Many are equipped with a water heating system residential buildings... In practice, both after construction and during the subsequent operation of municipal housing, heating systems are always pressurized.
Usually this is done by professional structures - housing and communal services and similar organizations. Is it possible to pressurize the heating system with your own hands, for example, for the owner of a private house?
We will help you understand this issue. The article describes in detail a set of works to identify “ weak spots”Heating network. And also given practical recommendations for testing and pressure testing the system different ways.
In small systems with heating boilers, water hammer can damage some elements. Therefore, a manual pressure test pump is optimal for testing small, hand-made heating networks.
The heating system pipeline is tested with a pressure exceeding the operating parameters by 0.1 MPa. In this case, the minimum pressure indicators should be at least 0.3 MPa. If within 5 minutes. the drop in pressure indicators does not exceed 0.02 MPa, then the system is considered operational and does not need to be repaired
Filling the system with water and subsequent pressure testing are permissible if the indoor temperature is above zero. Heating boilers and disconnected from the system for the duration of the tests.
For control, two pressure gauges installed at different points are necessarily used. During pressure testing of the heating system, it is not allowed to try to eliminate defects, twist the valve stems, tap the joints.
With the help of pressure gauges, the pressure created in the circuit is monitored in order to check the tightness of the connections and the reliability of all elements. The testing process requires the inclusion of at least two control devices in the circuit.
During the pressure build-up process, care must be taken to be effective. Special devices installed at different points of the pipelines help to achieve this - air vents.
If the heating circuit is not equipped with air venting device, it is necessary to raise the pressure to the working pressure and then open for a short time any valve located in the heating circuit at a level higher than the others.
After removing the air, the pressure continues to build up to the test value (not less than 0.2 MPa). For small, decentralized heating systems of private households, the test pressure is usually 0.2-0.3 MPa.
The fluid in the system under such pressure must be kept for a specified time. The minimum holding time parameter is 5 minutes. If during this period there was no pressure drop of more than 0.01-0.02 MPa, in general, self-pressure testing of the heating system can be considered successful.
After completing the pressure testing of the heating circuit with the test pressure, its level is reduced to working pressure and a visual inspection of all available circuit elements is carried out
Similar to the process described above, the heating with a centralized circuit is pressurized. True, the calculation of pressures should be made taking into account the operating parameters of just such a system. After pressure testing, the pressure in the heating system is released to the operating level and all accessible areas are carefully checked.
In this state, the heating circuit is inspected visually for possible leaks:
A hydraulic test, according to the results of which no leaks were found in the zone of welded seams, destruction or deformation of pipelines and equipment elements, violations of tightness in threaded connections, leaks in heating devices and on fittings, is considered passed.
Verified hydrostatic test shut-off valves (taps, valves, gate valves) are considered for integrity and tightness if, after turning the shut-off valve stem twice, no traces of water are noted in the area of the stuffing box.
Checking the tightness of a home heating network can be performed pneumatically. It is noteworthy that the manometric technique allows testing networks and equipment at low temperatures.
Typically, this test method is used to check the density of individual heating equipment. So, radiators, boiler heat exchangers, expansion tanks are checked for tightness with air under pressure.
Pressure testing by a manometric method is allowed to be performed with negative thermometer readings. The tests are carried out in two stages. First, the strength of the system is tested with an overpressure of 0.15 MPa. After elimination of defects, if they were found by ear, the system is again filled with a medium with a pressure of 0.10 MPa for checking
The air pressure testing process is carried out in a similar way to the hydraulic pressure testing technique. The source of the working environment is air compressor or a regular car air pump.
Large pressures are not used here. To check for density by the manometric method, a small pressure (0.1 -0.15 MPa) is sufficient.
If under an air pressure of 0.15 MPa, leaks caused by installation defects are found, the pressure is released, the deficiencies are eliminated. Then the process is repeated - the heating system is filled with air under a pressure of 0.1 MPa and remains in such conditions for at least 5 minutes in time.
In this case, pressure testing allows a pressure drop of no more than 0.01 MPa over a specified period of time. With this result, the system is considered complete and ready for use.
Often, there are cases of the introduction of specific equipment into the heating system of a private household. Also, it is not always possible to check equipment using a hydrostatic method when high pressures are required for pressure testing.
For example, SNiP and GOST provide for testing cast iron or steel radiators water pressure not less than 0.9 MPa (9 ATI). However, to perform the same tests by the manometric method (pneumatic), a pressure of 0.1 MPa (1 ATI) is sufficient.
Filling the heating system with air for pressure testing. A conventional air pump is applied, designed to inflate car tires
Convector modules require water pressure testing at a pressure of at least 1.5 MPa (15 kg / cm 2). At the same time, if we resort to pneumatic tests, it is allowed to pressurize the convector module in order to confirm the guarantees of its quality with air at a pressure of 0.15 MPa.
The test procedure for such devices is as follows:
Some technological elements of the heating circuit have a design that can be checked for integrity by a pneumatic method. You can find out about this from the recommendations for servicing the device.
Usually, instructions on crimping methods are given in the operating instructions that come with any heating equipment.
It must be emphasized: the pneumatic (gauge) method is good specifically for checking for tightness. However, the strength of the heating system, including one made by hand, is recommended to be checked using the hydraulic method. Also, the hydrostatic crimping technique is preferred for systems panel heating.
Hydrostatic pressure testing of panel heating systems is carried out at the installation stage, provided full access to the units and devices through the installation windows. Conditions for crimping, including with my own hands, imply a rise in pressure inside the system to a level of 1 MPa.
The test is carried out for at least 15 minutes. During this period of time, no decrease in pressure of more than 0.01 MPa should be observed.
If the heating circuit is built taking into account the combination of heating panels with other heating devices, the test pressure value is set equal to the parameters of other heating devices.
Pressure testing of heating panel systems in a manometric manner is carried out under an air pressure of 0.1 MPa. The holding time is 5 minutes. The permissible pressure drop is not more than 0.01 MPa.
Individual test conditions apply to piping and equipment steam systems... If the steam heating is designed for a working pressure of 0.07 MPa, the test pressure is hydraulically 0.25 MPa.
At operating pressures greater than 0.07 MPa, pressure testing is carried out under a pressure of P slave + 0.1 MPa, but not less than 0.3 MPa. The holding time for steam systems is 5 minutes. Permissible pressure difference minus no more than 0.02 MPa. After completion of the tests, the circuit is additionally checked under operating steam pressure.
If, during pressure testing using the manometric method, it is difficult to determine the leakage of the medium from the heating system by ear, you can soap the connecting nodes and places of possible weakening of the pipeline
In addition to hydraulic and pneumatic testing of residential heating systems, a thermal test is also envisaged. The essence of this procedure is checking the uniform distribution of the coolant, testing the heating and heat output of each individual heating device.
The process is carried out in conditions of positive ambient temperatures. The coolant temperature is not lower than 60 ° С.
If the thermal test is only possible during the cold season (for example, due to lack of heating medium), it is performed immediately after the system is started in operating mode. They are tested at a water temperature that must correspond to the heating temperature schedule, but not lower than 50 ° C.
The coolant pressure must correspond to the operating pressure. The time required to complete the thermal test is at least 7 hours. During this period of time, the uniformity of heating of all available heating devices is periodically checked.
Before filling the strobes selected for the heating device with a solution, in addition to hydraulic or pneumatic pressure testing, thermal tests are performed without fail.
When strength test heating system carried out by professional organizations in residential buildings with a centralized scheme, an act of work performed must be drawn up. This document describes the test conditions and gives an opinion on the quality of the heating network and equipment.
However, a pressure test certificate is needed by the person responsible for the operation of centralized heating systems.
For a private household with decentralized heating, especially one made by hand, the landlord himself is the default person in charge. Naturally, performing work aimed at checking the integrity and reliability of home heating, the owner is unlikely to write a test report to himself.
Based on the results of a pressure test carried out by municipal services and housing associations, an act is drawn up. The owner of a private house also does not hurt to record the readings of the pressure gauges during the performance check of the system.
This data will be useful for comparison with the indicators of the next test. By the numbers, you can, to some extent, judge the general condition of the heating system. It is advisable to record and store information in a home journal specially made for this purpose. Or choose more modern version- electronic journal.
Despite the relatively small values of the operating parameters of the decentralized heating system of a private home, pressure testing is recommended in accordance with all test laws for such systems. This approach will provide protection against unexpected gusts, and will allow timely identification of the places of potential defects.
Periodic maintenance helps to keep the heating system in good condition. And the reliability of the equipment is a guarantee of stable heating of housing in the cold season.
Do you have practical skills in pressure testing a heating system? Share your knowledge with our readers, and also ask questions on the topic of the article in the comments below.
A water-borne heating system is complex and must operate smoothly. The reliability of the heating system can be impaired for a number of reasons. For example, the installation can be made with errors or the equipment is worn out. To search for the malfunction that caused the violation, it is necessary to pressurize the heating system. It is worth considering what subtleties of this procedure should be taken into account if you do it yourself.
Pressure testing of a finished heating system is called a test that is performed to clarify the reliability of the nodes. The test results will show the possibility of commissioning heating equipment... Before turning on the heating, such a control is mandatory. It is possible to pressurize the system both already operating and newly established.
It is clear that possible problems may appear at connection points of parts, for example, where fittings have been used. Insufficiently reliable fastening can cause destruction of the pipes themselves, for example, from corrosion, which will be present at the attachment point, from mechanical water hammer.
Since the medium in the pipes periodically heats up and cools down, the resulting pressure is often the cause of wear of parts of the heating system.
Pressure testing is, in fact, a set of actions, thanks to which you can make sure of the reliability of not only heaters, but also the water supply system, as well as sewers and wells, if any.
The procedure includes the following stages of work:
Usually, the nodes are checked by the action of pressure, which makes it possible to clarify the following points:
In addition to the pressure delivery method, the liquid delivery method is sometimes used. However, the filling level should also be quite high. The working pressure of the tested system is 1.5 atm. Technical requirements during the work presuppose the obligatory observance of the working conditions.
In order to fully comply with the technical requirements, the heating system should be pressurized only by a certified employee. The employee must have special equipment. SNiP regulates the normalized pressure level. The recommended parameters should be 1.5 times higher than the working ones, but at the same time not lower than 0.6 MPa. The technical rules of operating heating networks assume that the supply pressure should be 1.25 higher than the working pressure and not lower than 0.2 MPa.
The normal operating pressure of heaters in a private house up to three floors is no more than 2 atm. In houses with five floors, the operating pressure is 3–6 atm. In buildings from 8 floors and above, the operating pressure is from 7 to 10 atm. The pressure to be tested must be brought up to the maximum level. This parameter is often associated with the characteristics of the constituent parts of the heating system. Pipes, radiators, fittings in multi-storey buildings are in worst condition than the same details in a private house.
If the work is carried out by professionals, specialists are guided by a number of normative documents, namely:
And also there technical regulations regulating the operation of thermal power plants, which are approved by the Order of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.
According to these rules, work can be carried out once every 5-7 years with existing communications. If these works are not performed, the efficiency of the heating system will decrease.
Plates and deposits often appear on the pipes, which almost halve the permeability. The circulation quality of the media also decreases. If the requirements prescribed in the documents are not met, then the usual preparation for the heating season can turn into an emergency situation, which will entail a lot of problems. If a situation arises in cold conditions, then the heating system should be defrost, which will entail a complete or partial replacement of pipes.
If pressure testing is carried out in centralized heaters, then the staff uses standard devices. Private heating or water supply involves the use of slightly different devices. Electrical appliance used in the work is a special pump.
There are two pump options.
Typically, these devices are available from companies that provide professional crimping services. Home heating is rarely tested annually. If we compare the cost of devices, the difference is about 25%. Firms that provide pressure testing services sometimes rent out their equipment. You can specify the price of services, but usually they are identical to the cost of the equipment itself.
Not in all cases, work can be done independently. If these works are needed as proof of checking the integrity of the heating system, then an act of confirmation is often needed. Such paper will be issued only if the work was carried out taking into account all regulatory requirements and by specialists who have a special permit for this. The cost of this activity is not spelled out in legal regulations, usually it is calculated individually. The prices of companies are associated with the volume of systems, as well as the architectural features of buildings. Much more depends on the state of the valves installed on the system.
Tariffs are taken into account based on the cost of work per hour, they vary from 1000 to 2500 rubles. However, if the papers confirming the work are not required, and there is a desire to do the pressure testing of the system, then you can carry it out yourself. Wherein hydraulic tests possible even with clogged radiators and pipes. Hydraulic presses are available in different capacities. Pumping units used to test systems are also called crimpers.
Often, crimping equipment is confused with other types of devices, for example, a hydraulic electric press is used to press in bearings, gears, shafts and others. And also this tool is used for stamping plastic, rubber products. The machine, which is Hydraulic Press, not used for crimping the heating system. This equipment is usually used in car repair shops.
There is also a press for crimping - this is a device with which press fittings are tightened. This tool is also called press tongs, and its purpose, of course, is related to the arrangement of the heating system, however, this tool is not suitable for crimping.
The work scheme is carried out according to a certain scheme.
If problems are found, the nodes are marked with a marker, and the water from the pipes must be drained. After eliminating the leaks, the system will have to be checked again.
In some cases, pressure testing is carried out with air. The need for this appears when the circuits cannot be filled with water or tests are carried out at subzero temperatures, because if the pipelines are filled with water under these conditions, it can simply freeze. The tightness of the system with this method is easy to check by reading the pressure gauge.
To make it easier to detect problematic joints of nodes, they are abundantly smeared with a solution of soap and water. If bubbles are observed at the lubricated points during the inspection, then there is a leak at that point.
Heating pressure testing apartment building carried out by contractors. It is useful for apartment owners to know what kind of work this process involves. They are usually carried out with the completion of the heat supply to the apartments. As a rule, before carrying out work, operating organizations accumulate messages about problem areas.
Among the complaints of residents, frequent comments relate to such points as:
According to the information that is available, problems are corrected first.
Crimping activities can be as follows:
All of these activities are called preparatory activities. After their completion, the crimping stage begins. The principles and methods of work are similar to those that are carried out for systems of a private house. The only exception is the holding period, which in the case of an apartment building is not 10 minutes, but 30 minutes. Well, and, accordingly, more pressure is supplied to the system - about 10 atmospheres.
Even in the new apartment building with a newly commissioned system, about 10% of effective heating is lost during the first months. Sludge and corrosion appear in the joints, due to which scale and sediment appear. Settling dirt reduces the efficiency of the systems. The scale layer can be so thick that it prevents heat transfer. The elements wear out because of this.
Failure to engage the system in a timely manner can lead to an emergency. It will be especially unpleasant if it happens in winter.
The first sign of scale settling is uneven heating of the pipes. Usually the bottom of the batteries is cold in this case. You can also find out about the presence of scale by the characteristic crackling of the batteries. This effect occurs due to water vapor that gets into the scale. At the same time, the capacity of the boiler equipment decreases, and fuel costs increase.
The system is descaled by chemical or physical methods. Physical methods involve the use of special equipment - compressors. Chemical method carried out with the help of special preparations. And in fact, and in another case, the cost of cleaning will be less than they would have amounted to replacing the nodal connections.
The use of biologics is considered to be an effective and environmentally friendly procedure. Especially when it comes to flushing heating in a private house. The negative aspect of this method is that the results will have to wait for several days.
In a private apartment, flushing the heating system is possible with the help of improvised means, for example, citric acid... Craftsmen are advised to add to the system detergent with citric acid. Water solution with funds must be left in the system for a day. The soapy water from the system must then be drained and the system itself flushed with a product such as Calgon. And you can also consider ready-made compositions offered in stores for flushing heating. Purchased funds can be used according to the method described above.
To check the tightness of its elements (pipes, radiators, expansion tank, etc.), their detachable and one-piece connections (welds, flanges, etc.).
Scheduled pressure tests are usually carried out after the end and before the beginning. In the first case, in order to determine the degree of wear and places of damage to the system after a period of operation and to eliminate deficiencies during the time when the heating will not work. In the second case, pressure testing is carried out to confirm the integrity of the system before the working season.
In addition, pressure testing is necessary after any type of work associated with a violation of the tightness of the system (brewing leaks, replacing elements) and before putting into operation a newly installed system.
It is better to entrust the primary pressure test (when the heating system is put into operation) and hydraulic tests after the capital test to an organization specialized in conducting such tests. Having the experience of work and the equipment necessary for the work, the specialists will carry out the pressure testing more efficiently. In addition, according to the test results, a protocol will be drawn up, which will become documentary evidence of the health of the system.
At the same time, situations arise when the pressure testing of the system must be carried out on our own. This is quite possible, provided that the rules for conducting such tests are observed.
To fill the heating system with water and achieve a certain pressure, a pumping device is required. Testing organizations use special pressure equipment (manual or) and hydraulic pumps for these purposes. The cost of such equipment is quite high, therefore, if you do not plan to constantly carry out crimping on your own, you should use cheaper methods.
Most acceptable budget option may become a vibration pump. The model and method of water intake in this case are not of fundamental importance. With the upper and lower sampling methods, the filling of the system and the pressurization are carried out in the same way. You can use pumps "Belamos", "Sverchok", "Aquarius", etc.
It is important that the pressure level in the system can be monitored, therefore, it is necessary to make sure in advance that the pressure gauge is working and accurate.
The pump can take water from almost any container, periodically adding it as the liquid is pumped into the system. The required amount of water to fill and achieve the required pressure is calculated by summing the volumes of all heating radiators and adding 20% of the resulting amount (for filling the pipes) to the result.
Flushing the heating system is necessary when there is a possibility of debris getting inside the system during repair or installation works... The presence of coarse, formed by small particles, is determined by the pressure drops when filling the system. The presence of an insignificant amount of small debris - due to water pollution when draining a filled system. As a result of flushing, the outlet should appear pure water, and when filling the system, there should be no pressure drops.
It is imperative to start filling the heating system from the lowest point (from the drain cock). In this case, the air will be gradually displaced by water and move from bottom to top, towards the air vents. If the system is equipped with air extraction, there is no need to control the process.
If the system is old enough and provides for manual “bleeding” of air, open the drain valves and, gradually filling the system, wait for the moment when water appears from the outlet pipes, and then close the valves. Filling the system too quickly with water can result in the air not being able to fully move to the outlets. Water will appear from the pipes, while air locks will "walk" through the system.
For crimping, it is better to choose a period when the weather does not change. Temperature drops and changes atmospheric pressure may falsify test results.
So that the heating system does not fail at the most stressful moment, the heating season passed without problems, it is necessary to periodically check the condition of the equipment, identify all worn out parts. This test is called "crimping the heating system", it is carried out according to certain rules.
Heating and water supply - two systems, consisting of a large number of the most diverse equipment. As you know, the performance of any multicomponent system is determined by the weakest element - when it fails, it stops completely or partially. To identify all the weak points, the heating and water supply is pressurized. In simple terms, the pressure is deliberately raised much higher than the working pressure, pumping fluid. This is done using special equipment, the pressure is monitored using a pressure gauge. The second name for pressure testing is hydraulic testing. Probably, it's clear why.
Heating pressure testing is carried out after any repair or before the heating season
When the heating system is pressurized, the pressure is raised by 25-80%, depending on the type of pipes, radiators, and other equipment. It is clear that such a test reveals all weak points - everything that does not have a margin of safety breaks, leaks appear in worn-out pipes and unreliable joints. Having eliminated all the identified problems, we ensure the operability of our heating or water supply for a while.
When it comes to centralized heating, pressure testing is usually carried out immediately after the end of the season. In this case, there is a decent amount of time for repairs. But this is not the only case when such events are held. Pressure testing still takes place after repair, replacement of any element. In principle, this is understandable - you need to check how reliable the new equipment and connections are. For example, you are heating. We need to check how high-quality the connections are. This can be done by crimping.
Talking about autonomous systems in private houses or apartments, then a new or repaired water supply is usually checked simply by running water, although here a strength test will not hurt. But it is advisable to test the heating "at full", and both before commissioning and after repair. Keep in mind that pipes that are hidden in walls, in the floor or under suspended ceiling, must be tested before they are closed. Otherwise, if during testing it turns out that there are leaks, you will have to disassemble / break everything and fix the problems. Few people will be happy about it.
The pressure testing of centralized systems is carried out by personnel using standard means, therefore it is hardly worth talking about it. But about what private heating and water supply is tested, probably not everyone knows. These are special pumps. There are two types of them - manual and electric (automatic). Manual crimping pumps are autonomous, pressure is injected using a lever, and the generated pressure is controlled using a pressure gauge built into the device. Such pumps can be used for small systems - it is rather difficult to pump.
Electric pumps for pressure testing are more complex and expensive equipment. They usually have the ability to create a certain pressure. It is set by the operator, and it "catches up" automatically. Such equipment is bought by professional crimping firms.
According to SNiP, a hydraulic test of heating systems should be carried out annually, before the start of the heating season. This applies to private houses too, but very few people comply with this norm. At best, they check it every 5-7 years. If you are not going to test your heating annually, then there is no point in buying a crimping machine. The cheapest manual one costs about $ 150, and the good one - from $ 250. In principle, you can rent it (usually available in companies that sell components for heating systems or in offices for renting equipment). The amount will be small - you need a device for several hours. So this is not a bad way out.
If for some purpose you need an act of pressure testing of the heating or hot water supply system, you have only one way out - to order this service from a specialized organization. The cost of crimping heating can be announced to you only individually. It depends on the volume of the system, its structure, the presence of shut-off valves and their condition. In general, they consider the cost based on the tariff for 1 hour of work, and it ranges from 1000 rubles / hour to 2500 rubles / hour. We'll have to call different organizations and ask them.
If you have upgraded the heating or hot water supply of your own home, and you know for sure that your pipes and equipment are in good condition, there are no salts and deposits in them, you can carry out pressure testing yourself. No one will demand from you the acts of hydraulic testing. Even if you see that your pipes and radiators are clogged, you can flush everything yourself, and then test again. If you just don't feel like doing this, you can call specialists. They will immediately clean the system and carry out a pressure test, and even give you an act.
Pressure testing of heating systems in a private house begins with disconnecting the heating boiler, automatic air vents and an expansion tank from the heating system. If stopcocks are connected to this equipment, you can close them, but if the valves turn out to be faulty, expansion tank will definitely fail, and the boiler - depending on the pressure that you apply to it. Therefore, it is better to remove the expansion tank, especially since it is not difficult to do this, but in the case of a boiler, you will have to rely on the serviceability of the taps. If there are thermostats on the radiators, it is also advisable to remove them - they are not designed for high pressure.
Sometimes not all heating is tested, but only some part. If possible, it is cut off by means of shut-off valves or temporary bridges are installed - squeegees.
There are two important points: pressure testing can be carried out at an air temperature not lower than + 5 ° C, the system is filled with water at a temperature not higher than + 45 ° C.
As already mentioned, the pressure test depends on the type of equipment and system under test (heating or hot water supply). The recommendations of the Ministry of Energy set out in the "Rules for the technical operation of thermal power plants" (clause 9.2.13) are summarized in the table for ease of use.
| Type of equipment under test | Test pressure | Test duration | Permitted pressure drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator units, water heaters | 1 MPa (10 kgf / cm2) | 5 minutes | 0.02 MPa (0.2 kgf / cm2) |
| Systems with cast iron radiators | 0.6 MPa (6 kgf / cm2) | 5 minutes | 0.02 MPa (0.2 kgf / cm2) |
| Systems with panel and convector radiators | 1 MPa (10 kgf / cm2) | 15 minutes | 0.01 MPa (0.1 kgf / cm2) |
| Hot water supply systems from metal pipes | 10 minutes | 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf / cm2) | |
| Hot water supply systems from plastic pipes | working pressure + 0.5 MPa (5 kgf / cm2), but not more than 1 MPa (10 kgf / cm2) | 30 minutes | 0.06 MPa (0.6 kgf / cm2), with further verification within 2 hours and a maximum drop of 0.02 MPa (0.2 kgf / cm2) |
Please note that for testing heating and plumbing from plastic pipes, the holding time of the test pressure is 30 minutes. If no deviations are found during this time, the system is considered to have successfully passed the pressure test. But the test continues for another 2 hours. And during this time, the pressure drop in the system should not exceed the norm - 0.02 MPa (0.2 kgf / cm2).
On the other hand, SNIP 3.05.01-85 (clause 4.6) has other recommendations:
What rules to use is an interesting question. While both documents are valid and there is no certainty, both are eligible. It is necessary to approach each case individually, taking into account the maximum pressure for which its elements are designed. So the working pressure of cast iron radiators is no more than 6 atm, respectively, the test pressure will be 9-10 atm. It is about the same to be determined with all other components.
It is not always and not always possible to rent a pressure operator, as well as to buy one. For example, you need to test the heating in the country. The equipment is specific and the chances of acquaintances having it are very small. In this case, the heating system is pressurized with air. Any compressor can be used to pump it, even a car compressor. The pressure is monitored by a connected pressure gauge.
Such crimping is less convenient and not entirely correct. Heating and plumbing are designed to transport liquids, and they are much denser than air. Where water won't even ooze out, air will come out. Therefore, with a high degree of certainty, we can say that you will have an air leak - somewhere there will be a loose connection. Moreover, it is difficult to determine the place of leakage during such testing. For this, a soap solution is used, with which all joints and joints are smeared, all places where air can escape. Bubbles appear at the leak. Sometimes you have to search for a long time. That is why such pressure testing of the heating system is not very popular.
Pressing a warm floor has its own characteristics - you must first check the comb and all the devices attached to it. To do this, close all the supply and return valves of the loops, filling only the underfloor heating manifold, check it by raising the pressure. Having reset it to normal, the loops of the warm floor are filled in turn, and only then is it created overpressure... The process is described in more detail in the video.
Pressure testing of the heating system with air and water
5 (100%) votes: 2Water heating in the house is a complex mechanism that must work smoothly. Very often, many users have to deal with crashes and problems. For example, the functioning of the heating system is affected by shortcomings that were made during the installation process, equipment wears out, etc. In order to identify where the failure occurred, it is necessary to pressurize the heating system.
In the article, we will consider what a heating system is pressurized, by what pressure it is performed, and we will also tell you how to do this procedure with your own hands.
Heating system pressure testing
Pressing a heating system is a way to check its tightness and how well the assembly is done. This means that the system is kept under a certain pressure for some time. Based on the results of such a check, it is already possible to judge whether the system is ready for use or not. All devices included in the system are checked for strength: heat exchangers, radiators, pumps, shut-off and control valves, etc.
Pressure testing of a building is a set of operations, among which are the flushing of pipelines, checking and, if necessary, replacing certain elements, restoring the integrity of the insulation. In private buildings, in addition to the heating system, both the sewerage system and the hot water supply circuit lend themselves to pressure testing.
The crimping operation includes:
Through influence high pressure inspection is carried out:
There are several different ways crimping the heating system, each of which has its own characteristics.
Pressure testing with water. This method consists in connecting a hose from the water supply to the tap, which is located on the manifold or boiler. After the system is filled with water, the pressure level should reach 1.5 atm.
Air pressure testing. This method is based on connecting a pressure operator - a special compressor that performs the function of injecting air masses. The pressure at the place that is being checked must exceed the performance of the worker (1.5 -2 Atm.). In such a situation, an adapter is placed on the site where the Mayevsky crane is mounted, which is used to connect the compressor.
In order to save on the purchase of an expensive pressure operator, performing pressure testing of the heating system with your own hands, you can use a car pump with manometer.
Air pressure testing is performed in a situation where there is no way to connect to the water supply, and also in winter, when there is a high probability that water can remain in the pipes and freeze. During the air test, the integrity of the system is determined based on the indicators on pressure gauge... If the built-up pressure remains at the same level and there are no surges, then there are no leaks. In order to see fistulas, the intended area must be covered with soapy water.
Based on what tasks are set, there are three main types of pressure testing of the heating system in apartment and private houses:
Initially, you need to prepare the system. If it is autonomous, then first you need to turn off the heat generator. If it is non-autonomous, then by means of taps it is necessary to block the place that will be checked.
An important requirement is the need to drain the coolant.
Then the system circuit must be filled with water, which is heated to no more than 45 ° C. At the same time, the air is gradually discharged. In the next step, you must connect the compressor to pressurize the heating system, so air will start to enter the pipes. Initially, the pressure must be brought to the working mark and the space must be examined well for possible shortcomings.
After that, the pressure gradually increases to the test level - so it must be held for about 10-15 minutes. Then you need to carefully inspect all places for leaks. It is imperative to check fittings, radiators and all pipe walls for fistulas.
If any shortcomings are found, they must be registered. You also need to make sure that all taps and valves are in good working order. Further, using the parameters pressure gauge, the pressure drop is set. And, finally, based on the results of the check, an act is being prepared.
Based on the requirements of SNiP, the test pressure level should exceed the operating pressure by 1.5 times, however, it should not go beyond the 0.6 MPa mark. The rules for the technical operation of heating networks dictate that the norm is when the pressure is 1.25 times higher than the operating pressure, but does not go over the indicator of 0.2 MPa.
V country house with three floors, most often the pressure indicators do not exceed 2 atm. In the case when the line is overstepped, a special valve is immediately triggered and the pressure is released. In houses with 5 floors, the pressure reaches 3-6 Atm, in buildings from 8 floors and above - this indicator varies in the range from 7 to 10 Atm. Most high level test pressure is directly dependent on the indicators of the main links of the system: radiators, pipes, fittings.
Very often, in the process of home improvement, a heating system is initially installed, and after that water is connected. In this regard, a large water tank and a submersible pump are used to pump water into the pipes. In the process of carrying out the manipulation, it is necessary to constantly monitor the pressure and monitor the level of liquid in the container, and, if necessary, replenish stocks. At the moment when the pressure indicators reach the level of 2-2.5 atm, the pump will stop working, and the unused amount of air will slowly descend from the system. This procedure is carried out by means of. Then, after the mark on the manometer drops to 1 atm or less, you can continue to pour water. This is done until the water displaces absolutely all the air, and the pressure reaches 1.2 - 1.5 atm.
If there are no leaks or malfunctions, then you can connect the boiler and start the system.
Hand pump for pressure testing the heating system Rohenberger RP50-S
To carry out pressure testing of the heating system yourself, you can use cheap submersible pumps, and you can use a keg or bucket as a water reservoir.
If you do not have experience in this matter, then in order to avoid difficulties at the time of performing the crimping procedure, it is better to contact specially trained people. So you will provide yourself with a high-quality procedure, besides, you will have all the documents on the work performed on your hands.
In the act on the work performed on the pressure testing of the heating system, the time period during which the system was subjected to pressure testing is necessarily recorded and its level is recorded.
Now you know what pressure testing and heating systems are and how they are done.
