What is a chimney draft stabilizer, why is it needed and how to install it correctly

What is a chimney draft stabilizer?

A draft stabilizer or interrupter is a special mechanism that performs a secondary air supply in certain doses, which makes it possible to maintain the optimal draft in the chimney for the operation of the boiler or furnace in automatic mode without human intervention. The breaker is equipped with a safety valve that prevents the creation of excess pressure.

Chimney draft stabilizers are universal, made of stainless steel and can be used with any heat-generating device, require a minimum area and are quite easy to install. The devices are able to operate at operating temperatures up to 500˚C, as well as in heating systems with condensation-type heat-generating devices, in which the temperature of the burnt gases is below the dew point.

Purpose and scope of application

The functionality of the chimney determines such parameters as the quality of room heating, the level of correct energy consumption, and the safety of operation of heat-generating equipment. It is necessary to constantly monitor the draft force in the smoke exhaust duct, since:

• in the absence of draft or weak flow, it is problematic to light a fire;
• backflow of combustion products is fraught with consequences hazardous to health;
• When the intensity of outgoing flows is critical, the level of heat loss increases significantly.

The main reasons for thrust variability are determined by the following factors:

1. Fluctuations in atmospheric temperatures. In hot weather, the stream in the chimney overturns and the flows move in the opposite direction. When the outside air is cold, the outflow of gases increases.
2. Changes in air pressure. Changing atmospheric pressure parameters affects the intensity of the jet in the gas outlet channel.
3. Chimney height parameters. The amount of vacuum at the top point of the smoke exhaust duct depends on the height of the pipe. The more significant this parameter, the stronger the thrust.
4. Features of the smoke exhaust duct device. The length, the presence of bends, the roughness of the inner surface, the presence of foreign objects and deposits on the walls cause deterioration in traction.

Equipping the exhaust duct with an automatic regulator allows you to neutralize all the above-mentioned risks and improve the potential of a heat-generating device of any model, including condensing-type devices. Draft stabilizers are widely used in individual heating systems in Moscow and other regions.

Industrial traction stabilizer

Purpose of the stabilizer

The design of the smoke exhaust system largely depends on the type of heating device with which it is intended to be used. Natural temperature changes caused by weather or time of year have a noticeable impact on efficiency. Significant temperature changes during the cold season can cause the formation of high air draft in the chimney, which will cause a decrease in the efficiency of the entire system and increased fuel consumption. The draft stabilizer allows you to regulate the created pressure to the optimal value, thereby increasing the efficiency of the heating device.

Also, the draft in the smoke exhaust system is affected by atmospheric air pressure, which can be determined by the location of the house, weather conditions, time of year and day. For example, the difference in atmospheric pressure in March on cloudy weather and September on a clear day can be up to 90 Pa.

The presented video shows the principle of operation and operation of a traction stabilizer in a chimney.

Operating principle and advantages of installing a stabilizer

As soon as the draft force in the smoke exhaust system becomes greater than the optimal value, the valve of the device opens and reduces the pressure due to the air coming from the room, which, when mixed with flue gases, lowers their temperature. As a result, the thermal lift force drops and when the optimum value is reached, the valve closes again.

This method is considered the simplest and at the same time quite effective, and which allows for uniform combustion, energy saving and fuel economy. Also, the advantages of installing a stabilizer include the following:

• safety of operation of the chimney system;
• extending the service life of the chimney;
• reducing the level of harmful substances released into the atmosphere;
• thanks to the constantly slightly open stabilizer valve, air flow circulation increases;
• the ability to operate the stabilizer both with natural and forced draft;
• the fuel combustion process occurs evenly, and the chimney does not overheat;
• in case of strong gusts of wind, sudden changes in draft are dampened;
• the burning smell does not penetrate into the room;
• the possibility of using old chimney systems with new low-temperature boilers;
• prevention of heat loss;
• Fuel savings are up to 15%.

Advantages and disadvantages of the gate

We seem to have figured out what a movable damper in a chimney is and why it is needed. However, it is not yet completely clear whether it is needed or not. To find out, we will present all the advantages and disadvantages of this element known to us. Let's start, as always, with the advantages, these include:

1. Damper in the chimney
   . This is an excellent regulator that closes and opens the smoke channel, allowing you to regulate the operation of the fireplace. The open position allows you to start a fire, the closed position prohibits it.
2. Regulates the combustion process of wood.
   The damper is an additional opportunity to regulate the flow of air and flue gases that pass through the chimney. Although, as practice shows, this is not always possible. The fact is that the butterfly valve has only two positions: open or closed, but installing the valve somewhere in the middle is not so easy.

Disadvantages of the gate:

1. It is inconvenient to clean the chimney from tar. It is almost impossible to do this through a firebox. Plus, the gate can sometimes jam.
2. You need to have a certain set of knowledge - how a fireplace, chimney works, combustion mode and process, changes in draft, etc.

From all of the above, we can draw the following conclusion: a damper is not an ideal device, it has its drawbacks, but, nevertheless, it is necessary for the normal operation of the fireplace.

Traction stabilizer placement options

The chimney draft stabilizer can be installed in the same place where the heat-generating device is mounted, or in an adjacent room in which the outlet from the boiler or furnace to the smoke exhaust system is arranged. The pressure can range from 10 to 35 Pa.

There are two main ways to install a traction stabilizer:

1. the device is placed 500 mm above the level of the junction of the heat-generating device with the smoke exhaust system;
2. the draft stabilizer is installed at the same level as the connection between the heat-generating device and the chimney pipe, but this distance must be at least 400 mm from the floor surface.

Also, most manufacturers of heat-generating equipment recommend the use of special stabilizers, popularly called “fungi”. Such a draft regulator is a small section of a chimney pipe with a mushroom-shaped extension and an open area underneath for the flow of outside air. This design solution has the following advantages compared to a traditional chimney outlet:

• stabilization of pressure in the furnace of the heating device;
• eliminating excess draft in the chimney pipe, and accordingly normalizing the efficiency of the heat-generating device;
• protection of the heat-generating device when backdraft occurs in the chimney system;
• traction control.

Finished stabilizers

The following chimney draft regulators from Polish manufacturers have proven themselves to be effective:

1. RCO . Models in this series are attached using crimp clamps to the edge of a round pipe. Since modern smoke ducts are usually produced with a round metal product, such regulators are most common among users. In addition, installing this device will not be difficult.
2. RCR . The draft stabilizer is applied to the chimney and secured with adjustable clamps with the ability to adjust in the range of 120-200 mm, mounted at the boiler outlet. In the Russian climate, such devices are suitable for pipes made of asbestos, ceramics, and steel. Smoke channels with a draft regulator in the range of 10-35 Pa cannot be called high-quality, but if necessary, they can, of course, be installed.
3. RCP . Installation of a traction stabilizer with a range of 10-35 Pa involves applying and fixing the device to a flat surface. For mounting, the device is equipped with secret holes in each corner. Installation in brick or rectangular chimneys is possible.
4. R.C.W. _ Devices with a draft control range of 10-32 Pa are intended for use in the ducts of boilers, stoves, and fireplaces. The body is made of stainless steel, which makes it possible to secure the device by placing it on glue or a special solution. The second fixation option is on the ventilation grill using expansion springs.

A boiler, furnace or other heating equipment will not perform its assigned functions to the fullest extent unless the equipment is configured. A chimney draft stabilizer, also known as a regulator, can be used to shape the draft, make it stable, and most importantly, constant. Without a good setup of this system, most likely for the first time in a few days you will encounter the problem that your stove will either burn poorly or even begin to go out. Only by taking into account the correct configuration of the system can good efficiency be achieved on an ongoing basis.

Self-assembly of the stabilizer

To make a stabilizer you will need:

• semi-automatic argon welding machine;
• argon gas cylinder;
• grinding discs;
• stainless steel AISI 304 or 321 with a thickness of 8-10 mm;
• steel rod with a diameter of 8-10 mm for the axle, screws, nuts and washers.

The pipe joint is fastened by welding so that the internal diameter is 115 mm. The welds must be thoroughly cleaned outside and inside, and a cutout made for the valve is 15% of the cross-section of the chimney pipe.

A latch is installed in the damper area, and the rotary axis, which is equipped with a rotary valve handle, protrudes from the pipe by 120-150 mm. From the top and bottom edges at a distance of 25-30 mm, roll the sides to connect with adjacent pipes.

It is best to install the stabilizer into a gap in the chimney pipe. To fix the device at the top and bottom, clamps 50-60 mm wide are used.

We offer you to watch a video of a homemade traction stabilizer.

How to assemble it yourself

To assemble your own draft regulator, you must have skills in working with a welding machine. For work you will need sheet stainless steel. Its thickness should be at least 1 mm. The size of the sheet is selected in such a way that it can be used to make a cylinder, which will be equal in diameter to the existing chimney. For the stabilizer, you will also need a small piece of sheet steel, which will serve as a damper. Its size should be the same as the internal diameter of the pipe. Additionally, you will need a stainless steel stud, nuts and rivets.

The stabilizer body, which is a cylinder, is welded from a rectangular section. It is best to do this overlapping so that the seam is sealed. After this, the seams are cleaned and checked. The next step is to create a valve or damper for the traction mechanism. It should not completely cover the cross-section of the pipe when closed. It is necessary to make small cuts, which will be 15% of the total area of ​​the inner circumference of the pipe. Next, you need to drill two holes in the cylinder. A pin is inserted through them and the valve is secured to it. The stud itself is attached to the stabilizer using stainless steel nuts.

A handle is installed at the end of the pin, which can be used to set the damper to the required position. Additionally, you can install a stainless steel rivet, which will serve as a limiter or stopper for the stabilizer valve. The edges of the resulting cylinder are rolled so that their diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the chimney pipe, so that it can be freely inserted inside. The stabilizer is fixed using stainless steel clamps. You can learn more about the assembly process from the video.

Afterword

The safe operation and high efficiency of furnaces and boilers largely depends on the presence of adequate draft in the chimney. If even minor problems arise with the smoke exhaust system, you should definitely inspect the chimney for permeability and begin to normalize the draft. The presence of carbon monoxide indoors is very dangerous to human life. It is quite possible to carry out repair work and install the stabilizer with your own hands.

The uneven flow of gases through the chimney is a consequence of errors in its manufacture or a manifestation of “reverse” draft. A chimney draft stabilizer helps eliminate these phenomena.

How to make a damper for a chimney

Valves for regulating pipe draft are very simple in design, which allows you to make them yourself.
The damper is installed in the cold part of the chimney at a height of no higher than 1 meter from the stove outlet

It is better to make it yourself at the time of laying the stove and chimney with your own hands. To make it, you will need to lay the main course of brickwork.

When laying the second row of bricks with your own hands, leave grooves in the furnace for the valve, taking into account its future dimensions. Then a recess is made on the side or front of the stove brickwork for the damper handle. You can install a gate manufactured at the factory. Technological holes for the gate are made using an angle grinder with a stone wheel.

When erecting a brick chimney for a fireplace and installing a damper, you need to carefully monitor the quality of the masonry. When cracks first appear in the furnace pipe, they should be immediately covered with a composition based on fireclay clay.

You can make a rotary damper for a brick chimney with your own hands

First you need to measure the chimney from the inside where the damper will be located. According to the dimensions we need, we prepare a frame from a steel corner with a shelf height of 3-4 cm. The border of the frame and welding occur in such a way that the horizontal shelf is placed on the bricks, and the vertical shelf fits closely into the chimney.

On opposite sides relative to each other in the middle of the shelf, you need to drill two holes for the guide, 5-8 mm in diameter.

We measure the internal size of the frame and make it from metal 1 mm thick. platinum, from which we will subsequently make a rotary valve. The boundaries of the rotary flap should be made smaller than the inner boundary of the frame by 1-2 mm, otherwise it will get stuck. For the rotating axis, you can use steel wire, having previously made a threaded connection at one end for fastening. Insert the axle into the holes and check that it rotates freely. The mount is fixed, which will not allow the axle to dangle freely in the prepared holes.

If the desired fixation is not achieved, use bushings of the required diameter made from sections of metal pipe. The axle is fixed to the frame using a nut. Then we place the plate on the axle in the center and weld it.

The final stage: making a handle.

Physical phenomena in the chimney system

The stable operation of a heat source (boiler, stove, etc.) largely depends on the correct setting and adjustment of the combustion mode. One of the factors is sustainable traction. Combustion products (gases, water vapor, mechanical particles) from the combustion space exit through the chimney. The latter is a channel made of fireproof material (brick, stainless steel, ceramics).

The chimney system can have different sizes, both in height and internal cross-section. It is quite difficult to make a high chimney (10-15 m) with the correct parameters. As a result, phenomena such as unstable mode or “reverse” thrust arise. In the latter case, the direction of movement of combustion products changes in the other direction, into the room. Reasons may include:

• narrowing of the internal channel due to soot, soot, and trapped debris;
• an increase in pressure at the outlet of the chimney during strong gusts of wind (the chimney “blows out”);
• seasonality of the climate, in which there are differences in atmospheric pressure and temperature in cold or warm times;
• the chimney was built in the “wind” shadow of another tall building or nearby trees.

This causes a change in the vacuum of the flue gases. On the other hand, the opposite phenomenon may be observed—increased emission. In this case, the sound in the pipe resembles the roar of a jet engine. By regulating the pressure inside the chimney, a uniform exit of combustion products from the boiler is achieved. For this purpose, a special device is used - a chimney draft stabilizer.

When traction is not enough

Methods for determining thrust

If you do not have an anemometer, use one of the popular methods for determining chimney draft:

• Smoke. The most obvious sign of a lack of draft is the presence of a small amount of smoke indoors; a large amount of smoke indicates a high risk of fire and the risk of food poisoning.
• Flame color. By the color of the flame, you can understand the level of draft. If the flame inside the stove has a white tint and cracks when burning, then the draft is very powerful. An orange-red color indicates a lack of traction. If the chimney is made correctly, the flame should have an even golden color fading to yellow.
• With a match. You need to bring a lit match to the heater. If the flame deviates towards the stove, then there is draft. If it remains level, then you can be sure that there is traction, but of average magnitude. When the flame deviates in the opposite direction from the stove, a backdraft occurs in the chimney.
• With a mirror. Another way to check the draft force in the chimney is to place a small mirror against the stove. The occurrence of condensation on the surface of the mirror indicates that smoke removal is difficult.

Attention!

The difference in pressure outside and indoors is the basis for creating draft inside the chimney duct. The temperature in a heated room is higher than outside, and, consequently, the pressure it creates inside the room is greater. Hot air, supported by colder air from below, is squeezed into a zone with lower pressure, that is, into the atmosphere. When measurements are taken in summer, the temperature difference is least striking, therefore the draft will be worse and the measurement results may be low relative to the winter period.

Causes of malfunctions

Once you are sure that there is not enough draft inside the chimney, it is necessary to identify and correct the possible cause. Professionals say the most common causes of smoke duct failures are.

Error in design

To make a choice of chimney pipe, you need to focus on the volume of the firebox. If the size is smaller than the calculated parameter, then a weak chimney will not allow smoke to escape from the room.

Short pipe length

A pipe length of less than 5 m does not make a significant difference between indoor and outdoor pressure, which creates weak draft.

Incorrect placement of the chimney pipe

A master stove maker advises laying the chimney vertically, as tight corners keep smoke inside the chimney, reducing draft.

Long horizontal sections

If when laying the chimney it is not possible to avoid horizontal sections, make sure that their length does not exceed 100 cm, otherwise an amplifier will be needed for this.

Getting into the wind support zone

If there is a tall building near the house, it blocks the chimney from the wind, preventing the normal functioning of the chimney system.

Weather conditions

Often, a decrease in draft occurs due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure, moisture entering the chimney due to rain, fog or snow. But this is not critical, because all these are temporary phenomena.

Principle of operation

The draft is adjusted by changing the degree of rarefaction of the gases in the pipe. For this purpose, a stabilizer is built between the chimney pipe from the firebox and the entrance to the chimney. It can work in manual or automatic mode.

The chimney draft regulator is a damper (valve) built into a separate housing. When the draft increases, the valve opens slightly and releases a portion of air from the room. The gas flow cools, the lifting force from the thermal component decreases, and the ejection speed decreases. And, conversely, with the closing of the valve, the influx of cold air decreases, and the output force increases.

It is advisable to install a draft stabilizer on solid fuel boilers operating:

This is due to the presence of time at which the boiler reaches its planned capacity and, accordingly, a stable operating mode. That is, the oven should melt.

Preventing the condition of the chimney

To avoid the need to use means of forced exhaust of a chimney made of heat-resistant material, it is necessary to use preventive means to maintain it in working condition.

Since the main reason for reducing the intensity of flue gas extraction is the reduction in the passage of the pipe by soot accumulated on the walls, we will consider means of combating this phenomenon.

These methods could be:

1. Burning about half a tablespoon of naphthalene in the furnace firebox. Naphthalene vapor decomposes soot into loose components, large ones fall inside the firebox and are subsequently removed with the ash, and small ones fly out through the pipe along with the furnace gases. This product cannot be used for smoke removal from a fireplace and for pipes of open hearths - it leaves a characteristic suffocating smell in the rooms.
2. From time to time, burn potato peelings in the firebox. They are pre-dried. Starch vapors loosen the soot deposit and it will fall into the firebox. Pure starch acts similarly, which is fed into a well-lit firebox in the amount of one tablespoon.
3. A good way to remove soot from pipes is walnut shells. It burns at a high temperature, burning off soot deposits on the inner walls. A single dose of shells should be no more than three liters. Frequency of application - as accumulation occurs.
4. Aspen firewood has a similar effect on soot. One or two logs are burned at the end of the last stack of firewood. They burn at high temperatures.

The frequency of use of high-temperature products should be regular, at least twice a week, so that soot does not have time to accumulate. Otherwise, you can cause a serious fire, since the soot burns and releases a very large amount of heat.

In addition to those listed, there are many anti-soot agents on the market for both chemical and thermal decomposition of soot. The use of preventive measures can eliminate the need for forced measures to improve the exhaust hood on the chimney.

Advantages

Installing a chimney draft stabilizer provides a number of positive aspects:

• the safety of operation of the chimney system increases due to the stabilization of the flow of fuel gases;
• the service life of the chimney increases due to a decrease in peak loads from hot combustion products;
• the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere is reduced;
• Thanks to the constantly slightly open damper, air circulation increases;
• the regulator is capable of operating on forced and natural draft;
• stabilization of fuel combustion;
• maintaining a constant temperature of combustion products in the chimney, as a result of which it does not overheat;
• protection from strong gusts of wind;
• exhaust gases do not enter the room;
• it becomes possible to operate low-temperature heating devices with old chimney systems;
• external heat loss is reduced.

What is it and why is it needed

The chimney does not always work perfectly. Often, due to its large length, too much draft occurs in it (vacuum, pressure drop); in windy weather, gusts of wind cause pressure surges; when the chimney warms up (kindling), the draft also increases.

It is almost impossible to control short draft surges, and they can harm heating equipment - for example, they can knock out the flame in gas boilers, and frequent inclusions and flashes of gas during ignition harm them.

Too strong draft reduces the efficiency of the heating unit - part of the heat does not have time to heat the heat exchanger or the furnace itself and “flies away” along with the exhaust hot gases. In addition, strong draft often causes the chimney to hum and disturb the residents of the house.

To eliminate pressure surges and excessive draft in the chimney, they came up with a draft stabilizer - a simple device. It is installed in the lower part of the chimney.

When the gases in the chimney become too rarefied, the stabilizer automatically lets in some air from the room. This equalizes the pressure and reduces the rate of rise of flue gases.

What affects cravings?

Causes of thrust variability:

• If the chimney head is lower than the roof ridge, then the direction of the wind affects the draft. Although the calculations used to determine the height of the chimney ensure that the pipe exits above the wind pressure zone and provides sufficient minimum draft under all conditions, this does not ensure stable draft - when the wind is directed along the ridge or wall of the house, it increases. Yes, and rounding all indicators (length and cross-sectional area of ​​the hog) when calculating upward also increases the vacuum in the chimney.
• Depending on the weather, the draft also increases or decreases. In clear weather, the pressure is close to normal; with precipitation and humidity, the pressure drops. At high atmospheric pressure, the relative vacuum, that is, the vacuum compared to atmospheric pressure in the chimney increases, and at low pressure it decreases.
• In cold and very cold weather, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors increases - this also increases traction.
• Sudden changes in draft in the chimney are also affected by gusts of wind. If, during long-term changes in weather, the draft can be slightly adjusted with the help of a damper, then with very rapid pressure surges no damper will help.

Design and principle of operation

The pressure stabilizer acts as a valve. It is made only from stainless steel, it is operated at temperatures up to 500 °C and above and is used on the chimneys of heating units using any type of fuel - from gas boilers to coal stoves. Galvanized steel is not used for stabilizers - they are installed close to boilers and are exposed to high temperatures, which is why galvanized steel will quickly burn out.

Structurally, the stabilizer resembles a plug with a hole that is closed by a movable plate. The plate swings on an axis like a pendulum and opens or closes the hole when triggered. A counterweight is attached to the plate. There is a rotating knob to adjust the pressure. To install the stabilizer, a special tee is installed in the chimney near the heating unit.

Operating principle: if the pressure vacuum in the chimney increases, the stabilizer opens the valve slightly and lets in the amount of air from the room necessary to equalize the pressure in accordance with the regulation, then the valve closes. In this case, the valve responds almost instantly to changes in pressure.

There are stabilizers in the form of a fungus. They are used mainly for gas boilers; such a stabilizer is not suitable for solid fuel boilers. The chimney section expands in the form of a fungus. A temperature sensor is mounted under the fungus. If the draft decreases significantly or overturns, hot gases will collect under the fungus (even for a very short time they will go into the room), heat the sensor, and it will turn off the gas supply to the combustion chamber.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of installing a draft stabilizer in the chimney:

1. The safety of operating heating equipment increases.
2. Abrupt changes in thrust in strong winds are eliminated.
3. The stabilizer reduces overheating of the chimney duct when igniting a stove, solid fuel boiler or fireplace, and extends the service life of chimneys.
4. The device is initially installed in the chimneys of long- and extra-long-burning furnaces and boilers.
5. The emission of products of incomplete combustion of fuel (carbon monoxide) into the atmosphere is reduced.
6. The most significant advantages are that the stabilizer reduces abnormal heat leaks from exhaust gases, increases the efficiency of the boiler, and saves fuel. Some sources (the Polish company POLMAR) cite savings of up to more than 30%, with guaranteed savings of 3-9%. The savings are less on gas boilers, and more on solid fuel units. 3 or 9% savings may not seem like much, but calculate the amount you will save over the season. I'm sure the amount will pleasantly surprise you.

There are practically no disadvantages, however, keep in mind that the stabilizer can only reduce traction, but cannot increase it.

Regulator location

The stabilizer is installed in the same room where the boiler is located. The draft breaker is mounted on a vertical pipe in two ways:

Installation is carried out at a distance of 400–600 mm from the junction of the exhaust pipe from the firebox and the main chimney.

The chimney draft regulator is mounted at the level of the stove, at a distance of at least 400 mm from the base. In other words, they are attached at the beginning of the main part of the chimney pipe.

Possible gaps are filled with high-temperature sealant. Compaction with asbestos, previously soaked in water, is allowed.

Possible problems during installation and ways to eliminate them

1. The pipe is not located vertically. Deviations are allowed up to 10 cm per 1 m of product. Ideally, the slope should not exceed 1 cm per 1 m of rolled metal element.
2. The pipe does not fit into the smoke duct due to gaps. All gaps must be sealed with a clay-sand mortar or sealant that can withstand heating of the pipe up to 1000 degrees. To fill existing leaky areas, you can use soaked asbestos, heat-resistant sealant or asbestos cord.

DIY chimney draft stabilizer

The industry produces various models of devices for regulating chimney draft. But it is not always possible to buy them. There are two options for stabilizers that you can make yourself:

Damper

It is an ordinary valve that partially or completely covers the cross-section of the pipe. The simplest option is a transverse valve (as in classic Russian stoves or fireplaces).

Another option is a disk inside the case. The circle is attached to a transverse rod, through which the position of the damper inside the pipe is set. A significant disadvantage of both devices is manual adjustment, which requires almost constant monitoring of the boiler operating mode.

"Fungus"

It is made in the form of a cone-shaped insert into the main pipe. Outwardly it resembles an umbrella. A temperature sensor is installed inside the structure, which monitors the temperature of the gas flow. When reverse draft occurs or during unstable conditions, waste combustion products accumulate under the “umbrella”. There is a general increase in the thermal background. The sensor is triggered and sends a signal to the natural gas supply control device. The boiler turns off.

Recommendations for the operation of gas boilers

An autonomous home heating system is becoming one of the most common methods of heating a home.

Among the many options, preference is given to gas boilers as the most efficient and economical units.

European companies are recognized leaders in the production of gas units, but their products are not always able to work effectively in Russian conditions.

Domestic manufacturers, having analyzed the experience of their foreign colleagues, decided to use a completely different approach to the design and functionality of boilers.

Let's consider one of the models of the Russian gas boiler - Zhukovsky AOGV 23.

What functions does the Zhukovsky gas boiler AOGV 23 have?

The abbreviation AOGV 23 stands for Domestic Gas Heating Apparatus with a power of 23 kW. This is a single-circuit floor-standing unit capable of efficiently heating a room up to 200 m2 .

Such possibilities are optimal for use in a private house, cottage or other premises. The boiler is designed to perform only one function, which allowed the manufacturer to eliminate all unnecessary parts and unused design elements.

This increased reliability and reduced the number of failures and breakdowns. In addition, a feature of AOGV 23 boilers is energy independence.

In the event of a sudden power outage, the boiler will continue to operate as usual, which is important in the Russian winter . This feature significantly increases the reliability of the home heating system.

At the same time, the lack of power supply requires a specific location of the radiator system, since the coolant will circulate naturally.

The combustion chamber of the boiler is atmospheric type, with air intake directly from the room and natural smoke removal using stove-type draft.

Household antifreeze is used as a coolant, which increases the reliability of the heating system in severe frosts.

Malfunctions of the AOGV-23 ZhMZ boiler

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• Repair and adjustment of AOGV boilers
• AOGV-11.6-3 Economy
• AOGV-17.4 Borinsky
• AOGV-17.4 – Installation and installation
• AOGV-23 — Design and maintenance
• AOGV-23 ZhMZ – Operation

Malfunctions of the Zhukovsky boiler AOGV-23 and their elimination

By pressing the start button it is not possible to ignite the igniter, the flame on the igniter goes out, comes off - The gas valve in front of the device is closed - Open the gas valve. — The hole in the igniter nozzle is clogged — Clean the hole with Ø 0.3 mm wire. — Gas pressure is below 635 Pa (65 mm water column) — Notify the gas department.

— The presence of strong drafts in the room, leading to the flame breaking off on the igniter — Eliminate or reduce drafts. There is no spark between the spark plug electrode and the igniter - There is a large gap between the electrode and the igniter - Adjust the gap. — Piezo ignition does not work — Replace piezo ignition.

When the start button is released (after holding it for at least a minute with the igniter burning), the igniter flame goes out - Oxidation of the solder on the contacts at the junction of the electromagnet with the contact wire, weak pressing of the pins in the sockets - Unscrew the contact wire fitting from the gas magnetic valve body, clean the contact with a file until shiny (remove oxide film).

Screw the fitting back into the housing. Remove the sockets from the pins and lightly crimp the sockets with pliers. Install the sockets onto the pins.

To avoid breaking the soldering of the electromagnet contacts and the contact wire, do not overtighten the wire fitting when screwing it into the gas magnetic valve body. — The traction sensor microswitch does not work. — Replace the microswitch. — The thermocouple does not produce an EMF, the end of the thermocouple has burned out (the value of the EMF of the thermocouple must be at least 20 mV) — Replace the thermocouple.

— The igniter flame does not touch the thermocouple — Install (bend) the thermocouple so that the flame washes the end of the thermocouple (see Fig. 3). — The safety thermostat is faulty — Replace the safety thermostat. The flame of the burner and igniter goes out. Automatic shutdown of the gas supply when the gas boiler AOGV-23 ZhMZ is operating.

The draft sensor is triggered - Complete or partial blockage of the chimney - Clean the chimney. — The presence of strong drafts in the room, leading to the flame failure on the igniter — Eliminate or reduce drafts. — The pressure has dropped below 635 Pa (65 mm of water column) — Notify the gas department.

— To measure the gas pressure in the network, disconnect the igniter tube from the fitting of the valve body. Connect a measuring device to the fitting.

— Turn the adjustment knob, setting it to 50 - 60 °C. Press the start button all the way, then release it 2 - 3 mm and after 8 - 12 seconds. take readings from the device. The response time of the automatic operation of the gas Zhukovsky boiler AOGV-23 for draft is less than 10 seconds. in the absence of draft in the chimney.

The automatic response time for traction is more than 60 seconds. in the absence of draft in the chimney. — The traction sensor is not adjusted — Adjust the sensor, for this purpose: unlock it, unscrew (or tighten) the adjusting screw by 1-2 mm and lock it again. Check the response time. Repeat the operation if necessary.

— The response time depends on the size of the gap between the adjusting screw and the microswitch button. As the gap increases, the response time increases and vice versa.

The main burner does not turn off - The "thermal bellows" is depressurized - Replace the "thermal bellows" - The thermostat is out of adjustment - Adjust the thermostat in the response ranges within 50-90 °C. After switching off, the burner does not turn on for a long time.

The water in the tank is hot, the radiators are cold - There is no circulation in the heating system - Eliminate reverse slopes in the heating system. Eliminate air pockets in the heating system.

Presence of flame at the combustion holes of the main burner when the thermostat is turned off - Leakage of the thermostat valve due to the presence of dirt - Remove the front cover of the thermostat. Clean the valve plug and apply sealing lubricant. The draft breaker door does not rotate or rotates slowly - There is dirt on the door axle - Remove dirt from the door axle and the socket for installing the axle in the draft breaker body.

Operating principle

The boiler automatically changes the temperature thanks, first of all, to a thermostat placed in a cylindrical body. Using a handle and chain, the body, in turn, is mechanically attached to the ash pan door. The thermostatic element itself looks like a flask filled with liquid, which expands significantly when heated. The thermostat is located at the bottom of the cylindrical body, directly in the part that is connected to the water circuit of the boiler, so the element is in contact with the coolant.

Technologically, the operation of the regulator is as follows:

• when the temperature increases, the sensor (thermostat) reacts to it and weakens the spring located inside the cylindrical body, which, in turn, is connected to the lever and chain;
• the lever lowers and the damper closes accordingly, and the thrust decreases;
• due to the fact that there is less air, combustion slows down;
• the process is repeated.

A temperature adjustment handle is installed on the cylindrical body. If you set a certain limit, the lever will not fall below this norm, and therefore the temperature will not decrease.

Installation features

Installing a chimney draft stabilizer is quite simple; for this you need to make special “legs” and a bottom where the chimney stabilizer itself rests. For a detailed study, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the pictures or diagram. Schemes and drawings for installing the stabilizer provide complete information on how to properly secure it and where exactly to install it.

Also keep in mind that in addition to the regulator itself, the kit often includes a stabilizer sensor. There will be no problems with it either; it is attached to the chimney with special fasteners included in the kit, using bolts, rarely with rivets.

From this article you will learn what problems can arise in the automation of gas boilers, why it is impossible to ignite the igniter, which is why the boiler can turn off for no reason, and most importantly, we will figure out what actions need to be taken to diagnose and eliminate this malfunction.

Owners of non-volatile gas boilers are probably familiar with the situation when, for some reason, it is not possible to ignite the boiler, or a lot of time is spent on ignition. In this case, the problem lies in the boiler automation.

Today, the gas valve EUROSIT 630 is most often used in domestic and imported gas equipment. It is this valve that performs the function of maintaining the set coolant temperature and, in the event of an emergency, completely shuts off the gas supply to the burners. Further starting of boilers with such automation is only possible manually. However, the cause of a boiler emergency shutdown is not always a real accident.

Let's try to understand this using the example of the Zhitomir-3 boiler. Automatically, it provides protection against loss of flame on the igniter and loss of traction.

Note: All gas-hazardous work must be carried out exclusively by representatives of specialized organizations that have the appropriate permits. Therefore, this article is provided for informational purposes only. This article will also help you monitor the work of the technician and, perhaps, save you from the need to purchase unnecessary spare parts.

Let's decide what we will call igniting the igniter. The EUROSIT 630 valve control knob allows you to switch the boiler to three main modes:

• disabled;
• ignition;
• temperature adjustment (1–7).

To ignite the pilot burner (igniter), you must move the control knob to the “ignition” (spark) position, press it and use the piezo ignition button to ignite the pilot burner. Next, the handle is held for several seconds (no more than 30) and released. The pilot light should continue to burn. This is what we will call igniting the igniter. If the pilot light goes out, you need to repeat the procedure several more times. If this does not help, you need to look for the problem.

At the moment the igniter is ignited, the flame heats the thermocouple, which in turn generates an EMF (approximately 25 mV for working SIT thermocouples), which is supplied through the automation sensor(s) circuit to the solenoid valve.

By pressing the gas valve handle, we manually open the solenoid valve, supplying gas to the igniter, which, if the equipment is operating correctly, is held by the EMF generated by the thermocouple and remains in the open position after the handle is released. The thermocouple itself performs the function of protecting against loss of flame on the igniter. The sensors located in the circuit are normally closed and, when triggered, open their contacts, ensuring complete shutdown of the boiler.

Function of regulators

The temperature regulator performs a very important function in solid fuel boilers. All units using wood or coal must have a water jacket. If the water temperature is not regulated, it will simply boil, so mechanical or automatic regulators are a very important and necessary element of a solid fuel boiler.

Automatic temperature sensors protect the boiler from overheating and breakdowns, thereby preventing the boiler from exploding.

If water boils, pressure rises and an explosion occurs. Therefore, if a solid fuel boiler has only a manual damper for temperature regulation, it represents a high-risk device. An alternative is to install an additional container where excess heat will go, but this option is not ideal and may malfunction, although it will somehow protect the boiler from overheating.

An automatic draft regulator for solid fuel boilers will do all the work for a person without his direct participation. At the right time, it will close the damper to the required level and prevent water from boiling in the jacket of the device. It is also necessary to take into account that the temperature will continue to increase for some time, but the process of increasing degrees will stop.

In addition to the main advantages of the draft regulator, there are others:

1. Using the regulator you can set the maximum temperature. This is especially convenient in autumn or early spring, when the temperature does not necessarily have to stay within +80...+90°C. You can set it to +60°C, and that will be enough.
2. When the damper is closed, the combustion rate decreases, which helps save on fuel. But such actions slightly reduce the efficiency of the device.

Sometimes, as an alternative, a safety valve is installed that opens at high pressure. But this method is not a panacea, since after 2-3 operations the valve often begins to leak due to overload, so the ideal option would be to install a draft regulator on the boiler.

Tips for choosing a device

Specialized stores have a huge selection of solid fuel boilers. And, oddly enough, even today you can find models without automation. Most of these “ancient” devices are equipped only with a sleeve mounted inside the heat exchanger. Installation of a draft regulator on a solid fuel boiler of this type is mandatory. This will prevent the temperature from rising to critical levels and will make the structure safer.

In this regard, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence in the design of a sleeve and a flap that rises upward.

When choosing a mechanized draft regulator, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• the thermostat power must correspond to the weight of the sash in order to successfully lift it;
• it is better to choose the ability to regulate the temperature in the range from +60 to +90°C;
• the angle of rotation of the lever should be enough to fully open and close the sash;
• The threads in the boiler must match the threads of the draft regulator in order to freely fasten the two parts together.

The heating process using modern mechanized and automatic draft regulators has become easy and convenient today

When choosing a regulator, you should also pay attention to the position in which it can operate, since the sleeve can be located on the side or on top. There are models that can work in any position.

Selection of devices for regulation

Let's consider some characteristic features and methods of using devices for monitoring and adjusting traction.

Deflectors

Such structures are installed on the chimney (at its very top) to create obstacles to air flow. The intensity of the wind force drops noticeably when encountering such devices placed on a pipe. The smoke escapes through the channel “to freedom” due to weak air currents entering the pipe. These flows “catch” the exhaust gases and “push” them out.

Deflectors eliminate the possibility of pipe clogging, and, if made with taste, they significantly improve the appearance of the entire building.

There are several types of deflectors:

• TsAGI;
• round Wolpert;
• Grigorovich;
• plate-shaped;
• in the form of the letter H;
• rotating;
• vane.

Almost all of these devices are made from stainless steel, in rare situations - from copper. Using brackets, clamps, bolts, sealing tape, the deflector is attached to the chimney pipe. Some devices are also equipped with additional functions: to extinguish sparks (to eliminate a possible fire in the roof), to control the temperature of the exhaust air (in this case, the sensor is triggered if hot air does not come out and there is a possibility of reverse draft).

The disadvantages of using deflectors are their minimal effectiveness in calm weather.

Photo gallery: types of deflectors

Rotary devices

Turbines installed at the head of the chimney use the energy capabilities of the wind. Air flows set the rotary nozzle in motion (it always moves in one direction), and thereby the air becomes rarefied near the chimney. The entry of any foreign objects and sediment into the chimney with a rotary pipe is completely excluded.

Rotary pipes have a big disadvantage, similar to the operation of a deflector. Their use on a windless day is ineffective.

If you do not have great abilities, buying such devices is not a problem.

Traction regulators

Such devices are a real find for residents of country houses, lovers of baths and fireplace gatherings. These devices are attached to the boiler chimney. They are equipped with a metal plate with a weight that balances it on one side. When the draft is good, the metal plate does not interfere with the free access of air into the chimney. With weak or reverse thrust, the metal plate serves as a kind of stupor.

The range limits for thrust are set by the consumer himself, the usual parameters are 10–35 Pa.

The device operates completely autonomously and does not require any electrical current.