Installation of thermal elevator units. The principle of operation of the heating elevator with an adjustable nozzle

For a heating system in residential premises, there is a norm for the temperature of the coolant. In accordance with established norm the temperature of the water that enters the radiators should not be more than +95 degrees. But along the mains of heating networks, a coolant can be supplied, the temperature of which exceeds this indicator and is in the range from 130 to 150 degrees. Therefore, it is necessary to lower the water temperature to the desired value. The solution of this problem is entrusted to the elevator heating unit.

it looks like an elevator for a heating system

The elevator works in this way: the coolant from the main is fed into a removable cone nozzle, in which the speed of water movement increases and as a result, the water jet from the nozzle enters the mixing chamber, where it mixes with chilled water that enters there through a jumper from the return pipeline.

After mixing the superheated main water and chilled water, the coolant of the required temperature enters the heating system and heating devices. And in order to prevent large particles from entering the elevator, a sump is installed in front of the device.

Elevators have become widespread due to their sustainable operation aimed at changing thermal and hydraulic modes in thermal networks.

Elevator heating units do not need constant monitoring. Their performance is regulated the right choice nozzle diameter. To select dimensions, pipe diameter elevator node and nozzle diameter must be contacted by the design office of the relevant competence.

Now let's take a closer look at how the elevator works in the heating system and whether it is possible to do without this device.

Scheme of the elevator heating unit

The scheme of the elevator unit for the heating system looks like this.

Here we see that this scheme includes a supply heat pipe (No. 1), as well as a return heat pipe (No. 2), other components of the elevator assembly are valves (No. 3), a water meter (No. 4), mud collectors (No. 5), pressure gauges and thermometers numbered 6 and 7, and, of course, the elevator itself (8) and heating devices (9).

Scheme of the elevator node

The diagram below shows the simplest basic configuration of an elevator assembly. But if necessary, the elevator unit can be supplemented with other elements: regulators, branches of primary and secondary coolants, filters, metering devices, etc.

The principle of operation of the elevator unit in the heating system

The operation of the elevator unit consists of several stages:

  1. Water from the main network enters the nozzle, narrowed at the outlet, and is accelerated due to the pressure drop.
  2. The superheated water comes out of the nozzle reduced pressure and with high speed. As a result, a vacuum is created and water is sucked into the elevator from the return pipeline.
  3. The amount of both superheated and return chilled water is regulated so that the temperature of the water that leaves the elevator unit corresponds to the design value.

We figured out that the elevator unit, located at the inlet to the local heating system, reduces the temperature of the coolant that is supplied from the central main network to the local heating system, this happens by mixing return water.

Now consider what consequences can be expected local sewerage if the elevator assembly is not installed.

Do I need an elevator in the heating system?

The elevator is a water-jet pump, which, due to the pressure drop, increases the pumping of the coolant in the internal heating system. That is, takes a certain amount of water from the main network, dilutes it with return chilled water from the local heating system and sends it back to the heating radiators to heat the apartments.

Now let's see what can happen to our heating without it. desired device. If water is supplied to the heating system above 130 degrees, then in apartments that are located at the beginning heating system, it will be very hot, and in apartments that are located a little further, a stable low temperature will be established.

Water cannot be supplied from high temperature(over 130 degrees) in cast iron batteries, which can burst with a sharp temperature drop. For polypropylene pipes, which are now universally installed in heating systems, working temperature water above 95 degrees is invalid. For a short time, polypropylene can withstand temperatures of 100 degrees.

From all this we can conclude that the elevator unit for our heating system is vital.

Optimization of centralized heating networks- one of the most acute problems of the domestic housing and communal complex. Hundreds of thousands of gigacalories are lost every year on the way to the consumer. Simultaneous many consumers receive excessive hot coolant. Adjustable elevator heating unit - effective solution for residential buildings and office buildings. Installation of equipment will allow you to set the optimal temperature regime in the heating system.

A feature of domestic heating networks is centralization. In the vast majority of urban-type settlements, boiler houses or CHP plants have been installed, which generate heat for several adjacent blocks. Sometimes one point serves the whole microdistrict.

The coolant is supplied over considerable distances, which causes significant losses. In addition, the length of the hot water journey to the end user virtually eliminates temperature control. Therefore, losses, like overheating, are inevitable if an elevator heating unit is not provided for in the heat supply system of the house. This equipment allows you to solve the following problems:

  • helps to reduce heat consumption in the off-season;
  • provides a permanent flow of coolant in the system, regardless of the operating mode;
  • prevents accidents in the system during a power outage or damage to equipment.

The issue of adjusting the heat supply is especially acute in the autumn and spring. CHP and boiler houses heat water according to the approved temperature chart. The indicator depends on the temperature environment. The final figure in Celsius must include losses during the delivery of the coolant. However, the distance between the boiler room and the heated objects is not taken into account. Water will be hotter in nearby houses than in buildings located at a distance.

If the house is equipped with an elevator unit, the losses will be compensated, and excessively hot water will be cooled. The apartments provide the optimum temperature. Residents do not have to open windows in the ventilation mode or connect an electric heater so as not to shiver from the cold.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Modern elevator units can be equipped with a heat metering system and data transmission to the control room using mobile communications.

A modern elevator unit is a complex engineering structure that requires professional approach for installation

How does a thermal elevator unit work

Currently, there are several types of elevator units on the market:

  • unregulated elevators without a mixing pump or with the presence of this element;
  • electrically adjustable elevators.

Preference is given regulated devices, because the efficiency of their work is much higher than analogues without the possibility of quick change of parameters.

The principle of operation of the elevator assembly is quite simple. The equipment is a mixing device with a narrow nozzle, through which, under a pressure almost equal to the input, the coolant is supplied to the house network.

The main element of the elevator is the mixing chamber. To lower the water temperature, the carrier enters the tank from the "return". It has already passed through the entire system and cooled down enough to provide the necessary temperature difference.

Since the outlet pressure from the elevator matches the inlet pressure, and the carrier turnover cycle is significantly reduced, water moves through pipes and batteries at a higher speed. This factor allows you to avoid losses in the network and equalize the temperature in the apartments on the lower and upper floors. In fact, the elevator also performs the function of a circular pump.

Adjustment of the set temperature is carried out by changing the diameter of the nozzle. For this, a special valve is provided, which determines the level of supply of hot media. Water enters the mixing chamber, the "return" is mixed with it. Sensors control the temperature regime according to three indicators:

This eliminates errors in automatic calculation required volumes hot coolant, return and outlet temperature.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: administrative buildings With the help of an adjustable elevator heating unit, it is possible to reduce the temperature in the premises during non-working hours and thus save on utility bills.

The elevator nozzle is a key element of the equipment responsible for the volume of coolant entering the mixing chamber

Adjustable heating elevator device

The elevator node of the heating system is a kind of intermediary between centralized heating networks and intra-house communications. It is a multi-component engineering structure. Key pieces of equipment include the following:

  • Temperature regulator;
  • mixing valve(with several stroke positions);
  • temperature sensors;
  • filter (does not allow litter to enter the pipes);
  • outlet gate valve house system heating;
  • thermometer;
  • pressure gauge to control the pressure in the elevator;
  • circulation pump;
  • check valve;
  • pump control cabinet.

The list of equipment may be more modest - it all depends on the expected load on the elevator unit, financial capabilities and the feasibility of installing an expensive device. However, the more advanced the equipment, the better the performance of the system, more possibilities for settings.

Before starting the equipment, it is necessary to calculate the elevator assembly. The key parameter that needs to be obtained after calculations using a special formula is the estimated water consumption for heating from the heating network.

The mixing ratio is also calculated - another important parameter, on which the final temperature at the outlet to the house system directly depends. To reduce errors when setting up the equipment, pressure losses in the heating system are taken into account after the water leaves the elevator.

Finally, the nozzle diameter is determined - another indicator that should never be neglected. Permissible error - no more than 3 mm.

Calculations are needed to determine optimum temperature carrier and prevent overpressure. If calculations show that the outlet pressure will be higher than the standard, a special valve or throttle diaphragm is provided, which is installed in front of the elevator.

All calculations must be done experienced specialist otherwise errors are inevitable. As a result, problems are inevitable in the selection and installation of equipment.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Water jet elevators are made of steel or cast iron.

The heating elevator scheme includes the main and additional elements, denoted in green

Features of the installation of the elevator system

Elevator scheme thermal node is a two-tier system. Top part is a chain of nodes associated with the adjustment of the input carrier from centralized network. Bottom part responsible for the receipt and distribution of "return". connecting element serves as an outlet for supplying chilled water to the mixing chamber.

The device of unregulated elevators is simpler, but the efficiency of work is much lower. Therefore, this type of equipment is rapidly replacing modern and automatic regulated units. Their undoubted advantage is that there is no need to constantly monitor the operation of the equipment. In addition, process automation significantly increases the efficiency of the device, especially if the electronics are responsible for compliance with the necessary parameters.

Elevator unit controller and timer - an integral part of modern devices

As a rule, the heating elevator is built into an existing heating system. It is not uncommon for outdated or failed equipment to be replaced with new one. Therefore, before choosing a unit, they carefully examine the installation site, evaluate the possibility of expanding the space for the construction of a new unit.

A simple conclusion follows from this: all work should be entrusted to specialists with practical experience installation and improvement of heating systems various types. Strong skills are required, knowledge of the principles of calculations, engineering solutions Ability to understand blueprints and diagrams.

The elevator heating unit assumes absolute tightness of the installation - otherwise you will not end up with problems. The expected optimization of heating costs will lead to an increase in costs and the fight against floods. This is another argument why such work should be entrusted to competent craftsmen.

House-wide initiatives aimed at improving operational performance - effective method improve networks and achieve savings. However, do not forget that the miser pays twice. Use the services of professionals, and you will not have to regret that you imprudently relied on own forces.

Video: not a simple collector assembly

The elevator unit of the heating system is used to connect the house to an external heating network (heat supply source), if necessary, to reduce the temperature of the coolant by mixing water from the return pipeline to it.

Functions and characteristics

At correct installation the elevator unit of the heating system performs circulation and mixing functions. This device has the following advantages:

  • Lack of connection to the electrical network.
  • Efficiency.
  • Simplicity of design.

Disadvantages:

  • Inability to control the outlet temperature.
  • Accurate calculation and selection is required.
  • The differential pressure must be observed between the return and supply pipes.

Elevator unit of the heating system: diagram

by design this device the following elements are provided:

  • Nozzle.
  • Discharge chamber.
  • Jet elevator.

Additionally, the elevator unit of the heating system is equipped with pressure gauges, thermometers and shut-off valves.

As an alternative to this device, you can use equipment with automatic regulation temperature. It is more economical, more energy-saving, but it costs much more. And most importantly, this equipment is not able to work in the absence of electricity.

For this reason, the installation of an elevator is relevant today. It is characterized by a series undeniable advantages, and it will be used by utilities for a long time to come.

The role of the elevator node

Heating domestic apartment buildings carried out by a centralized heating system. For this purpose, in small and big cities small thermal power plants and boiler houses are being built. Each of these objects generates heat for several houses or neighborhoods. The disadvantage of such a system is a significant loss of heat.

If the path of the coolant is too long, it is impossible to control the temperature of the transported liquid. For this reason, every house must be equipped with an elevator unit. This will solve many problems: it will significantly reduce heat consumption, prevent accidents that may occur as a result of a blackout or equipment failure.

This issue becomes especially relevant in the autumn and spring periods of the year. The heat carrier is heated in accordance with established standards, but its temperature depends on the outside air temperature.

Thus, in the nearest houses, in comparison with those located further away, a hotter coolant enters. It is for this reason that the elevator assembly of the system is so necessary. central heating. It will dilute the superheated coolant cold water and thereby compensates for heat loss.

Operating principle

The elevator unit of the heating system functions as follows:

  • From the main network, the coolant is directed to the nozzle narrowed at the outlet, and then, due to the pressure difference, it is accelerated.
  • The superheated coolant exits the nozzle at an increased speed and with reduced pressure. This creates a vacuum and suction of liquid into the elevator from the return pipeline.
  • The amount of superheated and cooled return heat carrier must be regulated in such a way that the temperature of the liquid leaving the elevator corresponds to the design value.

Elevator unit of the heating system: dimensions

NumberCoolant consumptionNeck diameterWeightDimensions
Ll1l2hflange 1flange 2
0 0.1-0.4 t/h10mm6.4kg256mm85mm81mm140mm25mm32mm
1 0.5-1 t/h15mm8.1kg425mm110mm90mm110mm40mm50mm
2 1-2 t/hour20mm8.1kg425mm100mm90mm110mm40mm50mm
3 1-3 t/hour25mm12.5kg625mm145mm135mm155mm50mm80mm
4 3-5 t/hour30mm12.5kg625mm135mm135mm155mm50mm80mm
5 5-10 t/hour35mm13kg625mm125mm135mm155mm50mm80mm
6 10-15 t/h47mm18kg720mm175mm180mm175mm80mm100mm
7 15-25 t/h59mm18.5kg720mm155mm180mm175mm80mm100mm

Kinds

There are two types of these devices:

  • Elevators that are not amenable to regulation.
  • Elevators, the regulation of which is carried out by means of an electric drive.

In the process of installing any of them, it is very important to maintain tightness. This equipment is installed in a heating system that is already in operation. Therefore, before installation, it is recommended to study the place where the subsequent placement of this equipment is planned. This type it is recommended to entrust the work to specialists who are able to understand the scheme, as well as develop drawings and perform calculations.

Coolant supply to heating appliances residential premises should be made in accordance with the design parameters and technical characteristics. long distances transportation and climate features require the creation of a certain thermal regime, in most cases not allowing direct supply to apartments. A system for adjusting the temperature of the coolant is needed to ensure that its parameters and the capabilities of pipelines and radiators correspond. Consider the elevator unit of the heating system, which is the main element for regulating the general thermal regime apartment building.

What is an elevator assembly of a heating system

The main heat supply networks operate in three main modes:

  • 95°/70°
  • 130°/70°
  • 150°/70°

The first number indicates the temperature of the coolant in the direct pipeline, the second - in the return. The coolant is transported over considerable distances, so the temperature is set with the calculation of thermal energy losses during movement and with corrections for climatic or weather. Hence the three options for supplying the coolant - if you constantly heat the water to the maximum value, the fuel consumption will increase, so the heating modes change depending on external conditions.

According to sanitary standards And technical specifications household thermal equipment, the upper limit of the coolant temperature must not exceed 95°. If the water is heated to 130° or 150°, it must be cooled to the set value. There are several reasons for this:

  • Most heating appliances are not able to work with superheated water - cast iron radiators become brittle, aluminum may fail or cease to hold system pressure.
  • Pipelines used for supplying coolant to apartments also have a temperature limit, for example, for plastic pipes the temperature threshold is set to 90°.
  • Too hot heaters are dangerous for people, especially for children.

Superheated water does not turn into steam just because there is no such possibility inside the pipelines. It requires the absence of pressure and the presence of free space, which cannot be in the pipe. Temperature losses during transportation somewhat change the thermal regime of the coolant, but the need for its cooling to operating values ​​remains. The issue is solved by mixing in chilled water from the return pipe until the desired temperature is obtained, suitable for use in heating appliances. Mixing of water occurs in special mechanical devices - elevators. They work in an environment of related elements called the elevator environment, and the entire mixing node is called the elevator node.

Principle of operation and device

The elevator is a steel or cast-iron body with three nozzles (two inlets and one outlet), resembling a regular tee.

The coolant enters the housing and passes through the nozzle, causing its pressure to drop. This causes the return flow from the pipeline to the mixing chamber, which circulates in the heating system. The flows, mixing, acquire a given temperature, then they are sent through a diffuser to the heating system of the apartment. The conventional elevator is purely mechanical device which makes it as easy to use as possible. The adjustment is made by changing the diameter of the nozzle, which creates a certain pressure in the mixing chamber, changing the return suction mode. In this case, the pressure difference between the direct and return pipelines should not exceed 2 bar. For getting correct result required exact calculation nozzle diameter, since this is the only element subject to any changes. Otherwise, the elevator is a one-piece cast iron casting, relatively inexpensive, reliable and very easy to operate and maintain. These reasons have caused the widespread use of elevators in the heating systems of apartment buildings.

There are more complex designs of elevators with the ability to change the diameter of the nozzle. These devices are more expensive and complex, but they allow you to change the operating mode of the heating system on the go, depending on the pressure and temperature of the coolant in the line. The passage of the coolant is regulated by a cone-shaped rod - a needle that moves in the longitudinal direction and opens or closes the nozzle lumen, changing the operation mode of the elevator and the entire system. There is a device with a servo drive that is able to adjust the clearance on the go according to a signal from temperature or pressure sensors, which allows you to fine-tune the work in automatic mode. Such devices are more expensive and require increased attention and care, but they create a lot of new possibilities for adjusting the system.

Scheme of the elevator unit of the heating system

Independent operation of the elevator is not possible. The elevator assembly includes various elements:

  • Gate valves (in Lately come to replace Ball Valves, more convenient and reliable in operation).
  • Gryazeviki.
  • Pressure gauges.
  • Thermometers.
  • Connecting elements (flanges or adapters).

The schematic diagram of the elevator unit can be seen in the figure:

Elevator unit in the heating system: 1- shut-off valves(valve); 2 - sump; 3 - water jet elevator; 4 - pressure gauge; 5 - thermometer

The main elements are valves that allow you to adjust the parameters of the forward and reverse flow. Mudguards are devices that separate mechanical inclusions in the form of small debris or dirt. They are subject to periodic cleaning, filling the sumps is dangerous and can damage elements located further along the flow path. The remaining elements - pressure gauges and thermometers - are control and allow you to monitor the current mode of the heating system.

Elevator unit dimensions

Elevators are manufactured in several standard sizes, corresponding to the size and needs of the heating system of the house or the entrance of an apartment building:

Table depending on the elevator number and its size

The elevator is selected according to a combination of various parameters - temperature, pressure in the system, bandwidth pipelines, connecting dimensions, etc. Most devices are selected based on the diameter of the pipes that feed the heating system. It is important to ensure that the diameter of the supply pipelines and the dimensions of the elevator nozzles correspond, so that the device does not turn out to be a kind of diaphragm that reduces the throughput and pressure in the system. In addition, the efficiency of work is affected by the size of the nozzle to be careful calculation. Calculation formulas are available on the network, but it is not recommended to produce it on your own, without experience and training. The easiest way is to use an online calculator that can be found on the Internet. It is advisable to check the result obtained on another calculator in order to get a more correct result.

How to maintain

The operation of the elevator is based on the action of physical laws, therefore, its design does not provide for any moving or rotating parts. Even in more complex structures with a changing size of the nozzle, a special needle moves, increasing or decreasing the passage for the coolant (according to the principle of operation of the spray gun), which does not have a high speed of movement. Therefore, all care for the device consists in timely cleaning of dirt, removing dirt, which is gradually accumulating due to Low quality coolant. Nozzles are subject to periodic replacement, which are under load when exposed to a stream of hot water and are the first to fail. Checking the diameter and condition of the nozzle is carried out annually, replacement is carried out when necessary - severe wear of the part, excessive increase or decrease in throughput. It is also necessary to monitor the tightness of flange connections, change gaskets and seals in time.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of elevator temperature control in the heating system include:

  • The simplicity of the device, the ability to maintain a constant ejection coefficient of the coolant, which means a constant temperature of the mixture going into the heating system.
  • Reliability, ability to work in difficult conditions.
  • Few parts to be replaced.
  • No power connection required.
  • Combination of two functions - mixer and circulation pump, with a simple design.
  • Quiet operation.

There are also disadvantages:

  • The need to ensure the difference between the pressures of the direct and return lines within 2 bar.
  • The ability to work in a single mode without changing the nozzle (except for adjustable devices).
  • Low efficiency, forcing to increase the pressure of the coolant in front of the elevator unit (this is especially true when used in heating systems of private houses operating from their own boiler).
  • In the event of a failure on the main line, the circulation stops, which can result in cooling and freezing of the system.
  • You cannot use one node for several buildings.

disadvantages elevator systems offset by their efficiency, simplicity and reliability, which has led to widespread use.

Wiring diagrams

The elevator unit can be used in systems with various specific features - single-pipe, autonomous or other heat supply lines. The principles of coolant supply, flow parameters do not always allow for a constant and stable output result. To organize the normal heat supply of apartments or adjust the parameters of the flow coming from the main network, various schemes connection of elevator units. All of them need to be available additional equipment, sometimes in fairly large volumes, but the result that is achieved as a result of this compensates for the costs incurred. Consider existing schemes connections:

With water flow regulator

The water consumption is the main factor that makes it possible to regulate the space heating mode. Changes in flow cause temperature fluctuations in living rooms, which is unacceptable. The issue is solved by installing a regulator in front of the mixing unit, which ensures a constant water flow and stabilizes the thermal regime.

Scheme of an elevator mixing unit with a flow controller: 1 - supply line of the heating network; 2 - return line of the heating network; 3 - elevator; 4 - flow regulator; 5 - local heating system

This decision becomes especially important in single pipe systems, where there is a load in the form of hot water supply, which destabilizes the flow of hot water and creates significant fluctuations during active water intake (morning and evening hours, holidays and weekends). At the same time, this scheme is not able to correct the situation with changes in the temperature of the coolant in the main line, which is its disadvantage, although not very significant. A drop in the temperature of the coolant in the supply pipelines means an accident at the CHP or other heating point, and this rarely happens.

with regulating nozzle

The connection scheme of the elevator unit with the ability to adjust the throughput of the nozzle allows you to quickly respond to changes in the parameters of the coolant in the main line.

Scheme of an elevator assembly with a regulating needle: 1 - supply line of the heating network; 2 - return line of the heating network; 3 - elevator; 5 - local heating system; 6 - regulator with a needle inserted into the elevator nozzle

At the same time, manual adjustment is ineffective, since for this it is necessary to constantly approach the elevator, which is usually located in basement. The most efficient system with an adjustable nozzle is achieved when the process is fully automated, using temperature and pressure sensors that send a signal to the elevator servo. This scheme makes it possible to additional features when setting the operating mode, but the need for it does not always arise, but only in overloaded or unstable systems with possible fluctuations in the temperature of the coolant.

Scheme of an elevator assembly using temperature and pressure sensors that send a signal to the elevator servo drive

It is customary to attribute the disadvantages of such schemes to the need to initially ensure high pressure in the system, since adjustment is possible only within the flow parameters in the line. In addition, the loads on the mechanics, in particular - on the nozzle and needle, create the need for constant monitoring and timely replacement of failed elements.

with regulating pump

Such schemes are used in the absence of pressure sufficient for the operation of the elevator in the supply pipelines.

Scheme of an elevator unit with a corrective pump: 1 - supply line of the heating network; 2 - return line of the heating network; 3 - elevator; 4 - flow regulator; 5 - local heating system; 7 - temperature controller; 8 - mixing pump

An increase in pressure makes possible application elevator unit in autonomous heating networks of a private house, allows you to ensure the circulation of the coolant when the pressure in the line disappears. The pump is installed in front of the elevator or on the jumper between the direct and return pipelines before entering the elevator. To ensure normal operation, a temperature controller is required in addition to the pump, and an electrical connection is also required.

Main malfunctions

Possible malfunctions are usually associated with the failure of the nozzle under the aggressive action of hot water. There are also clogging of the mud collectors, breakage of valves or regulators. All of these problems are related to difficult conditions equipment operation - water pressure and its temperature contribute to the rapid destruction of the metal, the occurrence of electrochemical corrosion. If signs of malfunctions appear, which are usually expressed in temperature fluctuations, a change in the heating mode and other unstable phenomena, it is necessary to revise the device, replace the nozzle, clean the mud collectors, replace or adjust the dampers. In general, the operation of the elevator units is quite stable and does not create any particular problems.

Elevator - simple and reliable device, capable of functioning in a stable mode and not requiring the use of electricity. These reasons led to the widespread use of such equipment, which is gradually beginning to give way to more modern devices, created on the basis of the same elevator, but with advanced features. However, the use of simple mechanical devices does not stop, their reliability and low cost are still attractive to users.

Almost every specialist servicing the central heating system of an apartment building is familiar with such an important element as an elevator unit. Anyone who is interested in the purpose, design and operation of the elevator unit of the heating system will find this publication useful.

Purpose and application

The central heating system (CHS) is a rather complex and extensive network, including boiler rooms, boiler rooms, distribution points and pipeline systems through which the coolant is supplied directly to the consumer. To deliver the coolant of the required temperature to the consumer, it is required to raise its temperature indicators.

As a rule, by main pipeline the coolant is supplied with a temperature of 130 to 150°C. This is enough to save thermal energy, but too much for the consumer. According to sanitary standards, the temperature of the coolant in the CSO at home should not exceed 95 ° C. In other words: before entering the heating system of the house, the water must be cooled. The adjustable elevator unit of the heating system is responsible for this, which mixes hot water from the boiler room and cold water from the return pipeline of the CSO.

The purpose of the elevator is not limited only to adjusting the temperature of the coolant: by mixing the “return” into the “supply”, the volume of the coolant increases, which allows services to save on the diameter of the pipeline and the power of pumping equipment.

Design and principle of operation

The design of the elevator is simple, but no less effective. The device is cast iron or steel structure consisting of three flanges:

The key element of this device is a nozzle, due to the narrowing of the section of which a vacuum is created in the mixing chamber and water is sucked from the return pipeline. The principle of operation of the elevator unit of the heating system is based on Bernoulli's law.

The main problem with this device is the possible clogging of the nozzle. A dirt filter is used to protect the cone from suspended particles. For carrying out preventive work on replacing the nozzle and cleaning the filter element, the design of the mixer is equipped with shut-off valves. To diagnose the parameters of the coolant and control the operation of the CO, the elevator module includes thermal sensors and pressure gauges, which are its piping.

Advantages and disadvantages

The widest distribution of elevators in heat supply networks is due to the stable operation of these elements even when the thermal regime of the coolant supply changes. In addition, the main advantages of using elevators are:

  • Simplicity of design.
  • Reliability at work.
  • Energy independence.

In addition, the elevators in the CSO require virtually no maintenance. The correctness of the work depends solely on the competent installation and the correctly selected nozzle diameter.

Important! The calculation of the elevator assembly of the heating system, which includes the selection of pipe diameters, nozzle cross-sections and the dimensions of the device itself, is carried out only in a specialized design organization.

Adjustment methods

To simplify the task of selecting the necessary temperature regime With no nozzle replacement, adjustable elevators were created:

  • With manual change of diameter of a nozzle.
  • With automatic adjustment.

The principle of regulating the cone section is extremely simple: a valve is installed in the elevator, rotating which changes the nozzle flow area.

In the manual version, the rotation of the valve is carried out by a responsible employee who changes performance characteristics coolant, based on the readings of pressure gauges and thermometers. The scheme of the elevator unit of the heating system with an automatic mixing and control module is based on a servo drive that rotates the valve stem. The control body is the controller, which takes readings from pressure and temperature sensors installed at the inlet and outlet of the elevator unit.

Tip: despite the simplicity of the design of the mixing device, its creation and installation in the CSO of an apartment building should be carried out exclusively by professionals with the appropriate competence. Devices handicraft may cause an accident.

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