Operating principle and criteria for choosing steam-drip heaters for apartments and houses

What are vapor-drip heaters?

Steam-drip heaters are a new product on the heating market.
Outwardly, they look like ordinary electric convectors, but they differ from them in their filling. They operate from the electrical network, heating a kind of coolant - water pumped inside. Manufacturers claim their high efficiency. But you cannot blindly trust such statements - the laws of physics cannot be surpassed. Steam-drip heaters were developed by the Volgograd enterprise NPO Volgograd Energy Saving Technologies. It introduced models with power from 0.5 to 1.5 kW on the market. The company’s specialists claim that these heaters can save energy by almost 50%. But in fact, the savings are about 10-15% due to the use of precise electronic thermostats.

Let's consider the device of a vapor-drip heater. Its main element is a heating element that heats distilled water located in a closed pipe. The temperature regime is monitored by an electronic thermostat. The set temperature is set on it, after which the room begins to warm up. The operating principle of a vapor-drip heater is as follows:

The maximum temperature of the heating unit is up to +120 degrees. Let us remember that in traditional convectors the temperature of the heating element is much higher.

• The heating element heats the water, as a result of which it begins to evaporate.
• The steam rises up the pipe and condenses in its cold part.
• The thermal energy released during condensation is sent into the room.
• The condensed water is sent down, after which the cycle repeats.

The further principle of operation of steam-drip heating is similar to the principle of operation of conventional convectors.

Since the coolant pipe is hidden in a housing with upper and lower slotted holes, convection is created - heat is carried throughout the room.

What is this?

A steam-drip heater or heater with variable coolant is a modern reincarnation of a steam boiler in miniature
, but instead of a complex system of a boiler, radiators, steam supply pipes and condensate return, steam-drip heaters are an all-in-one solution.

That is, steam is generated, supplied and condensed inside the completely sealed housing of the device.

Each device is equipped with controls and automation that monitors both internal processes and changes in temperature in the room and controls the operation of the heater so that the temperature set by the consumer is maintained in the room.

Where to start assembling an electric heater with your own hands

The most effective form for such a radiator is a pipe:

• provides maximum heat transfer;
• promotes the freest movement of coolant from the heating area to the heat transfer area.

Factory models look like a familiar radiator, consisting of several such pipes. At home, it is also rational to make a heater of a similar design.

Before you begin assembling the device yourself, carefully read the finished diagram and instructions for it, taken as a basis. Follow the instructions exactly, because it concerns electricity.

Pay increased attention to safety. For a vapor-drip heater you will need:

• pipe made of corrosion-resistant metal - copper, aluminum;
• a small diameter tube made of the same material;
• cover for it;
• water valve;
• wire made of corrosion-resistant metal;
• welding machine.

Attention! The design of a vapor-drip heater is simple, but it will require you to be able to use welding and have electrical knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is safer not to take on the construction of a homemade heater

Self-assembly

To equip steam-drip heating with your own hands, you need to have some knowledge and skills in similar work. A self-made heater should be as similar as possible to the one produced in a factory.

From steel pipe

Before you start making a vapor-drip heater, you need to find a ready-made diagram and carefully study it

In addition, it is important to ensure maximum safety, since the slightest inaccuracy can lead to electric shock.

To make your own vapor-drip battery, you will need the following materials and tools:

• a piece of pipe made of metal that is resistant to corrosion (aluminum, copper and others);
• a small diameter tube made of a similar material and a lid for it;
• water valve;
• a piece of stainless alloy wire;
• welding machine.

The work of assembling the heater is simple, but requires the ability to work with welding and electricity. If you are not sure that you can cope with such a task, then it is better to seek help from a specialist or abandon the homemade device.

Video about an electric heater:

Assembling the heater is carried out in several simple steps:

1. A pre-prepared piece of metal pipe is carefully welded on one side. In this case, the seam should be tight and as smooth as possible.
2. A lid is attached to the opposite edge.
3. A small diameter tube is mounted to it, which will serve to fill the apparatus with coolant.
4. A water valve is connected to it. Thanks to it, you can not only control the flow of liquid into the device, but also monitor the accumulating vapors. The valve must be made of an alloy compatible with the material of the pipe on which it is installed.
5. The electrical part of the device is assembled according to the selected circuit. It must have a stainless wire wick.

From an old cast iron battery

The simplest homemade heater is considered to be a device made from an old cast-iron battery. To do this, you need to somehow build into it a heating element powered by electricity and fill it with water. In this case, the device must be made as airtight and safe for humans as possible.

A steam-drip heater made of a cast iron battery takes a long time to heat up, but remains hot for a very long time after being turned off.

You need to pour enough water into a homemade heater so that it completely covers the installed heating element.

It is important to take precautions: a battery filled to the brim will burst when the liquid freezes.

To make a homemade air-droplet device from an ordinary battery, it is necessary to provide a thermoregulation system. Thanks to it, it will be possible to maintain the desired heating level and monitor possible deviations. The best option would be to purchase the simplest and cheapest mechanical room thermostat. It will work efficiently and monitor temperature readings.

Assembling a steam-drip heater in stages

The whole process will require time, care, scrupulousness and diligence:

Externally, a vapor-drip heater resembles a regular radiator

1. Take a prepared piece of pipe. Brew it tightly on one side.
2. Close the section with a lid at the opposite end. A narrow diameter tube should be attached to it. Through it the heater will be filled with liquid.
3. Attach a valve to the narrow tube. With its help, during operation you will control the gases accumulating in the device. The material from which the valve is made must be compatible with the material of the pipe.
4. Assemble the electrical base of the heater according to the diagram. It involves the presence of a wick, most often made of stainless wire. However, aluminum is not suitable for these purposes. The elements are intertwined and welded. You can make a mesh out of foam or felt.

Attention! A low-power heating element can be bought in a store. Choose a model with a temperature regulator. Another option for a steam-drip heater involves its manufacture based on a ready-made water heating radiator, which has threaded holes

In order for such a device to be fixed in a vertical position, it should be attached to a frame with flat supports or legs (it can be welded from angle steel). The thread in such a radiator most likely will not match the thread of the purchased heating element. To combine, you will need an adapter. Sealant should be used in all connections. Careful assembly and careful operation will help you save up to 70% on the purchase of a factory model

Another version of a vapor-drip heater involves its manufacture on the basis of a ready-made water heating radiator, which has threaded holes. In order for such a device to be fixed in a vertical position, it should be attached to a frame with flat supports or legs (it can be welded from angle steel). The thread in such a radiator most likely will not match the thread of the purchased heating element. To combine, you will need an adapter. Sealant should be used in all connections. Careful assembly and careful operation will help you save up to 70% on the purchase of a factory model.

How effective are vapor-drip heaters?

Electric convectors have energy consumption that is equal to thermal power, this leads to certain design limitations. So 1 kW is capable of providing about 0.1 m2 of heat output, and the temperature of which the heating element will have will be approximately 350 degrees. When high-temperature air passes through a hot radiator, the atmosphere in the room becomes too dry, and this can cause some discomfort. Expanding the space will not help in this situation, since the temperature will also have to be increased.

As for vapor pressure, it has the following indicators:

• Thermal power relative to electrical power is 3 times greater;
• The efficiency level is 98%;
• The temperature of the coolant can vary from 70 to 120 degrees;
• The humidity in the room remains acceptable.

For this reason, such a heater can be installed in any room, even in a school or hospital. In addition, the installation can be used as a backup option, however, the price of such a unit is much higher than that of an electric heater.

Design and principle of operation of steam-drip heaters

This type of heater belongs to the group of “electric convectors”, that is, to heating devices, the operation of which initiates convective air flows in the heated room - the air in contact with the body of the unit heats up and rises, being replaced by a colder one.

Movement of convective currents initiated by a wall heater

The basis of the design of steam-drip heaters is a needle-type heating element. The tubular heater is mounted in the lower part of a sealed cast iron, steel or aluminum tank with water, ethanol or methanol, filled above the level of the heating element, the needle-shaped design of which does not require a large amount of liquid.

Schematic cross-sectional representation of the operation of a vapor-drip heater

The container in the PKN body is installed at an angle - the deviation of the plane of its base from the horizontal is approximately 20 degrees.

When the device is turned on, the water is heated by the heating element to boiling temperature within a few minutes and begins to evaporate, filling the free volume of the container with steam.

Hot steam under pressure, contacting the metal walls at the top of the tank, condenses on them, releasing thermal energy. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal, heat is transferred to the layers of air closest to the heater, initiating convection in the room, and the condensate in the tank flows along the inclined walls to its lower part and, again heated by the heating element, evaporates again.

Scheme of coolant circulation in a vapor-drip heater

Thus, two coolants are involved in the heat transfer process - water and steam, but the temperature of the liquid does not exceed 100 degrees, and the steam in the tank can heat up to 120, so the upper part of the PKN is always hotter during operation.

To increase the intensity of heat transfer in most PKN models, the upper part of the liquid reservoir is made in the form of multi-section blocks of narrow sections with additional external fins, which significantly increases the heat transfer area.

Important! The volume of the vapor-drip heater tank, free of liquid, is filled with technical vacuum, so the transition of the coolant from liquid to steam when heated occurs without boiling, that is, silently.

Potbelly stove using waste oil

Furnaces that operate using waste motor or transmission oil are widely popular. The advantages of such furnaces are reliability, efficiency in terms of consumption and unnecessary use of used oil. The drip stove is considered the most economical due to the characteristics of the fuel supply, but it is difficult to make on your own.

Stove-dripper

The drip stove works due to the fact that the ignited waste in the first tank releases flammable gases, which mix with air in the second tank and ignite again, reaching very high temperatures (about 800 ° C).

It is best to purchase a ready-made design. But if you want to try your hand at such a thing, then photo 2 shows a drawing according to which the assembly is carried out. Instead of a 180x180x6 pipe, a gas cylinder is often used (before cutting the cylinder, you should fill it with water or slowly drill a hole in the bottom and pour out the contents).

To automate the process and create a drip system, you need to filter the waste by passing it through a hose, at the end of which a full filtration automobile filter is installed.

You also need to select a fuel pump that will supply the required amount of fuel. You can use a piece of hose from a dropper with a regulator, put it on the lower fitting and control the fuel supply.

A drip stove can also be used to heat water if a heat exchanger with a removable container is installed in the upper part. Such a dripper stove can also be used for heating a room if you connect the house’s water heating system to it and equip it with a pump to circulate water through the system.

It is worth mentioning such a heater as a diesel stove. Often used in homes where it is impossible to implement another type of heating. The characteristics of a diesel fuel stove are similar to a gas boiler. It has high efficiency and can be converted for gas consumption. True, it requires timely maintenance and the availability of high quality fuel. A diesel stove is more expensive and harder to create, so the designs described above are good alternatives. published econet.ru

Principle of operation

Usually the device is produced in a typical size with a regular home battery, but their efficiency is much higher relative to the amount of heat generated.

This type of device can be briefly described as a heat accumulator. The principle of its operation is pulsed, however, this does not affect the temperature level that was set, and it must be maintained in the room. The device goes into shutdown mode at certain intervals, but half of the heat volume that accumulated during operation during the shutdown period continues to be released into the environment. Some models from imported manufacturers can heat up to a temperature threshold of 350°C.

The vapor-drip heater is classified as an advanced device that has a heat exchange system at the heart of its operation. But this particular type of heater has significant differences from other similar equipment. The general operating principle of the device can be divided into several processes:

• water is heated by electricity;
• characterized by a process in which the coolant changes its state of aggregation to the level of steam and simultaneously releases thermal energy;
• due to the condensation process, the entire volume of coolant is returned back to the system;
• the sequence of processes has cyclical repetitions.

The operation of a vapor-drip heater mainly depends on the heat pipe. Its functions and characteristics can be described as follows:

• This element of the device is a conductor and transfers heat from the zone in which heating occurs (heating zone) to the one that is not yet heated (heating zone).
• It has a high level of thermal conductivity, exceeding silver and copper in this parameter.
• Transfers about 90% of the heat energy to the condensation zone thanks to the previous feature.
• Due to the fact that the tube has a capillary effect, used in modern elements, the movement of liquid condensate occurs through the capillary network inside the device.
• The cavity of the tube contains porous materials such as wick or loose ceramic.
• Modern designs contain water, ethanol, methanol or ammonia as a coolant.
• As for the efficiency of the heating element, it depends on the size and shape of the element, its properties and the value of the heat transfer coefficient.

Steam-drip type heaters are classified as pipeless heating systems. In addition, the owner of such a system is given the opportunity to regulate the operating mode of the device and set the required temperature, which can be selected for each individual case. It also allows you to control costs and be independent of the central heating system and their requirements.

In a closed system with an infinite number of cycles, electrical energy is converted into thermal energy.

If we describe the principle of operation of a vapor-drip heater in more detail, it will look like this:

It is worth considering the fact that a distinctive advantageous feature of the vapor-drip heater system is that, thanks to the tube, it can transfer a much larger amount of thermal energy. In this regard, the small size of the installation of a vapor-drip heater allows it to produce a much larger volume of heat to heat the room than similar converter-type devices.

Operating principle of the heater

Operating principle of a vapor-drip heater
The operation of the device is based on the removal of heat in two phase states of water - vapor and liquid. In a sealed chamber, water is heated and boils. Heating is carried out by an electric heating element. Water vapor rises into the upper cavity of the chamber (at the same time heat is given off), cools down, coming into contact with the inner surface of the heat exchanger. The cooled steam falls into the condensate, and the heat of condensation is released. The heated body gives off heat to the air in the heated room. This cycle of phase states occurs in a cyclic order. Heating and boiling of the working medium occurs due to heating by an electrical element of the structure, which has a special cylindrical device that optimizes the boiling process of the working medium.

Manufacturers characterize the device with a high efficiency (up to 100%). This efficiency is most likely due to the removal of heat from both phase states of water.

Technical characteristics and types of steam condensate heaters

The main criterion when choosing a PKN is the power required to heat a room of a specific area and volume. For household models of steam-drip heaters, this parameter ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 kW. Accordingly, in regions with a temperate climate, if there is effective external insulation of the building envelope, a PKN with a power of 1.5 kW will provide heating for a room of up to 15 square meters.

Options for the location of wall-mounted PKN in residential premises

Designing various models of steam-drip heaters requires an accurate calculation of the ratios of the power of the needle heating element, the surface area of ​​the unit body, taking into account the fins and the amount of coolant used in the tank.

The maximum PKN power of 2 kW was chosen for safety reasons. Based on this value, the volume of the tank, the amount of liquid poured into it, and the heat transfer area are calculated. The ratio of these parameters should ensure effective steam generation in the container at a safe steam pressure (no more than 0.07 mPa), a housing surface temperature of no more than 115 degrees, and the location of the needle heating element is always below the liquid level - even when the heater is operating in maximum normal mode.

Steam-drip heaters are multi-section batteries with an electronic control unit, with a power of 1.5, 0.9 and 0.5 kW.

Steam-drip heaters, as mentioned above, are divided into household devices and units for industrial use.

Devices for industrial use are more powerful and, accordingly, their dimensions are larger. When producing such units, aesthetics are relegated to the background, giving way to operational efficiency, housing strength and security of the control system, as well as the power cable.

Steam condensate heaters for industrial use

However, even industrial steam-drip heaters of modern models have an above-average class of exterior finish, which allows them to be used in everyday life without damaging the interior of the room.

Steam condensate heaters of increased power BHeat Air 3000 with a power of 3 kW for industrial use - heating rooms up to 30 sq. m.

Modern PKN heaters, both for domestic and industrial purposes, are equipped with a safety system (automatic shutdown when the bimetallic plate overturns or overheats) and temperature control - a thermostat that operates on the basis of data from a temperature sensor, either standard or additionally installed with your own hands in the actual zone of the room - according to When the set temperature in this zone is reached, the heater will turn off.

Steam-condensate heater with an electronic control system unit equipped with a liquid crystal display

Based on their location, PKN models are divided into floor-mounted, wall-mounted and universal. The principle of operation of devices of all these designs is the same; heat transfer from the units is produced by both sides of the panel.

Floor-standing units are equipped with support legs that provide a stable position on a horizontal plane, or a platform with wheels that facilitate movement.

In the event of an unexpected overturning of the heater, an automatic network disconnection device will operate, and the relatively low temperature of the housing will not cause a fire.

Floor-standing model of a steam-drip domestic heater with holes in the supports for fastening to the floor with self-tapping screws

Wall-mounted models have holes on one side of the panel for brackets that secure the unit to the wall. The design and size of the brackets ensure that the PKN is located at a distance of 7-10 cm from the supporting base, which reduces the thermal effect of the heater on the wall and does not interfere with air convection from the back of the device. The section of the wall located behind the installed heater must be additionally equipped with thermal protection made of heat-resistant material.

Wall mounted steam condensate heater

The design of the PKN with a universal location allows you to install support legs on them or mount them on the wall. The effectiveness of a particular method of application depends on the specific operating conditions.

PKN models for universal placement - for use on the floor or placement on the wall

How to choose an electric heater

Probably many will agree that an electric heater is a necessary thing in the house. Firstly, the temperature maintained in the room by central heating does not always meet human needs, and secondly, during the off-season this device is sometimes a non-alternative source of heat.

Modern electric heaters come in several types. Each of them has its own technical characteristics and is recommended for certain conditions.

Some devices may well become a replacement for central heating, while others are suitable either for very small unheated rooms, or their purpose is to be an additional source of heat.

So, what kind of electric heaters can we buy?

Oil heaters

If we talk about appearance, this device practically copies a standard radiator exactly the same. Inside the heater there is mineral oil, heated by an electric coil.

Depending on the number of sections, the power of the model is determined. To ensure that the heat in the room is distributed evenly, the developers have provided internal fans in some devices.

Also, when choosing, pay attention to devices that have protection against overheating, tipping over and are equipped with special screens for monitoring temperature conditions and remote controls

Electricity consumption is mainly 1.8 - 2 kW.hour. The service life of such heaters is 5 years.

Convector heaters

The principle of heat transfer in these devices is to pass air through a compartment containing a heating element. Next, warm air exits through the holes and rushes upward. Temperature uniformity throughout the room is achieved through constant air movement.

Among this class of heaters there are baseboard convector heaters, wall-mounted and in-floor heaters.

The main advantage of skirting boards

is that thanks to a narrow but long heating element, it is possible to reduce energy consumption, but maintain the heating effect and achieve better temperature conditions at a height of 1.5 m from the floor.

Wall convectors

provide excellent heating even for large rooms. In houses with continuous glazing, in-floor convectors are often used.

These devices are hidden under the floor and do not interfere with the style composition. The positive qualities of all these types of heaters include the fact that they operate almost silently, and the temperature of their body does not exceed 40 degrees.

Electricity consumption is generally 0.5 – 3 kWh

The service life of such heaters is 5 years.

It is not the main heating, only as additional heating.

Infrared heaters

The main feature of this type of electrical appliances is their point directionality. That is, due to the technology used, the devices heat not the air, but the walls, floor and objects, which will give off heat. That is, they are ineffective when you need to warm up the entire room, but they do an excellent job of creating a specific warm place.

For example, it is a good idea to use this type of electrical appliance on the veranda; they will help provide a comfortable temperature for a small feast.

Electricity consumption is generally 0.8 – 20 kWh. The service life of such heaters is from 3 to 5 years.

It is not the main heating, only as additional heating.

Fan heater

Perhaps this type of electric heaters can be considered the most common. The air is heated by a heat element or a heated coil. The air itself is transported to the heating source using a fan.

Such devices, as a rule, cannot heat the entire room, but are good enough as an additional source of heat. Their main disadvantage is noise; in addition, devices with an open spiral burn oxygen. Well, the advantages include low cost, compactness and the ability to work like a fan in the summer.

Electricity consumption is mainly 1.8 – 2.0 kWh. The service life of such heaters is 5 years. It is not the main heating, only as additional heating.

Steam-drip batteries

Steam-drip heaters

– are modern heat exchangers with unique properties. They are used for heating residential, public, and industrial premises of any cubic capacity, where it is necessary to permanently or temporarily create a temperature of -10˚С. up to +95˚С.

Modern heating devices: steam-drip heaters

Steam-drip electric heater

Electric heating devices have always been in demand. The lack of other types of fuel and the availability of electricity in all regions of the country, even in the most remote villages, made them very popular in the recent past. Today, a lot has changed, because among all types of energy carriers, electric current is the most expensive. This began to scare consumers away from purchasing electric heaters. They needed more cost-effective options. And they were not slow in waiting; today you can buy a vapor-drip electric heater on the market. What is it, how does it work, and what are its savings? We will answer these and other questions in this article.

First, let's start with the fact that a vapor-drip heater is a modern heat exchange device, which is very different from all known electric heating devices. The principle of its operation is that the device system contains water, which is heated using electricity. In this case, the water circuit is completely closed. The result is a fairly simple but effective heat transfer scheme:

• Water is heated using electric current.
• The liquid turns into vapor.
• The latter condenses and returns back to the system with the liquid filler.
• And the process repeats again.

In this case, two types of thermal energy are immediately used: from the heated coolant and from the steam condensation process.

In fact, a steam-drip heater is a kind of heat accumulator that concentrates a coolant liquid with a fairly high temperature in its volume.

Even after a power outage, the coolant continues to generate heat for a long time. This is the main distinguishing feature of this type of heater from all other electric analogues, which immediately cool down if they are disconnected from the AC mains.

I would like to add that the temperature of the coolant inside the steam-drip electric heater is plus 90-120C. These modern heating units are supplied by manufacturers with high-precision automatic units, with which you can regulate the temperature regime and the operation of the device itself. Controlling the automation is simple; it won’t be difficult to figure it out on your own. If any problems arise, you can overcome them by studying the instructions attached to the accompanying documents.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=6FZ1X1JDONY

Steam-drip apparatus - a new leader among heaters

Every year more and more heating equipment appears, competing with conventional gas or central heating

New products worth paying attention to include steam-drip heaters

Principle of operation

A steam-drip heater is the latest heat exchange device that can heat residential and public spaces, raising the temperature in them to 24 degrees. It consists of the following elements:

1. A hermetically sealed heat exchanger insulated inside the device.
2. Electric heating element, which is located at the bottom of the device.
3. News block with a control system.

When the heater is turned on, work is going on inside it to turn air into steam:

1. Powered by the electrical network, the heating element heats the water.
2. Water turns into steam.
3. As the steam rises, it heats the body, turns into condensate and gives off its heat to the surrounding space.
4. Water in the form of condensate again rolls down to the heating element, and the procedure is repeated.

The steam-drip heater is no larger in size than a standard battery, but is several times larger than systems based on fuel combustion. The steam heater works without pipes. It only requires an electrical outlet. Even during a sudden power outage, it can generate heat for some time.

During prolonged shutdown and extreme cold, the device does not defrost because it contains a small amount of water. Water turns into ice and does not destroy the structure. To defrost ice, just plug the device into a power outlet and it will work as usual.

Since there is no oxygen inside the vapor-drip heater, it is not susceptible to corrosion. Accurate calculation of water and heating power prevents the device from exploding. Its service life is about 30 years.

Application area

Steam-drip heaters are often used during construction or renovation work, as a heating system in kindergartens and schools, hospitals and other public institutions.

This type of heating is ideal for short-term premises. For example, hotel rooms or recreation centers. In addition, the heater can serve as an additional source of heat or be used to heat the loggia.

Positive characteristics

The advantages of a vapor-drip heater include:

1. Compared to other mains-powered heaters, it consumes half as much electricity.
2. The device not only does not dry the air, but, on the contrary, moisturizes it.
3. If there is an electrical problem, the device automatically starts operating in the last set mode.
4. There is minimal risk of explosion and fire, since the aluminum frame perfectly protects the heating element and coolant.

Negative sides

The disadvantages include:

1. Relatively low temperature - 24 C. Some prefer hotter modes.
2. Electric heating has not yet gained the trust of consumers.
3. Some experts do not recommend leaving a working device unattended.

Device structure

The structure of vapor-drip systems differs markedly from conventional heat exchangers. The main difference is in the heat pipes.

The device can produce a much larger volume of heat compared to a conventional heating system. And all this is available in small dimensions. As mentioned above, steam heaters are identical in size to traditional radiators.

How to make it yourself

The operation of the device is simple, so it is quite possible to make steam-drip heaters with your own hands. To do this you need to stock up on the following materials:

• A copper tube.
• Ventilem.
• Copper or stainless steel wire.
• With a lid.
• Welding.

The body requires a pipe made of aluminum or copper; you can also use stainless steel. The metal pipe is filled through a lid with a smaller diameter pipe attached to it, one side of which must be closed to prevent air from entering. For the filling pipe, you need to install a valve made of a material compatible with the main one. The next step is to weave a mesh of stainless wire to make a wick.

If you have skills in working with electrical engineering, you can create various types of heaters with your own hands: portable, candle, oil.

It would be a good idea to listen to the advice of professionals. Better yet, purchase a ready-made vapor-drip heater and enjoy the warmth and humidified air, without danger to life.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=6FZ1X1JDONY

Technical characteristics of vapor-drip heaters

Equipment for heating a house, such as a vapor-drip heater, has its own characteristic features, which can be found in the table.

About the advantages and disadvantages

A steam-drip heater is an electric heating device, but the process of transferring thermal energy from the heating element to the heating surface is carried out in it using steam, just like the process of heat transfer in steam heating systems. Therefore, steam-drip heaters have the same advantages and disadvantages as a steam heating system:

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Speaking about the disadvantages, it should be noted that steam devices cannot be considered safe, and when choosing them for heating a house, it is better to install such devices in a safe place.

Application

Steam-drip heaters are more suitable as an additional heating method. They can be used both in ordinary residential buildings and in industrial buildings, offices and hospitals. PKN is perfect for institutions that are characterized by intermittent, periodic use: clubs, country houses, hotels, recreation centers, etc. It can also be installed on a loggia.

However, the question arises about its high cost compared to other devices.

So. Opinions about steam-drip heaters are very contradictory. Some call it a “miracle of modern technology,” others are inclined to believe that conventional heaters are no worse, but are much cheaper.

We tried to evaluate the device as impartially as possible, and the choice, as always, is yours.

Connection diagram

System installation features vary depending on the type of equipment

For closed-type steam heating, it is important that at the point where steam enters and exits the pressure difference is sufficient to allow liquid to flow out. In this case, the steam collector should be located significantly lower than the heating devices

This is due to the fact that in systems of this type, steam again enters the boiler by gravity. This means that the pipeline must be installed at a slope.

Wiring also comes in two types:

single-pipe - steam moves through the 1st pipe;

two-pipe - steam moves through the 1st pipe, and in the 2nd it is converted into condensate.

Most often, for private houses, it is the two-pipe wiring option that is used. This is explained by the fact that with its help you can independently regulate the temperature in the system. While in a one-pipe system this can only be done if you turn off the heating or reduce its power, which is unacceptable for the cold season.

What to look for when choosing steam-drip heaters

Steam-drip heaters are somewhat more expensive than electric convector heaters. But the costs are worth it due to savings on operating costs. Still, it is better to calculate in advance the possible costs and potential savings, depending on the number and characteristics of the rooms that you are going to heat.

Sometimes they say about steam-drip heaters that you can touch them without fear. This is not true: you can get burned on such a battery. But this is not a problem with the type of heating system, but rather with unscrupulous authors who write such things.

Operating principle of a vapor-drip heater

If the heating device is left turned off in a cold room, the coolant in it may freeze. But this will not affect the operation of the heater: after switching on, the liquid will defrost without negative consequences for the house. Nevertheless, the manufacturer recommends installing an auxiliary power source in case of a long power outage during the cold season.

Steam droplet technology is relatively new. Therefore, information about some of its positive or negative aspects remains theoretical for now. For example, some manufacturers promise that vapor-drip heaters will last up to 30 years: air does not penetrate into the device, which means that the system is not susceptible to corrosion. But in practice, no one has yet tested the 30-year trouble-free operation of a vapor-drip battery.

By the way, the warranty for BHeat vapor-drip heaters is no more than 2 years.

What is a vapor-drip heater

✮Large selection of steam-drip heaters on the TopClimat.ru portal

Installation

You can install steam heating yourself, but it is important to do everything correctly. Even small installation errors can cause equipment to malfunction in the future.

Before you begin the installation process, you need to consider several parameters:

• area of ​​the heated room;
• location of radiators and their number;
• remoteness of the steam boiler;
• location of filters, shut-off and control devices and other elements.

The optimal length, diameter and number of pipes must be indicated in the design documentation. Recommendations for choosing heating elements and batteries are also written there.

It is also important to select steam fans and a circulation pump so that the coolant can operate as efficiently as possible. Once the generator, radiators, measuring instruments, fittings and main pipes are ready, installation can begin

It is performed in several stages.

Preparing the surface for installation of heating devices. To do this, it is necessary to install wall fastenings for the location of the batteries. It is best to install radiators under windows. This way you will prevent the appearance of drafts and fogging of glass, because the air coming from the windows will immediately heat up.

Installation of expansion tank. This must be done using clamps at the highest point of the heating system, placing the tank between the radiators and the steam generator at the closest distance from the boiler. Pipeline installation. To do this, you need to connect the pipe from the steam generator to the first heating device, adjusting its size if necessary. Next you need to connect all the vaults and make a serial connection to the next device

It is important to install pipes with a slope of 3 mm to ensure natural circulation of coolant.

Installation of a storage tank. It should be located in front of the steam generator. Condensate will accumulate in it, which is necessary for a constant supply of water to the boiler. Short circuit in the heating boiler line. A closed loop is created by installing a filter on the boiler. This is necessary to retain dirt and impurities contained in the liquid

It is important to take into account that the diameter of the pipe going from the pump to the boiler must be smaller than the diameter of other pipes.

The main installation work of the system has been completed. All that remains is to connect the necessary devices: pressure gauge, relief valve. Then you need to add a drain unit to the system to remove coolant during seasonal pumping

At the end of the work, it is important to carefully check the entire system for defects and leaks, as well as for the strength of the connections. If any inaccuracies are found, they should be corrected immediately

Heating with various stoves

Stove heating is usually used to heat small areas or where there is no possibility of constructing another type of heating. The stoves operate on solid fuels.

In this type of heating, the heating device is usually the stove itself. When fuel burns, its structure heats up and releases heat to the air. Russian stoves, potbelly stoves, and so on work on this principle.

Sometimes stoves are included as a heat source in hydronic heating systems. A prominent representative that implements this modification of stove heating is the Dutch oven. A metal tank is built into it, in which water is heated. The stove of this model also gives off heat through the surface of its design.

Furnaces are maintained manually and require the construction of a chimney and fuel storage. If fuel burns poorly, carbon monoxide may be released into the room. The advantage of stove heating is complete energy independence.

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Prices for steam-drip heaters

Video review of a vapor-drip heater

Advantages of a heating device

• Firstly, a huge service life, which, according to the manufacturer’s calculations, is set at 30 years. This is due to the fact that there is no air inside the closed metal structure where the coolant liquid is located and the steam condenses. This means that metal corrosion processes do not occur. In addition, this container cannot explode either, because it contains a certain volume of water, which, when heated, does not completely fill the tank.
• Secondly, if, in the absence of people in the house and with the heating system turned off, a steam-drip type electric heater suddenly freezes, then this will not break it. It's all about the small amount of water inside it. Usually it freezes, and when the device is turned on, it defrosts and begins to circulate in a predetermined cycle.
• Thirdly, by installing this type of electric heating device in each room, it is possible to regulate and adjust the temperature in a separate room at your discretion. This will also allow you to save on energy consumption.
• Fourthly, vapor-drip heaters are used today in a variety of rooms. Most often they are used as an additional heating system. In small buildings, as the main type of heating.
• Fifthly, installing this heating element with your own hands will not be difficult. The installation location is traditionally under the window opening. Although this is not the only option, everything, as always, is at your discretion.

Advantages

Among all the advantages of using a vapor-drip heater for heating, the main ones can be identified:

1. During their work they do not affect the environment, keeping it safe for living.
2. There is no freezing.
3. There is no possibility of an explosion.
4. There is no possibility of leakage.
5. During operation they do not produce harmful substances that can pollute the environment.
6. The possibility of dust particles entering is excluded, and therefore there is no unpleasant odor from the device.
7. The equipment operates on the principle of a convector, and the air does not change its humidity.
8. Provide savings of up to 50% compared to other methods and heating sources powered by electricity.
9. They do not require the installation of gas or water meters, or heat meters for operation.
10. They are environmentally safe.
11. High-quality heating work can be carried out without outside supervision and control, which allows the heating to operate autonomously without supervision.
12. Installation is carried out directly where thermal energy is needed.
13. It can serve without accidents or breakdowns for 30 years of continuous use.
14. It has a function that allows you to adjust the desired temperature level in each room individually. It has an electronic control unit for these purposes.

By purchasing a vapor-drip heater, you can not only provide stable heat in your home, but also significantly save money on heating. In addition, such equipment can not bother owners with repairs and maintenance for a long time, which creates additional ease of use.

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