One -pipe heating system with natural circulation of Leningrad

An effective heating system is essential for keeping your house warm and comfortable during the winter. The one-pipe heating system with natural circulation, also known as the Leningrad system, is one choice that has grown in favor in many areas. This system is a well-liked option for homeowners wishing to increase their heating efficiency because of its affordability, dependability, and simplicity.

The one-pipe heating system operates on a straightforward principle: hot water is circulated through a single pipe network, delivering heat to radiators throughout the house. Unlike traditional two-pipe systems, which require separate pipes for supply and return, the one-pipe system streamlines the process, reducing installation complexity and cost.

The Leningrad system’s dependence on natural circulation is one of its main characteristics. This system uses the natural tendency of hot water to rise and cold water to sink, eliminating the need for pumps to force hot water through the pipes. A convection current circulates the hot water throughout the system as it travels from the boiler to the radiators, heating the surrounding air in the process.

The energy efficiency of the one-pipe heating system with natural circulation is one of its key advantages. It uses less electricity than conventional forced circulation systems because it doesn’t require pumps or other mechanical parts to function. This lowers energy costs and improves the system’s environmental friendliness.

In addition, the one-pipe system requires less maintenance than more intricate heating systems because of its simplicity. There are fewer chances for malfunctions or breakdowns because there are fewer moving parts and no need for external power sources. For homeowners, this can mean savings on both time and expenses.

Component	Description
Boiler	Heats water for the system.
Radiators	Distribute heat throughout the house.
Pipes	Carry hot water from the boiler to the radiators and back.
Expansion tank	Allows for the expansion of water as it heats up.
Automatic air vent	Removes air bubbles from the system to maintain efficiency.

The most popular heating system of Leningradka

The Leningrad heating system, named after its initial installation and testing, was invented by unidentified plumbers and is regarded as one of the most straightforward yet brilliant inventions. St. Petersburg hosted the system’s real-world verification. Customers valued its ease of use, dependability, and high maintainability. The well-liked Leningrad heating system has found use in heating private homes because it requires little in the way of installation materials.

A minimal amount of supplies and machinery are needed for Leningradka installation:

• boiler;
• expansion tank;
• heating batteries;
• Pipes.

1. ball valves;
2. thermostatic valves;
3. valves;
4. Bypas.

Wiring options and the principle of action

A straightforward Leningrad heating system makes use of the special qualities of liquids, which soften and rise to a radiator when heated. In a one-story home, pipes are typically installed at floor level or beneath the floors to form the building’s perimeter. An extra heat source called hot pipe helps to heat the space more evenly. Therefore, freezing of areas away from radiators is not included. When properly calculated and installed, a single-pipe Leningrad heating system is sufficient for heating private homes and cottages.

The simplest one-pipe wiring scheme is being modernized by heating Leningrad, in theory. All radiators in a single-pipe system are connected in turn, and the coolant from the last battery is recycled back into the boiler for further heating. The system is extremely antiquated, and its primary flaw is the radiators’ uneven heating along the coolant’s path. The second disadvantage is that you have to turn off the heating system in order to replace or fix any radiator.

The uneven heating is negligible with a small number of radiators (no more than 5) if the system is installed as closed with a circulation pump. One-pipe plan. Larger diameter pipes can be used in conjunction with an open expansion tank to function as a gravitational force.

Modernized one -pipe scheme of Leningradka

How the batteries are connected to the supply pipe defines a single-pipe heating system with mandatory Leningrad circulation. In the direction that hot water moves through the pipe, radiators are cut parallel to it. The lower battery pipe is connected after the top of the radiator, though the lower connection can also be used. Lower connection: this is where the radiator’s input and output pipes are situated. Heating devices are uniformly heated by the coolant moving at a sufficient speed in the supply pipe. Thus, the heating system in a private residence in Leningrad is an easy-to-use and dependable one.

Additional heating is provided by the supply pipeline, which is positioned around the outside of the structure.

Convectors hidden in niches under large windows can be connected if needed. With the convector positioned horizontally, a unique pipe insert must be made in order for water to enter it during installation. It is welded into the supply pipe after being cut at a 45-degree angle. A portion of the water from the supply pipe branches off and enters the convector, creating resistance to the run-up stream.

Vertical one -pipe heating scheme

A vertical wiring scheme is used in multi-story buildings. After being exposed to the attic, the supply pipe is insulated. The supply pipe is lowered to reveal diting pipes. The floors’ batteries are connected in a particular order. It’s crucial that the radiators are positioned precisely in one vertical orientation during installation.

There are occasions when radiators on different floors are connected in parallel. The battery connection and the supply pipe are connected in parallel at the same time. The battery outputs are connected in parallel to a different pipe that is lowered and connected to the "Reverse" pipe. The components of the two-pipe system are distinguishable in this instance. This is a hybrid plan.

Leningrad diagram with natural circulation

A single-pipe heating system with natural circulation of Leningrad, in which water moves due to gravity, can be useful for small homes and cottages. Large enough diameter pipes must be used in order to arrange such a system. The increased volume of coolant and the bigger diameter of the supply pipe will lessen the hydraulic resistance and the uneven heating of the radiators. A second source of heat is provided by the pipe that is positioned around the outside of the space. It is essential to install pipes by following their inclination in the coolant’s direction of movement.

A straightforward and dependable heating system is easy to install and maintain. It is simple to update. It becomes feasible to change or fix batteries while installing bypasses, cranes, and valves without having to shut down the system. Following modernization, the Leningrad scheme permits the installation of the preferred temperature and the modification of the radiator return in various rooms.

Requirements for boilers

Any kind of boiler can be used with the above-described heating scheme. The old-fashioned way of heating the house with coal or carbon briquettes is employed if there is no trunk gas pipeline, gas in the cylinders of the roads, and no desire to use electricity due to its high cost. The house will be comfortably heated and the coolant will be effectively heated by burning coal in high-efficiency modern boilers.

Before purchasing coal to heat a private residence, there are certain things to be aware of. Purchasing brown coal, stone, or anthracite is advised by many experts. Ordering and delivery are usually hassle-free, and you can place any size order online. Peat briquettes are an alternative fuel that can be used for heating; however, their cost varies depending on the season and needs to be made clear.

Fuel briquettes for heating boilers

Apart from traditional coal and coal briquettes, there are now different types of heating briquettes available, each with a different price, so it’s important to know before you buy. Briquettes are manufactured from waste wood, peat, and sunflower. Popular heating briquettes have received a great deal of positive feedback.

Compressed and dried peat is used to make briquettes. It turns out that using small, compact tiles is convenient. Burning whole logs is frowned upon worldwide; it is far preferable to use the waste products and compress them instead. The ability to convert any combustible waste into heating briquettes has already been acquired. The benefits of this fuel type include high heat transfer, prolonged burning, and ease of transportation.

The most popular heating scheme

The easiest heating system to install and design is "Leningradka." In terms of functionality, Leningradka’s updated heating system is essentially on par with a two-pipe system. But its creation came at a far lower cost in terms of money. To. To install the circuit, two smaller pipes are needed.

The "Leningrad" scheme’s contour can be installed openly or closed, with or without a circulation pump, and with forced circulation.

"Leningradka" is excellent with all kinds of boilers.

The Leningradka heating system is widely used due to its affordability, efficiency, ease of installation, and simplicity of design. It functions flawlessly and gives people warmth, comfort, and comfort in their homes.

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In the realm of home heating and insulation, the one-pipe heating system with natural circulation, famously known as the Leningrad system, stands out as a simple yet effective solution. Unlike traditional two-pipe systems, this setup requires only one pipe to distribute hot water throughout the house, making installation and maintenance easier and more cost-effective. With no need for pumps or additional equipment, the system relies on natural convection to circulate water, reducing energy consumption and minimizing the risk of breakdowns. Its design lends itself well to older homes and buildings, offering a viable option for upgrading heating systems while preserving architectural integrity. By harnessing the principles of natural circulation, the Leningrad system provides efficient warmth and comfort, making it a practical choice for homeowners seeking reliable heating solutions.

What are the heating systems with natural circulation, how to make them and what to take into account

The natural circulation heating system has the advantage of operating independently of electricity availability, which is crucial in certain places. Another issue is that, in certain situations, it is simply not possible to achieve comfortable conditions with such a scheme. As a result, heating is frequently accomplished by gravity (one of the names), with the pump operating normally the remainder of the time. However, there are instances where a heating system without a pump is the only choice, such as in summer cottages that are not electrified.

Because the system with natural circulation (EC) operates on the principle of gravity, it is sometimes referred to as gravitational. Gravity is another name for it. One construction principle is indicated by all of these terms: no pump is needed.

The principle of operation of the EC system

In gravity systems, the movement of the coolant is caused by temperature differences in the coolant, which results in varying densities. For example, hot water exiting the boiler has a significantly lower density and weight than cold water. As a result, hot water is moved upward. Thus, the boiler should be positioned beneath the radiators, which is the primary feature of such systems. The coolant then slides down the pipe at a slight incline. Smaller diameter pipes leave the main highway to go to radiators or registers.

The most basic iteration of the natural circulation system

This system is easier to implement in systems with the upper distribution of water – this is when the pipe rises from the boiler under the ceiling and from there it is already lowered to the radiators. In systems with lower distribution, the gravitational system can be implemented only with an accelerated circuit – an artificial height difference is created: the pipe rises from the boiler almost under the fabric, there, there, an expansion tank is installed at the top point. After it, the pipe drops to a level of higher than the radiators, but not under the ceiling, but at the window level. From there there is already wiring into radiators. When installing the accelerated circuit, only a low ceiling can prevent you – it is desirable that the pipe extends higher than 1.5 meters (and also a tank) from the top of the boiler.

A single pipe system that circulates naturally. Wiring horizontally

Types of heating systems with natural circulation

It is possible to use two-pipe systems or the same pipe for the EC heating in spiritual and multiple houses.

Natural circulation is employed in a two-story house with a two-pipe heating system. The circuit is in a vertical position.

The idea remains the same in this instance: the coolant is distributed in accordance with the heating elements only after the pipe has risen to its greatest height from the boiler. The only distinction is that cooled water in a two-pipe system is assembled to a different highway and begins at the boiler return input. The boiler feeds this entryway through a single pipe that releases the last radiator.

System that allows a one-story home’s natural circulation. One-pipe design, upper wiring

Each of the aforementioned one-pipe turning schemes has vertical risers. The fact that each riser can have a heating device attached from each floor makes them more convenient, but they also cost more in terms of materials. In theory, installing water heating with natural circulation and horizontal wiring is more cost-effective in a two-story building with a large floor area. This is how it might appear (see the diagram below).

A single pipe system that circulates naturally. wiring horizontally with an accelerated manifold

The "Leningradka" heating plan with natural circulation was put into practice by this project. An accelerated collector is installed, followed by two circuits that diverge along the second floor—a horizontal sequential connection of radiators—for more active circulation on the floor. A second circuit descends to the first floor and splits into two branches there as well. Furthermore, risers are lowered from the latter in the radiator circuit in each of the branches of the second floor, in addition to the first floor.

Heating radiators Ets

For gravitational systems, the main thing is the minimum resistance to the water flow. Therefore, the wider the lumen of the radiator will be, the better the coolant will flow through it. Cast iron radiators are almost ideal from this point of view – they have the smallest hydraulic resistance. Aluminum and bimetallic. But you need to watch that their inner diameter is at least 3/4 ". You can use steel tubular batteries, steel panel or any others with a small cross section and high hydraulic resistance are definitely not recommended – water will not flow through them or it will not be very weak, which, for example, with a single -pipe system can lead to a lack of circulation in general.

Natural circulation systems (To increase the scale, click on the image.)

There are nuances in the way radiators are connected. In a single-pipe system, the installation technique is very important because the best heating element performance can only be achieved by utilizing various types of connections.

Schemes for connecting radiators

The figure located below shows the connection diagrams of radiators. The first is an unregulated sequential connection. With this method, all the shortcomings of “Leningradka” will appear: different heat transfer of radiators without the possibility of compensation (regulation). The situation is a little better if you put an ordinary jumper from the pipe. With such a scheme, the possibility of regulation is also absent, but when the radiator is fanned, the system operates, since the coolant passes through the bypass (jumper). Having installed two ball valves in addition behind the jumper (there is no figure in the figure), we get the opportunity to remove/turn off the radiator without stopping the system when the stream is blocked.

Characteristics of radiator connections in single-pipe systems

The last two installation techniques have devices that let you change the radiator’s temperature and modify the coolant flow via the radiator and bypass. The circuit can already be compensated with this inclusion (heat transfer is set on each heating device).

The type of connection—lateral, diagonal, or lower—is equally significant. You can enable or enhance the system’s compensation by using these connections.

Pipes for systems with natural circulation

The smoothness of the walls, or rather the material from which the pipes are made, is just as important in choosing the diameter of the pipes as the system size and number of radiators. It is crucial to consider this parameter for gravitational systems. The worst of all situations occurs in regular metal pipes, where the rough inner surface becomes even more uneven after use as a result of accumulated deposits on the walls and corrosion processes. since these pipes require the biggest diameter.

This is how steel pipes might appear in a few years.

From this point of view, metal -plastic and reinforced polypropylene. But in metal -plastic ones, fittings are used that significantly make lumen, which for gravity systems can become critical. Therefore, reinforced polypropylene look more preferable. But they have restrictions on the temperature of the coolant: the operating temperature 70 ° C, the peak – 95 o. The products made of special PPS plastic work temperature 95 ° C, peak – up to 110 ° C. So, depending on the boiler and the system as a whole, these pipes can be used, on the condition that these are high -quality branded products, not fake. Read more about polypropylene pipes here.

Heating systems can also be installed using polypropylene and metallocoplastic materials.

But no polypropylene can withstand such thermal loads if a solid fuel boiler is to be installed. In this instance, use steel for threaded joints or galvanize and stainless steel (do not use stainless steel welding during installation, as the seams move quickly). Although copper is also appropriate (see this article about copper pipes), you must handle it carefully because it has unique properties. For example, it won’t work properly with all coolants, and it’s best to avoid using copper with aluminum radiators in a single system because they will quickly corrode.

One characteristic of naturally circulating systems is that they cannot be calculated because turbulent flows form that are not calculable. They create them using averaged, experimentally bred norms and rules, as well as experience. The following guidelines primarily apply:

• Raise the acceleration point as high as possible;
• Do not make a nourishment of feed pipes;
• put a sufficient number of radiator sections.

Then another is employed: a smaller diameter pipe is used from the location of the first branching and each subsequent lead. A 2-inch pipe, for instance, originates from the boiler, followed by a ¾, a ½, and t.D. branch. From a smaller diameter to a larger one, the discharge is collected.

The installation of gravitational systems has a number of additional features. Initially, pipes should ideally have a slope of between one and five percent, depending on the pipeline’s length. The main requirement is that there be no sections with a negative slope (inclined in the opposite direction), which would obstruct the flow of water due to the formation of air plugs. In theory, horizontal wiring is also feasible with a sufficient difference in height and temperature.

System summary: one pipe, two wings, and vertical wiring (circuit)

The second feature is that an expansion tank and/or air venture must be installed at the system’s highest point. The expansion tank can be membrane (closed) or open (the system will also be open). It is not required to divert air at the highest point—in the tank and into the atmosphere—when installing the open. Installing an automatic air vent is also necessary when installing a membrane tank. The "Maevsky" crane on each radiator won’t interfere with horizontal wiring, making it simpler to clear the branch’s air traffic jams altogether.

Boiler for gravitational systems

Boilers should operate without the use of electricity because these circuits are primarily required for devices that provide heat without the need for electricity. Any non-automated unit may be used, with the exception of pellet and electrical.

Most often, solid fuel boilers work in systems with natural circulation. They are good for all, but in many models it burns out fuel quickly. And if there is severe frosts outside the window, and the house is not insulated sufficiently, then in order to keep an acceptable temperature at night, you have to get up and throw fuel. Especially this situation is often found where they are drowned with firewood. Exit – buy a boiler of long burning (energy -dependent, of course). For example, in Lithuanian solid fuel boilers Stropuva, under certain conditions, firewood burn up to 30 hours, and coal (anthracite) to several days. The Candle boilers are a little worse than the characteristics: the minimum burning time is 7 hours, coal – 34 hours. There are boilers without automation and pumps and the German campaign of Buderus, Czech Viadrus and Polish-Ukrainian Wikchlach, as well as Russian manufacturers: “energy”, “light”.

Energy-dependent boiler with a long Stropuva burn

Russian boilers that rely on gas energy are produced in Rostov-on-Don; one such boiler is Konord. They are suitable for use in naturally circulating systems. The power-dependent universal Don boilers, which can operate without electricity, are made at the same facility. Floor gas boilers from Bertta, an Italian company, are used in naturally circulating systems, such as the Novella Autonom model and a few other products from Asian and European manufacturers.

The second method that will help increase the time between the furnaces is to increase the inertia of the system. For this, heat accumulators are installed (TA). They work well precisely with solid fuel boilers, which do not have the opportunity to adjust the intensity of combustion: the excess heat is assigned to the heat accumulator in which the energy accumulates and is consumed as the coolant cools in the main system. Connecting such a device has its own features: it must be placed on the supply pipeline below. Moreover, for effective selection of heat and normal work – as close as possible to the boiler. However, for gravitational systems, this solution is far from the best. They slowly go to normal circulation mode, but they are self -regulatory: the colder the room, the more the coolant cools down, passing along the radiators. The larger the difference in temperatures, the greater the density difference and the coolant moves faster. And the installed one makes heating more inertial, and the time and fuel for acceleration is required much more. True, and heat is given longer. In general, you decide.

In order to maintain system temperature stability, a thermal battery is installed.

Pertaining to the same issues with natural circulation and stove heating. In this instance, the furnace’s array serves as the heat accumulator and accelerates the system with a significant amount of fuel. However, it usually allows for its exclusion when it comes to use, and this is not realistic in the case of the stove.

Coolant for systems with natural circulation

Water is an ideal coolant for these kinds of systems. It is possible to use antifreeze, but when planning, you need to account for this and increase the radiator area; you can either choose larger radiators or more sections. The problem with these compounds is that they transfer heat less effectively, which makes them worse and frequently causes the coolant and boiler to overheat.

There are specific antifreezes used for heating systems.

As precipitation and deposits start to form in large quantities, the temperature of a non-freezing fluid rises above the working phenomenon. After using antifreeze for two months without stopping and experiencing frequent overheating, the boiler heat exchanger became severely clogged, and the system nearly overgrew. Therefore, ensure that the non-freezing liquid you intend to use can provide heat without overheating.

It is important to remember that only specific compositions can be used in heating systems. Cars or general-purpose use are completely inappropriate, particularly for open-plane schemes that interact with the environment. When selecting materials for antifreeze applications, consider how well they work with non-freezing liquids. Not every pipe and boiler get along well with them. If there is no record of the possibility of using non-freezing liquids, you should inquire with the seller or, better yet, directly with the manufacturer.

Making the transition to a Leningrad-style one-pipe heating system, which has natural circulation, can have significant advantages for your house. This system is an affordable choice for insulation and heating because of its ease of design and installation. Over time, maintenance gets easier and less expensive with fewer pipes involved.

Additionally, the system’s natural hot water circulation eliminates the need for pumps, which lowers operating expenses and energy consumption. By reducing your carbon footprint, this not only saves you money but also helps your home become greener.

The Leningrad system also distributes heat throughout your house effectively. Every room will have a comfortable temperature thanks to the uniform heating, which also minimizes cold spots and uses energy as efficiently as possible. Residents will feel more comfortable as a result, and their heating costs may go down.

In addition, the one-pipe system’s dependability and simplicity make it a sensible option for both new builds and retrofits. The Leningrad model provides an easy-to-install, reliable solution for heating systems, whether you’re building a new house or replacing an old one.

In conclusion, for homeowners looking for economical, eco-friendly, and effective heating options, the Leningrad system, or any other one-pipe heating system with natural circulation, offers a strong choice. This system offers an affordable, eco-friendly, and performance balance that can improve any home’s livability and comfort by utilizing natural convection and simplifying the design.

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