In order for the heating system to maintain its efficiency and performance for as long as possible, it must be flushed periodically. This simple-to-carry out event allows you to eliminate scale and various kinds garbage.
According to the rules, flushing the heating system must be carried out by specially trained people. But if you wish, you can do this yourself. Read the provided guide and get started.
Have you noticed that some of your friends or neighbors have much warmer radiators than yours at home? There may be several reasons for this, but the most common is the presence of blockages in the heating lines. It is to eliminate such troubles and prevent them further emergence and flushing is performed.
Heating efficiency is reduced due to two main factors, namely:
Most susceptible to siltation cast iron batteries, as well as radiators with big amount sections. The relationship is simple: the more sections and the larger they are, the slower the coolant moves through the system and the higher the likelihood of silting.
Instructions for flushing the heating system
There are 2 main methods for flushing the heating system, namely:
- using special hydropneumatic equipment;
- using chemical reagents.
Flushing using the hydropneumatic method
Hydropneumatic flushing of heating systems - instructions
This method is actively used by domestic housing offices and is quite effective. You just need to do everything in accordance with technology.
The principle is extremely simple: first, water is discharged from the system, then it is supplied back. A special pneumatic pump is used to “adjust” the water flow. As a result, under the influence of a fairly powerful pressure, scale and other deposits peel off, and when the water is drained, they are removed from the system.
To carry out this procedure yourself, you will need a pneumatic pump capable of pumping up a pressure of more than 6 kg/cm2.
The sequence of actions is as follows.
First step. We close the return valve.
Second step.
We connect the pneumatic pump to the valve installed after the valve.
Fourth step.
Let the pneumatic pump build up pressure above 6 kg/cm2, and then open the valve to which it is connected.
Fifth step.
- We close off all the risers one by one. We do this so that no more than 10 risers are blocked at one time. Compliance with this rule will make the washing procedure as effective as possible.
- Sixth step.
- We switch the system to reset in the opposite direction. To do this we do the following:
close the discharge and close the valve connected to the pump and turn off the device;
close the open valve, and then open a similar one on the “return”; we reset the heating system. To do this, connect the pneumatic pump to the valve in the opposite direction, then open the valve and turn on the pump. The liquid will move in a different direction. You can determine the required duration of rinsing by eye. Has clear clear liquid started coming out of the system? We can finish! Return the gates and valves to their original positions and turn off the pump.
To collect
dirty water
- Prepare a suitable container. If you wish, you can connect a hose to the battery and ensure that the dirty coolant is discharged into the sewer. Chemical wash This method can be used only in two cases, namely: if it is necessary to clean the heating system with natural circulation , built using steel pipes
- . It is advisable to use chemical reagents in situations where, for any reason, there is no desire to flush the entire system. Most often, blockages are deposited in heat exchangers. The system can silt around the entire perimeter. In the second case from chemical washing there won't be much use; if necessary, restoration old system
heating. Over decades of operation, pipes can become clogged and overgrown so much that power air pump will not be enough for effective cleaning. It would, of course, be possible to use a more powerful pump, but no one can guarantee that the pipes will not burst under such pressure. Important! If the pipes are very old, with traces of corrosion and deformation damage, there may be no benefit from flushing positive result
. Chemical reagents will simply dissolve the rust, causing the pipes to begin to leak. The only one effective solution containing acid and alkali. Then the mixture is circulated for 2-3 hours (if it is not the natural circulation line that is being cleaned, you will need to connect a pneumatic pump for this), after which it is drained and the pipes are filled with standard coolant.
Important! According to the requirements of SNiP, such reagents are prohibited from being discharged into the sewer system. The best option– neutralization of the used mixture using special staff. You can buy it in the same place where you buy the washing solution.
Do not under any circumstances use such chemical mixtures for cleaning aluminum pipes. If the products remain intact after such washing, they will last much less.
Is it possible to wash a separate battery?
Now you know how to flush the heating system. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to clean a separate battery. There is a solution for this situation too.
Important! Engage in washing a separate heating radiator must be strictly before the start heating season.
Buy a flushing faucet from a plumbing store. Additionally, you need to purchase a rubber hose and a fitting with a thread that matches the diameter of the purchased flushing valve. Install the fitting onto the hose.
Direct washing is carried out in the following sequence.
First step. We connect the flushing tap to the heating radiator.
Second step.
We connect a fitting with a hose to the flushing valve.
Third step.
We direct the second end of the rubber hose into the toilet.
Fourth step.
Open the flush tap and leave for 20-30 minutes. While waiting, hold the hose so that it does not jump out of the toilet.
Important! Although it is recommended to flush individual batteries strictly before the start of the heating season, in some situations the need for flushing arises when heating is in full swing. If this is your case, insert the hose deeper, directly into the riser. Otherwise, the hot coolant may destroy the toilet.
Video - Flushing a heating radiator
Pressure testing of the heating system
Before starting the system, you need to perform a pressure test. This procedure allows you to detect leaks and other weak points.
Second step.
We connect the pump to the heating system (connection instructions were given earlier) and apply a pressure that exceeds the operating pressure by 1-2 atm. First turn off the emergency pressure relief valve. Third step. We connect a pressure gauge to the pump. We record pressure readings within 1-2 hours. If they don't change, everything is fine with the system. If the pressure drops, leaks occur. Leaks are very easy to detect. It is enough to apply to the system elements
soap solution . Bubbles will appear in defective areas. (Detected damage is repaired in a suitable way
cold welding , astringent solution, etc.). After repairing the defects, the tests must be repeated. If the pressure remains at the same level, you have done everything. You can supply coolant to the circuit and turn on the heating system. Flushing the heating system allows you to remove blockages and scale, thereby increasing the efficiency of the line and extending its service life. Now you own everything
necessary information
to independently carry out the necessary activities.
Good luck!
Video - Hydropneumatic flushing of the heating system Video - Chemical flushing of the heating system Hydropneumatic flushing of heating systems is a necessary step for
high-quality heating . Ideally, it should be carried out once a year before the heating season (before hydraulic tests), but in practice it will be very good if it is carried out at least once every three to four years. During this event, the heat supply system is removed
- various elements
- , such as:
- Rust;
Scale;
Various deposits. Note that such flushing should be carried out by employees of housing offices and similar enterprises every year (this is a mandatory requirement when preparing for the heating season), but they do not do this. Since utility companies do not need this problem, residents of houses turn to specialized companies that provide such services. In this article we will talk about the washing process itself, its intricacies, and we will also provide you with instructions for carrying out the work, so that everyone has
complete concepts
about such works.
Pulses in pipeline water create small bubbles, which gradually destroy deposits on the walls of heating communication pipes.
In order for the washing process to be successful, it is necessary to perform the following calculations:
- Length of pipelines that will be flushed;
- Air flow and pressure determined based on pipe diameters;
- Water speeds and flow rates.
Important! In order to obtain the required speeds of the water-air mixture, it is necessary to perform flushing in separate sections, that is, in groups of risers or individual risers.
Preparation
For the hydroflushing process to be successful, you need to take an individual approach to each heating system and take into account its features.
Ideally, before the process, you need to perform preparatory activities:
- Inspect all heating communications;
- Determine sections of pipelines (risers, groups of risers) that will be washed separately and break them down into stages;
- If necessary, you need to install shut-off valves to block sections of pipelines and remove washed deposits from the heating system;
- Make calculations of air and water consumption to obtain the required result after washing;
- Determine the need for hydraulic tests(pressure tests) of pipelines.
After all the preparatory measures have been carried out, the heating systems are hydroflushed until the water-air mixture becomes lighter. After washing, repeated pressure testing is performed.
The quality of the washing performed is assessed by a decrease hydraulic resistance heating system, which is determined after and before hydraulic tests.
Method for cleaning the heating system
A pipe with a diameter of twenty to forty millimeters is inserted into the supply. The pipe is equipped with shut-off elements and check valves. Next, you can begin to supply water to the system and compressed air.
If you had to deal with a small system, then it is possible to supply water and air through existing pipes. If there is excess water, it can be discharged through drain taps or a drain pipe can be specially installed for this purpose. If there is an elevator, then the cone and glass are removed before washing.
Compressed air is supplied to the heating pipelines thanks to a compressor, which you can see in the photos and videos in our gallery. The compressor produces air with a pressure of about 0.6 MPa. To prevent the flushing liquid from entering the compressor receiver, you need to install a check valve. To the server and return pipe Pressure gauges are installed, with a scale up to one megapascal.
Important. The price of the compressor is quite high, but if you have the desire and want to do the washing yourself, you can rent it from a specialized store. This way you will save your money because you are unlikely to need a compressor in your daily life.
The washing itself can be carried out using two methods:
- Flow-through. The heating supply pipelines are first filled with water with the air collector valve open. After filling the pipes, the valve is closed and the supply of compressed air begins. Both the air and water mixture are simultaneously supplied to the pipelines.
Flushing is stopped when water begins to flow through the pipe. pure water. After this, the water is drained into the drain. This method is used to clean heating and hot water systems;
- Filling method. With this method there is some consistency in actions. To begin with, the pipelines are filled with water and the valve is closed. Compressed air is supplied to the second pipe for fifteen to twenty-five minutes, depending on the diameters of the pipes and contaminants.
After the air supply has stopped, close the valve and drain the water through the drain pipe. Upon completion, the system is rinsed several times with clean water.
Conclusion
Cleaning heating communications is necessary requirement in preparation for the heating season. But, unfortunately, utility service employees do not comply with these requirements.
It’s good that nowadays there are specialized companies that do such work. Of course, you will have to incur expenses to implement them, but in the end you will get high-quality heating and comfort in the house.
Flushing a heating system is one of the major plumbing tasks.
Scale, salts, and rust clogged heating pipes lead to large heat losses and increased payments for heat.
It involves removing deposits that have built up inside the pipes of the heating network. Not enough high speed supply of unrefined coolant leads to calcium carbonate and iron hydroxide precipitating, and scale deposits appearing. Limescale deposits, overgrowth and scale in pipes lead to increased costs for heat and electricity, increased water consumption and a drop in temperature in the building. Precipitation occurring in the pipes increases the temperature resistance of the coolant, and due to a decrease in the internal diameter, the pressure in the clogged sections of the pipeline increases.
In addition, pipe walls quickly wear out and collapse, which leads to unscheduled repairs. Even a thin layer of scale leads to metal damage, which manifests itself in the form of fistulas, and ultimately to rupture of the pipe wall.
Owners of local closed heating networks are themselves interested in ensuring that all elements of the heating network, pump, pipeline, boiler, work properly.
Practice has shown that after 10 years of use, heating network pipelines can be more than 50% clogged with deposits and sediment. And according to existing statistics, a deposit thickness of 1 mm increases fuel consumption to maintain the set temperature by 14%.
Pipeline flushing technologies
Today they apply various technologies and methods of cleaning pipes: already familiar, traditional and innovative. All operations involve constant technological components: a pump that supplies the cleaning agent and the cleaning agent itself, simple or complex. The pump used for flushing can be of different devices.
Thermal flushing of heating systems
With this method, water is directed into the pipeline being cleaned high temperature(from 120 °C) under high pressure. This effect allows us to somehow weaken the adhesion of dirt and scale inside the pipe. With this heating flushing, the structure of the layers is not completely destroyed. Only the top, softest layers are washed off. When performing such flushing, a pump suitable for the operating conditions must be used.
Hydraulic flushing of the heating system
Hydraulic flushing is carried out with water using a special nozzle.
Hydraulic technology for flushing heating systems is based on the use of water supplied into the pipeline under high pressure to destroy internal deposits. In this case, the speed of the cleaning agent must be at least 5 km/h. In this way, only water-soluble deposits can be cleaned from pipes.
Hydropneumatic pulse technology is used traditionally and allows you to completely clean both individual elements, as well as the entire heating system of the building intended for flushing. The impact is based on the use of a combined impact of compressed air and water. Using this technology, it is possible to flush the heating system without chemicals. Negative side it is the probability of damage to the pipeline due to excess pressure. This technology is suitable for cleaning only silt deposits, but cannot cope with solid sediments. The cleaning agent is supplied by the pump of the water heating device. Hydropneumatic cleaning must be calculated separately for specific heating systems.
Chemical cleaning of heating systems
Hydropneumatic flushing is carried out using a special hydraulic gun.
Chemical methods are divided into acidic and alkaline.
Acid wash
Standard acid cleaning of the system is carried out using such inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric, nitrogen, sulfur and others. Such substances are good at cleaning the internal surfaces of pipelines from scale, but at the same time they can destroy the metal surfaces, especially brass and aluminum. Organic matter, exhibiting acidic properties, are less aggressive and are more often used for washing. These include vinegar, formic and citric acid. To enhance the effect, they can be used in combination with other chemicals.
Alkaline washing
This method is an option chemical cleaning. It is used to clean pipes that contain grease or oil deposits.
Chemical washing is carried out using a pump and a container with chemical reagents.
The leaching method is safer and technologically simpler than acid cleaning. The heating system is filled with solution soda ash, composed in the proportion: 20 g of soda per 1 liter of water. It is heated to operating temperature coolant and kept in pipelines for 10-20 hours. Through specified time the cooled solution is drained, and the heating network is washed by running the flushing agent in the direction opposite to the movement of the coolant. The pump used for such flushing must be resistant to aggressive substances.
After completing chemical cleaning, the network must be thoroughly rinsed with tap water.
Innovative technologies for flushing thermal systems
Today, technologies for cleaning heating systems are being introduced, based on the use of previously unused substances and the development of new methods for servicing pipes. Some methods are based on a reagent substance and a patented cleaning method heating network buildings without shutting down the latter. The composition of the reagent substance includes a component that slows down the corrosion of pipes, as well as a component that forms, when certain conditions, protection film inner surface pipes.
In the process of influencing in-pipe deposits, the above-mentioned inhibitor substance, after removing scale, forms a protective monomolecular film, which is absorbed by the inner surface of the pipeline, strengthening and protecting the latter. The formed film minimizes the process of scale growth in pipes, and also dissolves the remains of old mineral deposits. Such protective film lasts for at least three heating periods. The set of such technologically sound equipment includes a flushing pump with reverse, which starts the cleaning agent.
Other new and effective way flushing heating pipes involves comprehensive cleaning using chemicals and hydropneumatic action.
The TE rules for thermal power plants indicate that flushing of heating networks must be carried out every year after the end of use of heating networks. It should be hydropneumatic followed by additional flushing drinking water. The essence of such flushing is the simultaneous supply of water and compressed air (up to 6 kgf/cm2) to the system. To clean, the heating network is “broken” in two places: on the riser and return line, on the approach to the boiler (if there is one). Having connected the water supply from the water supply to the riser, flush until clean water appears from the return line.
When using hydropneumatic flushing, it is recommended to first blow the pipes with compressed air to loosen the deposits on their internal surfaces, and then flush these pipelines with a mixture of water and air.
After the flushing is completed, the heating network is restored and slowly filled with water so that there are no air bubbles left in it. The boiler is usually cleaned simultaneously with the linear part being washed.
When washing with water only, its speed should be 3-5 times higher than the working speed, for which a special pump should be used.
Pipe flushing work should be carried out annually, after the end of the heating season.
When hydropneumatic washing, the flow rate of the cleaning mixture should not be more than 3-5 times the operating flow rate of the coolant. Heating cleaning can be done using tap water or industrial water. The network is washed until the discharge water indicators match sanitary standards for drinking water.
If the operation of the heating network does not satisfy established standards due to heat transfer and the temperature of the building does not reach the required level, then it is time to understand the reasons for what is happening. Specialized structures are involved in carrying out appropriate measurements on heating networks and developing optimal measures for their cleaning.
In order to determine the condition of the heating network, it is necessary to diagnose it. The resulting data will help the specialist determine the composition and nature of the blockages. The analysis will allow you to determine necessary equipment for flushing and subsequent anti-corrosion treatment of the heating network.
It is often believed that cleaning and disinfection of heating networks is carried out only in connection with the occurrence of accidents. This is not entirely true. If it comes to damage to the heating network, then the situation is so serious that repair, rather than flushing, is required. Heating repair is usually high costs- both financial and temporary. The best solution There will be an organization of planned preventative work, the implementation of which can seriously reduce the likelihood of emergency situations in heating networks. Heating systems that have been in use for five years or more should definitely be cleaned using a chemical flushing option, which will allow you to get rid of all kinds of deposits and scale in them.
Timely flushing is the key to normal heat transfer and uninterrupted operation of heating systems.
Eliminate interruptions in the heating system multi-storey buildings related to clogged pipes and batteries will help hydropneumatic flushing. It is necessary to carry it out if you often hear extraneous noise from the batteries, or if they are heated unevenly.
What is hydropneumatic flushing?
Among existing methods It is most often used to clean the heating system. The principle of such flushing is to pump compressed air under pressure into the heating system, which is completely filled with coolant. At the same time, a pulp is formed inside the pipes and batteries, which is a bubbling compound between water and air, which is pumped into the pipes by pushes. Such a pulsed effect on the walls leads to the destruction of deposits and scale. Which, after cleaning, are eliminated through drain holes into the sewer.The impulsiveness and strength of the thrusts is adjustable, so it can be changed step by step. The process continues until clean water appears from the drain. After this, the system must be pressure tested, which is necessary to check the system for leaks. Sometimes there are cases that after washing, a leak forms in places where there was scale. Previously, such through holes were simply blocked by deposits.
The scheme for such washing is shown in the diagram:
According to the standards in apartment buildings washing is carried out once a year mandatory. Owners of private houses clean pipes only if the radiators become noticeably worse. It is not advisable to carry it out for prevention, since you need to pay for calling the appropriate energy supply services.
Types of hydropneumatic flushing
There are two types of hydropneumatic flushing.First method
The flow method assumes that the system will be completely filled with water:- The air intake valve is in the open position.
- After the heating pipeline is filled to the maximum extent, the valve is closed, and a compressor previously connected to the system pumps compressed air.
- The liquid together with it, acting on the walls of the pipes, cleans them.
- The entire contents of the pipes are discharged through the outlet pipe.
Second method
The filling method is similar to that described above, but with it the sequence of actions is slightly different:- Water is supplied through one pipe, and the valve on it closes.
- Compressed air begins to be supplied through another pipe. It lasts about a quarter of an hour, and for slightly dirty pipes in a small system it may take only five minutes.
- The valve on the pipe through which the air is supplied closes, and the second one on the drain pipe opens, and water with impurities is removed through it.
Instructions for hydropneumatic flushing
It should be carried out regularly on individual risers or their groups. Before starting work, it is necessary to decide in which risers it will be done this time in order to install shut-off equipment at their ends.The course of action is as follows:
- Remove the nozzles and diaphragms from the hydraulic elevator, if there is one in the system.
- Discharge the circuit into the sewer to drain the contaminated water.
- Conduct a thermal imaging examination of the internal surfaces of radiators, if special equipment is available.
- Block thermal valve located on the return pipe.
- Fill the system with water to remove air from it, with the air collector valve open. As soon as the system is full, the valve closes.
- Connect the compressor to the metering valve, open the discharge on the “return”.
- Open the valve when the pressure on the compressor reaches 0.6 MPa;
- Close the risers and wash them one by one. Continue flushing until purified water comes out of the hose.
- Switch the heating circuit from supply to return. Rinse all risers in the opposite direction.
After completing the flushing process, the system should be filled with water, since its pipes cannot be kept empty.
Washing equipment
It is selected depending on chemical composition water in the pipes, which is the coolant, the degree of contamination of the pipes and batteries. Main installation During such flushing, the compressor comes out.
There are several of its models, the most popular are:
- Station CILLIT–BOY. This modern device With electronically controlled. The cost of purchasing it can soon pay off, since such a unit can be used not only for flushing heating, but also for purifying drinking water from bacteria, as well as servicing the “warm floor” system. When used for heating, compressed air and water are uniformly supplied. Its washing power is enough not only to clean pipes and batteries, but also to remove scale from the inside of the heating boiler, which extends its service life and increases the heating level.
- Rockal. This compact compressor is mainly used for cleaning copper and steel pipes. It can clean systems with a capacity of no more than 300 liters. It supports constant pressure 1 bar, and its productivity, despite its small dimensions, reaches 40 liters per minute.
- Ropuls. Powerful device, which is used not only for flushing the heating system, but also for purifying water flowing through pipes into the house. It can be used for cleaning “warm floors” and cleaning solar collectors from silt deposits. When drinking water is purified with such a device, not only rust and debris are removed from it, but also bacteria.
- Romantic 20. It is suitable for removing scale from heating pipes. It provides automatic regulation pulse interval. The pressure height reaches 10 meters, the pressure is 1.5 bar, and the performance is the same as in the Rokal installation. It can be used for systems whose volume does not exceed 300 liters.
- the color screen displays an image at a viewing angle of 36 degrees;
- there is a focusing ring on the lens of the device;
- The shooting frequency reaches 9 Hz.
Video: How does hydropneumatic flushing work?
To evaluate the difference between hydropneumatic flushing and chemical flushing, we suggest watching the following video:Any heating system requires regular cleaning. Hydropneumatic method washing is the most popular today. This is explained by the fact that after it the heating system almost completely restores its throughput, which leads to maximum economical use energy resources.
Widely used for cleaning heating systems in apartment buildings. Hydropneumatic flushing technology is based on cleaning sludge and deposits on the inner surface of pipes and heating radiators with a stream of water mixed with air supplied under pressure.
Hydropneumatic flushing of heating systems - instructions
- Flushing of the heating system is carried out in the presence of a representative of the energy supply organization.
- A master is invited to begin the washing thermal unit area and in his presence, flushing work begins.
- During flushing, the heating system is disconnected from the district heating network by valves 1, 2, 3, 4. If the valves have insufficient closing density, additional blinds (plugs) made of 3mm sheet steel must be installed.
- By the beginning of the new heating season, these valves must undergo an inspection.
Preparatory work
Rubber hoses are connected to the fittings used for flushing. Hoses (rubber sleeves) are connected using half-nuts “ROT” (according to GOST 2217-76). It is necessary to install check valves on the air and water inlets that will be used for flushing.
Before washing, remove the nozzle from the elevator.
- The system is being filled cold water through valve 19 with open valve 21 of the air collector and open valves 22 and 24, as well as closed valves 1; 2; 3; 4; 18; 20 and 23. After water appears in valve 21, this valve and valve 19 must be closed .
- Blow air through each riser of the heating system.
- To do this, close all taps 24 on the risers. Open air valve 18. By sequentially opening valves 22 on the heating risers, the risers are purged with air from bottom to top.
- To drain waste water after sewer system storm drain, a flexible rubber hose must be put on fitting 20.
- Starting from the far riser, hydropneumatic flushing of all risers is carried out sequentially.
- To do this, you need to open sequentially valves 22 and 24 on the risers with air valve 21 open. Next, open water valve 19 and air valve 18.
Then to perform the flushing
- consistently fill the risers with water;
- close taps 21 and 23;
- open the water drainage through the 20th valve.
Turn on the air with valve 18. With valves 19 and 20 open, turn on the risers in series, opening valves 24, starting with the farthest riser.
Hydropneumatic flushing of heating systems with bottom wiring
In heating systems with a lower heating distribution circuit, flushing is carried out in a similar way. The system is filled with water through valves 19; 24 and 22, while valve 21 is open.
To divert the air-water mixture from several risers at once, the mixture is discharged into a storm drain through drain 20 (see Fig. 2).
Hydropneumatic flushing of heating systems is carried out until the discharged water is completely clarified.
- After finishing washing, you need to dump the residual water.
- Fill the heating system and perform a one-time reset.
- Next, fill the system with water and take a sample for analysis.