Solid fuel boiler Don: how to install it correctly in the house?

When building suburban real estate, most owners are faced with the need to organize local heating. If it is not possible to connect your house to gas supply, you will have to choose from alternative options. One of the options for arranging local heating is the Don solid fuel boiler. This is a reliable and easy-to-use unit with excellent reviews.

How to organize inexpensive home heating if there is no central gas supply in the area? One of the most affordable options is the Don universal solid fuel boilers. These are compact, ergonomic units that can be used to organize heating of residential and industrial premises with an area of ​​up to 500 square meters. The units operate on organic solid fuel.

Dual-circuit

These are models KS TVM 16/20, TV 31.5/40, TV 20 and others. A number of dual-circuit heaters can be easily converted from gas to coal/wood and vice versa. Designed for heating areas up to 300 m². Simultaneously with heating, they heat water for domestic needs.

The secondary circuit is a copper coil; if necessary, it can be changed, thereby prolonging the operation of the equipment.

A double-circuit boiler has characteristics almost similar to those of a single-circuit boiler. Also made of steel, but more powerful than single circuit versions. 20, 30 and 50 kW options are available. Their weight is 150–200 kg.

Specifications ↑

These products of the Rostov association are presented in five varieties. Without a pre-installed gas burner, only Don KS-T-16 boilers are available, which take only firewood. The remaining solutions (T-R, TG, TVm, TGVm) are equipped with the circuits necessary for the transition. General properties:

• power (kW): 16;
• Efficiency on solid fuel/gas (%): 75/82;
• gas consumption (m3/h): 2;
• weight (kg): 139-154;
• length/width/height (mm): 700/470/1030;
• heated area (m2): 160.

Only one unit in the line is equipped with a traction regulator, which makes operation easier. In improved solutions, the shortcomings associated with its absence are compensated by the decent adaptability of gas burner systems and the good performance of the DHW circuit. The modest design of the classic version is explained by the desire to ensure ease of use.

How to choose

Thermal power. When choosing it, you need to know not only the area that is supposed to be heated. If a device is selected for heating a private home, you must also take into account what material it is built from and how insulated it is.

In apartments, the location is important - central or corner. In the latter it is always colder, so the power must be chosen with a reserve.

The approximate power of the device is determined by the ratio - 1000 W for every 10 square meters of area. And for every cubic meter - 40–60 W. But it is recommended for cold houses and apartments to take boilers with a heating capacity reserve of 30%. Firstly, there will be no problems with heating in the most severe frosts, and secondly, the equipment will not wear out and will last longer.

Dependence on power grids. This parameter is more important for reliability and stability than for efficiency. If boilers require electricity consumption, for example for ignition, it is insignificant.

Number of circuits. The capabilities and cost of the heater depend on the choice of this parameter. Single-circuit ones are chosen for heating; double-circuit ones, in addition to heating rooms, can heat water for domestic use.

Installation method. Wall or floor. The choice depends on the area of ​​the room. Wall-mounted versions are more compact.

Heat exchanger material - steel or cast iron. Cast iron ones are more reliable, they are not afraid of corrosion.

Type of combustion chamber. It is more convenient with a closed firebox: they are safer, do not waste the internal air of the premises, they are preferred today by owners of houses and apartments that are not equipped with traditional chimneys.

How much do they cost

Equipment from domestic brands is a priori cheaper than imported ones, and products are no exception.

The price of Don boilers depends on the model and its power. An inexpensive single-circuit device KS-T-16, designed to heat 160 m², costs about 17,000 rubles. The cost of a powerful double-circuit device designed to heat 300 m² is 37,000 rubles.

Minuses

The main disadvantage of all solid fuel units is the impossibility of fully automating the process. To ensure optimal operation of the heating system, you will need to constantly add logs to the combustion chamber, as well as clean the equipment, removing combustion products.

Devices for servicing boiler equipment (scoop, poker, etc.) are usually not included in the standard kit; they will need to be purchased separately.

It is worth saying that the solid fuel boiler Don takes quite a long time to cool down. This is inconvenient when it is urgent to start repair work. After stopping the unit, you will have to wait a long time until all the parts become cold.

Solid fuel boiler Don KS-T 30 RT

Model overview

Let's describe the best models.

KS 16

Of all the models presented by domestic manufacturers, one of the most popular is the “Don” KS 16. Its main advantages: excellent technical characteristics, convenient operation and economical consumption of energy resources.

Having domestic assembly and components, it is ready to work in the most difficult climatic conditions. It is the Russian climate that does not allow many European analogues to compete with domestic developments. This line includes modifications that differ in the number of circuits and a number of smaller differences.

Key technical parameters:

KS-T-11

Steel. Non-volatile. For small objects. Operates on gas or solid fuel - the burner is changed.

Automation installed. Thanks to the Honeywell regulator, energy consumption is reduced by 30%. The firebox material is carbon steel, resistant to corrosion. Adapted to hard water.

• Floor installation.
• Steel heat exchanger.
• The exhaust of combustion products is a chimney.

"Don Eco"

An economical version, the main difference of which is its compactness. The small device contains reliable Italian automation and an efficient heat exchanger. It features stable burner operation and high heat transfer.

The boilers are designed for heating small areas; they can be used with a flow-type water heater (“DON” or “CONORD”). In tandem with a water heater, this model will provide a small home with heat and hot water.

As an example, here are the technical characteristics and design features of the Don Eco KS-G-12S:

• Heating system pressure (min/max) - 0.1/1.2 bar.
• The coolant is water.
• One circuit.
• Floor-standing version.
• Open firebox.
• Steel heat exchanger.
• Gas removal is through a vertical chimney.
• Body color: white.
• Warranty - 2 years.

DonStail

New gas equipment from DonStail models with increased performance. Powerful heaters with a strict and stylish design. The white color and decorative perforations on the body create a feeling of lightness; the device fits harmoniously into a modern interior.

Thanks to the special design of the heat exchanger and Sit automation and Polidoro burner, these modifications have high efficiency, low energy consumption and are completely safe.

Characteristics of the single-circuit version of DonStail KS-G-12 S:

• Floor-standing version.
• Open firebox.
• Steel heat exchanger.
• White color.
• Warranty - 3 years.
• Piezo ignition.

Powerful boilers "Don"

For heating large cottages, industrial and warehouse buildings, high-power devices are used:

• At 40 kW. Efficiency - 76%. Heats a room up to 400 m². Weight - 290 kg. The dimensions are small - 700x850x1430 mm.
• At 50 kW. Consumption 3 m³/h. Provides heat for cottages up to 50 m². Efficiency - 85%. Dimensions - 850x700x1430 mm.
• At 100 kW. The most powerful option is for 1000 m². Efficiency - 87%. Weight - 560 kg. Dimensions - 1280x900x1090 mm. An ideal solution for large country houses and non-residential premises.

Boiler structure

Construction of Don boilers
The water jacket of the Don furnace is made in such a way that the energy carrier is distributed throughout the entire body of the unit. The heat exchanger and housing are insulated with low thermal conductivity material, so energy is stored inside and the box remains cool. The firebox and body of the boiler are made of 3 mm thick steel.

The Don brand provides the opportunity to replace the copper coil in the water heating system. In hard water, the element quickly fails; replacement will extend the life of the equipment. The forced method of removing combustion products allows you to make a horizontal chimney. The manufacturer provides a warranty on the boiler for 12 months from the date of sale or 15 months from the date of manufacture if there is no sales stamp.

Features of operation

Each model is accompanied by instructions in which the user can familiarize themselves with the rules for operating the heater, its connection diagram, design features, settings and adjustments.

The system is filled gradually, at a rate of no more than 8 l/min. The water is fresh. Filling is continued until liquid appears in the overflow tube of the expansion tank.

Description of the ignition process:

• ventilate the combustion chamber for 5–10 minutes, the main valve must be closed;
• checking traction by bringing a paper strip closer to the viewing window;
• opening the air supply gate and igniting the flame;
• closing the door;
• temperature control by coil valve.

Installation and strapping

The installation of boilers should be carried out by specialists, but even users benefit from knowing the installation rules. If the piping is carried out according to the gravity scheme, the heater is placed lower than the return pipes - this improves the movement of the coolant. The chimney is located inside the structure.

If the chimney passes through unheated rooms, it must be insulated.

Connecting additional equipment

All products are easy to use, but it would be a good idea to equip the device with a thermostat - this device will make the equipment operate as efficiently as possible. You can also purchase an additional coil in advance in case of breakdown. As standard, the heaters are equipped with an adjustable front damper.

Recommendations for installation

Installation of solid fuel units does not require special permits. At the same time, this does not mean that the owner should not monitor the quality of construction work and comply with fire safety standards.

Expert advice:

1. The boiler should be installed on a flat concrete base, with a distance of at least 0.5 meters from the wall.
2. When installing the boiler on a wooden floor, under it and half a meter in front of its front wall, a sheet of asbestos cardboard or felt soaked in a clay solution is laid on the floor, and steel sheets are laid on top of it.
3. For normal fluid circulation in the system, the boiler must be installed in such a way that its lower pipe is at a lower level compared to the outlets from the heating batteries.
4. Connections to pipes can be made using both threads and welds.

Don’t forget about the features of installing chimney ducts:

• chimney pipes are double-circuit, with thermal insulation between the structures. Thus, no water vapor is formed;
• for the construction of a chimney, asbestos-cement pipes are often used;
• the diameter of the chimney pipe must be similar to the diameter of the outlet pipe of the boiler equipment;
• the chimney must be installed above the roof level, read the SNiP rules;
• the chimney pipe must be level, without ledges.

Reviews

KS-TGVm-16: Nikolay V., Dolgoprudny

We bought it for 18,000 rubles two years ago. The price is attractive; they are much cheaper than their Proterm analogues, for example, or Buderus. We use any fuel - gas and solid. On natural gas the power is 20, on solid fuel 16 kW. We heat about two hundred square meters with it, plus it also heats the water. It looks unprepossessing, rustic, but for me the most important thing is that I can always find any components for it.

KSts-G-20S: Georgy T., Velikie Luki

This device has one plus - ease of maintenance. It is easy to understand its operating principle and troubleshoot simple problems. The rest are shortcomings. During normal operation, it consumes one and a half cubic meters of gas per hour, and if it’s minus 25 outside, then only 2.5 cubic meters. They promise 92% efficiency, but for me 5,000 rubles for heating one hundred cubic meters is too much.

Floor-standing boilers from Rostov are in demand among consumers who are willing to sacrifice the technological “bonuses” offered by their European counterparts. Don heaters are adapted to Russian conditions, reliable and affordable.

Types of boilers Don

Gas boiler Don-20
The production uses machine equipment from well-known concerns TRU M PF and Amada. Boiler parts are distinguished by high dimensional accuracy and quality. Don units operate reliably in different operating conditions and operate for 15 to 18 years.

Types of boilers produced:

• gas;
• solid fuel.

The heat exchanger has an original design and provides for repair or replacement of the heating element.

Gas

Boiler models are equipped with a burner that uses gas. The unit is used in closed and open heating systems. The Don 16 gas boiler does not require regular addition of firewood or pellets. There is no problem of storing fuel reserves and cleaning up combustion waste.

The unit works effectively if main gas is supplied to the house; connecting cylinders is not recommended if there is no gas tank. The gas does not produce soot when burning and does not clog the chimney or heat exchanger. The discharged products have a temperature lower than the emission from solid fuel, so condensation does not form on the walls of the structural elements.

Solid fuel

Solid fuel model
The heating unit is made of steel, cast iron, and the heating element is made of copper. Manual or automatic fuel supply is provided, as is the extraction of combustion products (ash). Coal, peat, firewood, coke or fuel particles - pellets are used. Electronic coordination systems make the equipment reliable and energy-dependent; the device can operate in a single-circuit and double-circuit heating system.

Floor-standing solid fuel boilers Don require regular cleaning to remove scale and soot deposits. Scale causes the metal to overheat and leads to damage. Soot reduces the heat exchange between pipes and combustion products, which prevents the energy carrier from heating up to the required temperature levels.

Advantages

• The thoughtful design of the burner allows you to maintain a stable temperature.
• Works on any type of fuel.
• Quick temperature set, the room heats up to the set values ​​in minutes.
• The body is made of thick, high-quality steel, designed for long-lasting operation of the equipment.
• The small size of the boilers simplifies their installation and transportation.
• Thanks to the vertical installation of doors and chimneys, the process of cleaning the burners and chimney is simplified.
• The presence of built-in automation allows the owner not to worry about maintaining the set temperature. Automation is a guarantee of reliability and safety.
• High efficiency - 90%. A number of modifications are equipped with a draft regulator, which saves up to 30% of natural gas.
• Does not depend on electricity. There is no need to lay a cable or connect to the electrical network. When there is a power outage, they continue to operate stably.
• Convenient to use. Universal and interchangeable. Instead of a boiler that has exhausted its service life, it is easy to install another one without changing the heating system. Easily converted to alternative fuel. You can install a gas burner or a pellet burner.
• Reliable performance. They work uninterruptedly for a long time. Domestic developers took into account all the operational features: pressure in main gas pipelines, water quality, low temperatures in winter and much more. The material of the combustion chambers is carbon steel, resistant to corrosion. The coil is replaced if necessary, and the operation of the equipment is extended.
• Galvanized metal with a polymer coating is used for cladding; it extends the service life of the equipment and gives it an attractive appearance.

Technical characteristics and dimensions

Please note that the technical characteristics of various models, as well as their prices, will differ depending on the maximum size of the heated area

Although the total cost is significantly influenced by additional components that are purchased optionally

These include draft regulators, fasteners, various angles and tees with special, temperature-resistant insulation, as well as sandwiches of 0.5 and 1 meter. In the same category are replacement coils, which are necessary in case of damage or wear of previously installed ones.

Although the total cost is significantly influenced by additional components that are purchased optionally. These include draft regulators, fasteners, various angles and tees with special, temperature-resistant insulation, as well as sandwiches of 0.5 and 1 meter. In the same category are replacement coils, which are necessary in case of damage or wear of previously installed ones.

The characteristics common to all models, including those equipped with gas burners, can be described as follows:

• universal, since they can use both natural gas and firewood, peat layers or pellets for heating;
• safe and economical because they do not transfer temperature from the combustion chamber to the casing;
• durable, because the thickness of the walls of the combustion chamber is at least four millimeters;
• adapted to hard water and the consequences of its use, this is possible thanks to the removable coil;
• have a long service life, the boiler can work in autonomous mode for up to eight hours in a row (this only applies to options for using solid fuel).

Possible equipment dimensions:

• heating area up to 140 m²: dimensions - 1030 by 430 by 410;
• heating area up to 180 m²: dimensions - 1180 by 430 by 410;
• heating area up to 300 m²: dimensions - 1430 by 650 by 650.

Boiler Don connected and working

Useful tips

Advice! When choosing a boiler, it is better to consult with professionals. At the same time, these people should not only be experienced installers, but also be able to make a thermal energy calculation that allows you to calculate the required power of the equipment as accurately as possible. If this rule is not followed, then there is a high risk of the system freezing, and, consequently, its failure in severe frosts.

Before installing the heating boiler, the instructions must be carefully studied. It is attached to the supplied equipment and contains not only a thorough description of the technical parameters, but also detailed installation instructions. With the right approach to installation, the equipment will serve you for many years without the need for additional repairs.

For additional information, you can always watch a video on our website about the operation of any of the models, although in the photo everything is quite clear and understandable even for a beginner in the field of heating.

For reliable operation of Don boilers, proper installation of the chimney for a solid fuel boiler is very important. The optimal solution may be to choose a Sandwich pipe

It consists of two parts with different diameters, and the entire structure is insulated using absolutely non-flammable mineral wool

Such a chimney will be very inexpensive, will be quite easy to install and will extend the life of the equipment

It consists of two parts with different diameters, and the entire structure is insulated using absolutely non-flammable mineral wool. Such a chimney will be very inexpensive, will be quite easy to install and will extend the life of the equipment.

Diagram of the chimney and ventilation system

Operating principle ↑

The functioning scheme is simple. The elements that make up a regular Don 16 boiler are few, they are simple: a firebox with a water jacket, temperature sensors, a pipe system supplemented with turbulators. When burning fuel, the water cavity heats the injected water, convection amplifiers send the liquid into the general circuit through the upper pipe, and it is replaced by cold flows supplied to the lower one. The meter monitors and corrects the temperature.

Although the devices are manufactured on the same base, they have slightly different structures. The difference is in the details. The letters that make up the brand name will help you figure out what advantages they offer in each case. There are nine letter designations: 1). "K" - boiler. 2). "T" - solid fuel. 3). "G" - gas. 4). "M" - modified. 5). “C” - with a steel heat exchanger. 6). “C” - with cast iron. 7). “B” - with a water coil. 8). “P” - with draft regulator. 9). "TG" - universal.