Water comb - distribution manifold with taps, price

Scope of application

Distribution manifolds are used as part of the following types of utility networks:

• water supply;

• water heated floors;
• heating systems with radiant wiring.

Installing a comb allows you to create an independent feed into each line. This helps to equalize pressure, ensure accurate distribution and regulation of supply to each device, and prevent a decrease in water temperature when opening the tap at other water intake points. A water distribution manifold simplifies repairs by allowing you to shut off the desired line without shutting down the entire network.

Comb in the Encyclopedic Dictionary:

Comb - in technology -1) comb - a tool in the form of a rack for cutting gears on gear-processing machines using the rolling (bending) method. 2) comb - a multi-thread thread cutter for cutting external or internal threads in one pass. The material of the cutting part of the comb is high-speed steel or other hard alloys.

city ​​(since 1959) in Ukraine, Poltava region. Railway junction. 13.7 thousand inhabitants (1991). Railway transport enterprises.

Evgeniy Pavlovich (1812-48) - Ukrainian and Russian writer. Fables (collection “Little Russian Sayings”, 1834), everyday stories (collection “Poltava Evenings”, 1848), historical novel “Tchaikovsky” (1843), songs (“Dark eyes, passionate eyes...”, etc.).

Types of combs

combs for hot and cold water
Water combs differ in:

• degree of sophistication;
• material;
• number of taps,
• center distance of bends (36 – 100 mm).

Thus, combs for far water supply can be made from:

• copper;
• become;
• brass;
• silumin;
• polypropylene.

The design of an elementary distribution comb for water supply is simple: it is a pipe with several outlets. The number of outlets can be from 2 to 4. This collector is designed only for distributing water flows and is easy to assemble yourself.

There are complex models of combs for far water supply with ball valves and with shut-off control valves required for each outlet. The taps operate only in two positions: on and off, and shut-off equipment allows you to change the flow intensity. According to consumers, the second option is more convenient. The most sophisticated models are equipped with mechanical or electronic sensors and are designed to work in heating and hot water supply systems.

If there are more than 4 plumbing fixtures in the house, several collectors are connected together. The great convenience of using such wiring is the ability to install a hidden water supply system. The comb stabilizes the water flow, reducing the likelihood of a water pipe break.

Types of distribution combs

Collectors are mounted on hot and cold water supply. For convenience and to prevent confusion, manufacturers produce models in different colors (red and blue).

By type, combs differ in the number of taps, which varies from 2 to 4. For a larger number of connections, it is recommended to use combinations of several distribution devices. For example, the existing 6 points can be equipped with two combs for 3 outputs.

Equipping the heating system with a manifold will be no less useful. Heating will be carried out evenly, which will eliminate differences in the temperature of individual rooms.

The operation of any type of switchgear is safe. The absence of pressure drop will eliminate emergency situations with breakthroughs and flooding.

Advantages and disadvantages of collector heating

Collector heating in an apartment or private house has pros and cons. Among the advantages of this system it should be noted:

1. Maintainability. If a breakdown is detected, you can easily turn off a separate section of the pipeline without completely interrupting the operation of the system.
2. Small cross-section pipes can be used. Since each branch leaving the distributor feeds only one radiator, for its installation it is possible to choose pipes of a small cross-section, and they can be easily placed in the screed.
3. Easy to use. Due to the fact that each device has autonomous control, the home owner has the opportunity to set the temperature in any specific room. And if necessary, turn off heating devices in the room. Moreover, the temperature in the remaining rooms will remain the same.
4. You can install a collector heating system for a private house with your own hands.

   
   Economic costs are one of the disadvantages of this heating

In order to create several branches that have different characteristics, for example, different coolant pressure, distribution wiring with a hydraulic compensator is used. A hydraulic arrow is a capacious pipe where several independent branches are connected to the outputs.

Due to the fact that heated water reaches the radiators with minimal losses, the efficiency of the system increases. This allows you to reduce the boiler power, saving fuel costs.

The heating system also has disadvantages. The main ones:

1. Pipe flow. In contrast to the classical connection, the pipe flow during the arrangement of the collector circuit increases by 2-3 times. The difference in costs is due to the number of premises involved.
2. Circulation pumps are required, which will entail additional material investments.

   
   If something happens to the pipes, you will have to open the floor

Another disadvantage is the dependence on electricity: even with the boiler running, the radiators will remain cold during a power outage. Therefore, these systems are not recommended for use in areas where power outages are common.

What is it needed for

When installing water pressure systems, there is a rule: the total diameter of all branches should not exceed the diameter of the supply pipe. In relation to heating equipment, this rule looks like this: if the diameter of the boiler outlet fitting is 1 inch, then the system allows two circuits with a pipe diameter of ½ inch. For a small house heated only with radiators, such a system will work effectively.

In fact, there are more heating circuits in a private house or cottage: heated floors. heating of several floors, utility rooms, garage. When they are connected through a tapping system, the pressure in each circuit will be insufficient to effectively heat the radiators, and the temperature in the house will not be comfortable.

Therefore, branched heating systems are made using collector systems; this technique allows you to adjust each circuit separately and set the desired temperature in each room. So, for a garage, plus 10-15ºС is enough, and for a nursery, a temperature of about plus 23-25ºС is required. In addition, heated floors should not heat up more than 35-37 degrees, otherwise it will be unpleasant to walk on them, and the floor covering may become deformed. With the help of a manifold and shut-off temperature, this problem can also be solved.

Manifold groups for heating systems are sold ready-made, and they can have different configurations and the number of outlets. You can select a suitable collector assembly and install it yourself or with the help of specialists.

However, most industrial models are universal and do not always fit the needs of a particular home. Redesigning or modifying them can significantly increase costs. Therefore, in most cases it is easier to assemble it from separate blocks with your own hands, taking into account the characteristics of a particular heating system.

Manifold group for heating system assembly

The design of the universal collector group is shown in the figure. It consists of two blocks for forward and reverse coolant flow, equipped with the required number of outlets. Flow meters are installed on the supply (direct) manifold, and thermal heads are located on the return manifold to regulate the return water temperature in each circuit. With their help, you can set the required coolant flow rate, which will determine the temperature in the heating radiators.

The manifold distribution unit is equipped with a pressure gauge, circulation pump and air valves. The supply and return manifolds are combined into one unit with brackets, which also serve to attach the unit to a wall or cabinet. The price of such a block is from 15 to 20 thousand rubles. and if some of the taps are not used, its installation will be clearly impractical.

How to choose a distribution manifold?

Before purchasing a collector, it is recommended to check the technical parameters of different models for the optimal choice for your plumbing system.

Nuances taken into account when choosing:

• pressure in the water supply;
• comb throughput capabilities;
• number of water intake points;
• installation on cold or hot water supply;
• installation on hot or cold water supply;
• possibility of connecting an additional point.

No less attention should be paid to the material from which the collector is made:

The preferred materials are bronze or brass copper due to the fact that they hardly accumulate sediments that can cause corrosion.

Making a distribution manifold with your own hands

The distribution manifold design is developed based on the number of heating circuits in your system. Assess where your heating boiler is located, what inlet and outlet pipes it has, how many heating circuits or indirect heating circuits will be used in the heating system. Perhaps you are planning to increase the number of circuits in your home, for example adding another room next year. Solar collectors, heat pumps and other devices can also be connected to the distribution system. We also consider all heat distribution systems, including warm water floors, heating radiators, fan coil units, and so on.

We are drawing up a diagram of our heating system, taking into account that each circuit has a hot water supply pipe and a return pipe.

When designing the system, do not forget to determine the location of additional equipment, such as an expansion tank, an automatic make-up valve, a drain and fill valve, a group of thermostats, and so on.

Performs spatial design, that is, we determine where and where pipes will be connected to our distribution manifold. Practice suggests that pipes for connecting a solid fuel boiler and for indirect heating are usually installed at the ends of the collector. If you have a wall-mounted gas or electric boiler in your system, it fits into the top or also into the end.

Based on the available information, we draw up a drawing of the future distribution manifold. It is convenient to use graph paper for this. The distance between the pipes should not be less than 10 centimeters, but they should not be spaced wider than 20 centimeters either. For one heating circuit, the distance between the supply pipe and the return pipe should not be less than 10 centimeters. It is desirable that groups of pipes of the same circuit be visually distinguished.

Collector design

The figure below shows an example of designing a distribution manifold into which six heating system circuits will be connected.

At the first stage, we draw two rectangles. This is the supply manifold and the return manifold.

supply manifold and return manifold

We design the connection of the boiler and indirect heating boiler on the manifold trunks. Do not forget to indicate on the drawing the cross-sectional parameters of future pipes.

connecting the boiler and indirect heating boiler

We design the connection of heating circuits and additional heating boilers. Don’t forget to indicate the cross-section of the pipes and the dimensions of the pipes. We sign all designed pipes.

connection of heating circuits and additional heating boilers

At the next stage, we design the connection of additional equipment. In our case, this is an expansion tank, a drain valve, a protective block, and a system thermometer

Please note that the coolant supply circuits are highlighted in red, and the return circuits are highlighted in blue

connecting additional equipment

This was a rough drawing. We check its correctness and transfer it completely to a new sheet of paper. It is based on this project that we will create our own distribution manifold.

How and where to install a water collector?

The choice of location for the distribution manifold should be based on placing the equipment at the same distance from the comb. increased pressure will occur in the longest sections of the pipeline , which negatively affects its condition.
If you plan to install a distribution comb for a heating system, you need to take into account the main rule - the permissible difference in the lengths of different sections of the pipeline from the collector to the heating radiators should not exceed a ratio of 1:2. Simply put, the length of the pipes from the first battery to the comb and subsequent radiators should not be less than 2 times.

If the specified parameters are exceeded, it will not be possible to achieve correct operation of the collector wiring of the heating system. If there are several floors in a building, then the comb should be installed on each of them. In this case, there are several ways to place the distribution manifold:

• in a special installation cabinet;
• directly on the wall.

To install the comb on the wall, install a special niche slightly above floor level. The size of the niche must correspond to the collector, taking into account that the heating system pipes will be connected to it. The place where the comb is placed must be dry. Most often, a corridor or utility room , where the collector system will not interfere.

If the comb is placed in the corridor, then it is advisable to place a special cabinet in the niche. Structurally, such a product is nothing more than a metal box with a door and holes for pipes in and out. The box is usually equipped with special fasteners to securely fix the comb.

Rules for connecting the distribution comb

The selection of the collector location must be based on the principle of equidistant location of the equipment from it.
If this requirement is neglected, then high pressure arises at more extended nodes of the system, which will negatively affect this area. Therefore, the permitted difference in lengths of pipe sections from the comb to the batteries should not violate the 1:2 proportion. Or, in other words, the length of the pipelines from the first radiator to the collector and subsequent batteries cannot be less than 2 times. If the specified characteristics are exceeded, it will not be possible to ensure accurate operation of the comb. If the house has many floors, the collector is installed on each of them. There are a number of methods for placing the distribution comb in the heating system: in a special installation cabinet or directly on the wall.

When installing the collector on the walls, specialized niches are made in them. To install the heating comb, determine a place above the floor level. In terms of dimensions, the niche must correspond to the dimensions of the comb, taking into account attachments and piping of heating pipelines. The space where the collector is located must certainly be dry. Usually, for these purposes, a corridor or an auxiliary room is chosen, where the distribution system will not disturb anyone.

In case the distributor is located in a transition, it is recommended to place a special metal cabinet with a door and holes for the input/output of pipelines in a niche. This design is usually equipped with special fasteners to securely fasten it.

In the dictionary D.N. Ushakova

COMB, combs, female. 1. An oblong plate made of horn, bone, celluloid (less often metal, wood), with a frequent row of teeth on one side, used for combing hair. Comb your hair with a comb. | The same plate (usually curved) is used to fasten and decorate a woman’s hairstyle. Stick the comb into your hair. 2. A term from various branches of technology to designate tools and devices similar in shape or purpose to a comb (technical). Turning comb. • Undercut - Cut your hair short. Cut everyone with the same brush (colloquial) - transl. bring everyone to the same level.

Distribution comb for heating: recommendations for placement and installation

The comb is installed in accordance with existing SNIP standards and requirements for the arrangement of heating systems. It must meet certain requirements:

1. The heating distribution comb must be located above the level of the main heating line. This requirement is necessary so that, in an emergency, it is possible to bleed excess air from the system.
2. The longest duration of any circuit connected to the collector must be equal.
3. After the installation of the heating comb is completed, the entire necessary set of additional equipment is connected to it: an electric circulation pump, shut-off and control valves, safety valves and air vents.
4. Before commissioning, it is necessary to fine-tune the operation of the collector and auxiliary equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Making a comb with your own hands

Although economically this is not very justified, with the necessary tools and a lot of patience, you can make a polypropylene comb yourself. To do this you will need the following materials:

• hacksaw and soldering iron for polypropylene;
• pieces of polypropylene pipe with a diameter of 25 and 32 mm;
• tees 32x25x32;
• plugs for 32nd diameter;
• couplings with internal threads 32:1 inch and 25:3\4;
• couplings with external thread 25:3\4;
• sealant;
• Ball Valves;
• air extractor.

You can do without an air extractor. But be sure to leave space at both ends to connect additional devices to the water supply comb in the future. During welding, it is important to “by eye” check the quality of the seams in order to prevent completely welded elements.

Video on how to make and install a cold water distribution comb yourself:

Source

How not to make a mistake when choosing a distribution comb

Before purchasing a device, you need to calculate all the important aspects of its functioning and set the comb parameters that will be required in the future for the automatic operation of the heat supply system. At the same time, you will need to pay a lot of attention not only to the material from which the heating comb is made, which, of course, is important, but not critical, but also to other important points.

Initially you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. The volume of coolant passed through - it is necessary that the collector can cope with the heating flow of water through all heating circuits, and having a reserve of at least 15%.
2. Ability to increase the heating system when connecting new subscribers.
3. Total power consumption to ensure inter-circuit operation of servomotors.
4. Maximum medium pressure with a margin of at least 15%.

As is obvious, the professional selection of a heating distribution comb can only be performed by specialists with experience in working with heating distribution networks

The heating distribution comb is an innovative component in domestic heating systems. Its use helps to automatically, including remotely, control the heating mode in each room separately, while ensuring a comfortable indoor air temperature and real savings on heating services.

Types and design of water combs

The differences between plumbing combs vary as follows:

For a larger number of plumbing connections, it would be better to use a combination of several distribution devices. For example, at 6 points you can install two combs with 3 outputs each.

The simplest design of a distribution comb looks like a pipe with several outlets. Their number varies from 2 to 4. Such a collector is designed directly for distributing water flows and its assembly is quite easy to do yourself.

More complex types of combs for water supply are far equipped with ball valves and control fittings required for each outlet. The taps have only two positions, on and off, and shut-off valves make it possible to change the flow intensity. Many consumers find the second option the most convenient. The most sophisticated models are equipped with mechanical or electronic sensors and can be installed on heating and hot water supply systems.

Famous brands

Valtec is an Italian manufacturer of a line of products for constructing water supply systems. A full range of products for metal-plastic, polypropylene water supply and stainless steel systems is always on sale. In Russia, representative offices are located in 6 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar.

Rehau is a German manufacturer with a history dating back to 1948. Products undergo multi-stage quality control.

Far (FAR) is another Italian company. In addition to shut-off and distribution valves, the line includes metal-plastic, polypropylene, copper and steel pipes.

How to make a distribution manifold yourself

For a good craftsman, making a homemade comb from metal or polypropylene will not be particularly difficult. Judge for yourself: a large-diameter steel pipe is plugged at both ends, after which connecting fittings with the thread that is most convenient for you are welded to it. The collector is then pressure tested for the permeability of the welds and painted over a layer of primer.

When performing this work, it is important to maintain the size and diameter of the pipes. You can be guided by this rule: the diameter of the collectors must be selected so that it is three times the diameter of the connected pipelines. In case you take profile pipes for production, we note that this proportion is also observed in relation to the cross-sectional area. To comply with the remaining dimensions, you can take the following diagram as a basis:

There is another option for selecting the diameter of the comb; it was discussed above in the example of a factory product. If the thermal power of the home heating system does not exceed 50 kW, then feel free to take a DN80 pipe, and above 50 to 100 kW, make a manifold from a DN100 pipe. In this case, the dimensions of the fittings do not need to be made three times smaller; take them in accordance with the hydraulic calculation.

A little more work needs to be done to make a comb from polypropylene tees. Such products are becoming more and more popular due to their low cost. You will only have to spend money on tees; all other parts will be inexpensive. By the way, similar collectors are already available for sale in assembled form.

Another thing is that a polypropylene comb, assembled with your own hands, is not able to withstand the high temperature of the water in the heating system. If an emergency occurs, the solder joints will immediately leak. This is quite likely when the house is heated with a solid fuel boiler, then the entire piping should be made of steel or copper.

How to make a collector with your own hands?

Although from the economic side this is not entirely justified, if you have the necessary tools and a lot of patience, you can make a polypropylene comb with your own hands. To do this you will need:

• hacksaw and soldering iron for polypropylene;
• pieces of polypropylene pipe Rehau with a diameter of 25 and 32 mm;
• tees 32x25x32;
• plugs for 32nd diameter;
• couplings with internal threads 32:1 inch and 25:34;
• couplings with external threads 25:34;
• sealant;
• Ball Valves;
• air extractor.

You don't have to use an air extractor. But you must leave space at both ends to connect additional devices to the water supply collector in the future. During welding work, it is very important to visually check the quality of the seams to prevent completely welded elements.