other obstructions, the project’s cost may increase.

In conclusion. The best option for a private home is a two-pipe horizontal heating system with lower wiring, but only when combined with artificial coolant circulation. It is advised to choose either the vertical or horizontal combined gravity system if it is necessary to guarantee the energy-dependent operation of thermal equipment and networks. The latter is more fitting for a two-story home.

Heating system with forced circulation

After choosing the wiring scheme, the following steps need to be taken:

• draw it in the form of a sketch, and even better – a three -dimensional model (axonometry);
• Calculate and select the diameters of the pipes on all branches and areas;
• choose all the necessary elements of the two -pipe system: batteries, pump, expansion tank, filter, reinforcement and other parts of the strapping of the boiler and radiators;
• purchase equipment and materials, perform installation work;
• conduct tests, balancing (if necessary) and put the system into work.

You must draw the highways, install the shut-off valves and radiators, and indicate the height grades on the axonometry sketch. The first floor’s screed surface should be used as a reference point. Following the completion of the calculation, the pipes’ dimensions and cross-section must be included in the drawing. The drawing provides an illustration of the installation plan for a two-pipe system with forced circulation:

Vital. Your understanding of all the subtleties of the future system, including the number and types of polypropylene fittings, metal, plastic, and other materials, will improve once you have the finished sketch. When a house plan is linked to a three-dimensional picture, it is very practical.

Selection of pipes diameter

This computation establishes the coolant flow rate for the thermal power’s heating capability, which in turn establishes the pipe diameter for the two-pipe heating system. To put it another way, there should be enough pipe passing to provide each room with hot water and the appropriate amount of heat.

Note: By default, it is assumed that the building’s thermal losses have already been computed and that the temperature in each room is known.

The last battery in the system is where the pipe diameter selection process starts. First, the following formula is used to determine the heat carrier consumption for heating this room:

G equals 3600Q/(c minus), where

• G – the desired consumption of hot water for the room, kg/h;
• Q is the amount of heat to heating this room, kW;
• C – heat capacity of water, 4.187 kJ/kg ºС;
• Δt – the estimated temperature difference in the supply and reverse manifold, usually take 20 ºС.

For instance, 3 kW of heat is required to heat the space. At that point, the coolant flow rate will be the same:

3600 x 3 /4.187 x 20 = 129 kg/h; this translates to 0.127 m3/h in volume.

The diameter must be selected as precisely as possible in order to balance the two-pipe water heating system at first. Using the following formula, we determine a passing section for volumetric consumption:

Where: S = GV / 3600V

• S is the cross -sectional area of the pipe, m2;
• GV – volumetric flow rate of the coolant, m3/h;
• v – water flow rate, is taken in the range from 0.3 to 0.7 m/s.

Note: You should use the minimum speed of 0.3 m/s if the heating system of a one-story house is gravitational.

Using a speed of 0.5 m/s in our example, locate the section; the diameter of the section, based on the circuit area formula, will equal 0.1 m. The closest polypropylene pipe, which we included in the drawing, has an internal diameter of 15 mm. It should be noted that the 15 mm pipe is typically used to connect radiators to a two-pipe system. We then proceed to the following room, take into account and summarize the previous outcome, and so on, ending with the boiler itself.

Connecting radiators to a two -pipe system

The batteries that are installed connect to the highways during installation; a lateral or diagonal connection is the proper way to connect heating radiators with a two-pipe system. The following figure depicts all currently used methods:

As you can see, it is not advised to use method No. 2, as part of the heating device, especially the upper corners, does not warm up when connected in this way.

What temperature balance is indicated in the drawings by the radiator’s lower connection leading to a two-pipe system?

A lateral accession is typically present in batteries that are part of a vertical scheme (method No. 3). The diagonal connection diagram (method No. 1) is the most recommended option for horizontal systems because it maximizes the heating device’s heat transfer, as seen in the image below:

In crafting a two-pipe heating system for your home, you"re setting up a reliable and efficient way to keep your space warm during chilly months. Unlike single-pipe systems, where hot water flows in one direction, two-pipe systems use separate pipes for supplying hot water and returning cooled water to the boiler. This design allows for better temperature control in each room, ensuring consistent warmth throughout your house. With careful planning and installation, you can optimize heat distribution, minimize energy loss, and create a cozy environment while reducing heating costs. From selecting the right pipes and radiators to balancing the system for optimal performance, implementing a two-pipe heating system can significantly enhance the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, providing lasting benefits for years to come.

Balancing

The purpose of this operation is to balance each system branch and modify each branch’s water consumption. This can only be accomplished by installing special balancing valves on the inserts and correctly connecting each branch to the highways. Additionally, all radiator eyeliners have thermostatic valves or cranes for adjustment installed.

It is not so simple to carry out accurate balancing with your own hands, you need to have appropriate devices (at least a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure difference on the balance valve) and perform calculations for pressure losses. If there is none of this, then after the tests it is necessary to fill in the system, lower the air and turn on the boiler. Further, the balancing of the two -pipe system is carried out to the touch, according to the degree of warming up all the batteries. The devices located next to the heat generator must be “pressed” so that more heat goes to distant. The same with the whole branches of the system.

Your home’s insulation and heating systems can operate much more effectively and efficiently if a two-pipe heating system is installed. The use of distinct pipes for the supply and return of hot water in this system guarantees even heating throughout your home. You can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment and save money on energy bills with proper installation and maintenance.

The ability of a two-pipe heating system to maintain consistent temperatures in various rooms is one of its main advantages. Each radiator efficiently returns cooled water and receives hot water straight from the boiler thanks to separate supply and return pipes. By preventing temperature imbalances, this arrangement makes sure that your house stays warm throughout the winter.

Furthermore, more flexibility and control over heating settings are available with a two-pipe system. You can adjust temperatures to meet the needs of individual rooms by controlling the hot water flow to each radiator separately. In addition to improving comfort, this zoning feature lets you maximize energy efficiency by heating just the areas that require it, which could result in considerable energy bill savings.

Additionally, optimizing the efficiency of your heating system is greatly dependent on proper insulation. Reduce heat loss through ceilings, floors, and walls to keep more warmth inside your house, which will ease the strain on your boiler and increase energy efficiency in general. Comfort and energy savings can be significantly improved by making an investment in high-quality insulation materials and making sure the installation is done thoroughly.

In summary, a two-pipe heating system combined with sufficient insulation provides a practical way to improve comfort and lower energy use in your house. This system makes a home more comfortable and environmentally friendly by offering reliable heat distribution, adjustable temperature control, and enhanced energy efficiency. You can minimize your environmental impact and utility expenses while reaping the advantages of energy-efficient heating with appropriate installation and upkeep.

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