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Which heating system to choose: single-pipe or two-pipe. Which heating system is better: one-pipe or two-pipe? One or two pipe heating system

It is quite difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question which heating system is better: one-pipe or two-pipe, because each system is suitable for various situations. In this article we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each system and answer the question in what situations one or another scheme should be used.

Which systems will be compared?

It should be immediately noted that for comparison we will take equally well-functioning systems, i.e. single-pipe and two-pipe schemes, in which all heating devices heat up to approximately the same temperature and are capable of maintaining the required temperature in a single private house. Those. we will not consider a single-pipe system in which, for example, the first radiator heats up to 60°C, and the last one to 40°C, because Such indicators indicate that the system is not working correctly.

Therefore, there is no point in considering such a “non-working” system, even though such a single-pipe system will have some advantages over a similar two-pipe system, primarily regarding cost. Such a one-pipe initial stage will be cheaper, but in the future this cheapness will lead to unsatisfactory heating of the latest radiators. That is why we consider only correctly operating systems that will delight the owners of the house with equally heated radiators in all rooms.

Comparable parameters

The following parameters will determine which heating system is better, single-pipe or double-pipe, and in what situations one or another system should be used.

Price

A single-pipe heating system is more expensive. The high cost consists of two main factors:

The need to increase the number of sections in each radiator next in the direction of coolant circulation. A single-pipe circuit consists of one supply pipeline through which the coolant passes through the entire heating circuit, sequentially entering each heating device. From each radiator, the coolant leaves several degrees colder than when entering the radiator (part of the heat, about 10°C, is transferred to the room). Therefore, if a coolant with a temperature of 60°C enters the first radiator, then a coolant with a temperature of 50°C comes out of the radiator, after which the 2 flows are mixed in the supply line, as a result of which the coolant enters the second heating device with a temperature of about 55°C . Thus, after each radiator there will be a loss of about 5°C. It is to compensate for these losses that it is necessary to increase the number of sections for each subsequent heating device.

In a two-pipe scheme, there is no need to increase the number of radiator sections, because Each device receives coolant at almost the same temperature. The two-pipe contains both a supply and a return line, to which each heating device is simultaneously connected. Having passed through the radiator, the coolant immediately enters the return line and is sent to the boiler for further heating. Thus, each radiator receives almost the same temperature (heat losses are present, but they are very insignificant).

Note! Best use single-pipe schemes are small heating systems where there are no more than 5 radiators. With such a number of heating devices, the coolant, sequentially passing through all 5 radiators, does not lose heat in such critical quantities as in single-pipe systems with a large number heating devices.

The need to use an enlarged supply pipeline. If the supply pipeline is too “thin”, this will lead to the fact that many radiators simply do not receive the heated coolant. A large diameter pipe allows you to deliver heated coolant to as many heating devices as possible. The thicker the supply pipe, the fewer sections need to be added to each radiator.

Thus, an increase in the number of radiator sections and an increase in the diameter of the supply line makes a single-pipe system more expensive in comparison with a similar two-pipe system.

Economical

The two-pipe scheme is more economical in operation. As noted above, in order to achieve uniform heating of all radiators in a single-pipe circuit, it is necessary to use a “thick” feed, as well as an increase in the number of sections in the radiators. All this increases the volume of coolant, and the more coolant in the system, the more fuel is required to heat it. Therefore, to the question which heating system is better, one-pipe or two-pipe in terms of efficiency, the answer will be in favor of the two-pipe system.

Installation process

Single-pipe system is more complex in calculations, because you should correctly calculate how many sections should be enlarged for each subsequent heating device. Besides this, special attention It is necessary to pay attention to the calculation of the supply line and radiator connections.

Conclusion

It is most advisable to use a two-pipe scheme in extended heating systems with a large number of heating devices. This is an economical, efficient, easy-to-install system.

On the contrary, the single-pipe scheme is most suitable for small systems, in which there is a small number of heating devices (no more than 5 radiators).

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All heating systems today are divided into two main types: single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems. Each type has its own characteristics and features, but two-pipe heating systems have become the most popular. Sometimes people wonder, single-pipe or two-pipe heating system - what to choose?

Single pipe heating system

Such a heating system is a closed loop, which is interrupted by the boiler. Installing such a system involves installing a pipeline throughout all rooms in the house. Radiators are connected to the pipes, and a coolant is introduced into the system (its role is most often played by distilled water), which ensures heat transfer to each room. The operating principle of such a heating system is based on the difference in water temperatures at the beginning of the cycle and during the reverse movement, that is, the water that has passed through the entire circuit returns to the boiler cooled.

Most often, this design uses natural coolant circulation. To do this, the heated water first rises to the maximum possible height, after which it gradually descends through the pipes, cooling as it moves.

The following can be connected to a one-pipe heating system:

thermostatic valves;
radiator regulators;
balancing valves;
ball valves.

These mechanisms allow for finer tuning of the heating system for high-quality and uniform heating of the entire building.

Characteristic features of a single-pipe heating system

The most important advantage of single-pipe heating system with natural circulation - no need for electricity. Instead, a significant disadvantage appears, which is expressed in the rather large diameter of the pipes and the need to create a constant pipeline slope.

Advantages of single-pipe heating over two-pipe heating:

Pipes can be connected to " heated floors» or heating radiators.
Such a system can be installed in any room, regardless of the layout.
Closed loop allows you to heat the entire building as a single fragment.
Such a system is much cheaper because it requires much less materials.

When using single pipe system very often there is a problem of “stagnation” of liquid in the pipeline. This problem is solved with the help of a pump that cuts into the system immediately in front of the boiler, at the very end of the return line.

IN multi-storey buildings Most often, a vertical single-pipe heating system is used, while a horizontal one is better suited for compact one-story houses. In this case, all heating elements are located at the same height, which gives rise to the following problem: water that has cooled in one radiator approaches the next one already cold. Such a system is much cheaper, but also has significant disadvantages.

Radiators in such a system are not controlled: a horizontal heating system does not imply free adjustment of each heating device. If necessary, bypasses can be built into such a system, which make it possible to bypass the coolant bypassing a separate radiator, but such a device will make the system more expensive. Turning off the radiator leads to the fact that the room begins to be heated due to the heat coming from the pipes or riser.

In addition, to effectively use this system, it is recommended to use heating elements different sizes. To equalize heat transfer, the first radiator installed should be quite small, and the last one should be much larger.

Two-pipe heating system

Despite the presence of a number of modifications, the two-pipe heating system operates on the same principle. The heated liquid rises through the riser, from where it enters the radiators. But if one pipeline circuit goes to the radiators, then the cooled liquid is removed using the second circuit. This is the point. Water enters such a system directly from the water supply. For the system to function properly, it needs an expansion tank, which can be simple or complex.

The simple one contains a container to which two pipes are connected. One of them is a riser designed to supply water, and the second pipe allows you to eliminate excess liquid(read: " "). IN complex design Four pipes are installed, two of which are responsible for the circulation of liquid, and the other two monitor the water level in the system and the tank itself.

Two-pipe heating systems work well in conjunction with a pump. Circulation can be carried out either with a passing flow or with a dead-end method. In the latter case, the heated and cooled liquid moves in opposite direction. Both circulation circuits have the same length, so all radiators provide equal heat transfer.

A two-pipe heating system outperforms a single-pipe heating system in a number of parameters:

Possibility of precise control over the uniformity of heat supply in different rooms.
The system is well suited for heating single-story buildings.
Locking riser systems can be located in the basement, thus saving on the usable area of the building.
There are practically no heat losses in this system.

The disadvantages of a two-pipe system include its high cost: the number of pipes will double compared to a single-pipe analogue. In addition, air will periodically appear in the supply line, and to eliminate it, it is necessary to install taps.

A horizontal closed two-pipe circuit can be equipped with upper and lower wiring. Using lower wiring allows you to add new heating devices to the system gradually, as new floors are built (more details: " "). The vertical system is well suited for houses with variable number of storeys. In any case, a two-pipe heating system will cost more than a single-pipe one, but its use will provide much greater comfort and convenience.

Single-pipe or two-pipe heating system: advantages and disadvantages

In single-pipe systems there are no return risers. The movement of the coolant in this case is ensured by natural circulation or a pump. The cooled liquid enters bottom part system, and along the way it is mixed with coolant from the supply riser. Closed circuit ensures constant circulation of fluid in the system. As water passes through the pipeline, it cools, so the surface area of the heating device located further from the boiler must be larger in order to increase heat transfer.

Single-pipe heating systems can be built according to two schemes: flow-through and mixed (read: " "). The flow circuit completely lacks any workarounds, so if one heating element fails, the entire system has to be turned off. This option is currently practically not used, since it is extremely irrational. However, single-pipe systems have a low cost due to the minimum of materials and easy installation. When installing such systems, top wiring is required.

Installation of heating systems

Single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems are installed differently, and the installation of a suitable system will depend on the selected parameters, and any specialist can calculate the cost of installation. If natural circulation is chosen for installation, then it would be advisable to install the upper wiring, and if you have a pump and there are no problems with the power supply, you can use the lower one.

In addition, heating system installation methods can be classified according to:

type of wiring;
number of risers;
type of pipe connection.

Bottom pipe connection is the most common. Usage this method allows you to run pipes under the floor or baseboard, which has a positive effect on the interior of the premises (more details: " ").

The main classification of heating installation methods is still based on the chosen scheme. Single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems have a lot in common, but the difference between them is too great to put them on the same page. The advantages of single-pipe heating are obvious: no high cost and ease of operation. But this system also has a lot of disadvantages, and the most important of them is that if the area of the house is too large (more than 100 sq.m.) or if there is a second floor, the single-pipe scheme simply will not justify itself. In such cases, it will be much more profitable to opt for a two-pipe heating system.

The last option also allows you to choose suitable way radiator installations:

sequentially;
parallel;
diagonally;
on the side.

You can see the installation methods in detail in the photo.

The classification of installation methods can also be carried out according to the location of the risers:

heating with horizontal wiring;
heating with vertical wiring;
heating without risers.

Conclusion

The single-pipe system is cheaper and simpler. The two-pipe system is more convenient and reliable. Regardless of whether a single-pipe or two-pipe heating system is installed in the house, heating of the premises will still occur. The final choice depends on the homeowner, but still the two-pipe system has a large number advantages, and its performance characteristics indicate that using such a scheme in your home will be more profitable and convenient.

The video shows a single-pipe and two-pipe heating system for comparison:

Almost every owner of a private home faces the question:
“Should I choose a two-pipe or one-pipe heating system?”

We will describe the main pros and cons of both systems, and then give our recommendations.

Single pipe heating system - a system in which the function of supplying and removing coolant is played by one pipe.

Advantages of a one-pipe system:

To supply coolant, one pipe is used instead of two. This is a direct saving of your money on the cost of pipes, fittings and installation work.
virtually does not require any adjustment of individual branches and risers.
has a smaller volume of coolant. In the case of using antifreeze, this is again a direct saving of your money.
increased hydraulic stability of this system.
if it is necessary to drain the system, this process speeds up and does not lead to an excessive volume of water in drain hole, because has a smaller volume of coolant.
installation time is shorter than in a two-pipe system.
if there is a ready-made (calculated) project with as-built diagrams and specified diameters, it does not require highly qualified installers.

Disadvantages of a one-pipe system:

increased vulnerability to defrosting of the entire system. Freezing of the system in at least one place makes the circuit inoperable.
as it moves away from the boiler, it requires an increased size of heating devices. Due to the fact that not only hot water(directly from the boiler), but also cooled down (from the heating devices), increasingly cooled water comes to the input of each subsequent radiator. But heat loss remains the same. To compensate for them, more sections are required. This factor directly negates and even detracts from the initial apparent gain in the cost of the material.

D double pipe heating system - a system in which two pipes are used to supply and remove coolant.

Advantages of a two-pipe system:

At the inlet of each radiator, a coolant arrives at a temperature that is actually equal to the boiler temperature (heat losses along the way, if the pipes are insulated according to standards, are insignificant). This means a smaller size of the heating device and, therefore, saving money.
less vulnerable to defrosting of the entire system (see explanation at the end of the article).
allows you to quickly find shortcomings and errors made during the installation process, and correct them without less serious consequences (than in the case of a single-pipe system).
less sensitive to errors made at the design stage.

Disadvantages of a two-pipe system.

Such a system has practically no disadvantages, with the exception of the cost and installation time, which are of course higher than in the case of a single-pipe system, but these disadvantages are more than compensated for by the convenience, quality and reliability of operation of this system.

After considering the pros and cons of the systems described, you can make your decision in favor of one option or another.

With all our knowledge of the matter, we strongly recommend choosing a two-pipe system.

In addition to the above-mentioned positive features of this scheme, we present one more consideration to justify our recommendation.

Imagine that you have a choice: you need to choose two electric garlands. In one garland the light bulbs are connected in series, and in the other in parallel. The criterion you follow is reliability, ease of operation and repair. Which one will you choose?

Let's say you take one where the bulbs are connected in series. What happens when one light bulb burns out? The chain breaks. The entire garland stops working.

What can you say about searching for a burnt-out light bulb in such a garland if you don’t have special devices?

Anyone who has been looking for such a light bulb knows how long it takes.

What does this example have to do with the heating system? The most direct.

We said above that a single-pipe system is most vulnerable to defrosting of the entire system. All heating devices “sit” on one pipe. And although technically it would be incorrect to say that they are connected in series (unless, of course, this is a type of single-pipe system - a flow-through system). Still, think about what would happen if at least 1 cm or 0.5 cm of water in this pipe froze (thresholds are especially vulnerable entrance doors or leaks in brick seams, especially when there is no insulation on the pipes or walls)?

Right. The whole system would come to a standstill. And gradually she would freeze all over.

What about finding a frozen section of pipe? Believe me - it is almost impossible!

Now let’s take a garland with parallel-connected light bulbs. What happens when one or two burn out?

Others continue to burn. Is it easy to find the light bulb that has burned out? Certainly. Everyone is on fire, but she is not!

The same applies to a two-pipe system. If it happens that the pipe going to one radiator freezes, this does not mean that the others will stop working.

Is it easy to find the radiator and, accordingly, the place where the accident occurred? Yes. You just need to touch it with your hand and everything will become clear.

Isn't this a powerful factor in favor of choice? two-pipe system?

Wondering: “Should I choose a two-pipe or one-pipe heating system?” Do not hesitate to choose a two-pipe heating system and you will never regret your choice!

For every private household, the installation of a heating system is considered one of the fundamental issues. Modern technologies construction offer two options: one-pipe or two-pipe system.

Here it is important not to cheapen out by trying to reduce installation costs and purchasing materials. And only after understanding the operating principle of these systems, their advantages and disadvantages, can you make the right choice.

The operation of a single-pipe heating system follows fairly simple principles. There is only one closed pipeline through which the coolant circulates. Passing through the boiler, the medium heats up, and passing through the radiators imparts this heat to them, after which, cooled, it again enters the boiler.

There is also only one riser in a single-pipe system, and its location depends on the type of building. So, for one-story private houses in the best possible way will do horizontal diagram, whereas for multi-storey buildings - vertical.

Pay attention! To pump coolant through vertical risers, a hydraulic pump may be needed.

To improve the efficiency of a single-pipe system, several improvements can be made. For example, install bypasses - special elements, which are pipe sections connecting the forward and return radiator pipes.

This solution makes it possible to connect thermostats to the radiator that can control the temperature of each heating element, or completely disconnect them from the system. Another advantage of bypasses is that they allow you to replace or repair individual heating elements without shutting down the entire system.

Installation features

So that the heating system for many years gave warmth to the owners of the house, during the installation process it is worth adhering to the following sequence of actions:

According to the developed project, the boiler is installed.
The pipeline is being installed. In places where the project provides for the installation of radiators and bypasses, tees are installed.
If the system works according to the principle natural circulation, it is necessary to provide a slope of 3-5 cm for each meter of length. For a forced circulation circuit, a slope of 1 cm per meter of length will be sufficient.
For systems with forced circulation, installation is carried out circulation pump. It is worth considering that the device is not designed for operation at high temperatures, so it would be better to install it near the entrance of the return pipe to the boiler. In addition, the pump must be connected to the electrical network.
Installation expansion tank. An open type tank should be located at the highest point of the system, a closed type - in any convenient place (most often it is mounted near the boiler).
Installation of heating radiators. They weigh a lot (especially when filled with water), so they are secured using special brackets, which are usually included in the kit. Installation is most often carried out under window openings.
Additional devices are being installed - Mayevsky taps, plugs, shut-off devices.
The final stage - testing finished system, for which water or air is supplied into it under pressure. If the tests do not reveal problem areas, the system is ready for operation.

Organizing the heating of a private home is not an easy job, requiring maximum attention to each stage. First of all, you need to decide which heating system to use: one-pipe or two-pipe? Your task is to choose the most effective option strapping, so as not to subsequently reap the fruits of your mistakes in the form of eternally cold ones. And to understand which system is better, let’s look at technical nuances and the operating principles of each, and also compare their pros and cons.

Distinctive features of a one-pipe system

Single-pipe piping operates to the utmost simple principle: water circulates through closed system from the heating device to the heating radiators. In this case, the equipment is united by one circuit. All technical units connected in series by a common riser. In a private house, a hydraulic pump can be used to supply coolant - it creates the pressure in the system necessary to effectively push water through the riser. Depending on the installation option, the single-pipe system is divided into two types:

Vertical - involves connecting radiators to one vertical riser according to the “top to bottom” scheme. Based on the installation features, the system is only suitable for two or three-story private houses. But at the same time, the heating temperature on the floors may differ slightly.
Horizontal – provides serial connection batteries using a horizontal riser. Best option for a one-story house.

Important! There should be no more than 10 radiators per riser of a single-pipe system, otherwise extremely uncomfortable temperature contrasts in different zones heating

Pros and cons of a single-pipe system

When it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of single-pipe piping, everything is not so simple, therefore, in order to rationally evaluate the system, we will understand in detail the specifics of its pros and cons.

Among the obvious advantages:

Cost-effective – assembly of a single-pipe system does not require large number working materials. Saving on pipes and other auxiliary elements makes it possible to reduce financial costs for connecting the heating system.
Easy to install - you only need to install one coolant line.

Single-pipe horizontal system heating

Disadvantages of single-pipe piping:

Inability to control individual batteries - in the basic version, single-pipe piping does not allow you to separately regulate the flow of coolant to a specific radiator and adjust the temperature in different rooms.
The interdependence of all elements - in order to repair or replace any device, it is necessary to completely turn off the heating system.

At the same time, if desired, the indicated shortcomings can be easily leveled with the help of closing devices - bypasses. They are jumpers with taps and valves that block the flow of coolant to a separate battery: if you need to repair any device, simply block the water supply to it and start repairing without fear of leakage necessary work– water will continue to circulate in normal mode common system heating, bypassing the blocked area. In addition, thermostats can be connected to the bypasses to control the operating power of each specific battery and separately regulate the room heating temperature.

Technical details of a two-pipe system

The two-pipe system works according to a complicated scheme: first hot coolant the first branch of the pipeline is supplied to the radiators, and then, having cooled down, the water flows through the return branch back to the heater. Thus, we have two fully functional pipes.

Like single-pipe piping, two-pipe piping can be made in two variations. So, depending on the connection characteristics heating equipment, highlight the following types heating systems:

Vertical - all devices are connected by a vertical riser. The advantage of the system is the absence of air locks. The downside is the relatively high cost of connection.
Horizontal - all components of the heating system are connected to a horizontal riser. Due to its high functionality, the harness is suitable for one-story dwellings with large area heating

Advice. When installing a two-pipe system horizontal type It is necessary to install a special Mayevsky valve in each radiator - it will perform the function of bleeding air plugs.

In turn, the horizontal system is divided into two more subtypes:

With bottom wiring: hot and return branches are located in the basement or under the floor of the lower floor. Heating radiators should be located above the heater level - this improves coolant circulation. An overhead air line must be connected to the common circuit - it removes excess air from the network.
WITH top wiring: hot and return branches are laid in the upper part of the house, for example, in a well-insulated attic. The expansion tank is also located here.

Pros and cons of a two-pipe system

Two-pipe piping boasts a considerable list of advantages:

Independence of system components - pipes are routed in a parallel manifold pattern, which ensures their isolation from each other.
Uniform heating - the coolant is supplied to all radiators, no matter where they are located, at the same temperature.

Two-pipe heating system

There is no need to use a strong hydraulic pump - the coolant circulates through the two-pipe system by gravity thanks to only gravitational force, so there is no need to use powerful heating for heating pumping equipment. And if it is observed weak pressure water flow, you can connect the simplest pump.
Possibility of “expanding” batteries - if necessary, after assembling the equipment, you can extend the existing horizontal or vertical piping, which is unrealistic with a single-pipe version of the heating system.

The two-pipe system also has disadvantages:

Complicated connection diagram for heating equipment.
Labor intensive installation.
The high cost of organizing heating due to large quantity pipes and auxiliary devices.

Now you know the difference between single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems, which means it will be easier for you to decide in favor of one of them. Before making your final choice, carefully evaluate the technical and functional pros and cons of each of the harnesses - this way you will understand exactly what system is needed to heat your particular private home.