There are many ways to heat your home. You can use a Russian stove and fireplace, solar collectors, steam and heated water. But those who decide to live in a private house permanently often choose water or steam heating systems. And there is a reasonable explanation for this.
When heating rooms using water and steam, a stronger and more uniform heating of the air, as well as the walls and floor, occurs. In addition, such a wide distribution of these types of heating systems is affected by the peculiarities of our harsh climate, as well as the affordable (for example, in comparison with EU member countries) prices for the average citizen for gas and electricity - the main resources used for heating water.
Steam heating has been known and successfully used for more than 100 years.
What is it?
Steam heating is steam heating system, which is formed when water boils in the boiler, and then flows through pipes into radiators installed around the entire perimeter of the premises.
Required components of a steam heating system:
- boiler - heats and stores water;
- Exhaust valve;
- radiators;
- pipes;
- pump;
- firebox
It is not recommended to install a steam heating system only for those people who are afraid of such equipment due to explosion risks, and who's in the house Small children- due to possible burns due to high temperatures of heating devices (but even in this case there is a way out - installing protection systems within the reach of children).
The main competitor of steam is a water heating system. But the last one is different the highest costs for materials.
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Steam heating is still in demand in the private residential sector; with the help of an effective steam heating scheme, country cottages and country houses are heated. Thus, property owners prefer to use steam as a heat carrier.
At one time, the operating principle of steam heating was used to supply heat to large buildings. Steam for this purpose was obtained as a result of the operation of special devices - steam generators, or it was a by-product of some production processes. Now this type of heat supply is successfully used in private households.
The steam heating scheme for a private house consists of heating boilers of compact size and its structural elements are accessible, so it can compete with traditionally used water systems.
Features of steam heating
Currently, a steam heating scheme in a private house is an inexpensive and at the same time effective solution to the problem of heat supply to a country house.Such heating systems have many advantages, among which I would like to highlight the following:
- high efficiency. The equipment can operate for a long time without losing its original characteristics. It is beneficial to use due to its high performance;
- There is no heat consumption in the design. These positive aspects are achieved as a result of using pipes with a smaller cross-section. Steam, unlike water, has good heat-accumulating characteristics; it transfers heat well through radiators;
- even the largest room warms up very quickly. According to the instructions supplied with steam equipment, steam is characterized by low inertia, which is why rooms are heated with high efficiency in a short time.
Operating principle of steam heating
Before you install steam heating yourself, you need to understand the principle of its operation. First, the water in the steam boiler is brought to a boil and it begins to evaporate. The steam then enters the pipes and radiators, and thanks to condensation, returns back to the heating boiler.Air in the pipes of steam heating structures is not retained, since it is displaced by steam supplied under high pressure, and therefore there are no problems with airing in them. The air is discharged outside through air outlet pipes.
Options for steam heating schemes
Currently, there are a large number of heating schemes that operate using a coolant such as steam. Naturally, the cost of creating a heat supply system and its efficiency directly depend on which steam heating scheme is used.In small cottages and private houses, heating systems using low pressure steam, about 100-170 kg/sq.m., are often used. Vacuum-steam structures are no less popular - in them the pressure reaches 100 kg/sq.m.
When the household is large, it would be a reasonable decision to install a system that operates with high pressure of a coolant such as steam. If steam heating is created, a scheme of this type provides that the pressure in the lines can reach 600 kg/sq.m.
Also, steam heating systems differ in the method of returning condensate to the heating boiler.
They are:
- open (open) - condensate is collected in a special tank and pumped after cooling into the boiler for subsequent heating;
- closed (closed) - pipes of wide diameter are installed in them, through which the condensate returns to the heating unit by gravity.
Self-installation of a steam system
Setting up a steam heating system yourself is not difficult. The main thing while working is to pay attention to every detail and adhere to certain rules.The creation of steam heat supply is carried out in stages:
Drafting. This document must be approved by the relevant government control authorities. It indicates the location of radiators, inlet valve, heating boiler. You will also need a drawing of the heating structure and calculation of steam heating.
Boiler room preparation. As you can see in the photo, when arranging a room, it is important to ensure its protection. To do this, the walls are sheathed with non-flammable material, for example, sheet asbestos can be used. At this stage, the foundation for installing the boiler is also poured.
Installation of pipelines and installation of heating radiators. The main thing that you definitely need to pay attention to is the correct choice of the type of pipes (it is advisable to give preference to copper products) and the diameter of the products. They must be installed in the building. It is forbidden to use plastic that is not able to withstand high pressure in the system.
Installation of heating boiler and sensors. The heating unit must have a pressure gauge and other control devices.
Testing the performance of the heating system. Typically, professionals should be invited to carry out such work. Suitably qualified specialists will correctly carry out the procedure for the first start-up of the unit and heating system in full compliance with existing norms and standards.
When problems arise during the startup process, then they urgently need to be eliminated. Otherwise, it is prohibited to operate the heat supply structure. Each battery must have two taps installed - one to regulate the temperature, and the second to turn off the system.
Types of steam systems
Boilers, which are used when installing a steam heating scheme for a one-story house or a building with more floors, are presented on the market today in a wide range.Using them, you can equip two types of circuits:
- single-circuit system - provides heating of the house with steam;
- double-circuit design - steam is used not only to heat the house, but also to heat water. These schemes are convenient, practical, functional and productive.
More and more people are convinced that an autonomous method of heating an apartment or house is more economical than a centralized one. Do-it-yourself steam heating is one of the most difficult tasks, but it is quite doable if you have basic skills in working with power tools. Even before installation work, it is necessary to make calculations and purchase the necessary components.
Essence of the question
Some people get confused and believe that in fact the correct name for such a system is water heating, and the prefix “steam” remains from past times, when heating was carried out by industrial boiler houses that produced large volumes of steam. In fact, today there are boilers that provide space heating by converting liquid into two physical states. The strengths of this solution are:
- double heat transfer - by convection and infrared radiation;
- minimal losses in the heat exchanger when transferring energy from the source;
- high reliability;
- there is no danger of the system defrosting during the cold season;
- Possibility of use at any time of the year;
- long service life without failures.
Some disadvantages are:
- relatively high temperature of pipes and radiators;
- serious consequences in case of a breakthrough;
- some difficulties during installation;
- high susceptibility to corrosion.
The essence of operation and high efficiency is that steam, passing through the main line, condenses and settles, and a large amount of thermal energy is released. With the same fuel costs, such a system will be much more efficient than a water system of similar length.
Modern boilers usually have certain restrictions in place to ensure user safety. For example, the maximum temperature to which steam is heated is 130º C, and the highest point the pressure reaches is 6 atmospheres.
Types of systems
All types of systems are divided into single-circuit and double-circuit. In the first option, the entire power of the boiler is used to heat the medium, which will take part in increasing the air temperature inside the room. In the second option, there is an additional heat exchanger in which running water is heated, which allows it to be used for domestic needs. When implementing the second option, it is worth remembering that you will need to supply additional communications to the boiler room and return them back to the living space.
According to the method of media circulation, as in the case of water systems, there are:
- Natural circulation or closed. In this case, after condensation, the water, under the influence of gravity, is returned by natural current without a pump to the boiler, where it is again converted into steam and used.
- Forced circulation or open. In this case, the water does not immediately return to the heater. First, it is collected in a special tank, from which it is supplied using a pump for further transformation into a gaseous state.
Based on the pressure level inside, there are:
- Atmospheric. The pressure in them is several times higher than atmospheric pressure, which can cause serious injuries in the event of an accident. In addition, in such a system, the emitters heat up to a high temperature, and the settling dust burns and produces an unpleasant odor.
- Vacuum. To implement this option, the entire pipeline must be sealed. Using a special pump, a vacuum is created inside. The result of this is that water becomes a gas at lower temperatures, increasing safety.
According to the method of pipe routing, there are:
- Single-pipe. Steam moves continuously through one pipe. During the first half of the journey, it gives up its energy to the radiators, gradually turning into a liquid state. In this case, the temperature of the emitters that are closer to the boiler will be higher than those that are located at the end of the circuit. In this case, large diameter pipes will be needed to avoid any obstacles.
- Two-pipe. Steam is supplied through one pipe, and condensate is returned through another. In this case, the carrier reaches all devices, practically without losing temperature. This option will be relevant for large houses with several floors. If the premises are small, there is no point in it, it will only increase the overall cost of the project.
Vacuum systems are still in the testing phase. When using them, a constant supply of electrical energy will be necessary, because The vacuum pump operates almost continuously.
Boiler selection
In order to choose the right heating device, the first thing you need to do is calculate the area that will be heated. To do this, you need to calculate the area of each individual room by multiplying the width by the length. After this, all the results must be added, the final figure will be the desired value. It is important to remember that this is true for ceiling heights up to 3 m; if it is higher, then it is necessary to make an additional power reserve.
- For a total area of up to 200–300 m2, a capacity of 25–30 kW is sufficient.
- For 400‒600 m 2 - 35‒60 kW;
- 600‒1200 m 2 - 60‒100 kW.
The next step will be the choice of fuel. Steam boilers can easily operate from the following sources:
- Liquid. This could be, for example, diesel fuel or used oil. When using this option, it will be necessary to place the unit in a separate room. This will help avoid inhaling harmful fumes and their negative effects on health.
- Solids - firewood, coal, peat and anything that can burn and release a large amount of heat.
- Gaseous. Usually this is natural or liquefied gas.
- Electrical.
In some cases, solid fuel solutions are significantly cheaper, but it is worth considering not only the cost of fuel, but also the time that will be spent on kindling. In this case, it can reach several hours, and it is necessary to constantly replenish the firebox to maintain the temperature at the proper level.
Some manufacturers combine different types of fuel. For example, they combine a firebox for loading solid fuel and provide the presence of a heating element. At the same time, efficiency does not decrease, but it turns out to save on consumption, and therefore on payment.
Pipe selection
When choosing, much will depend on the planned budget. What can be said unequivocally is that for systems of this type, polypropylene pipes are in no case used. This is explained by their instability to high temperatures. You will need to choose from the following options:
- Steel pipes. To install them you will need a welding machine. They are resistant to high pressure and temperature. The positive side is also the affordable price and prevalence. Disadvantage: high susceptibility to corrosion.
- Galvanized pipes. They include all the advantages of steel, plus the disadvantage of corrosion instability is compensated for. The joint is made using threaded connections, so welding is not required.
- Copper. They are an ideal option. But they are much more expensive in cost, and in addition, their installation will require special skills in soldering this material.
During installation, pipes can be hidden in the walls or floor. But it is important to take into account that the building material is resistant to thermal influences.
Additional nodes
In addition to the boiler and pipes for the main line, you will need mandatory elements that you cannot do without:
- Radiators. These can be cast iron batteries, steel products or pipes with fins. It is better to install them under windows. This creates a thermal plug that cuts off cold air. This will also prevent the formation of condensation on the glass.
- Fitting. Various connecting elements: couplings, angles, bends, adapters that will be required when installing the pipeline.
- Reduction-cooling unit. Converts steam into liquid state.
- Gearbox. Designed to regulate pressure in the system.
- Expansion tank. It is better to use an open type element. If you want to install a sealed tank, then it must be equipped with a pressure gauge and a pressure relief valve. If this is not done, this may lead to its failure.
- Container for collecting condensate.
- Circulation pump. For systems with forced fluid movement.
- Hydraulic seal. It will be necessary when you need to drain the system to repair it or replace any components.
- Filter. It will be necessary to remove solids before water enters the boiler. This is necessary to ensure that nothing reduces performance.
- Mayevsky cranes.
It is possible to install an indirect heating boiler in a steam heating system. In this case, you will need a valve with three inlets. It connects to the thermostat and redirects the movement of the coolant.
Preparatory work
The first step will be to draw up a drawing. A plan of the building in which the installation will be carried out is drawn on a sheet of paper. The location of the boiler is determined. It is advisable to allocate a separate room for it. This is done in order to ensure maximum safety. If it is a closed system with natural circulation, then it should be at the lowest point. This is necessary so that water can flow to it freely.
The wiring of the entire system is drawn, as well as the location of all the elements that were listed in the previous subsection. When performing this step, it is better to be in a specific room, then you will be able to plan everything in the best possible way, taking into account the need to bend the pipeline around obstacles or ledges. All corners and transitions must be marked on the diagram. After the drawing is completed, you can most accurately calculate the material that will be needed for the successful completion of the entire project.
Some craftsmen make a steam boiler themselves. It is either cooked from sheet material, or a special circuit is made from pipes, which is laid inside a brick stove. In the second case, it will be necessary to monitor the condition of the heat exchanger, which is best made of stainless steel, which will extend its service life. It is also very important to clean smoke ducts more frequently.
Sequencing
According to the markings in the diagram:
- The boiler is being installed. The room where it will be located must have a concrete base. If necessary, a small foundation is made.
- It is connected to the exhaust gas removal system.
- Emitters are suspended. To do this, hooks are used that are designed to support their weight. The place where they should be located was discussed above.
- Each radiator must be equipped with a Mayevsky valve for relieving air pockets.
- At a short distance from the boiler, at the highest point, an expansion tank is installed.
- A pressure gauge and a relief valve are installed at the boiler outlet, which will operate if the pressure exceeds the permissible limits.
- All components are connected to each other using pipes made of the selected material.
- If this is an open system, then a special tank and pump are installed at the end of the line.
- From the pump to the boiler there is a supply pipe of smaller diameter than the entire heating system.
- Before entering the boiler there is a filter that traps large particles.
- If gas is used as a carrier, then a rigid supply is made without any flexible hoses.
- The liquid is being refilled into the circuit.
- A test run of the system is carried out with a gradual increase in temperature to check integrity.
In this article we looked in detail at how to make steam heating for a private home. We would very much like to learn about ready-made and functioning projects. Share your experiences and observations in the comments.
When installing heating in a wooden house, you need to take into account the specifics of such a structure.
Video
Watch a video on how to properly install heating.
A quick, economical and effective solution for heating private homes is to install steam heating. And although there are many alternative options, it remains one of the most popular heating systems today. If you have a strong desire and basic knowledge, you can do it yourself, especially if the house has a stove.
Types of steam systems
Having definitely decided to install steam heating throughout the house, you must first decide on its type, and based on this, carry out a heating project.A prerequisite for creating such a scheme is the presence of heat sources from which the pipes will be separated; this can be a boiler or furnace.
There are three wiring diagrams for steam heating:
- Single-circuit . It is easy to set up and requires minimal financial costs. It is used only for heating premises, more often used for warehouses and production facilities;
- Dual-circuit . A more complex system that uses steam to heat radiators and hot water. It is productive, therefore it is most often used for residential buildings;
- Manifold pipe placement . They are connected into one system using distribution manifolds. All batteries are controlled from the distribution cabinet.
What do you need for do-it-yourself steam heating?
Whatever connection scheme is chosen, you should prepare in advance all the tools necessary for its installation and purchase the required materials:- Pipes. They can be steel, stainless steel, galvanized or copper. The last option is the most reliable and environmentally friendly, because they never clog, but it is also the most expensive. Plastic products for this heating are prohibited;
- Steam generator;
- Shut-off valves;
- Equipment that heats the coolant;
- Control and measuring devices;
- Radiators are based on the assumption that they need to be installed under each window (more details about calculating the number of radiators -);
- Connecting elbows and clamps;
- Pressure reducing valve.
Step-by-step creation of a steam system from a boiler
Installation work for installing such heating is carried out in several stages:- Drawing up a plan and drawing of the exact placement of pipes . The plan will need to be approved by the relevant authorities. It should indicate the position of each radiator, the location of the boiler and the inlet valve;
- Installation of radiators . Most often, they are located under the windows, which protects their glass from fogging and displaces the freezing of the window sill to the outside of the building;
- Making a foundation for the boiler . It is necessary to cover the walls around the place chosen for it with non-combustible material and prepare a concrete foundation;
- Boiler installation . Its bottom should be located below the installed pipelines and radiators. It is necessary to provide for the installation of pressure sensors; be sure to include a pressure gauge;
- Fastening the expansion tank . It should be located at the highest point of the heating system between the boiler and the radiator closest to it. The tank can be chosen as open or closed, with or without overflow;
- Pipe connection . First, the selected pipe is taken from the boiler to the first radiator, it is cut to the required length and inputs and outputs are made. Then, using the same pipes, subsequent radiators are connected to each other;
- Closing a loop . The pipes return to the heat generator and form a complete loop system.
The main thing in this whole scheme is to maintain the tightness of all joints so that when heating is started there are no coolant leaks. The heating boiler can be installed in a building adjacent to the house, for example a garage.
How to make steam heating from a stove?
If the house has a stove, its owners are doubly lucky: such an attribute is a real decoration of the interior of the room, and it can also be used in a steam system and heat the entire house.
Such heating can be performed in only one circuit. The pipeline leaving the furnace is located higher than the pipes going to the boiler. This way you can ensure normal operation of the coolant.
If the stove is brick, then you need to place a heat exchanger in it, which is made individually for each stove. It is a coil consisting of pipes of the same diameter, connected by welding.
The installation process of the heating system is similar to the previous option. Its brief description is as follows:
- Install radiators, provide air release valves on each of them;
- Connect pipes with a slope of 3 mm along the length of the wall;
- Install a cooling unit and a pressure reducing valve at the beginning of the circuit, and at the end, place a tank for condensate that will drain into it;
- Place a pump in front of the stove.
If for some reason you are not satisfied with steam heating, you can do it. It is also a very economical method.
Simplified steam heating system (video)
This is a simple option for heating a room, which is based on the principle of operation of the famous Grover heat pipe, only on a large scale. The video shows a patented use of this action.The operating principle is based on a special heat transfer process:
- One part of the tube is heated, and the liquid in it turns into steam;
- As soon as the steam leaves the heated liquid, it hits the cold surface, there it becomes a liquid again and flows to its original place;
- The process is accompanied by the release of thermal energy through the walls of the vessel;
- The cooled liquid obtained from the steam is heated again and the heat exchange is repeated.
During the operation of such a heating system, the heating elements were changed only once, and so it has been working properly all these years.
Steam heating has been used for many years; it is in demand due to its simple installation and effective heating of the room. This is an economical option for those who want to heat their own home. Having thought through all the possible installation nuances and providing for the optimal placement of radiators, you can create comfortable conditions at home in the winter.
One of the most important life support systems in our rather unkind climate is heating. There are several different ways to make a heating system. And one of them is steam heating. The system is effective, but it is used very rarely - it has too many disadvantages.
What is it and how does it differ from conventional water systems?
Many people believe that steam and water heating are the same thing. This is a misconception. With steam heating, there are also radiators and pipes, there is a boiler. But it is not water that moves through the pipes, but water vapor. A completely different boiler is required. Its task is to evaporate water, and not just heat it to a certain temperature; accordingly, its power is much higher, as well as the requirements for reliability.
Several steam boilers
System elements
With steam heating, water vapor moves through the pipeline. Its temperature is from 130°C to 200°C. Such temperatures place special demands on system elements. Firstly, the pipes. These are only metal pipes - steel or copper. Moreover, they must be seamless, with a thick wall.
Secondly, radiators. Only cast iron, registers or pipe with fins are suitable. Cast iron ones are less reliable under such conditions - when heated, they can burst from contact with cold liquid. More reliable in this regard are registers made of pipes, coils or a pipe with fins attached to it - a convector-type heating device. Steel is more tolerant of cold water hitting its heated surface.
Service life and scope
But don’t think that a steel steam heating system will last a very long time. Very hot and humid steam circulates in it, and these are ideal conditions for steel corrosion. The elements of the system quickly come out and are built. They usually burst in the most rusty places. Given that there is steam inside under pressure with a temperature above 100 degrees, the danger is obvious.
Therefore, steam heating is recognized as dangerous and is prohibited for heating public places and apartment buildings. It is also used in some private homes or for heating industrial premises. In production it is very economical if steam is a derivative of the technological process. In private homes, steam heating is used mainly in seasonal homes - in dachas. This is due to the fact that it tolerates freezing normally - there is little water in the system and it cannot do any harm, as well as because of its efficiency at the installation stage (compared to water systems) and the high rate of heating of the premises.
Advantages and disadvantages
Steam heating is not the most popular, but it has both positive and negative aspects. Moreover, the advantages are quite significant:
The disadvantages of steam heating systems are even more impressive:
- The high temperature of the steam leads to heating of all elements of the system to 100°C and above. This leads to the following consequences:
- very active air circulation in the room, which is uncomfortable and, at times, harmful (if you are allergic to dust);
- the air in the room dries out;
- hot elements of the system are dangerous and must be closed, and the pipes too;
- not all building materials can easily withstand prolonged heating to such temperatures, therefore the choice of finishing materials is very limited (in fact, it is only cement plaster followed by painting with heat-resistant paints).
- Simple steam heating has very limited capabilities for adjusting heat transfer. There is only one way to change the temperature - make several parallel branches and turn them on as needed. The second method is to turn off the boiler when it overheats and turn it on after the room has cooled down. This process is controlled automatically, but this method is far from the most comfortable, since there are constant temperature fluctuations.
- The system is noisy. When moving, the steam makes quite a lot of noise. In production workshops this is not a big problem, but in a private home it can be a problem.
As you can see, steam heating is not the best choice, although it is quite inexpensive to install.
Types of steam heating systems
According to the method of installation, steam heating is distinguished into two types: with a closed and open system. In a closed system, condensate flows into a special receiving pipe, which is connected to the corresponding inlet of the cat. It is laid with a slight slope, so that the condensate moves through the system by gravity.
In an open system, condensate is collected in a special container. When it is filled, it is fed into the boiler using a pump. In addition to different system designs, different steam boilers are also used - not all of them can operate in closed systems.
In general, there are steam heating systems with pressure close to atmospheric or even lower. Such systems are called vacuum-steam systems. What is so attractive about this setup? Because at low pressure the boiling point of water decreases and the system has a more acceptable temperature. But the difficulty in ensuring tightness - air is constantly sucked in through the connections - has led to the fact that these schemes are practically never encountered.
Steam heating with low pressure is more common. Existing steam boilers for domestic use can create a pressure of no higher than 6 atm (at a pressure of more than 7 atm, use of the equipment requires permission).
Wiring types
According to the type of wiring, steam heating is:
When laying, the steam pipeline is made with a slight slope (1-2%) in the direction of steam movement, and the condensate pipeline - in the direction of condensate movement.
Boiler selection
Steam boilers can operate on all types of fuel - gas, liquid and solid fuel. In addition to choosing fuel, it is necessary to correctly select the power of the steam boiler. It is determined depending on the area that needs to be heated:
- up to 200 m2 - 25 kW;
- from 200 m2 to 300 m2 - 30 kW;
- from 300 m2 to 600 m2 - 35-60 kW.
In general, the calculation method is standard - 1 kW of power is taken per 10 square meters. This rule is valid for houses with a ceiling height of 2.5-2.7 m. Next comes the choice of a specific model. When purchasing, check for a quality certificate - the equipment is dangerous and must be tested.
Which pipes to use
Only metals can normally withstand temperatures during steam heating. The cheapest option is steel. But welding is required to connect them. It is also possible to use threaded connections. This option is budget-friendly, but short-lived: steel quickly corrodes in a humid environment.
Galvanized and stainless steel pipes are more durable, but their price is not at all modest. But the connection is threaded. Another option is copper pipes. They can only be soldered, they are expensive, but do not rust. Due to their higher thermal conductivity, they transfer heat even more efficiently. So this heating system will be super efficient, but also very hot.