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Published: 05/25/2019
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In the recent past, the rate of fuel combustion in solid fuel heating units could only be adjusted manually. For this purpose, there was a ash door, by opening or closing which the air flow to the firebox increased or decreased.
Today, an automatic device called a draft regulator for a solid fuel boiler is successfully used for this purpose. To set the required temperature. When using it, it is enough to determine the required coolant temperature. The presented characteristics will help demonstrate the capabilities of a useful invention for the home.
- 1 Why do we need draft regulators?
- 2 Operating principle
- 3 Types of regulators, and which ones are better
- 4 How to install and configure the regulator
Why are regulators needed?
Unlike any wood-burning stove, a hot-water solid fuel boiler is equipped with a water jacket and cannot heat up to too high a temperature, otherwise the water in it will simply boil. In such cases, the resulting steam sharply increases the pressure in the system, causing an explosion. That is, a solid fuel boiler, whose power is manually regulated by the ash pan door, is a source of increased danger.
Note. At the very least, the boiler, without any automation, can work together with a buffer tank - a heat accumulator, whose volume is correctly calculated. Excess heat will go there if you did not close the door in time and did not limit the flow of air into the firebox.
An automatic chimney draft regulator, which you can install on any solid fuel boiler yourself, will supply air for you and much better than you. It will react in time to an increase in the temperature of the water in the boiler jacket and shut off the air supply to the chamber if the firewood gets very hot. Although, by inertia, the temperature will rise for some time, but in general the heating process will stop. In addition to ensuring safety, a mechanical boiler draft regulator helps solve the following issues:
- Does not allow the coolant temperature set by the user to be exceeded. It is not always necessary to accelerate the boiler to 80...90 °C; in spring or autumn, 50...60 °C is quite enough for heating.
- By covering the damper and air supply, the draft regulator increases the burning time of the boiler from one tab. But we must admit that the fuel combustion conditions worsen, and the efficiency of the heater sharply decreases.
Almost any solid fuel boiler can be equipped with 2 types of temperature controllers - mechanical (on the left in the photo) or electronic (on the right).
You can argue that any solid fuel heat generators should be connected to the heating system using a safety valve set to emergency pressure. If it overheats, the valve will work, release steam and no explosion will occur. So the draft regulators seem to be of no use. The statement is only partly true, since without automation the heater will often reach a critical temperature, and the valve will simply leak after 2-3 operations. Yes, and controlling the water temperature manually is quite difficult.
Principle of operation
The draft is adjusted by changing the degree of rarefaction of the gases in the pipe. For this purpose, a stabilizer is built between the chimney pipe from the firebox and the entrance to the chimney. It can work in manual or automatic mode.
The chimney draft regulator is a damper (valve) built into a separate housing. When the draft increases, the valve opens slightly and releases a portion of air from the room. The gas flow cools, the lifting force from the thermal component decreases, and the ejection speed decreases. And, conversely, with the closing of the valve, the influx of cold air decreases, and the output force increases.
Note! That is, when the valve is closed, the maximum output of combustion products is ensured. Fully open damper – minimal gas flow.
It is advisable to install a draft stabilizer on solid fuel boilers operating:
- on coal;
- firewood;
- pellets;
- peat or coal briquettes, etc.
This is due to the presence of time at which the boiler reaches its planned capacity and, accordingly, a stable operating mode. That is, the oven should melt.
Design and principle of operation
The device diagram is quite simple. The main structural elements are:
- temperature control handle;
- rod and guide;
- actuating mechanism;
- immersion sleeve;
- temperature sensitive element;
- spring;
- drive lever;
- handle and lever mounting screws;
- chain.
The main component is a sensor that responds to temperature fluctuations. It interacts with a spring, which, when heated or cooled, activates the working part (sleeve and rod).
That, in turn, is connected through a mechanical drive to the fuel compartment flap. The draft regulator for solid fuel boilers, under certain conditions, opens and closes the door, maintaining the set temperature.
The principle of operation of the device is banal, but still effective. When the damper opens slightly, more air enters the firebox. Due to this, fuel combustion occurs more intensely, more heat is released, and the room is heated more efficiently. When the valve closes, the fuel is less supplied with oxygen and barely smolders.
If we briefly describe the operation of the draft regulator, based on design features, we get the following diagram:
- when the heat load decreases, the thermostatic sensor reacts to fluctuations;
- the sensor increases the spring tension;
- the spring lifts the lever;
- the damper opens;
- the combustion intensifies.
To reduce the intensity of the process, the steps are performed in reverse order.
The regulator body has a handle with a temperature scale. This sets the required minimum value. The temperature will rise as necessary, but will never fall below the set level.
On the regulator body there is a handle with a temperature scale, so the required minimum value is set.
Which is better - a smoke exhauster or a blower?
When the traction turbine is integrated into the heat generator by the manufacturer, such questions do not arise. Adding an exhaust fan to a conventional direct combustion boiler is another matter. You need to understand that in this case, the smoke exhauster solves only 1 problem - creating a vacuum in the firebox and increasing draft. There are a number of negative points here:
- Without an electronic control unit, performance will have to be adjusted manually. Automatic maintenance of coolant temperature is excluded.
- When air is supplied through the open ash chamber door, the fan will force the boiler to operate at maximum. Setting up a long burn mode will not be easy.
- In the event of an emergency stop of the impeller, fuel combustion will not stop, since gases pass freely through the volute or the body of the smoke exhauster. Air enters the firebox, increasing the likelihood of overheating.
- The impeller and internal surfaces of the unit become covered with soot, which must be removed. The rate of sticking depends on the moisture content and resin content of the wood.
Blowing machines always work in conjunction with a controller, so the problems listed above do not exist:
- the blower changes performance and turns off at the command of the control unit, the coolant heats up to the set temperature;
- during the combustion process, the ash pan door is hermetically closed, air is supplied through a separate channel;
- when there is a power outage, the air channel is automatically closed by a gravity damper;
- the impeller blades do not come into contact with hot smoke and soot.
Now let’s compare the cost of a traction fan and a blower fan, not taking into account the price of the controller. A smoke exhauster for a TT boiler up to 30 kW will cost 90 USD. e., supercharger - 60-65 cu. e. The difference is due to the design features of the exhaust unit - hot gases should not overheat the electric motor, plus the impeller is made of metal (when pressurized, it is made of plastic).
Behind the mounting flange of the unit there is a small impeller designed to cool the electric motor
The installation complexity of the units is approximately the same. Installation of the discharge volute involves cutting out an opening in the ash pan door, and the smoke exhauster involves disassembling or cutting out the pipe. It is easier to install a roof hood, but you will have to pull a long cable.
How to install and configure the regulator
To install the draft thermostat, it is necessary to free the boiler jacket from the coolant; for this purpose, as a rule, special taps are provided in the unit piping that cut off the circuit with the heating element. Otherwise, you will have to drain the entire volume of the system.
The next step is to remove the plug from the sleeve on the boiler, and install the prepared device in its place. After this, the system is filled with water again. To set up the draft regulator, you need to start the boiler for heat and perform a series of sequential actions.
- Open the damper to fully supply air to the firebox. In this case, the chain should not be connected yet.
- It is necessary to loosen the fixing screw on the adjustment handle.
- Select the position corresponding to the required temperature, for example, 70°.
- Noting the heating with a thermometer, connect the chain to the damper when the coolant reaches a temperature of 70°. The damper, in this position, should leave the hole open by only 2 mm.
- Finally, the fixing screw is tightened again.
After the structure is assembled, the draft regulator is checked in different operating modes from maximum to minimum. You should pause for the difference between reaching the set temperature and the moment the lever is activated, because firewood is not a gas and extinguishes smoothly. For this reason, you should not rush to set up the device again without pausing. After passing all checks, the installation of the draft regulator is considered completed.
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A heterogeneous and complex concept that includes several factors is traction force. This parameter must be at the highest level in order for the device to operate stably. The way energy is generated and fuel is burned is influenced by the standard deviation of traction force indicators. Most often, owners of solid fuel boilers encounter this problem if there are irregularities in installation work. Prudent people purchase a draft regulator along with the equipment in order not to encounter such a problem.
Installation rules
Standard sleeve and adjuster threads are typically 3/4 inch. The accessory does not screw in immediately; first, sealing agents are applied to the threads. FUM tape (fluoroplastic sealing material for sealing pipelines) is often used. You will also need an adjustable wrench and a regular Phillips screwdriver for installation.
Before starting work, the liquid (coolant) is drained from the water circuit. Then the shut-off valves are closed and the plug is removed from the boiler sleeve. FUM tape is applied to the external thread of the traction regulator.
The device twists clockwise quite tightly, but without excessive effort. This completes the installation of the regulator. All that remains is to prepare it for work and launch it correctly.
Traction regulator functions
The main task will become clear if you look at the name of the device. If you do not regulate the temperature of the coolant (water jacket), it will simply boil. Without an automatic regulator, you will either have to constantly add liquid or manually control the flow of air entering the firebox.
The traction regulator greatly simplifies the life of private home owners. In addition to control, it performs two more useful functions:
- setting and maintaining the maximum permissible water temperature without boiling (up to 90° C; this is especially true in autumn or early spring);
- fuel economy (when the damper is closed, the intensity (speed) of firewood combustion decreases (albeit due to a decrease in boiler efficiency)).
Installing a draft regulator on a solid fuel boiler involves certain costs. To save money, some use a safety valve for similar purposes. For some reason it is considered an analogue of a regulator.
The solution is not the most rational, since after only 3-4 operations (turning off the boiler if there is a risk of overheating and reactivating it if there is excessive cooling), the accessory begins to leak.
Installation methods
There is another category of varieties of automatic blocks, which are divided into two groups:
- Wired.
- Wireless.
What is the difference? Already from the name itself you can guess that wired automation units are connected to the boiler using cables or wires. This is especially true for temperature sensors and thermostats. Not the best option when it comes to installation in an already finished house. To install them, you will have to do wiring: hidden or open. If you choose a hidden option, you will have to ditch the walls. And these are unnecessary expenses for anyone. The wireless option is the optimal solution, but it is more expensive than the first.
How does the draft control work?
The main part of the air regulator is a mechanical thermoelement placed in a cylindrical housing. Through a lever and a chain, it regulates the rise of the air damper on the ash pan door.
The device is a sealed flask filled with a heat-sensitive liquid that expands greatly when heated. The flask stands inside the housing, which is screwed into the sleeve of the boiler's water jacket and is in contact with the coolant. How a thermostat with a chain drive works is shown in the diagram:
The operating principle of the automatic draft regulator is based on controlling the flow of air flowing into the firebox under the influence of chimney draft. The algorithm looks like this:
- When solid fuel burns and the coolant heats up, the liquid inside the element expands and acts on the actuator and lever, overcoming the elastic force of the spring.
- The lever weakens the chain, the valve begins to close and reduce the flow area. Less air enters the firebox, and the combustion process slows down.
- The temperature of the water in the boiler tank decreases, the liquid is compressed and the return spring forces the lever to open the damper again through a chain.
- The cycle is repeated until the wood in the firebox is completely burned out, then the spring opens the door as wide as possible.
The draft limiter works on the opposite principle - the higher the water temperature in the boiler tank, the more the damper closes. The adjustment handle at the end of the thermostat serves to limit the stroke of the lever and, accordingly, the air damper. This sets the maximum coolant temperature.
Reference. In addition to mechanical regulators that do not depend on electricity, there is automation for solid fuel boilers with a controller and a blower fan (or smoke exhauster). The latter supplies air to the firebox at the command of the electronic unit, which is guided by the signals from the temperature sensor. Similar automation kits are installed on all pyrolysis and pellet boilers.
Physical phenomena in the chimney system
The stable operation of a heat source (boiler, stove, etc.) largely depends on the correct setting and adjustment of the combustion mode. One of the factors is sustainable traction. Combustion products (gases, water vapor, mechanical particles) from the combustion space exit through the chimney. The latter is a channel made of fireproof material (brick, stainless steel, ceramics).
The chimney system can have different sizes, both in height and internal cross-section. It is quite difficult to make a high chimney (10-15 m) with the correct parameters. As a result, phenomena such as unstable mode or “reverse” thrust arise. In the latter case, the direction of movement of combustion products changes in the other direction, into the room. Reasons may include:
- narrowing of the internal channel due to soot, soot, and trapped debris;
- an increase in pressure at the outlet of the chimney during strong gusts of wind (the chimney “blows out”);
- seasonality of the climate, in which there are differences in atmospheric pressure and temperature in cold or warm times;
- the chimney was built in the “wind” shadow of another tall building or nearby trees.
This causes a change in the vacuum of the flue gases. On the other hand, the opposite phenomenon may be observed—increased emission. In this case, the sound in the pipe resembles the roar of a jet engine. By regulating the pressure inside the chimney, a uniform exit of combustion products from the boiler is achieved. For this purpose, a special device is used - a chimney draft stabilizer.
Electronic regulators for TT boilers
An electronic thermostat for a solid fuel boiler works on the mechanical principle, but with certain differences:
- Microprocessor automation for solid fuel boilers is connected to remote thermostats located in heated rooms.
- The damper is opened electrically.
- The automation is simultaneously connected to devices to improve traction. When the temperature drops, the ash pan damper opens and the blower fan turns on, promoting rapid heating of the coolant.
A microprocessor controller for maintaining the set temperature in a solid fuel boiler quickly responds when a signal is received that the coolant is overheating. The error in the settings is no more than 1°C.
How does electronic automation work?
The automation is connected to remote sensors for recording temperature readings in rooms. Unlike a mechanical controller, it is not the coolant heating indicators that are read, but the intensity of air heating in the rooms.
The operating principle of the electronic traction control is as follows:
- Room temperature sensors transmit a signal to the boiler automation unit.
- The microprocessor reads the received signals and transmits commands to the electric drive.
- The electric drive is connected to a chain connected to the damper.
- The motor pulls the drive, opening and closing the damper to the required distance.
- Additionally, the automation unit for the water-heating solid fuel boiler is connected to fans that pump air, a circulation pump (installed in some models) and an automatic fuel supply system.
The boiler automation is connected to a programmable thermostat. Modern models of devices are weather-sensitive, which makes it possible to take into account not only the internal microclimate of the room, but also the ambient temperature. The automatic control is connected to the fan of the solid fuel boiler, which allows you to ignite the fuel faster and more accurately regulate its operation.
No adjustment of the automatic draft control is required. Unlike its mechanical counterpart, the automation adapts to the operation of the boiler.
Afterword
The safe operation and high efficiency of furnaces and boilers largely depends on the presence of adequate draft in the chimney. If even minor problems arise with the smoke exhaust system, you should definitely inspect the chimney for permeability and begin to normalize the draft. The presence of carbon monoxide indoors is very dangerous to human life. It is quite possible to carry out repair work and install the stabilizer with your own hands.
The uneven flow of gases through the chimney is a consequence of errors in its manufacture or a manifestation of “reverse” draft. A chimney draft stabilizer helps eliminate these phenomena.
Advantages and disadvantages of draft regulators
These devices have both advantages and disadvantages.
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Among the advantages are:
- Low price for devices. Their cost depends on the manufacturer and model.
- Mechanical draft regulator for solid fuel boilers - the draft regulator functions autonomously, regardless of electricity.
- Fuel for it is available.
- Works for a long time and with high quality.
There are also disadvantages:
- Fuel lasts for a short time.
- Download it yourself.
- Additional space is needed to store fuel.
If you plan to purchase a solid fuel unit, then after connecting it to the heating system, the question will certainly arise of how to configure the draft regulator for solid fuel boilers correctly, since this affects efficiency and fuel consumption. It is better to entrust this to a specialist.
Brief conclusions
We can conclude about the need for draft regulators for solid fuel boilers: such primitive automation is better than its complete absence. Yes, mechanical regulators cannot boast of high accuracy, but they will save you from manual control “by eye” and will allow you to save wood and coal. The devices have an undeniable advantage over controllers and fans - energy independence.
In the recent past, the rate of fuel combustion in solid fuel heating units could only be adjusted manually. For this purpose, there was a ash door, by opening or closing which the air flow to the firebox increased or decreased.
Today, an automatic device called a draft regulator for a solid fuel boiler is successfully used for this purpose. To set the required temperature. When using it, it is enough to determine the required coolant temperature. The presented characteristics will help demonstrate the capabilities of a useful invention for the home.
Tips for choosing a device
Specialized stores have a huge selection of solid fuel boilers. And, oddly enough, even today you can find models without automation. Most of these “ancient” devices are equipped only with a sleeve mounted inside the heat exchanger. Installation of a draft regulator on a solid fuel boiler of this type is mandatory. This will prevent the temperature from rising to critical levels and will make the structure safer.
In this regard, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence in the design of a sleeve and a flap that rises upward.
When choosing a mechanized draft regulator, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- the thermostat power must correspond to the weight of the sash in order to successfully lift it;
- it is better to choose the ability to regulate the temperature in the range from +60 to +90°C;
- the angle of rotation of the lever should be enough to fully open and close the sash;
- The threads in the boiler must match the threads of the draft regulator in order to freely fasten the two parts together.
The heating process using modern mechanized and automatic draft regulators has become easy and convenient today
When choosing a regulator, you should also pay attention to the position in which it can operate, since the sleeve can be located on the side or on top. There are models that can work in any position.
Review of manufacturers
On sale you can find thermostats for heating boilers to suit every taste. There are budget and more expensive models. And in order to choose it correctly, you need to consider the following.
- The temperature adjustment interval should be 60-90°C.
- The force specified in the design passport, which is developed by the drive, must be sufficient to lift the door.
- It is necessary to ensure that the operating stroke of the drive is sufficient to fully open and close the flap.
- The thread connection on the body must match the corresponding part in the boiler and be ¾.
The location of the draft regulator sleeve on the body of the heating boiler can be at the top, side or front. For the vertical option, you need a device that can function in a vertical position, and for the rest - in a horizontal position. Of course, there are also regulators that do not care about position and operate on two adjustment scales.
Currently, automatic draft regulators for solid fuel boilers are produced by several domestic and foreign companies. In Russia, devices most often purchased are from the Italian and Ukrainian brands “Air Auto”, the American “Watts”, and the Polish “Tech”.
It’s worth saying right away that prices for draft regulators for solid fuel boilers vary. And this is mostly influenced by the location of the manufacturer and the type of action (electronic thermostats are always several times more expensive).
For example, the Ukrainian brand “Air Auto” costs an average of 7,000 rubles, and the similar Polish brand “Tech” costs 10,000 rubles.
We suggest looking at some brands of popular regulator manufacturers in the table.
ManufacturerCountryCharacteristics
Atos | Italy | Specializes in the production of exclusively automatic systems. Assumes manual or automatic fuel loading. Electrohydraulics involves installing a system from 15 kW. |
Air Auto | Ukraine | Assumes manual loading of fuel. The product is provided with a control unit with several operating modes. The set includes circulation equipment, smoke exhausters, fans. A special feature of the brand is the ability to smoothly control the fan speed. During operation, an integral-differential algorithm is used, which increases the duration of fuel combustion by 20%. |
Watts RT | America | Wide range of operating temperatures, from 30 to 100°C. The brand has a standard threaded connection and is also perfect for installation in modern boilers. |
Tech | Poland | It mainly produces automation, which is controlled by a microprocessor. The brand has a simple design, with a basic set of functions necessary for the operation of the boiler. The modules have four operating modes and built-in protection against overheating of the coolant. |
ICMA | Italy | This model is characterized by chain tension with a load of up to 850 g, a wide range of power settings (from 30 to 100°C) and the possibility of both horizontal and vertical installation. |
Euroster | Poland | Offers electronic automatic thermostats that connect to room thermostats and automatically ensure the combustion process. Accurately monitors room temperature and is ideal for controlling underfloor heating systems. If desired, the heating temperature can be 30-90°C. The maximum load on the chain is 800 g. |
ESBE | Sweden | The brand produces mechanical and electronic temperature controllers for heating boilers. The latter are intended for boilers with automatic fuel supply. The thermostat is connected to circulation equipment and blower fans. |
Regulus RT3 | Slovakia | The “regulus” draft regulator implies an adjustment range of 30 – 90°C. 120°C is the highest temperature for heating water, 60°C for the medium. Working position horizontal and vertical. Its improved model is the regulus rt4 traction control. It is distinguished by its smaller dimensions, and, unlike rt3, its load on the chain is not 800 grams, but up to 1 kg. |
Lemax | Italy | It has an adjustable handle made of thermosetting resin - and this is the main feature of the manufacturer. There is a heat-sensitive element, so you don’t have to worry about safety. The brand boasts of precision settings and reliability. The control equipment produced is of standard sizes, therefore suitable for many solid fuel boilers. |
Honeywell FR 124 | Germany | Compatible with most solid fuel boilers (BURNiT, Wirbel, Viadrus Buderus, KChM, ZOTA, DON, etc.) Maximum operating temperature is 115 °C. The adjustment range of the draft regulator is 30-90 °C. The temperature-sensitive element is filled with wax. It has two scales, suggesting both horizontal and vertical installation. |
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Thus, the draft regulator allows you to increase the ease of operation of the solid fuel boiler.
Description of traction force
This parameter depends on many factors, including:
- weather;
- chimney section;
- gas temperature.
All this can affect the operation of the device, so specific conditions must be considered individually. Another parameter that may escape the attention of consumers, but has a great influence on traction force, is the type of equipment. When using a gas device, the thrust force may change slightly, but the final value is stable. This is due to the fact that the flue gases have almost the same temperature.
Purpose of the stabilizer
The design of the smoke exhaust system largely depends on the type of heating device with which it is intended to be used. Natural temperature changes caused by weather or time of year have a noticeable impact on efficiency. Significant temperature changes during the cold season can cause the formation of high air draft in the chimney, which will cause a decrease in the efficiency of the entire system and increased fuel consumption. The draft stabilizer allows you to regulate the created pressure to the optimal value, thereby increasing the efficiency of the heating device.
Also, the draft in the smoke exhaust system is affected by atmospheric air pressure, which can be determined by the location of the house, weather conditions, time of year and day. For example, the difference in atmospheric pressure in March on cloudy weather and September on a clear day can be up to 90 Pa.
The presented video shows the principle of operation and operation of a traction stabilizer in a chimney.
Technical specifications
When choosing a thermostat for a boiler, you need to know several technical parameters that characterize these automation tools:
- The range of water temperatures in which the thermocouple can operate.
- The working stroke of the chain drive lever is in mm; it must be compared with the movement of the ash pan door from full closing to maximum opening. The operating stroke of the regulator drive must be enough to fully open the damper, otherwise the boiler may not gain its thermal power.
- The maximum door weight that the regulator can handle. If the air damper of your heat generator weighs more than the chain drive can pull, then such a product will not suit you; you should look for a model with a greater lifting force. It is also worth checking whether the lifting force includes the weight of the drive itself or whether it must be calculated separately.
- Maximum coolant temperature.
- Diameter (in inches) of the threaded connection of the seat.
The draft regulator for the RT 10 boiler shown as an example is designed in such a way that the actuator can be replaced or repaired without emptying the water jacket of the heating system. This is achieved through a removable immersion sleeve. Products from other manufacturers may not have such an option, then to replace it you will have to drain the water from the entire heating system and boiler tank.
Main differences between the devices
Smoke exhausters for household solid fuel boilers are most often used. This is due to the fact that when fuel burns, in addition to gaseous waste, there are also solid particles that settle on the inner walls of the chimney. This leads to the need to periodically take on the role of a chimney sweep and clean the system so that it does not lose its functional qualities. And when using forced release of waste into the atmosphere, such an operation will have to be done much less frequently.
The smoke exhauster for a pyrolysis boiler is less in demand, since this element has a slightly different operating pattern. In it, after the combustion of solid fuel, an additional process of re-combustion of gaseous waste occurs. Therefore, emissions into the atmosphere here will be much less than usual. And the less smoke, the easier it is to remove it.
But in order to improve the quality of the heating system, you can install such an upgrade. This should be done only if necessary and if you have enough money, since such a pleasure will not be cheap.
For obvious reasons, electric heating systems do not require such devices, since they do not have a chimney at all. But for a gas boiler, a smoke exhauster can be useful. This is especially true for apartments, since there is no possibility of vertical installation of communications for smoke removal. Therefore, in such conditions, forced exhaust is always used.
It is very important to ensure not only a comfortable temperature level in the rooms, but also complete safety for all residents. And this can only be achieved if the heating system is properly equipped with the elements necessary for operation. There are many different types of fans for forced removal of gases on the market.
Selecting a smoke exhauster for a boiler begins with studying its technical characteristics. Without this stage, none of the next ones makes sense. You need to carefully study all operating parameters to find a suitable model. Then you can look at the manufacturer and other related points
There are many different types of fans for forced removal of gases on the market. Selecting a smoke exhauster for a boiler begins with studying its technical characteristics. Without this stage, none of the next ones makes sense. You need to carefully study all operating parameters to find a suitable model. Then you can look at the manufacturer and other related issues.
The price of smoke exhausters for a boiler is several thousand rubles. It all depends on the dimensions and maximum traction power. But for domestic needs, huge fans that cost tens of thousands and are used in industrial production will not be required.
Setup instructions
Thermostatic draft regulators have 2 types of markings for operation in different positions. On the RT 10 device, the red scale is intended for operation in a horizontal position, and the yellow markings are for vertical operation. The product is configured in the following order:
- Before starting the adjustment, the lower end of the chain must be disconnected from the air damper so that it hangs down freely, and the screw that locks the handle must be loosened.
- Having chosen the color of the scale in accordance with the orientation of the thermostat in space, set the value of the desired temperature on it.
- Light the heat generator and warm it up, monitoring the temperature of the coolant using a boiler thermometer.
- When the temperature of the water in the jacket reaches the value at which the draft regulator is set, put the end of the chain on the ash pan door. Make sure that the chain is tensioned; the free play should not exceed 1 mm. After this, you can fix the handle with a screw.
After setting, it would be useful to check the operation of the thermostatic regulator by changing the temperature with the handle and comparing it with the readings of the thermometer. It should be taken into account that in solid fuel boilers there is a phenomenon of inertia. This means that after closing the ash pan door, the increase in the temperature of the coolant will not stop immediately, since the firewood or coal in the firebox cannot go out at once. You need to wait some time during which the thermometer readings stabilize.
Self-assembly of the stabilizer
To make a stabilizer you will need:
- semi-automatic argon welding machine;
- argon gas cylinder;
- grinding discs;
- stainless steel AISI 304 or 321 with a thickness of 8-10 mm;
- steel rod with a diameter of 8-10 mm for the axle, screws, nuts and washers.
The pipe joint is fastened by welding so that the internal diameter is 115 mm. The welds must be thoroughly cleaned outside and inside, and a cutout made for the valve is 15% of the cross-section of the chimney pipe.
A latch is installed in the damper area, and the rotary axis, which is equipped with a rotary valve handle, protrudes from the pipe by 120-150 mm. From the top and bottom edges at a distance of 25-30 mm, roll the sides to connect with adjacent pipes.
It is best to install the stabilizer into a gap in the chimney pipe. To fix the device at the top and bottom, clamps 50-60 mm wide are used.
We offer you to watch a video of a homemade traction stabilizer.
Prices: summary table
Model | Regulation range | Max sensor temperature | Weight, kg | Cost, rub. |
ESBE ATA 212, Sweden | 35–95°C | 150°C | 0,38 | 2 800 |
Regulus RT4, Czech Republic | 30–90°C | 120°C | 0,42 | 1 500 |
Honeywell FR 124, Germany | 30–90°C | 115°C; | 0,47 | 1 900 |