Often, on the pages of Internet resources, you can find a very concise, written only in technical terms, description hydroarrows... In this article we will try to reveal what is a hydraulic arrow and why is it needed.
Hydrostrel- used for hydraulic separation of streams. Thus, a low loss header is a kind of channel between the circuits, which makes it possible to make dynamically independent circuits to transfer movement from the coolant. More often the official name is used on the Internet: hydraulic arrow —low loss header.
In a heating system, a hydraulic arrow is a link between two separate heat transfer circuits and it completely neutralizes the dynamic influence between the circuits. She has two purposes:
The circulation of the heat carrier in the primary circuit is created using the first pump. The second pump creates circulation through the hydraulic arrow in the second circuit. Thus, the coolant is mixed in the water gun. If the flow rate in both circuits is the same, then the coolant freely penetrates from the circuit to the circuit, creating, as it were, a single, common circuit. In this case, no vertical movement is created in the hydraulic arrow, or this movement is close to zero. If the flow rate in the second circuit is greater than in the first, then the coolant moves from bottom to top in the hydraulic arrow and, with an increased flow rate in the first circuit, from top to bottom.
And when adjusting the hydraulic arrow, you need to achieve a minimum vertical movement. An economic calculation shows that this movement should not exceed 0.1 m / s.
The gidrostrelka also serves as a garbage sump in the system; at low vertical speeds, the garbage gradually settles in the hydraulic arrow, being removed from the heating system.
Creation of natural convection of the coolant in the hydraulic arrow, thus the cold coolant goes down, and the hot one rushes up. This creates the required temperature head. When using underfloor heating, it is possible to obtain a lower coolant temperature in the secondary circuit, and a higher temperature for the boiler, ensuring rapid water heating.
Reducing the hydraulic resistance in the hydraulic arrow,
The release of microscopic air bubbles from the coolant, thereby removing it from the heating system through an auto air vent.
As a rule, a water gun is installed in houses with an area of more than 200 square meters, in those houses with a complex heating system. Where the distribution of the coolant is used on several circuits. It is advisable to make such circuits independent of others in the general heating system. The water gun allows you to create a perfectly stable heating system and distribute heat throughout the house in the right proportions. When using such a system, the distribution of heat around the circuits becomes accurate and deviations from the set parameters are excluded.
Protection of cast iron heat exchangers excluding thermal shock. In a conventional system, without using a hydraulic arrow, a sharp increase in temperature is created when some branches are turned off and the subsequent arrival of an already cold coolant. The hydraulic arrow gives a constant boiler flow, reducing the temperature difference between flow and return.
The durability and reliability of boiler equipment increases due to stable operation without temperature drops.
No imbalance and creation of hydraulic stability of the heating system. It is the hydraulic arrow that allows you to increase the additional flow rate of the coolant, which is very difficult to achieve by installing additional pumps.
Boiler room equipment is a separate broad topic that we have already touched upon. One of the elements of the boiler room that is constantly heard is the hydraulic separator. In this article, we will touch upon the principle of operation of a hydrosteel, for which it is needed and its main purpose.
In pursuit of additional profit, many salespeople, managers, and even production workers are ready to tell whatever they want if it helps sell the product. So there are various miracle hoses, incredibly reliable boilers, and so on.
But the real scope for the activity of swindlers is the goods about which the consumer knows little. I heard something about its benefits, but does not know what it is.
One of such devices, fanned by a mass of legends and rumors, is a hydrostatic gun. The device is necessary, but for a very specific task, everything else is marketing and profanation.
It is just a small pipe with a cross-section in the form of a circle or rectangle, in which there are four pipes through which heat flows to the consumer in one direction and return to the boiler in the other.
The purpose of the hydraulic arrow is to separate the boiler circuit and the consumer circuit.
The hydraulic divider can be positioned both vertically and horizontally, it all depends on the characteristics of the room. Most often they are placed vertically, since in this position it is easier to install an air vent on top, and a faucet at the bottom to remove unnecessary substances.
The principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow is such that it cannot work independently, a complex is needed. The whole system includes the following components:
Manufacturers and cunning marketers claim three possible modes of operation of the hydraulic arrow. While experts argue that there is only one way to use this device.
When the boiler provides more energy than is needed for the entire heat system of the consumer, in this case, the surplus heat returns in the direction of the arrow to the boiler itself.
This protects our boiler from the return flow, which, at low thermal values, can damage the entire system and provide additional heating.
The main principle of the hydraulic arrow- not manipulations with the redistribution of heat between the main supply and return, but ensuring the possibility of operation of pumps of all circuits of the heating system.
Let us explain: if one powerful pump gives increased pressure to one of the circuits, then the second pump, weaker in its characteristics, ceases to perform its task and does not take anything at all, which causes interruptions, temperature drops and other troubles.
The low loss header creates an area of zero resistance. Thanks to this, it is possible to distribute the load evenly across all circuits and pumps, and such problems will never happen. Uniformity also increases the stability and reliability of the entire system as a whole, since none of the sections are subjected to critical loads anymore.
Despite the fact that the correct principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow is only the method described above, it must be borne in mind that there is a technical possibility to use an alternative.
One of them is when the boiler works in a balanced manner, it gives off heat as much as it goes to the return. But this condition is similar to a spherical horse in a vacuum, since the full identity of the values of Q1 (boiler circuit) and Q2 (consumer circuit) is achieved extremely rarely and for very short periods. So it is impossible to seriously build work on this mode.
The second mode of operation of the hydraulic arrow is dangerous and should be avoided in every possible way.
It is based on the fact that the boiler gives off less heat than is required by the consumer, and in this case, part of the heat from the return flow through the hydraulic separator goes back to the consumption circuit, which does not benefit either the system or the consumers.
The disadvantages are obvious - the return to the boiler goes with lower temperature values, that is, the boiler actually cools when receiving a return coolant, which is prohibited by all standards, GOSTs and even common sense, since the final power supplied to the consumption circuit becomes less and the desired result does not is achieved.
It is believed that the design of the hydraulic arrow also allows you to perform the following tasks:
However, independent experts argue that these are just fairy tales for increasing sales.
At the same time, there are still additional options, these are additional protection against dirt, air discharge, protection of the boiler from the return with a low temperature.
But these functions can be provided with much cheaper devices.
The boundary of the need to include such a device as a hydraulic arrow in the heating system, in the boiler room, is considered individually and depends on a number of conditions - the power of the pumps, their interaction, the total power of the system, the presence of additional boilers used in conjunction in the main one.
Professional engineers recommend including a hydraulic arrow in the heating system when the number of boilers is more than one and the number of pumps is more than three. Otherwise, there is no need for it. It will not damage it, but there will be no benefit from complicating the entire structure.
Therefore, this device is only suitable for a large branched system, for example, in apartment buildings or large summer cottages with a large number of outbuildings, otherwise. Especially when there are only one or two pumps, it is just a waste of money and a waste of money.
So, what is called a water gun in heating system private house? The temperature and hydraulic buffer, which provides the processes of correlation between the return and supply temperatures, the ordered maximum flow of the coolant, is called a hydraulic arrow. What is a hydraulic arrow for?
It is very simple to explain why a hydraulic arrow is needed in the heating system? Owners of private houses are well aware of what an imbalance in heat supply is. Modern boilers have a smaller circuit. At the same time, the consumption of the consumer during circulation is less. With the help of a hydraulic arrow, you can separate its operation from the heat generator of the secondary circuit, increase the reliability and quality of the system.
Hydraulic separator in the heating system
To understand why a hydraulic arrow is needed in a heating system, it is necessary to name a number of advantages of heating systems with a hydraulic thermal separator. First of all, the separator is a prerequisite for equipment manufacturers to guarantee Maintenance for a boiler with a capacity of up to 50 kilowatts and more. With the help of an auxiliary unit, the maximum flow with a laminar flow of the coolant is ensured. The temperature and hydraulic balance in the heating system is constantly maintained. The hydraulic arrow and the heating circuit are connected in parallel. This creates minimal pressure, performance and heat losses. The supply and return pipes are located according to the knee principle. This provides a temperature gradient for the secondary circuits. If you choose the optimal hydraulic arrow for heating, then you can protect the boiler from the difference in flow and return temperatures.
The equipment is protected from thermal shock. The hydraulic arrow increases the efficiency of the boiler. In addition, a secondary circulation of a part of the coolant in the boiler circuit is ensured. Fuel and electricity are saved. The boiler water volume is kept constant. If necessary, it is possible to compensate for the flow deficit in the secondary circuit using a separator. If the pumps are of high power, their influence can be reduced by means of a hollow divider. The load is applied to the secondary circuit and the boiler.
Hydrodynamic processes in the system are stabilized by the principle of operation of a hydraulic arrow. In order to extend the life of the pump, it is necessary to promptly remove mechanical impurities from the coolant. In addition, the service life of sensors, meters, valves is extended. When dividing flows (independent consumer circuit and heat generator circuit), the hydraulic arrow provides maximum use heat of combustion of fuel.
The low loss header is a hollow vertical vessel that consists of large diameter (square profile) pipes with elliptical end caps. The dimensions of the separator are determined by the power of the boiler and depend on the number and volume of the circuit.
The hydraulic arrow has a massive metal body. It is installed on supports so that there is no line voltage on the pipeline. Compact units are mounted to the wall with a bracket. The heating pipeline and the branch pipe of the hydraulic arrow are connected using flanges or threads.
Low loss header device An automatic air vent valve is installed at the top of the body. The sediment can be removed through a special valve or valve. It is cut from below. As a rule, the hydraulic pointer is made of mild steel or stainless steel, copper, and polypropylene. The body will be treated with an anti-corrosion compound and covered with insulation.
Important! Polymer hydraulic arrows are used in systems that are powered by a 13-35 kilowatt boiler. For heat generators that run on solid fuels, polypropylene hydraulic arrows are NOT used.
Modern models are usually combined with the function of a separator, temperature controller and separator. The thermostat valve provides a temperature gradient on the secondary circuit. The release of dissolved oxygen from the coolant reduces the risk of erosion of the internal surfaces of the equipment. Removing suspended particles from the flow will help extend the life of the wheel and bearings of circulation pumps.
Perforated horizontal partitions divide the internal volume in half. The flow return flows are connected in the zero point zone, slide in different directions, while no additional resistance is created.
Hydraulic separator connection and principle of operation In the high-temperature zone there are porous vertical deaeration plates. The sludge collector and magnetic trap are located in the lower part of the housing.
Hydrostrelka has some design features. So, it has a temperature sensor, a pressure gauge, a thermostat and a valve, as well as a line for powering the system when it is turned on. Complex equipment requires adjustment, frequent inspections, maintenance.
The operation of the hydraulic arrow in the heating system
In the coolant, the flow passes at a speed of 0.2 meters per second. The boiler pump accelerates boiling water to 0.9 meters per second. According to the recommended speed mode you can understand what the hydraulic arrow is for.
By changing the direction of the flow, the speed of water flows is extinguished with minimal heat loss in the system. Laminar flow results in almost no hydraulic resistance in the housing. The buffer zone divides the boiler into a consumer circuit. Autonomous operation of the pump on each heating circuit is ensured. The hydraulic balance is not disturbed.
The design parameters of the system correspond to the neutral operating mode of the hydraulic separator, at which such parameters as pressure, temperature and flow rate correspond. Pump equipment has sufficient total power. Suspended particles are deposited in the hydraulic gun by means of laminar flow movement.
Low loss header: operating principle in heating a private house The principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow is reflected. At the same time, the boiler does not have enough power to ensure the flow in the secondary circuit. Thermal sensors are triggered when there is a difference in flow-return temperatures. If there is a shortage of flow, cold water (heat carrier) is mixed in. Automatic equipment brings the heat generator to the maximum combustion mode. But the consumer is not getting enough heat. If the heating system is out of balance, there is a threat of heatstroke.
Hydraulic arrow for heating systems, working diagram On the primary circuit, the volumetric flow is greater than the flow rate of the heating medium of the dependent circuit. If the boiler is operating in optimal mode, then when the unit is fired up or when the pumps of the secondary circuits are switched off in parallel, the coolant circulates through the hydraulic arrow along the primary circuit. The return temperature entering the boiler is leveled by adding coolant from the supply. The consumer receives a sufficient amount of coolant.
It is considered mandatory that the manufacturer, who has a circulation pump in the primary circuit, is 10 percent more than the total head of the pumps in the secondary circuit.
Remarkable! Formulas for calculating a water arrow for heating are obtained empirically. The diameter of the inlet pipe to the hydraulic separator corresponds to the diameter of the boiler outlet.
For example, if you determine the parameters of the hydraulic arrow by a practical method, then the approximate size for small dividers should be selected according to the diameter of the outlet nozzles. The distance between the inserts is at least 10 choke diameters. The height of the body will be much larger than the diameter of the pipes.
The cranked circuit of the hydraulic arrow for heating is used in the selection of a large-sized installation. According to the 3D rule, the diameter of the body will be three diameters of the nozzle. The 3D distance is determined by the proportions of the structure.
If the system does not have a manifold, then the number of tie-ins into the separator will be greater. The piping that connects the primary circuit to the hydraulic switch is distributed in height. This method makes it possible to adjust the temperature gradient over time. The condition must be met for a high-quality selection of the coolant by the secondary circuits. A boiler is needed to heat small houses. A pump is built into it. The secondary circuits are connected to the boiler by means of a hydraulic switch. Independent contours in residential buildings with a large area are connected through a comb. In this case, the low loss header will be large. The distribution manifold is installed after the hydraulic switch. The device consists of two independent parts. They are connected by jumpers. According to the number of secondary circuits, the pipes located in pairs are cut in.
Appearance of the hydraulic separator With the help of control valves, the maximum flow is ensured, as well as the pressure on the circuits farthest from the hydraulic switch. By balancing, the processes of incorrectly throttled flow are reduced. This makes it possible to obtain the calculated supply of the coolant.
Important! An autonomous heating system is a circuit that works with high temperature media under pressure.
In order to make a hydraulic arrow in the heating system of a private house, you need to have special skills. In addition, you need to have certain knowledge in heating technology. Today there are many sites that present step by step instructions to create a hydraulic arrow for the heating system with your own hands.
Often, not one, but two or even three circuits that require different temperatures are involved in the provision of private houses. How, in this case, to ensure an even distribution of heat across all living areas? Installation of a hydraulic separator, which is also called a hydraulic arrow, can be a good solution here. The device of such a device is not difficult. What is a hydraulic arrow, the principle of operation, the purpose and calculations of the required diameters of the body and nozzles - we will try to figure it out today with these questions.
Read in the article:
Let's try to understand what a hydraulic arrow is in a heating system. In fact, this is a small elongated container of a cylindrical, less often rectangular or square located vertically. Along its edges, there are nozzles at a certain distance from each other. Such a device can be purchased in stores, but if you have some skills, you can easily make it yourself. Many private home owners complain that heating circuits distribute temperature unevenly. When asked about the separator, they ask the counter one: “Hydraulic arrow? What it is?". So that such questions do not arise, we will figure it out.
Such a device can perform several functions - both basic and additional. It all depends on the design and manufacturing option. Let's try to understand what the water gun is for in the heating system.
The main task of such a device is to distribute flows along the circuits. At the same time, the hydraulic arrow is quite capable of working not only with several circuits, but also with a cascade of boilers, providing the necessary and uniform heating of the radiators of a particular room. At correct location nozzles, such a device can direct a slightly heated coolant to, hotter to some rooms and highly heated to others. It all depends on the wishes of the homeowner.
Related article:
Choose among all the variety on the heating system market? Let's try to figure out the main criteria for choosing heating devices in this material.
A hydraulic separator in a heating system is only needed if there are many radiators and several circuits. If in small house single-circuit heating is installed, there is no need to install it.
An additional function of a capacitive hydraulic separator is to remove oxygen dissolved in it from the coolant, which contributes to corrosion of system components. Also, heavy particles of rust and lime settle in it, which will inevitably be carried by the coolant.
Some models that can be purchased in stores are equipped with special coarse filters, as well as so-called deaerators.
The hydraulic arrow device is quite simple. If we appeal to elementary concepts, then we can say that this is a pipe (round or square) with spherical plugs on both sides. Along its ribs, there are branch pipes at a certain distance, to which the supply and return pipes are attached with the help of flanges. A hydraulic divider is located between the boiler and the heating devices.
The principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow is based on changing not only the volume, but also the direction of movement of the coolant in the system. Due to the temperature difference inside the separator, the cooled coolant is located at the bottom. The higher the cylinder, the higher its temperature. If the distribution pipes are located correctly, then such a system will provide the necessary heating for each of the individual circuits, regardless of their number and the number of pumps and boilers.
Expert opinion
HVAC design engineer (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) ASP North-West LLC
Ask a specialist“Many manufacturers of boilers with a capacity above 50 kW provide warranty service for their products only if there is a hydraulic arrow in the heating system. Otherwise, the owner will be denied warranty repairs. ”
Speaking in simple words, the principle of operation of such a device is to balance the temperature difference between different circuits and boilers.
Such devices can have two types of designs:
Interestingly, polypropylene hydroarms have become quite common lately. Provided that the entire system is made of the same material, this eliminates the need for filtration of the coolant. Indeed, in plastic pipes ah, corrosion cannot form in any way, which allows the use of the coolant even with excess air - this does not cause any harm to the heating system.
In order for such a device to be used for several circuits, its device must be as follows. On one side of the cylinder, at a certain height, there are two branch pipes - the supply and return of the boiler. On the other pair of nozzles, one for each of the circuits. It should be understood that the higher the supply of the circuit is located, the hotter the heating radiators on it will be. Seen from the outside, everything seems pretty simple. In fact, it is. The only difficulty here can be the necessary calculations, both the heights of the location of the branches, and their diameter and the size of the main cylinder of the tank.
Exists different methods making similar calculations. You can do everything yourself, using a lot of formulas and data. But this method often leads to errors in calculations, which ultimately negatively affects the operation of the entire heating system. It is much more convenient to use an online calculator, which already contains all the necessary algorithms. To do this, you just need to correctly enter the technical data that he requests.
One of the options for calculating the diameters of the nozzles and the tank itself is according to the boiler power. To simplify its production, we suggest using a special program.
Read in the article
Before you buy a water gun or start making it yourself, it doesn't hurt to study the device of this element. It is very simple: a hollow pipe of round or rectangular cross-section is equipped with several nozzles on different sides for connection to the heating network. Moreover, the branch pipes for connecting the supply are located, as a rule, in the upper part of the pipe, and the return pipes - in the lower part.
Note. The specified connection method is relevant when vertical mounting hydroarrows. At the same time, it can also be installed horizontally.
Most often, a hydraulic separator is used for heating, whose device provides for the installation of a collector. They are even sold in one set, and are made from the following materials:
There are also more sophisticated models, equipped not only with an air vent and a drain fitting, but also with sleeves for connecting control devices and sensors, as well as various meshes and plates. They serve to clean the coolant and separate streams. A similar hydraulic gun, whose device is shown in the drawing, has a decent cost and requires periodic maintenance:
It is customary among home craftsmen to make a hydraulic arrow from metal pipe, but due to the considerable popularity and cheapness of polypropylene, this trend is changing. After all, even an element made of PPR together with a collector costs a lot of money. Therefore, more and more often people prefer to make a polypropylene separator at home than to buy it in a store. To do this, you need a PPR pipe of the appropriate diameter, tees according to the number of future branch pipes and 2 plugs.
Since the diameter of the pipe for the manufacture of the hydraulic arrow is quite large, it will be necessary to purchase an appropriate nozzle for the welding machine, and withstand a sufficient period of time when soldering. In principle, there is nothing complicated, the tees are connected to each other by pipe segments, and plugs are placed at the ends. Another thing is that such a separator may not look very aesthetically pleasing, and not in every system it can be used.
The fact is that solid fuel heat generators can often reach the maximum operating mode, at which the water temperature is close to 90-95 ° C. Of course, polypropylene will withstand it, but in an abnormal situation (for example, when the electricity is cut off), the temperature at the supply can jump sharply and up to 130 ° C. This happens due to the inertia of solid fuel boilers, therefore, all piping to them, including the hydraulic arrow, must be metal. Otherwise, disastrous consequences await you, as in the photo:
A separator for any heating system is selected or manufactured according to 2 parameters:
S = G / 3600 ʋ, where:
For reference. Such a low water flow rate inside the hydraulic separator is due to the need to provide a zone of practically zero pressure. If the speed is increased, then the pressure will also increase.
The value of the flow rate of the heat carrier is determined earlier, based on the required thermal power of the heating system. If you decide to choose or buy an element of a circular cross-section, then it is quite simple to calculate the diameter of the hydraulic arrow by the cross-sectional area. We take the school formula for the area of a circle and determine the size of the pipe:
When assembling a homemade hydraulic arrow, you need to place the pipes at a certain distance from each other, and not randomly. Focusing on the diameter of the pipes to be connected, the distance between the taps is calculated using one of the schemes:
The video below describes the device, purpose and principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow.
A low loss header is considered one of the most successful solutions for regulating a heating system. Despite its disadvantages, such as, for example, the need to use additional pumps and the inability to work in a free-flow mode, the use of a hydraulic arrow in the heating system has a number of advantages. It copes best with the distribution of hydraulic resistance and temperature gradient in the heating network, while it can be made with your own hands from improvised means. This cannot be said, for example, of a three-way valve, for the manufacture of which you need at least a lathe. And subsequent operating costs are minimized. So the low loss header can be considered one of the better means to regulate the heating system in terms of price / functionality ratio.
So, what is called a water gun in the heating system of a private house? The temperature and hydraulic buffer, which provides the processes of correlation between the return and supply temperatures, the ordered maximum flow of the coolant, is called a hydraulic arrow. What is a hydraulic arrow for?
It is very simple to explain why a hydraulic arrow is needed in the heating system? Owners of private houses are well aware of what an imbalance in heat supply is. Modern boilers have a smaller circuit. At the same time, the consumption of the consumer during circulation is less. With the help of a hydraulic arrow, you can separate its operation from the heat generator of the secondary circuit, increase the reliability and quality of the system.
Hydraulic separator in the heating system
To understand why a hydraulic arrow is needed in a heating system, it is necessary to name a number of advantages of heating systems with a hydraulic thermal separator. First of all, the separator is a prerequisite for equipment manufacturers to guarantee maintenance for a boiler with a capacity of up to 50 kilowatts and more. With the help of an auxiliary unit, the maximum flow with a laminar flow of the coolant is ensured. The temperature and hydraulic balance in the heating system is constantly maintained. The hydraulic arrow and the heating circuit are connected in parallel. This creates minimal pressure, performance and heat losses. The supply and return pipes are located according to the knee principle. This provides a temperature gradient for the secondary circuits. If you choose the optimal hydraulic arrow for heating, then you can protect the boiler from the difference in flow and return temperatures.
The equipment is protected from thermal shock. The hydraulic arrow increases the efficiency of the boiler. In addition, a secondary circulation of a part of the coolant in the boiler circuit is ensured. Fuel and electricity are saved. The boiler water volume is kept constant. If necessary, it is possible to compensate for the flow deficit in the secondary circuit using a separator. If the pumps are of high power, their influence can be reduced by means of a hollow divider. The load is applied to the secondary circuit and the boiler.
Hydrodynamic processes in the system are stabilized by the principle of operation of a hydraulic arrow. In order to extend the life of the pump, it is necessary to promptly remove mechanical impurities from the coolant. In addition, the service life of sensors, meters, valves is extended. When dividing flows (independent consumer circuit and heat generator circuit), the hydraulic arrow ensures maximum use of the fuel combustion heat.
Industrial-made water guns are not cheap and many make them by hand. In this case, preliminary calculations must be made. The main calculated dimensions are shown in the figure below.
Hydro arrow diagram with basic design dimensions
As can be seen from the figure, the diameter of the hydraulic arrow itself is taken to be equal to three diameters of the inlet nozzles, therefore the calculations are reduced mainly to determining the diameter of the hydraulic arrow.
The figure shows two options for the hydraulic arrows. The purpose of the second option is better than the first in that the water is freed from air bubbles when it crosses the supply pipeline, and when it comes back it gets rid of sludge better.
The calculation is mainly reduced to determining the diameter of the hydraulic arrow:
where:
Also, the calculation can be performed using the following formula:
Also, to calculate the diameter of the hydraulic arrow, there is the following formula:
The height of the hydraulic arrow can be any and is limited only by the height of the ceiling in the room.
If you make the diameter of the hydraulic arrow large enough, you can get two in one: a hydraulic arrow and a heat accumulator, the so-called capacitive separator.
Circuit diagram of a capacitive separator in a heating system
As can be seen from the figure, this type of water gun has a large volume, of the order of 300 liters or more, therefore, in addition to performing its main task, it is also capable of accumulating heat. The use of a hydraulic arrow of this type is especially justified when heating with a solid fuel boiler, since it is able to smooth out temperature jumps in the heating boiler and store the thermal energy of the boiler after the end of combustion for a rather long time.
You need to know some of the nuances when using this type of hydraulic arrow:
It will be easier to buy a water gun for heating after reading the data from the following table. Current price offers can be clarified immediately before purchasing the goods. But this information is useful for comparative analysis taking into account the different characteristics of the products.
Table 1. Characteristics and average cost of hydraulic shooters
| Image | Equipment model | Power heating installation in kW (maximum) | Price in rub. | Notes (edit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | GR-40-20, Gidruss (Russia) | 40 | 3 600 — 3 800 | The cube body is made of carbon steel with anti-corrosion coating, the simplest model. |
 | GRSS-60-25, Gidruss (Russia) | 60 | 9 800 — 10 600 | Stainless steel body, six nozzles, integrated separation mesh and a set of mounting brackets as standard. |
 | TGR-60-25х5, Gidruss (Russia) | 60 | 10 300 — 11 800 | Low-alloy steel body, the ability to connect up to 4 external circuits + heating. |
 | GRSS-150-40, Gidruss (Russia) | 150 | 15 100 — 16 400 | Stainless steel, 6 spigots. |
 | MH50, Meibes (Germany) | 135 | 54 600 — 56 200 | Sophisticated design with integrated sludge and air removal devices. |
Modern hydraulic arrow
It is clear from the table that the cost, in addition to the general technical parameters influenced by the following factors:
The classical circuit design determines the supply of four pipelines to the structure of the hydraulic separator. This inevitably raises the question of the possibility of increasing the number of inputs / outputs. In principle, such a constructive approach is not ruled out. However, the efficiency of the scheme decreases with an increase in the number of inlets / outlets.
Consider possible variant with a large number of nozzles, unlike the classics, and we will analyze the operation of the hydraulic separation system for such installation conditions.
Scheme of a separator for multichannel distribution of heat fluxes. This option allows you to service more voluminous systems, but if the number of nozzles increases to more than four, the efficiency of the system as a whole decreases sharply.
In this case, the heat flow Q1 is completely absorbed by the heat flow Q2 for the state of the system, when the flow rate for these flows is actually equal (Q1 = Q2). In the same state of the system, the heat flux Q3 in terms of temperature is approximately equal to the average values of Tav, flowing along the return lines (Q6, Q7, Q8). At the same time, there is an insignificant temperature difference in the lines with Q3 and Q4.
If the heat flow Q1 becomes equal in terms of the heat component Q2 + Q3, the distribution of the temperature head is noted in the following relationship: T1 = T2, T4 = T5, while T3 = T1 + T5 / 2. If the heat flux Q1 becomes equal to the sum of the heat of all other flows Q2, Q3, Q4, in this state all four temperature differences are equalized (T1 = T2 = T3 = T4).
A multi-channel four-input / four-output splitter system, which is quite often used in practice. For the maintenance of heating systems of a private economy, such a solution is quite satisfactory in terms of technological parameters and stabilization of the boiler operation.
With this state of affairs on multichannel systems (more than four), the following factors are noted that have a negative impact on the operation of the device as a whole:
It turns out that the departure from the classical scheme with an increase in the number of branch pipes almost completely eliminates working property, which the gyro arrow should have.
The device is a pipe with an internal section in the form of a rectangle or circle. The pipe is plugged at both ends and equipped with pipe connections. This design allows you to connect to the system two interconnected circuits that do not affect each other. The first "small" circuit is represented as follows: "boiler - low loss header". The second "large" circuit has the following form: "boiler - low loss header - final consumption circuit".
Each of the circuits has its own performance characteristics and differs in the rate of circulation of the coolant, its temperature and pressure. During the installation of the device, its diameter is selected so that a section with a low hydraulic resistance is formed on the circuit. This makes it possible to stabilize the pressure even in the event of an emergency shutdown of the working circuits.
The arrow allows you to control the pressure in the heating system multi-storey building, a private cottage or in the autonomous heating system of an ordinary apartment with underfloor heating and radiator water heating. In the event that the maximum pressure in the heating system is reached or a stop of the circuit is detected, the arrow will redirect the flow of the coolant and protect the boiler and heaters from damage. And what is better to choose - a one-pipe or two-pipe heating system - you can read here.
Although the hydraulic arrow is very important in the heating system, its structure and design are quite simple. This is a fragment of a round or square pipe, in which there are two holes on the side of the boiler and the same number of holes on the side of the heating system. To prevent the hydraulic separator from clogging, it can be equipped with mesh filters that trap the debris formed in the coolant. After a certain period of time, the nets may clog and will need to be cleaned.
The device is installed in a vertical or horizontal position, but this does not really matter. However, most often the hydraulic arrow is mounted vertically, since this allows you to additionally install an air vent at the top, and a tap through which debris is removed at the bottom of the device.
Using this device, you can separate the hydraulic systems of the heating unit and the heating system itself. Moreover, the hydraulic separator is allowed to be used with a manifold for four, three, two circuits and with one branch boiler. The heating system and boiler circuits receive their own hydraulic mode.
When choosing a water gun, you need to understand its principle of operation and the advantages that it possesses:
This equipment also has additional functions. Advanced factory-made models include temperature controllers and separators. A dedicated temperature control valve controls the temperature gradient for different heating circuits.
The vent valve removes oxygen bubbles from the device, thereby protecting the rest of the equipment from corrosion, extending its useful life and ensuring stable operation. The same goes for filters that trap debris.
A device with perforated baffles is provided inside the low loss header. They are needed for separation interior space in half so that unnecessary resistance is not created.
Simply, the operation of the hydraulic switch can be represented as follows. Letters K, H and A denote the boiler, circulation pump and heat carrier, respectively. The coolant moves through the supply pipes (denoted by red lines) and "processing" (blue lines). At this point, the diagram will be ready. For a small house, this the simplest scheme, consisting of a circuit, a boiler and a coolant, but for a larger house, the scheme should be complicated.
The hydraulic arrow is installed on floor-standing boilers without a built-in pump to ensure effective protection of the boiler against large temperature differences during the first start of the heating system. For example, using this equipment, standard steel boilers can be protected from the generated condensate, while cast iron devices can be protected from the possibility of failure of individual sections.
To exclude such unpleasant situations, a specialized hydraulic arrow is used. The drawing and diagram of the boiler room in this case play an important role, since depending on the characteristics of the heated object, you need to choose the appropriate equipment. The only thing worth noting is that you also need to use an additional pump for various floor standing boilers.
The classic version of the low loss header assumes the creation of branch pipes symmetrically located relative to each other. However, a schematic version of a slightly different configuration is also practiced, where the nozzles are located asymmetrically. What does it do?
Diagram of the production of a hydraulic separator, where the branch pipes of the secondary circuit are slightly offset relative to the branch pipes of the primary circuit. According to the inventors (and proven by practice), this option seems to be more productive in filtering particles and separating air.
As the practical application of asymmetric circuits shows, in this case there is a more efficient separation of air, and also better filtration (sediment) of suspended particles present in the coolant is achieved.
Anuloid or hydraulic separator - pipe with four nozzles welded into its body. General form shown in Fig. 1.
However, there may be more nozzles, but such systems are greatly complicated in terms of hydraulic and thermodynamic calculations, their consideration within the framework of this article is impractical.
Possible variants of the forms of simple hydraulic arrows are shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Round anuloids differ from rectangular only appearance... True, the rectangular version looks better, but the round hydraulic arrow is more profitable from the point of view of hydraulics. But in general, the operating parameters of these devices do not depend on their shape.
Additionally, hydraulic separators can be equipped with:
Typical connection scheme a hydraulic separator in the heating circuit is shown in Fig. 5.
Q1 - boiler circuit;
Q2 - Heating circuit (heating decoupling);
Н1 and Н2 are circulation pumps of the circuits.
Fig. 5. Typical installation diagram of a hydraulic separator.
Sometimes it is possible to find a tank type hydraulic separator in the form of a barrel. A diagram of such a device is shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 6. Hydraulic separator in the form of a barrel as a heat accumulator in the heating system.
In this form, the hydraulic arrow serves not only as a separator hydraulic circuits, but also heat accumulator, helping to smooth out the process of temperature changes in the second loop.
Fig. 7 shows a diagram of a hydraulic arrow in a heating system with a shift in height of the branch pipes.
Fig. 7. Hydraulic separator with offset branch pipes.
Here: T1-Boiler feed pipe.
T3-Supply pipeline to the heating interchange.
Tubes T2 and T4 are return outlets of the corresponding circuits.
Excess pipe pipeline T1 relative to T2 allows you to create conditions under which the coolant coming from the boiler has the ability to slow down and release an additional amount of air bubbles.
The T2 pipeline branch is located above the T4 branch pipe to ensure the conditions for the effective separation of sludge and prevent it from entering the T2 pipeline.
We already know what the hydraulic arrow is used for, in which autonomous heating systems it is recommended to use it, what parameters the device should have. Despite this, many questions arise after the installation of a low loss header. In this section of our review, we will provide several recommendations and answers to frequently asked questions about the operation of this device and malfunctions of the heating system.
In different circuits, the flow rate of the coolant is different. A high temperature is observed in the hydraulic separator, but the cold coolant enters there, because the cooled coolant is consumed more hot.
Garbage in the heating system is the rule rather than the exception. Rust, sand and other small particles are the main cause of low vertical speed, but after a certain period of time, fines debris will settle on the distributor. Please note that the low speed in the directional valve promotes natural convection of the coolant. This means that the cold liquid flows downward, while the hot one rises upward. This effect contributes to the formation of the necessary pressure and head.
For example, let us give a floor heating system in which the temperature of the heating medium is lower than in an indirect pressure boiler, which requires a higher temperature and pressure, which contributes to the rapid heating of water for the hot water supply system. In addition, the low speed in the hydraulic gun lowers the hydraulic resistance and also removes air bubbles.
If there are no problems with the temperature of the coolant and the vertical speed in the hydraulic distributor, then the device can be mounted at such an angle.
This parameter is very important
It is especially worth paying attention to the volume of the hydraulic arrow, if a solid fuel boiler will be used in the autonomous heating system, since its operation is characterized by unstable pressure and its large drops.
Summing up, we can conclude that the low loss header- a very important component in an autonomous heating system. But, despite this, the hydraulic arrow is not an obligatory device, and in many cases you can do without it.
The price of the product is quite high, so many craftsmen make it themselves. If you have the skills of welding or you have a soldering iron for plastic pipes with nozzles of different diameters, then using the calculation formulas given in the article, you can easily build a high-quality hydraulic valve.
Using the above information, you can choose the right device for your heating system, taking into account its technical characteristics and parameters.
This will save money and ensure the stable operation of all heating appliances: radiators, convectors, water heating boilers, underfloor heating systems without a drop in the temperature of the coolant in them.
You can learn more about the choice and advisability of using a hydraulic arrow in the heating system from this video.
To find out for what purposes a hydraulic arrow is used, it is required to understand the principle of operation of the simplest heating system with forced circulation of the coolant.
The main components of the above scheme are:
In addition, the system includes other elements, for example, expansion tank, but we will not focus on them, since they are not so important for explaining the principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow. ... Note that the choice of the pump is very important for the normal operation of autonomous heating.
The choice of this device depends on various factors: the length of the circuits, the technical parameters of the heat exchange devices, the thermal power of the system.
Note that the choice of pump is very important for the normal operation of autonomous heating. The choice of this device depends on various factors: the length of the circuits, the technical parameters of the heat exchange devices, the thermal power of the system.
The scheme described above is suitable for a summer cottage or a small house, but if the building has large area or several floors, then a more complex heating system using a collector circuit will be required.
The diagram shows that the following devices are connected to the collector:
You do not need to be an expert to understand that one pump cannot cope with all the components of an autonomous heating system, even if it is of sufficient power. It is worth considering that a pump that is too powerful will create increased pressure, and this will adversely affect the operation of an expensive boiler and lead to a reduction in its service life.
The factor is also taken into account that each individual circuit differs in pressure and other technical characteristics. Therefore, using one pump, it is impossible to achieve coordinated system operation.
What if you try to use more than one pump, but several? That is, a separate circuit will be equipped with its own pump. Alas, even such a decision will not save the situation. On the contrary, it can lead to other malfunctions in the heating system.
For normal operation of several circuits, maximum accuracy in setting the pumps is required, but it is impossible to achieve such an effect. This is due to the fact that such quantities as head, productivity and degree of heating are variable. There are many situations in which one circuit can affect the state of another. They can manifest themselves in different ways. For example, the pressure or temperature of the coolant changes sharply, but in any case, the effect will be negative. Such disruptions will adversely affect both the operation of the pump and the condition of the boiler.
It is known that the manifold is responsible for the separation of hydraulic systems. But is it possible for the boiler circuits to be autonomous? This means that the boiler must supply a certain amount of a heat carrier for each circuit, and the circuit, in turn, would receive a certain amount of liquid.
This task is quite real. To do this, it is necessary to select a small boiler circuit, which is carried out using a hydraulic distributor. That is, this element can change the direction of the coolant when it is required for the correct operation of the heating system.
Among heating engineers, there are diametrically opposed opinions about the need to install hydraulic guns in heating systems. The statements of manufacturers of hydraulic equipment, promising an increase in the flexibility of setting operating modes, an increase in efficiency and efficiency of heat transfer, add fuel to the fire. To separate the wheat from the chaff, let's first look at the completely unfounded claims about the "outstanding" capabilities of hydraulic separators.
The efficiency of the boiler plant does not depend in any way on the devices installed downstream of the boiler connection pipes. The beneficial effect of the boiler is entirely contained in the converting capacity, that is, in the percentage of the heat released by the generator to the heat absorbed by the coolant. No special piping methods can increase the efficiency, it depends only on the surface area of the heat exchanger and the correct choice of the coolant circulation rate.
The multi-mode, which is supposedly provided by the installation of a hydraulic arrow, is also an absolute myth.
The essence of the promises boils down to the fact that in the presence of a hydraulic arrow, three options for the flow ratio in the generator and consumer parts can be realized.
The first is the absolute equalization of the flow rate, which in practice is only possible in the absence of shunting and only one circuit in the system. The second option, in which the flow rate in the circuits is greater than through the boiler, supposedly provides increased savings, however, in this mode, a supercooled coolant inevitably enters the heat exchanger via the return flow, which generates a number of negative effects: fogging of the internal surfaces of the combustion chamber or temperature shock.
There are also a number of arguments, each of which represents an incoherent set of terms, but inherently does not reflect anything specific. These include an increase in hydrodynamic stability, an increase in the service life of equipment, control over the temperature distribution and others like them.
You can also find the statement that the hydraulic separator allows you to stabilize the balance. hydraulic system, which in practice turns out to be exactly the opposite. If, in the absence of a hydraulic arrow, the reaction of the system to a change in the flow in any part of it is inevitable, then in the presence of a separator it is also absolutely unpredictable.
Real area of application
However, a thermo-hydraulic separator is far from useless. This is a hydrotechnical device and its principle of operation is described in sufficient detail in special literature. Gidrostrelka has a well-defined, albeit rather narrow, scope.
The most important benefit of a hydraulic separator is the ability to coordinate the operation of several circulation pumps in the generator and consumer parts of the system. It often happens that circuits connected to a common manifold unit are supplied with pumps, the performance of which differs by 2 or more times.
At the same time, the most powerful pump creates a pressure difference so high that the intake of the coolant by the rest of the circulation devices is impossible. Several decades ago, this problem was solved by the so-called washer - artificially lowering the flow in consumer circuits by welding metal plates with different hole diameters into the pipe.
The hydraulic arrow shunts the supply and return lines, due to which the vacuum and overpressure they are leveled.
The second special case is the excess boiler performance in relation to the consumption of the distribution circuits. This situation is typical for systems in which a number of consumers do not work on a permanent basis. For example, an indirect heating boiler, a pool heat exchanger and building heating circuits, which are heated only from time to time, can be linked to the general hydraulics.
The installation of a hydraulic arrow in such systems allows maintaining the nominal boiler power and circulation rate all the time, while the excess heated coolant flows back into the boiler. When an additional consumer is turned on, the difference in flow rates decreases and the surplus is no longer sent to the heat exchanger, but to the open circuit.
The hydraulic arrow can also serve as a collector of the generator part when coordinating the operation of two boilers, especially if their power is significantly different.
An additional effect of the operation of the hydraulic arrow can be called the protection of the boiler from temperature shock, but for this, the flow in the generator section must exceed the flow in the consumer network by at least 20%. The latter is achieved by installing pumps of appropriate capacity.
If you don't want to spend money on a water gun, you can try making one yourself. The main thing here is to correctly perform a number of calculations and have the skills of gas or electric welding.
First, determine the optimal dimensions for the hydraulic separator pipe:
Based on the calculated parameters, draw up a drawing of the future hydraulic arrow. Then prepare a steel tube with a round or square cross section corresponding to the calculated values and weld the required number of threaded nipples into it.
As you can see, if the house has a complex heating system serving large areas, you cannot do without a hydraulic arrow. Fortunately, even despite the complex principle of operation and a lot of tasks, this device is quite simple in terms of construction, so it can really be done by hand. So you always have a choice: either buy a water gun or trust your own skills.
The water gun for heating consists of a bronze or steel body with two nozzles for connecting to the boiler circuit (supply pipe + return pipe), as well as several nozzles (usually 2) for connecting heat consumer circuits. An automatic air vent is installed in the upper part of the low loss header through a ball valve or a shut-off valve, in the lower part there is a drain (drain) valve. A special mesh is often installed inside the body of factory hydraulic shooters, which allows you to direct small air bubbles into the air vent.
The design of the Valtec VT model. VAR 00.
The hydraulic arrow for heating has the following functions:
Heating system diagram using a low loss header.
The process of removing mechanical particles through the drain valve:
Small houses are heated by a boiler with a built-in pump. The secondary circuits are connected to the boiler through a hydraulic arrow. Independent contours residential buildings with a large area (from 150 m 2) is connected through a comb, the hydraulic separator will be cumbersome.
which pipes for underfloor heating are better and more convenient to use. Specifications each type of pipe products used for underfloor heating.
The distribution manifold is mounted after the hydraulic arrow. The device consists of two independent parts that connect the jumpers. According to the number of secondary circuits, the pipes located in pairs are cut in.
The distributor comb facilitates the operation and maintenance of the equipment. The shut-off and control valves of the heat supply system of the house are located in one place. The large diameter of the collector ensures an even flow between the individual circuits.
The use of a hydraulic arrow will save the boiler from heat shock
The splitter and the coplanar manifold form the hydraulic module. The compact unit is convenient for the cramped conditions of small boiler rooms.
Mounting outlets are provided for strapping with an asterisk:
The figure shows a hydraulic arrow with a manifold. The manufacturing scheme provides for the installation balancing valves between supply / return manifolds:
Diagram of a hydraulic arrow with a manifold
The control valves provide maximum flow and pressure on the circuits farther from the hydraulic switch. Balancing reduces the processes of improper throttling of the flow, allows to achieve the calculated supply of the coolant.
Important! Autonomous system heating refers to systems operating with a high temperature of the medium under pressure (including the hydraulic arrow for heating a private house). ... A specialist who has a sufficient stock of knowledge in heat engineering, experience and work skills (electric and gas welding, plumbing, work with a hand-held power tool) can make a heating arrow with his own hands.
Numerous Internet sites offer step-by-step instructions for making a water arrow for heating, videos can also help in this process.
A specialist who has a sufficient stock of knowledge in heat engineering, experience and work skills (electric gas welding, plumbing, working with a hand-held power tool) can make a heating arrow with his own hands. Numerous Internet sites offer step-by-step instructions for making a water arrow for heating, videos can also help in this process.
Dimensions of the heating manifold with a hydraulic arrow
Theoretical knowledge will help to draw up diagrams and drawings of the heating water arrow, make individual order equipment in a specialized organization, control the work of the contractor. Entrusting the manufacture of critical components of the heating system to non-professionals is dangerous to life and health. It should be remembered that equipment damaged by the owner's fault is not subject to warranty repair and cannot be returned.
There is nothing complicated in the design. However, certain rules must be followed. Manufacturers offer models of various configurations and sizes. You can easily select the required product according to its characteristics. There are hydraulic arrows for heating, in which the work of the separator and the collector for connecting the circuit is combined.
The high cost of factory production suggests self-production hydroarrows. To do this, you must have initial skills in welding and locksmithing. The main thing is to comply with the dimensions to ensure the smooth operation of the product.
Consider the basic designs of low loss header:
| Photo | Types of structures |
 | Classical- operates according to the "3D" rule (three diameters). The diagram shows the internal diameters and the passage, regardless of the thickness of the walls of the body. |
 | Alternating nozzles... It is generally accepted that a downward stepping arrangement improves gas separation, while an upward stepping improves the separation of suspended solids. |
 | Horizontal option the location of the hydraulic arrow with a different location of the nozzles. |
| Lattice water gun... In everyday life, you can find a structure made of sections of a heating radiator. Such a system needs additional insulation to avoid heat loss. |
In a professional environment, you can find other names for a hydraulic arrow:
The main purpose of the hydraulic separator (this is the official name of the hydraulic arrow) is the separation of hydraulic flows. The circuits are separated by a channel, making them independent and autonomous when transferring the heat carrier through the heating system. In this case, heat is well transferred from one circuit to another.
When making a hydrostatic arrow from polypropylene with your own hands, you need to do correct calculations and choose the equipment with which it will work. In houses, the secondary circuits are connected using this device. The distribution manifold is connected in the circuit after the hydraulic arrow. The structure consists of individual elements that are connected by jumpers.
Collector connection
The number of cut-in pipes depends on the contours. With the help of the manifold, the repair and maintenance of the device is easier.
The manifold and separator form the hydraulic element. Such a device is convenient for confined spaces.
There are the following types of connections:
With the help of control valves, pressure and flow are produced in the distant circuits. Such a structure can be made by a specialist with knowledge in heat engineering, as well as professional skills in plumbing, electric welding and working with special tools.
Variant of using hydraulic separation equipment
Before work, you need to draw up the correct drawings and diagrams of the device. The implementation of critical heating elements by beginners can be life-threatening.
It is easy to assemble a water gun for heating yourself, using a welding machine and pipe sections of the required length. To do this, you need to find a suitable drawing and select materials.
We examined the principle of operation of the heating hydraulic arrow - it simply distributes the coolant over several circuits. Its main task is to create ideal conditions for the operation of the secondary and primary circuits. The primary circuit includes a heating boiler with pipes connected to a hydraulic switch. Secondary loops are everything else. With equal pressure in the entire circuit, the boiler operates in a gentle mode - part of the heated coolant enters the return pipe, which reduces the load on the heat source.
If there is a low-power boiler in the system, and the heating has a high capacity, conditions are created for the supply of the coolant from the return pipe to the supply pipe, bypassing the boiler (partially). In this case, the equipment works practically for wear and tear - heat exchangers can become unusable in the shortest possible time.
Perfectly balanced heating means a uniform temperature throughout the house, equal pressure in the secondary circuits and a balanced load on the boiler. In this case, the task of the hydraulic arrow is simple - it "distributes" the coolant into several circuits, each of which has a circulation pump. By adjusting its performance and coolant supply, it is possible to achieve a uniform temperature throughout the house.
The most important thing is that thanks to this distribution, there will be no cold circuits in the house, since the coolant will flow into each pipe, and not only where it is much easier.
The principle of operation of the hydraulic arrow
An imbalance in the heating system can affect the stability of its operation. A long circuit needs one pressure, a shorter circuit needs another. The same applies to underfloor heating and boilers. If there was one large pump in the system at once for all circuits, there would be overloads in some places - it can break pipes or a heat exchanger in storage water heater.The hydraulic arrow will distribute the pressure and allow you to correctly balance all the circuits.
There are heating systems with two or even three boilers (sometimes more). Such solutions allow heating a rather large area or using one of the boilers as a backup. If not serial, but parallel equipment is used, then this is done through a hydraulic arrow. At the same time, this helps to neutralize the mutual influence of the secondary circuits on each other.
Hydrostrelka allows you to achieve balance in heating systems of any complexity. Two or three boilers, five or seven circuits - the degree may be different. The potential for expanding the system is also revealed. For example, in the future, you can connect another boiler, heated towel rail, summer kitchen with a separate heating circuit here. All these works can be performed even on the move, without stopping the boiler equipment while maintaining the heating of the building.
During the operation of an individual heating system, problems arise associated with a discrepancy between the volume of consumption and the performance of the boiler. In some modes, it is possible to receive signals from temperature sensors, which will increase the power to maximum values. With a simultaneous insufficient consumption of the carrier by the secondary circuit, the thermal loads will increase excessively. Such situations increase the likelihood of accidents.
In case of breakdowns, you will need the help of specialists
To describe a different situation, it is necessary to assume that the boiler capacity specified in the technical data sheet is 50 l / min. despite the fact that it is necessary to connect heating radiators with a consumption of twice as much. It will not be possible to increase the power so much without excessive loads on the equipment.
The next problem is the mutual influence of different types of consumers (warm floors, an external boiler, several groups of radiators). For their normal functioning, different volumes and temperatures of the coolant are needed.
It is possible to solve such problems using additional sensors and settings. But this will lead to a significant complication of the design and a decrease in the overall level of reliability. In practice, experienced experts recommend using an elegant engineering solution, which is discussed in detail in this article.
The main purpose of this device is to restrict, and in ideal option- elimination of the hydrodynamic influence of different circuits in the heating system on each other. To do this, use special containers that are inserted into the gap between the two circuits.
Typical water arrows in the form of a cylinder and a cube in section
This picture shows a schematic of a set of equipment with two pumps and connected radiators.
Dual circuit system
Here Q1 and Q2 are the water flow rates in each circuit. When these values are equal, the fluid moves along a common complete circuit, as shown in the figure below.
Common contour travel standard
The return flow is greater than the flow
The flow rate in the supply is greater than in the return
To get a high-quality hydrostatic gun performing its functions, the principle of operation, purpose and calculations are coordinated in a special way. It is necessary to create the latter option with a slow movement of water inside the device from top to bottom. Experts recommend limiting the speed of this process to the level of 0.09-0.12 m / s. This will help solve the following tasks:
Diagram of the use of a hydraulic arrow in a complex heating system
The next photo shows a standard product in this category.
The valve installed at the bottom is designed to drain the liquid together with mechanical impurities
Note the special taper at the bottom. Impurities accumulate in it, they are not carried out by the flow of liquid further into the system.
An automatic air vent is mounted on top.
Hydro switches, if necessary, are equipped with pressure gauges, valves and other devices
It would seem that it is quite logical to equip each heating circuit with its own circulation pump, corresponding to all the necessary parameters in order to solve the problem. Is it so? Unfortunately, even in this case, the problem will not be solved - it will simply move to another plane! Indeed, for the stable functioning of such a system, an accurate calculation of each pump is necessary, however, even with this, a complex multi-circuit system will not become equilibrium. Each pump here will be connected to its own circuit, and its characteristics will change (that is, they will not be stable). In this case, one of the circuits can fully work, and the second one can be turned off. Due to the circulation in one circuit, an inertial motion of the working fluid can form in the adjacent circuit, where it is not required at all (at least for the moment). And there can be a lot of such examples.
As a result, the underfloor heating system may overheat unacceptably, different rooms can be heated unevenly, individual circuits can be "locked". In a word, everything happens so that your efforts to equip the system with high efficiency go down the drain.
Note! Especially because of this, the pump installed next to the heating boiler suffers. And in many houses, several heating devices are used at once, which are extremely difficult to control, almost impossible.
Because of all this, expensive equipment simply breaks down.
Is there a way out? Yes - not only divide the network into circuits, but also take care of a separate circuit for the heating boiler. And we will help with balancing the hydraulic arrow for heating or, as it is also called, the hydraulic separator.
The Sever-M5 collector is a typical example. It works in heating systems up to 70 kW. The cost of the unit is about 9.5 thousand rubles.
The hydraulic gun in the heating system is a distribution hydraulic device designed to distribute the coolant over several circuits. Its installation is recommended in cases where the power of the boiler used is over 50 kW. The arrow is also used in complex branched systems with many secondary circuits - it is needed for balancing. You can buy or assemble it yourself.
The easiest way is to buy a hydraulic arrow in a ready-made factory version. The most simple model, for example, SINTEK ST-35 will cost 2,700 rubles if taken directly from the manufacturer. It can withstand pressures up to 6 bar and can be installed in heating systems with heating outputs up to 35 kW.
The heating manifold with a hydraulic arrow for 5 circuits is designed for branched systems, which were mentioned above. You can connect to it an indirect heating boiler, underfloor heating in the bathroom, kitchen and hallway, as well as three main circuits - on the ground floor, in the basement, as well as in the attic.
Other shop equipment:
There are thousands of ready-made hydraulic shooters, there is plenty to choose from.
The advantages of a magazine-type hydraulic gun are quite obvious. First of all, they are characterized by impeccable build quality. The equipment must withstand a solid pressure - up to 3-4 atmospheres for autonomous heating and up to 20-25 atmospheres for general house heating. It is made from proven steel grades designed for construction heating equipment and other systems.
Secondly, factory hydraulic switches are already designed for use in heating systems with one or another power. They have been verified many times, so their use will not cause any accidents. Also in stores will offer auxiliary equipment for the installation of heating systems. And then there will be no problems with the guarantee for boilers and radiators.
It is not easy to make a hydraulic arrow on your own. First, you should draw up a diagram and preliminary calculations. In addition, you need to have skills in welding and locksmithing.
A step-by-step process for making a 6-outlet separator will help in this matter:
| Photo | Description of work |
 | Before starting work, the following materials and tools must be prepared: 2 inch threads for the main circuit and 6 threads per ¾ for the heating system circuit, shaped tube 80 with a wall thickness of 3 mm, an inch pipe 25, a profile pipe 20 × 20, 2 square washers on the ends, 2 steel threads, a welding machine with electrodes, a grinder, 2 metal crowns 25 and 29 diameters, a drill bit 8.5 mm, fast drying primer and hammer paint. |
 | Cut off a piece of 900 mm square pipe. |
 | We drill preliminary holes with a multistage drill according to the pre-marked marks. On one side, the distance from the edge is 50 × 150 × 150 × 200 × 150 × 150 × 50, on the opposite side it is 325 × 250 × 325. This is sufficient for a solid fuel boiler. |
 | We expand the holes with a 25-diameter crown. Holes with a crown of diameter 29 will be made similarly. |
 | Pre-made holes in the pipe. |
 | Welding steel couplings to washers |
 | At this stage, the plugs must be cleaned. |
 | Washers are welded to the ends in 2 stages. First, they are tacked at several points, then the main weld is made. Then everything needs to be cleaned up. |
 | Threads are welded to the holes made on the pipe in the same way, after which the pipe must be cleaned. |
 | At the end of the process, a test must be carried out. To do this, plugs are screwed on all threads, and the system is connected to a pump with a gauge reading of 7.2 atmospheres. |
 | After the tests, the hydraulic arrow must be primed and painted. While the paint is drying, you can prepare the spacer mounts. |
This process can be clearly seen in the master class of a professional specialist:
It is even easier to make a hydrostatic arrow from polypropylene with your own hands. This requires special tools for cutting plastic and a special welding machine.
Low loss header diagram
The low loss header can be operated in three main modes. The first of them is activated when the system's demand for heat corresponds to the amount that has already been produced. In the second mode, the heating system needs less heat than it has already produced. In this case, a certain fraction of the liquid returns to the boiler through the hydraulic separator and signals the automation to reduce its power or even to temporarily turn it off. The third mode of operation is that the system requires more heat. If this happens, part of the heat carrier flow is taken over by the pumps, after which the automation receives a signal to increase the boiler power. 
