For homeowners looking for economical and cozy heating options, underfloor heating is becoming a more and more popular option. The collector, which controls how hot water is distributed throughout the underground pipe network, is an essential part of these systems. Comprehending the configuration, varieties, and wiring schematics of collectors—particularly those fitted with flow meters—will guarantee the smooth and productive operation of your underfloor heating system.
Different designs of collectors are appropriate for different kinds of underfloor heating systems. While some are more sophisticated and have integrated flow meters for accurate regulation, others are more basic and control flow through manual adjustments. Your heating system’s performance can be greatly impacted by the collector you choose, which can have an effect on comfort and energy usage.
An essential component of system balancing are flow meters. They provide you the ability to keep an eye on and modify the water flow to every circuit, guaranteeing uniform heat distribution throughout your floor. This optimizes energy use and lowers your heating costs in addition to improving comfort. Anyone working on underfloor heating installation or maintenance must be familiar with connecting and configuring these parts.
A visual assembly and integration guide for the collector into your underfloor heating system is provided by connection diagrams. These schematics help to avoid common installation errors by showing where pipes, valves, and flow meters should be placed. You can have a dependable, balanced heating system that provides even heating throughout your house by adhering to these recommendations.
Knowing the ins and outs of underfloor heating collectors with flow meters is essential whether you are a professional installer or a do-it-yourself enthusiast. This information will guarantee that the components are installed correctly for maximum efficiency and performance, in addition to assisting you in selecting the appropriate parts.
- What is it?
- Are they always needed??
- What is a rotameter for?
- What types are used?
- Design and device
- Connection diagrams
- Option No. 1
- №2
- №3
- How to choose the right one?
- Features of operation
- Difficulties and errors
- Pros and cons
- Average costs
- Useful video
- Video on the topic
- Warm floor (operating principle)
- Connecting a warm floor to a heating system. 4 connection methods.
- Operating principle, adjusting warm floor flow meters
What is it?
A metal manifold with inputs and outputs, known as a comb-type distributor, is used to distribute coolant from the production source along the curves of final consumers.
Used in systems for underfloor heating as well.
Such a device functions on a simple principle without complicated steps:
- the heated liquid from the system is supplied to the supply valve into the manifold;
- there it is mixed with cold water to obtain a coolant of a given temperature;
- after this, the distribution of the coolant through the loops of the underfloor heating system is regulated by the position of the damper on the multi-way valve of the comb, which depends on the heating of the liquid at the current moment in time.
- the cooled liquid is collected in the return manifold under pressure, after which it enters the pressure pipeline to repeat the operation cycle.
Are they always needed??
It is theoretically possible to install collectors without a coolant flow sensor. However, if the system is not equipped with flow meters, then:
- The temperature will not be the same in all rooms.
- There may be an overconsumption of energy carriers for heating water in the underfloor heating system.
- Each heating circuit will heat up unevenly.
The following scenario serves as a basic illustration:
The toilet and the hallway’s coolant are heated equally by the boiler. However, because the toilet is three to four times smaller than the hallway, the hallway will be cold and the toilet will be hot with equal coolant supply rates to the circuits of these two rooms. Flow meters are necessary because they let you set a comfortable temperature throughout your living area.
In order to optimize temperature control and reduce energy consumption, it is imperative that pipe circuits be assembled as close to one another as feasible when assembling underfloor heating systems.
For the best performance and efficiency when designing an underfloor heating system, consideration should be given to the type of collector to use, the types that are available, and the connection diagrams. Exact control over water flow is made possible by collectors equipped with flow meters, which guarantee uniform heat distribution throughout your room. To assist you in setting up your system efficiently, this article will walk you through the various types of collectors, explain how they operate, and provide you with a variety of connection diagrams. Whether you’re an expert or a do-it-yourselfer, knowing these parts will enable you to install an underfloor heating system that is both cozy and effective.
What is a rotameter for?
On the outlets of the water floor collectors’ return comb, rotameters are installed. composed of a transparent flask with a built-in scale and float in the body. The heat carrier’s temperature and flow rate can be adjusted thanks to its design.
The rotameter independently narrows the opening through which the heat carrier travels when the set temperature reaches the target value, thereby lowering its supply. Underfloor heating systems are shielded from overheating and energy overruns by this.
This device’s primary function is to regulate the liquid flow rate for each circuit, which is expressed in liters per minute. The coolant flow for each circuit can be adjusted by the flow meter between 0.1 and 6 liters per minute.
What types are used?
Three different types of flow meters are used for underfloor heating systems, with their functions varying:
- Adjusting – used to distribute the coolant.
- Measuring – works in tandem with a shut-off valve, the valve of which is adjusted by the user.
- Combined – a flow meter with a standard valve, a number of such flow meters can independently adjust the supply of coolant to the circuits.
The most common rotameter types are the first and second ones. The component that houses the valve provides the functionality of the flow meter. It has either a standard valve or rings, and as these control elements move, widening or contracting the pipe channels, the flow increases or decreases.
On combined rotameters, a float that indicates the coolant flow to the circuit rises or falls in tandem with changes in the thermal liquid flow inside the valve cap.
In situations where only a measuring flow meter is used, the regulating (balancing) valve is installed separately but uses the same operating principle. This is how the thermal power is balanced.
It is imperative to choose devices for which the manufacturer offers a maximum 7-year guarantee. Experts recommend selecting rotameters with a transparent glass flask that allows a clear view of the water meter scale and a brass body.
However, some people believe that using products with a membrane made of impact-resistant plastic is preferable. It’s also important to know if this unit will be automated; in that case, balancing won’t be necessary in practice. However, if the unit will run manually without servo drives, adjustments will need to be made more frequently and precisely.
Design and device
The following is the standard setup for a manifold unit with flow meters:
- Collector for warm floors for several outgoing, with rotameters and thermostatic valves.
- Automatic air vents from the heating system for each line.
- Shut-off valves (ball valve).
- Temperature measuring devices.
- Plugs or taps or drain plugs.
The presence of shut-off and balancing valves, which are mounted on the pressure side of the manifold, distinguishes the design of the manifold assembly from that of a manifold without flow meters. It enables you to adjust the system’s hydraulic balance and, if required, turn the heating system’s components on and off.
Connection diagrams
Connecting collectors with flow meters to underfloor heating systems can be done using one of three fundamental diagrams.
Option No. 1
Cost-effective solution: we attach the collector straight to the boiler. The savings stem from the fact that the boiler is programmed to the desired temperature and no extra mixing units are added to the system. However, the diagram might not be as inexpensive as it first appears.
Because they don’t operate in low temperature modes, modern convection boilers can produce excessive heat, which is bad for underfloor heating systems. This point is controlled by the room thermostat, but you can turn off the boiler’s operating mode here, which will cause the floor to cool—something that is not at all necessary.
Using a condensing boiler in the heating system is an additional solution to the issue; in this mode, the boiler produces 15% more heat than a convection boiler and has an operating mode at low temperatures.
Although it is pricey, this is the greatest option for a heated floor system. The "economical option" turns out to be anything but economical.
№2
One of the most popular connection methods allows you to mount the manifold through a mixing unit with a thermostatic valve; it functions well with boilers of all kinds and doesn’t require a hydraulic separator. It differs from the first connection option in that any boiler can be used to power the heated floor system. The coolant travels through the mixing unit, comes into contact with cooled water, and is supplied to the heated floor system even when the boiler is operating in high-temperature mode.
However, because the thermostatic valve has a limited range of operation, multiple of these devices will need to be installed in order to guarantee the operation of the heated floor in multiple rooms.
It’s important to keep in mind that the thermostatic valve functions after a few tens of minutes, during which a heated, undiluted medium enters the circuit.
Surface temperature sensors will need to be installed in each room so that the temperature can be adjusted by up to one degree.
№3
The underfloor heating system’s distribution unit is linked to a mixer via a three-way automatic valve. Along with being very similar to the previous connection method, this one also has the following benefits:
- The response speed of the mixer unit is much higher than that of a thermostatic valve, some types of servo drives fully open the mixer in 120 seconds from the extreme closed position.
- The temperature range is increased due to the operation of the servo drive from an overhead temperature sensor, which can be installed on both the pressure and return lines.
- Can be connected to automatic systems tied to weather conditions and build a temperature schedule depending on the outside temperature.
The only drawback to this connection scheme is the expensive equipment. Other than that, it has many benefits. Nonetheless, comfortable use makes up for this.
How to choose the right one?
The following criteria must be met when selecting this kind of equipment for heating systems:
- Design number of system circuits.
- Material of manufacture.
- Availability of fastenings.
- Required number of dies.
The collector groups are classified based on the material of manufacture. These groups are:
- Made of plastic.
- Made of brass.
- Made of bronze.
- Made of stainless steel.
The collector is split into the following categories based on configuration:
- Single.
- Twin.
- Assembled.
- Complete with fittings.
They are further separated into solid cast and prefabricated categories based on the manufacturing process.
Experts recommend brass products when selecting a manifold group for underfloor heating because they are highly elastic, have the least amount of magnetization, and can withstand water hammering.
Regarding the type of manufacture, solid cast ones are the best option. They don’t leak as often.
Choosing based on the number of circuits is the simplest; for example, if you have eight pipes, you will need a manifold with eight pressure lines and eight outgoing lines.
Features of operation
Each flow meter flask in the manifold block must be freely accessible for the operation of these distribution devices.
The flow meter needs to be easily accessed for potential maintenance and controlled visually.
Individual rotameters are installed in each circuit that is a part of the operation through the manifold group.
The underfloor heating system’s quality and functionality are not significantly impacted by the manifold model selection; instead, any high-quality device can function as intended as long as it is installed and operated in accordance with the guidelines.
Difficulties and errors
The following details need to be remembered:
- When assembling and connecting the manifold group, do not confuse the pressure lines of the supply manifold with the outgoing lines of the return manifold.
- Pressing and hydraulic testing should be carried out strictly according to the recommendations in the product passport.
- Depending on the recommendations, use or not use additional sealing materials.
- When setting up devices for measuring the flow rate of the coolant, use the methodological recommendations specified in the product passport.
Pros and cons
Benefits of flow meters in collector groups:
- Efficient and timely regulation of the coolant flow rate for each specific circuit of the underfloor heating system.
- The ability to visually control the heat energy costs for each element of the underfloor heating system.
Average costs
Depending on the brand and the quantity of outgoing lines, the average cost of pre-made distribution units for underfloor heating systems with flow meters ranges from 4,000 to 50,000 rubles, not including the pump unit. The average cost of the collector unit rises by 3,000–4,000 rubles when its cost is included.
Since one flow meter, for example, from Valtec costs 1050 rubles, assembling a manifold with flow meters by hand won’t save you much money. Furthermore, it will take at least eight to ten hours to assemble a manifold from fittings and brass pipe branches.
Useful video
More in the video about flow meters:
| Topic | Details |
| Design | Underfloor heating collectors with a flow meter are designed to distribute hot water evenly through the floor pipes, ensuring efficient and consistent heating. |
| Types | There are several types of collectors, including those made from stainless steel, brass, and plastic, each with different durability and cost characteristics. |
| Connection Diagrams | Connection diagrams for these systems typically show the arrangement of the inlet and outlet pipes, the flow meter, and the control valves, making it easier to install and maintain the system. |
In conclusion, collectors for underfloor heating systems are essential to effectively controlling and distributing heat throughout your house. You can choose the collector type and design that best meets your heating requirements by being aware of these factors. The manifold you choose—a simpler model with built-in flow meters or a more sophisticated one—will affect the efficiency and management of your heating system.
Because they make it possible to precisely control the water flow to each heating circuit, flow meters are especially useful. This improves the system’s efficiency and guarantees uniform heat distribution. By adding flow meters to your collector configuration, you can avoid problems like hot or cold spots and create a more comfortable living space.
Connection diagrams are incredibly useful tools for the installation process because they show you how to set up the underfloor heating system correctly. By ensuring that all parts are connected correctly, these diagrams reduce the possibility of mistakes and enhance the system’s overall performance. Better long-term performance and a more seamless installation can result from adhering to these diagrams.
Overall, the efficiency of your underfloor heating system can be greatly increased by devoting some time and energy to learning about collectors, flow meters, and connection diagrams. By doing this, you can maximize the efficiency of your heating system and potentially reduce your energy costs in addition to improving the comfort of your home.
