An economical solution: creating a solid fuel boiler with a heating circuit yourself
Modified solid fuel boilers of long burning with a water circuit - universal solution for heating a private house.
They distribute heat evenly and provide hot waterThese units are functional, reliable, economical and autonomous.
They are easy to make with your own hands.
Content
Scheme of solid fuel boiler with water circuit
The design is quite simple. Using diagrams and drawings, it is easy to create a boiler with a long-burning water circuit.
Such devices can be of the classic type with one combustion chamber or pyrolysis. According to the type of materials, they are divided into steel and cast iron.
When installing a cast iron boiler weighing over 300 kg a separate foundation slab will be required.
How is it arranged?
The design of boilers with a water circuit is simple. They consist of:
- Firebox.
- Grate.
- Ash pan, for collecting ash. It has a separate door that allows you to regulate the combustion intensity.
- Heat exchanger, accumulating heat.
Like all simple heating devices, this design has doors and a chimney.
What is the principle of operation?
Operating principle:
- you put fuel into the chamber and set it on fire;
- when burned it releases heat, the heat exchanger accumulates and releases heat to the coolant, hot water moves along the heating system circuit due to convection;
- When cooling, the water returns to the boiler.
Attention! These devices work only from manual control, they cannot be automated. This is an important fact to consider when choosing heating equipment.
What elements does it include?
The design of solid fuel units with a water circuit consists of the following elements:
- expansion tank;
- chimney;
- piping and radiator system;
- circulation pump;
- control and management system.
What are they for?
The expansion tank is hung above the boiler. It works according to the principle of communicating vessels: The heated water is transferred to the heating system through a heat exchanger. If technically possible, you can connect the heat exchanger to the water supply. The circulation pump allows increase efficiency.
The system of pipes and radiators distributes heat evenly throughout the room. A simple thermostat consists of a lever with a metal chain, the other end of which is attached to the ash pan damper.
Photo 1. Solid fuel boiler indoors, with an expansion tank installed behind it, a chimney, and a circulation pump.
When the temperature rises, The lever turns and closes the damper. This suppresses combustion. After the water has cooled down, the system automatically opens the damper again.
How do these elements interact with each other?
In a heating system using solid fuel units elements interact with each other: the boiler heats the water, it is transported through the coolant to the radiator by natural circulation.
What are the dimensions of the structure?
For a house with an area of up to 100 sq. m. a device with dimensions of: is sufficient 0.9 x 0.4 x 0.45 meters (height, width, depth). There is enough height for the firebox about 50 cm.
This unit takes up little space and heats all living spaces. The only downside is we'll have to prepare firewood small sizes.
The process of making it yourself
To build a boiler yourself, you need to be able to work with metal and a welding machine. The easiest option is use of ready-made thick-walled pipe, into which a pipe of a smaller diameter is inserted, acting as a firebox.
The inter-pipe space is filled with a coolant. But since it is difficult to find such a pipe, many make boilers from sheet iron.
Materials
- Metal sheets or pipes with wall thickness not less than 5 mm.
- Four plates, one with two holes cut out for the doors. The opening for the firebox of a small boiler is 20x20 cm. Hole for ash pan door 20x10 cm.
- Two doors corresponding to the holes.
- Grate - a grate made of rods. It is better to choose a cast iron one, it will last longer.
- Coil - a curved pipe for arranging a heat exchanger.
- Pipe for the chimney base, not less than 8 cm.
- Metal nuts.
- Tow.
- Sealant for fastening nuts.
- Steel pipes.
- Radiators.
All materials are available in construction stores, but it is permissible to use used pipes, sheets, grates, doors and other materials.
Tools
The main tool is welding machine. If you do not have welding skills, it is better to use the services of a welder.
You will also need: hammer, grinder, level, pliers and special clothing.
Photo 2. A set of tools for working with metal, which is necessary when building a homemade solid fuel boiler.
Construction of a homemade heating device
To create a boiler, follow the following sequence of work:
- Cut the sheets with a plasma cutter and holes in them of the required size.
- Proceed with welding work. The sheets are welded from the inside so that the seams are not visible.
- First weld three walls, weld metal guides to them for laying the grate. It separates the combustion chamber from the ash pan.
- Install the heat exchange pipe structure. Attach a pipe from the expansion tank to one side of the pipe in the boiler.
- Attach a pipe to the outlet of the boiler, which you then connect to the radiator system.
- Weld the fourth wall and the bottom of the boiler.
- Weld the legsto avoid the floor catching fire.
- Hang the doors.
- Install the chimney. Make a small hole in the pipe and insert a damper to close the flue to regulate the draft and prevent heat from escaping outside.
You can install it at the outlet of the boiler temperature sensor.
Photo 3. A solid fuel boiler assembled from stainless steel sheets with a firebox and an opening for a chimney.
Correct connection to the heating system
The boiler is part of the heating system. When connected correctly the efficiency of the system increases. To create a heating system, a special valve is installed; it will protect the system in case of any failures.
Carefully! To avoid making mistakes, consult before connecting with experienced specialists.
For free circulation of water in the system, heating equipment is installed half a meter below the batteries.
Possible complications
The metal boiler is quite heavy. That's why experts advise assemble it at the installation site.
The unit is placed on a rigid, perfectly level foundation. To do this, a cement screed is made using a level not less than 5 cm thick.
Make the concrete pad slightly higher than the floor level. This will make it easier to service the boiler and clean the ash chamber.
Useful video
A video review in which you can get acquainted with a homemade solid fuel boiler and the principle of its operation.
Tips for operation and troubleshooting
If, after commissioning, signs of improper construction or connection are revealed, take the following measures:
- If smoke comes out from the places where the chimney connects to the flue, Seal the joints with sealant or coat with clay.
- With a low end of the chimney pipe in the firebox a weak draft is formed. Make a pipe above 0.5 m above roof level.
- The circulation of the coolant inside the boiler must be continuous. When water boils, steam can rupture the pipeline. If the water does not flow well by gravity, you will have to insure yourself with a pump.
Reference! There are no strict requirements for the installation of solid fuel boilers with a water circuit, special permission There is no need for officials to place them.
Install the equipment in compliance with fire safety requirements. Leave a distance from the wall to the boiler not less than 0.5 m. Place a sheet of metal in front of the firebox.
