Hydropneumatic flushing of residential heating systems. Hydropneumatic flushing of the heating system is your step towards high-quality heating

Everyone, sooner or later, faces the problem of interruptions in work. heating systems. The reason, most often, is that deposits, dirt, silt and scale accumulate in radiators and pipes and water cannot move freely through the system. This problem is absolutely solvable, and at home. There are various methods. However, let's take a closer look at the most common ones.

If you notice that it is getting colder in your house, this may be the first signal that you need to flush the heating system. This can be easily checked without resorting to the help of a specialist - just touch the batteries. If it is heated unevenly, or part of it is generally cold, flush. There are several more beacons that it is time to clean the pipes: uncharacteristic noise in the batteries, when the heating is started, the system warms up for a very long time.

Most often, horizontal parts of the pipe are exposed to the main pollution. According to the standard arrangement of radiators in the house, this is usually small areas and it won't be too hard to clean them.

If the battery heats unevenly, then it is dirty.

The primary source of problems in heating systems is hot water, the main coolant.

  1. Firstly, hot water, interacting with the materials from which the system is made, can provoke chemical reaction. Consequences - scale.
  2. Secondly, the properties of water themselves. It can contain a great many different impurities, which can provoke not only banal corrosion, but also contribute to precipitation and plaque on pipes.

It is the occurrence of deposits from all of the above that can lead to the quality of the operation of the heat elements of the system.

An interesting fact is that even a layer of deposits is only seven to nine millimeters, the efficiency of the heating system drops by more than 42%.

And, of course, all this affects the life of the heating elements in general, they quickly become unusable.

Types of flushing heating systems

Chemical flushing of heating

This method is based on the dissolution of various substances deposited on pipes in chemical compounds. This is one of the most effective, used and proven ways to clean the heating system from excess.

Chemicals liquefy all components of deposits, scale, which are then naturally washed out of the heating system. As a rule, the composition of such substances includes an element that protects pipes from the appearance of signs of rust, and extend the period of operation.

In order to clean the pipes in this way, you must have special equipment.

Usually, specialists use pumps in such cases. It is needed so that after injecting a chemical solution into heating devices, the pump gives direction to its movement through the system. The time spent on cleaning depends on each material in the heating system, the strength of the dirt and the selected substance. In addition, the process of enveloping pipes from the inside with an oxide film also has its own time frame.

This method has several significant advantages:

  • Firstly, this is the cheapest and most proven method of cleaning the heating system;
  • Secondly, the speed of manifestation of results, it is very high;
  • Thirdly, flushing can be carried out without stopping the heating, which allows it to be used at different times of the year.

The disadvantages of the method are that, first and foremost, it cannot be used for flushing aluminum pipes(since this can destroy their integrity), second, like any chemical, the solution is toxic.

Sequence of actions when using this method flushing the heating system

  1. First, try to consider the existing heating system in as much detail as possible in order to select the right chemical solution.
  2. Pay attention to the instructions for the composition. Means can have a different consistency and it is necessary to dilute the chemical as it is written in the recommendations for it.
  3. Connect the pump to the system, having previously filled the tank intended for this with the composition.
  4. Make sure that chemical agent circulates in the system. We repeat that the time depends on the strength and composition of the pollution.
  5. Remove the chemical from the system, flush it with water and refill.

Dispersed flushing heating

Let's call this method the "second" generation of chemical. Its action is as follows: chemical composition does not react with metal and only affects the polluting composition (silt, dirt, scale) and its interaction with the heating system. A pump is also needed.

The advantages of this method can be called:

  1. Firstly, this method is suitable for any heating system, no matter what material it is made of, and for any time of the year.
  2. Secondly, the reagents are non-toxic.
  3. Thirdly, as in the case of the first method, all pollutants are already removed at the stage of decomposition and cannot re-create a congestion. And, of course, in the future, our heating system will be protected during further operation.

Instruction:

  1. Determine required amount solution selected specifically for your heating system.
  2. Connect the pump to the system by filling the appropriate container with the reagent.
  3. After cleaning, flush the system, dispose of the composition.
  4. If you are cleaning during the heating period, then you need to connect a device that will close the heating system.

This method is based on descaling by supplying water under high pressure through certain nozzles. This is an environmentally friendly method, which, by the way, copes well with pollution on cast iron. Due to the properties of this metal, chemical method may not be very efficient. However, it is relatively more expensive (since special equipment is needed that can give a jet of water under pressure of several hundred atmospheres) and high-quality cleaning will not come out without the help of third parties. The fact is that before you start cleaning, you need to treat the dirt with a solution that can soften them.

Pneumopulse method of flushing the heating system

This method is based on generating small explosions. air bubbles, which are able to tear off pollution from the inside. For this, the following are used: an air gun, a switch, equipment for supplying air with an accumulation system (for example, a compressor), adapter (connecting) hoses.

How does the installation work?

First, the air gun is connected to heating pipes through the hose and switch, then comes the transmitter compressed air. Further, a liquid is passed through this entire system, which sets the piston in motion and, in fact, starts the installation.

If you decide to use a compressor to supply air, then when water is introduced and the piston position changes under its pressure, the empty container begins to fill with air. After the cylinder is full, part of the air will move into the piston, which, directing it into the heating system, will create a shock wave.

In order to completely clean the system, you need from two to five strokes. The process itself will take several minutes, and is completely independent of electricity - the installation works autonomously.

Of the minuses this method you can call it a limited range, due to the characteristics of the gun.

The easiest way to implement, and which will not require any investment other than labor.

This is the usual mechanical cleaning, which is possible in any apartment, house.

Instruction:

  1. First of all, it is necessary to disconnect the radiator from the system and drain all the liquid from it. Be sure to cover all surfaces with unnecessary rags so as not to spoil or damage the coating. If you have a special tap on the batteries, this will greatly facilitate the task. In the event that the house is cast iron batteries, it may be necessary to remove them a heating element(to make it easier to unwind the connection).
  2. Next, the radiator must be flushed. The easiest way to do this is in the bathroom, directing water from the shower hose at maximum pressure into the pipes. You need to do this for as long as it will run rusty water. If there is too large and noticeable layer of deposits inside the pipes, use a metal fixture. As soon as the pollution stops washing out of the battery, the cleaning is completed.
  3. We wash the pipes in the same way, cleaning individual segments.
  4. Be sure to clean the threads from corrosion before assembling the system.

Buying Tips

  • Please note that aluminum bimetal radiators, convectors have a relatively small volume, in which the circulation rate of the coolant does not allow sediment to be released.
  • choose closed systems. Since in such systems the volume of water does not change, the volume of pollution that appears new remains the same.
  • Connect batteries from below. As already mentioned, deposits accumulate on horizontal lines, which means that the bulk will leave with the flow of the coolant.
  • Install a dirt filter. This is a relatively cheap fixture that will make cleaning easier for you. It is much easier to remove scale from one part than to clean the entire riser.

Video - how to clean a heating radiator with your own hands

"On the approval of the Rules technical operation thermal power plants"

9.2.9. Flushing of systems is carried out annually after the end of heating period and after installation, overhaul, current repair with pipe replacement open systems systems must also be disinfected prior to commissioning).

The systems are flushed with water in quantities exceeding the calculated flow rate of the coolant by 3-5 times annually after the heating period, while achieving complete clarification of the water. When carrying out hydropneumatic flushing, the flow rate of the water-air mixture should not exceed 3-5 times the calculated flow rate of the coolant. The system is flushed with tap water or process water. In open heat supply systems, the final flushing after disinfection is carried out with water that meets the requirements of the current standard for drinking water, until the indicators of discharged water reach the required sanitary standards for drinking water, for condensate pipelines, the quality of the discharged water must comply with the requirements depending on the condensate use scheme.

Disinfection of heat consumption systems is produced in accordance with the requirements established by sanitary norms and rules, as well as recommendations and methods approved by heat supply organizations:

A program for hydropneumatic flushing is being developed, which is agreed with the Heat Supply Organization,

At the end of flushing, the pipelines of the heating system are disinfected, after which samples are taken, which are transferred to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Based on the analysis protocol, an Act is drawn up.

9.2.10. Connection of systems that have not been flushed, and in open systems - flushing and disinfection, is not allowed.

Hydropneumatic flushing heating is the most efficient, reliable, relatively inexpensive and commonly used method of flushing the heating system in buildings for any purpose, regardless of the type of wiring.

Heating flushing can be carried out as network water(from the "supply" or "return" pipeline), and hot or cold water. It is important that the required flow of water and air is ensured. Wash water is discharged into the sewer. Rinsing is carried out until the washing water is completely clarified.

The flushing effect is achieved by:

1. High flow rate of flush water in combination with air purge of pipelines of the heating system, which ensures the removal of deposits from pipes, radiators, convectors, etc.

2. Periodic supply of compressed air to the heating system together with water by a compressor, which greatly enhances the effect of flushing and removal of deposits. When flushing, the maximum pressure reached in the pipelines of the heating system does not exceed the hydraulic column of the liquid, which corresponds to the height of the building (for example: in a four-story building, the pressure in the pipelines will not exceed 1.2 atm.).

3. Flushing is carried out "countercurrent", i.e. against the movement of the coolant in the heating system.

4. At the end of hydropneumatic flushing, the remaining air is discharged through the air vents, and the system is filled with "prepared" water from the heating main with an overpressure in the system of 2.0-2.5 atm.

5. Before starting the hydropneumatic flushing, a hydraulic test(pressure testing) of the heating system with pressure, 1.25 of the working pressure. For hydraulic testing, high-pressure electric pumps are used, which allow you to set the pressure of the required value

Chemical flush heating systems, heat exchangers, including plate heat exchangers, boilers are carried out along the contour, using a special installation, which allows, during flushing, not to dismantle and disassemble the equipment (heat exchanger). High-performance solutions are used, which include, if necessary, corrosion inhibitors, which avoids the dissolution of materials in contact with the washing solution. Chemical flush in each specific case, it is carried out strictly individually, for which the company's specialists first inspect the object, get acquainted with the available documentation, and only after that give their recommendations for carrying out chemical washing. Waste solutions are neutralized and discharged into the sewer.

The maintenance of a residential building is inextricably linked with the use of communication systems, which include the heating infrastructure. An extensive network of pipelines through which hot water circulates is subjected to serious loads, both mechanical and chemical influences. Under the influence of scale and additives contained in the coolant, pipes clog and, as a result, service equipment fails. As a result, a residential building is required, which will restore the previous working state of the system. One of the most effective means such maintenance can be called hydropneumatic cleaning.

When should flushing be done?

Since the operation is very laborious and requires appropriate technical organization process, it is not advisable to carry it out as a routine preventive measure. Nevertheless, there are certain rules according to which the heating system of a residential building should be flushed. The instruction, in particular, prescribes it to be carried out immediately after installation and repair of the heating system, as well as to carry out cleaning to remove dirt after completion heating season.

Usually, servicing authorities monitor the intervals for performing this procedure, but owners of private houses can independently determine the need for hydropneumatic flushing by the following signs:

  • Uncharacteristic sounds in the boiler equipment.
  • Uneven distribution of the coolant.
  • The temperature difference in individual components systems.
  • Increased time to reach the optimum temperature.

All of the above signs indicate that there are violations in the circulation of the liquid - as a rule, this is due to contamination in the tees, docking points and crosses.

Preparing for flushing

In order to achieve maximum productivity during hydraulic flushing, it is necessary to properly prepare for it. The flushing of heating systems of residential buildings demonstrates the greatest effect when working in conditions where there is an accurate pressure power for specific parts of the system. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a survey of all elements of the heating infrastructure.

During the implementation of this activity, the areas that will have to be washed separately or in groups are also determined. For example, a riser can be cleaned together with other elements of the pipeline or separately. If necessary, the presence of shut-off valves should also be provided. When flushing residential heating systems, shut-off elements are used to shut off pipe sections and remove washed particles from the system. It is also necessary to determine whether pressure testing is needed, that is, a hydraulic test.

Hydropneumatic Flushing Technology

In essence, this method ensures that the medium is bubbling under the action of compressed air. As a result, flushing the heating system of a residential building with a compressor generates a rapid movement of the coolant in the water supply system. The discharge of water for the flushing operation can be carried out directly into the drain or, if such devices are not available, into the most accessible storm drain or into a special chamber. Then pumping water follows. At the time of compressed air inlet into the serviced area, water should not penetrate into the receiver. This condition must be controlled using a valve on the water supply - it should be opened only at the moments when the receiver pressure exceeds that in the pipeline.

Applied equipment

In the process of cleaning heat communications, mobile compressor stations are usually used, the productivity of which can reach 6 m 3 / min. The pressure level in the compressors is about 6 atm. These units include models DK-9 and VKS-1, as well as other representatives of similar diesel stations. It should be borne in mind that hydropneumatic flushing of the heating system of a residential building can be carried out in different modes. The choice of one of them is determined by the drainage, the capacity of the equipment and the planned Optimal mode it is customary to consider the movement of the mixture, in which there are shocks, as well as alternate breakthroughs of air bubbles and water.

Flushing Methods

There are two methods of flushing - the filling method and the flow technique. In the first case, a clear sequence of actions to be performed is provided. First, the pipeline is filled with coolant, after which the valve must be closed. Further, compressed air is supplied to the second branch pipe for 20 minutes. This time may be different - depending on the degree of contamination and the diameters of the pipes being washed. After the air supply is interrupted, the valve closes and the water drains through the downpipe. When the hydropneumatic flushing of the heating systems of residential buildings by the filling method is completed, the system is again cleaned with circulating water.

The second method also involves filling with water, after which the valve closes and the compressed air supply begins. Both water and air environment. Flushing is completed when purified water without impurities begins to flow through the nozzle. Next, the liquid enters the drain.

Three-stage flushing of heavily contaminated systems

Usually this method is applied to heating systems that have not been flushed long time. Three steps allow you to deal with the most common pollution, as well as prepare the conditions for further preventive cleaning measures. At the first stage, a standard flushing of the heating systems of residential buildings is carried out by the hydropneumatic method, in which it is supplied for each serviced riser from the bottom to the top. The operation is performed with the pipeline filled with water, providing the effect of loosening the deposits. At the second stage, the risers are cleaned with a mixture of water and air. The final stage involves flushing the distributing pipelines with air-water pressure.

Crimping

This operation is carried out after each repair of the heating system. As a rule, it is also the next event immediately after the flushing of the heating system of a residential building or premises is completed. The purpose of pressure testing is to check pipes for leaks. This is done by monitoring the pressure readings on the manometer and visual inspection systems. You can start the process by turning on cold water. During the period until the pressure remains in the optimal operating range, the pressure gauge data should be checked - in case of deviations, it is necessary to use napkins or toilet paper conduct an audit of the most doubtful places (joints, transitions, connection points, etc.). If there are no leaks, then the heating system can be put into operation.

Conclusion

Maintaining an optimal operating condition in the heating system inevitably involves preventive measures pipeline cleaning. Each of existing methods can show a qualitative result only with proper technological preparation. In this regard, flushing the heating system of a residential building with your own hands using the method of hydropneumatic cleaning gives good results when minimal cost. Of course, you will need special compressor equipment, but it can also be rented. One way or another, but such washing results cannot be achieved. alternative ways without professional equipment.

Gradual corrosion of metal on the inner surface of pipes and radiators in the heating circuit, crystallization of salts in the coolant, lead to clogging of the heating system and a decrease in its overall efficiency.

Regular flushing of the heating system with the removal of foreign particles from the heating circuit will help prevent this.

For normal functionality, nothing should interfere with the movement of the coolant through the channels built for it.

There are several symptoms that a large amount of debris has accumulated inside the heating circuit, and scale has settled on the walls of the pipes. There are no obvious visual signs of clogging of the heating system.

You can diagnose it by carefully monitoring the operation of the entire system and the appearance of a number of indirect signs:

  • warming up the system takes longer than before (for autonomous heating systems);
  • the operation of the boiler is accompanied by sounds uncharacteristic for it;
  • increased consumption of gas or electricity;
    temperature in different parts radiators varies significantly;
  • radiators are noticeably cooler than supply pipes.

However, weak or uneven heating of the batteries is not always a sign of clogging. Perhaps they were airing. In such a situation, it is enough to reset the air lock through.

Without regular flushing of heating systems, pipes become overgrown, their flow area decreases, resulting in an increase in hydraulic resistance

In houses with a centralized heating system, flushing must be carried out by employees of the heating company. In a private house, this procedure is carried out by the owners or invited specialists.

Image gallery

So, for example, in systems district heating the coolant must go through a water treatment cycle, which reduces the degree of pollution. True, this rule is not always followed. And the system itself is often in operation for the third or fourth decade, and the amount of garbage circulating inside increases every year.

But for both centralized networks and for, it is recommended to flush annually. Which, by the way, is confirmed by the requirements of building codes. It is this period that is considered critical for the accumulation of the amount of debris inside the circuit, which significantly reduces the efficiency of work.

If the system is not flushed before the start of the heating season, the pipeline becomes clogged, appliances and heating equipment fail prematurely

Options for flushing heating systems

Depending on the degree of clogging of the heating system, the volumes and length of the circuits, several options for flushing heating systems can be implemented:

  • mechanical;
  • hydrochemical;
  • hydrodynamic;
  • hydropneumatic;
  • electrohydropulse.

The first two methods do not require sophisticated equipment and can be carried out without problems. on their own. The rest of the methods assumes the appropriate level of technical equipment of the performers. Therefore, for their implementation, you will either have to rent equipment, or invite specialists who perform such work.

Batteries accumulate solid particles that precipitate, which can be removed by mechanical cleaning and further flushing. clean water from the tap

But in any case, there are certain rules for flushing autonomous or central heating systems, non-compliance with which will make the procedure ineffective. Next, let's talk in detail about each of the cleaning options, so that the effect of the procedure is maximum.

Method # 1 - mechanical flushing

It should be noted right away that such flushing is focused, first of all, on cleaning radiators from accumulated dirt, and to a lesser extent from scale on the inner surface of the circuit. stop valve, expansion tank and, if it is built into the system, it will have to be cleaned separately.

Before starting flushing, care should be taken to ensure that the spent, during the cleaning process, goes out in a minimum amount. It is necessary to start the procedure by closing the valves that limit the flow of coolant into the circuit.

If the procedure is carried out in a high-rise building, then the valves are usually located in the basement of the house. In a private house, the valves are closed before and after the boiler.

Image gallery

The next step is to drain the coolant from the circuit. This can be done either through the drain valve, which was originally installed during the installation of the system. If there is no such tap, then draining is done by unscrewing the plug on the radiator located below or farthest from all the others.

It is most convenient to discharge the coolant through a hose connected to drain cock and brought to the toilet or other plumbing fixture connected to the sewer. Mechanical cleaning will be more effective if you first dismantle the batteries and clean the pipes separately.

When dismantling the system for flushing and cleaning mechanically more convenient to use universal tool- pipe wrench

The procedure for dismantling radiators from different materials essentially no different. But in any case, you should prepare a container for draining the remaining coolant. To carry out the procedure itself, you will need keys of the appropriate size. To unify the process, it will be useful to have a pipe wrench in the arsenal - the “butt”.

Depending on which one, the dismantling procedure is also different. In any case, the radiator has an inlet and outlet for the coolant. In the process of dismantling, we release the union nuts connecting the radiators with pipes. On the first one or two turns of the nut, you must be prepared for the fact that the remaining water will begin to ooze from the connection. We collect it with a rag.

After the looseness of the untwisted joint " pipe-radiator» increases, we collect the flowing coolant into a container - a basin, a trough or something similar. At the same time, we carefully monitor that the coolant does not leak to the lower floor.

Flushing of heating devices can be carried out without dismantling the system. Cleaning is carried out with a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, exposure to chemical solvents or electrical impulses

After dismantling the radiator, we take it out either into the yard or into the bathroom. At the same time, we cover the plumbing from damage enamel coating thick fabric, which is then not a pity to throw away. or baths must be covered with a mesh to prevent clogging of the siphon and sewerage.

Mechanical cleaning of the radiator can be done with a cable, similar to the one used to clean the sewer. We carry out the same procedure with pipelines. However, for a network with big amount turns mechanical flushing will be difficult.

After the cleaning of the batteries and pipelines is completed, we proceed to flush them with water. We wash the radiators in the same place in the bath or in the yard, directing a jet of water from a hose inward.

For flushing pipes, it is more convenient to use hoses with adapters. They allow hermetically docking hoses for supplying water to the heating circuit and for draining it into the sewer. Flushing the heating system with water is carried out until it becomes clean at the outlet.

Draining fluid from heavy cast iron radiator better done together

After flushing the radiators and pipes, you can repeat the mechanical cleaning procedure. To make the procedure more efficient, it is better to insert the cable in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the coolant.

This is done so that the “flakes” that have settled in the direction of movement are torn off as a result of mechanical contact. If there is less dirt in the outflowing water than during the first round of cleaning, then the procedure is effective.

Method # 2 - hydrodynamic cleaning

When choosing this method of cleaning systems, the procedure will require special equipment. Water in this case is not supplied from a tap using a conventional hose, but from a high-pressure pump.

Sometimes, during hydrodynamic flushing, the pump is connected to the gap in the heating circuit as far as possible from the discharge point dirty water. But more often a special hose with a trailer is used for these purposes.

The design of the end nozzle has holes of small diameter. Through them the water under the high pressure is coming out.

It is the accentuated effect of water jets supplied under pressure that makes it possible to effectively deal with mud and salt deposits. The supply hose can be deliberately stopped at potentially problem areas for more efficient cleaning.

For flushing the heating circuit hydrodynamic way require equipment capable of required pressure water. The disadvantage of the method is that it helps to free the system only from water-soluble substances.

When selecting a hose for hydrodynamic flushing, it must be taken into account that with sufficient rigidity it is possible to apply pressure further from the inlet. True, at the bends of the pipes of the heating system, such a hose is problematic to move further.

Therefore, when carrying out hydrodynamic flushing using a hose, it will be necessary to sequentially open the heating circuit in several places to supply water to all points.

Method # 3 - chemical flushing of the system

Flushing can also be performed without mechanical intervention. For these purposes, there are either ready-made chemical compounds, or solutions that are easy to prepare handicraft. Dismantling of heating radiators is not required.

The figure shows sections of the pipeline before (left) and after (right) the application of a chemical solution to clean the heating system. The hydrochemical method of cleaning consists in the action of aqueous solutions of various solvents on the inner surface of the pipeline, instruments, fittings

The disadvantage of chemical washing is the prohibition of the use for washing aluminum radiators and in in large numbers caustic solutions that require disposal in specially designated areas.

If the heating circuit is not very clogged, then for its preventive flushing it is quite possible to use:

  • caustic soda;
  • vinegar;
  • available acids (phosphoric, orthophosphoric and others);
  • whey and others.

But it is better to use specially designed formulations for these purposes. Their packaging will not only indicate the recommended use case (, nature of pollution, etc.), but also detailed instructions by application.

Orientation to the instructions will allow not only to use the composition as efficiently as possible, but also to clean the heating system at the lowest cost.

Before starting a chemical flush, carefully read the instructions on the reagent package. All instructions of the manufacturer of the cleaning agent must be followed exactly.

It is recommended to maintain the time intervals of the reagents as accurately as possible. At the same time, in autonomous systems don't forget to include circulation pump to ensure even distribution of the "activated" coolant.

To carry out this type of flushing, it is useful to have at its disposal a pump with a capacity - a booster. In order to connect it to the system, it is necessary to organize a gap in the circuit. This can be done, for example, by disconnecting the direct flow from the boiler to the heating circuit. Also, a tap must be provided in the circuit to dump the used reagent.

With the help of a booster, you can flush not only the entire heating system, but also its individual components

In order for the destruction of scale on pipes and radiators to be uniform, after pumping the reagent, we leave it in the system for a period of several hours to several days. The main disadvantage of this cleaning method is the possible negative effect of the active substance on the surface of the pipes. Therefore, after processing the system, we rinse it with clean water.

A more gentle, but similar in action, method of cleaning the pipes of the heating system from overgrowth is dispersed cleaning.

In this case, a reagent is introduced into the system, which acts exclusively on the settled particles. In this case, the metal remains without negative impact. And the procedure itself is similar to chemical cleaning.

Image gallery

Method #4 - hydropneumatic cleaning

One of the most effective and harmless to equipment cleaning options for accumulated dirt is flushing the heating system. hydropneumatic method. Its essence lies in the supply of air under high pressure into the heating circuit.

Air is supplied to the circuit by a compressor. In this case, turbulent flows are created inside the pipelines with a large kinetic energy. Due to this, there is a breakdown of growths from the inner surface and the washing out of accumulated dirt from the radiators.

Turbulent flows do not pass through the heating circuit constantly, but from time to time in the form of short-term impulses. These impulses are generated by air gun. The connection of the compressor to the circuit is carried out through check valve. This will prevent water from entering the compressor.

Pressurized air can be supplied through the inlet (outlet) of one of the radiators or a hose can be connected instead of a plug

For flushing, we block the flow of coolant into the circuit. Then turn on the compressor air gun. If flushing is performed without dismantling the radiators, then on the farthest radiator we unscrew the plug and connect the garbage disposal hose through the adapter and bring it into the toilet.

The first air supply to the system should be done in the direction opposite to the direction of circulation of the coolant. A repeat procedure can be performed by changing direction (reversing the hoses for supplying pressure and dumping debris).

Can hydropneumatic Flushing should be carried out with the dismantling of radiators. It will be more troublesome, but also more efficient. Then it is better to take the batteries outside and rinse there.

After the end of the flushing procedure, we connect the circuit to the boiler and let it into the coolant pipeline. Those debris that is in the system will be washed out with water.

Then briefly block the flow of coolant, undock drain hose and put the plug back in place. Now you can start the system to work.

A coaxial cable as a full-fledged generator of electrical impulses can be fed into a heat exchanger of any type and into a system of almost any diameter and configuration

Method #5 - electrohydropulse technique

The operation of this flushing method is based on the use of electrical impulse energy, which is aimed at destroying salts that have settled on the walls of pipelines. It is effective precisely for such a fight against such clogging of heating systems. The pipes themselves are not affected.

Which option for flushing the system to choose and how exactly to perform the procedure - with the involvement of specialists or on your own - it all depends on the characteristics of the dwelling and the capabilities of its owner, as well as the option chosen and the availability, if necessary, of special equipment

A special apparatus is used to generate an electrical impulse. A coaxial cable is connected to it, at the opposite end of which a discharge is formed, the shock wave from which destroys scale on the inner surface.

After that, the system is washed with clean water to remove foreign particles separated from the surfaces.

Carrying out the cleaning of the system by the electric pulse method of cleaning requires the presence of special equipment. But its efficiency is quite high and there is no need to disassemble the system for flushing. At the same time, unlike chemical cleaning, all slag can be poured into the sewer without hesitation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1 Application efficiency hydropneumatic flushing radiators can be estimated by the amount of dirt thrown out:

Video #2 Subtleties of execution chemical type flushing the heating system are set out in the following plot provided by the owner of a private household:

Any of the considered options for flushing heating systems is not an overly complicated procedure. With some experience in plumbing work and, in some cases, special equipment that can be rented, this operation can be done by hand.

Scheduled flushing and pressure testing of the heating system maintains the stable operation of heating networks. Flushing the heating circuits allows you to clean internal surfaces from the formed scale, rust, plaque and deposits. Periodic pressure testing ensures established by the norms heat transfer at a given pressure. Well-maintained equipment helps to reduce energy costs, maintain productivity and high performance of the heating system.

What is flushing and pressure testing of the heating system

building codes and the rules regulate the sequence and technical details performance of work on flushing and pressure testing of heating. They contain diagrams and instructions that serve as a binding guide. Based on the provisions set out in the SNiP, the essence of the concepts of “flushing” and “pressure testing” follows. This is a complex of works, including chemical, hydropneumatic cleaning, hydraulic testing and adjustment heating equipment.

What is flushing

Flushing prepares heating network for testing; apply different ways cleaning of the inner walls of the pipeline. Compressors or special installations are used for these purposes.

Flushing pump for heating systems

Pipe deposits contain ferrous oxide, oxides of magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc and trivalent sulfur oxide. Is it worth it to remove such a plaque? The presence of plaque leads to an increased load on the heating equipment, provokes breakdowns and gusts, and at the same time reduces the efficiency of the heating main.

Comparison: unrefined and new pipe

Important! Flushing of heating systems should be carried out every 5-7 years. Missing the deadlines is fraught with disruption of the heating season and interruptions in the operation of the system.

The essence of the pressing procedure

Pressure testing is a hydraulic test of the system in order to check it for leaks and breakdowns, adjust the pressure indicators in accordance with the standards. Tests are carried out by supplying pressurized water or air to the system using a hydraulic pump.

Electric pump for crimping

Pressing is carried out in the following cases:

  • upon completion of heating installation (commissioning of the system);
  • when replacing heating appliances and parts of the pipeline;
  • when preparing the system for the heating season.

Among key indicators, affecting the coolant and the quality of heating, is the working pressure. The pressure limits depend on the number of storeys and the type of building. Failures in the movement of the coolant caused by deposits in pipes, leaks, breakage of devices lead to sudden pressure drops.

Important! If the pressure is 40% or more higher than the operating parameters, flushing and pressure testing of the heating is mandatory.

The sequence of work on pressure testing of the heating system

How to prepare the heating system for pressure testing

The main purpose of pressure testing is to check the heating circuit for leaks. Injected during testing overpressure provokes the failure of units, devices unsuitable for further operation and helps to identify emergency areas.

On the preparatory stage turn off the entire heating system, drain the coolant (antifreeze or water). Before pressure testing, inspect nodes, valves and other stop valves, cut off the heating circuit with a plug from the common line. If necessary, restore the insulation of the pipeline and change the stuffing box seals.

The process of pressure testing the heating system

The procedure itself includes the following steps:

  • filling the system with water or air at an acceptable pressure (1.5 times higher than the working pressure), hydraulic or pneumatic equipment is used;
  • identification of problems in the system;
  • detection of leaks, places of exit of water and air.

Important! When testing, the following parameters should be taken into account:

  • type of pipeline (from what material, wall thickness);
  • reinforcement characteristics;
  • number of storeys of the building;
  • wiring type.

In order to avoid a rupture of the pipeline during the test, the readings of pressure gauges are monitored. To detect leaks in high-rise building, the descent of air or water is carried out at a pressure higher than the working one by 30%. The set value is monitored for half an hour, if the readings remain stable, then the crimping is considered completed.

A drop in pressure indicates depressurization, leaks in the heating circuit. Find the location of the accident. Before repair, water is drained (partial drain is allowed), tightness is restored, then pressure testing is carried out again.

At what pressure are tests carried out?

In order to choose the right pressure for pressure testing, they are guided by the operating pressure indicators: for private houses - 1.5-2 atmospheres, for low-rise buildings with centralized network- 2-4 atmospheres, in 9-storey buildings - 5-7 atmospheres, in high-rise buildings - 7-10 atmospheres, from the CHP along the heating main, the coolant pressure is 12 atmospheres.

Indicators allowable pressure in pipes

Crimping work at the start of new heating equipment is carried out at a pressure twice the standard values. All subsequent tests are done with an increase in pressure by 20-50% of the operating parameters.

Who does heating pressure testing?

The responsibility for the preparation of heating systems lies with the organizations operating the premises. Residential buildings are serviced by public utilities employees of management companies. In the administrative industrial premises such work is carried out by service personnel.

Based on safety standards and position professional approach, if necessary, it is better to contact certified personnel if pressure testing and flushing of heating is necessary. Qualified crimpers own necessary knowledge and technologies. In addition, they have special equipment and the ability to work freely on thermal node.

Video: flushing the heating system and heat exchangers

What else to read