And the disadvantages of a single-pipe system. Single-pipe or two-pipe: which heating system is better and why? Distinctive features of a one-pipe system

Currently, two types of pipe routing are used for heating systems: one-pipe and two-pipe. The presence of different housing stock allows you to choose the most effective type of heating for each individual situation.

From the right choice heating systems largely depend on the comfort in the home during the cold season and reasonable savings money for the purchase of materials and installation. Having studied the pros and cons of the systems, it will be possible to do optimal choice for your house, apartment.

Single pipe heating

The principle of operation of such a system is quite simple: through the riser (supply main) the hot coolant rises to top floor apartment building and goes down the main line, passing through the heating devices of each floor. The heating intensity will decrease from top to bottom, although in a private 1-2 storey household there is no threat of a large temperature difference; the radiators are heated evenly.

Advantages of such a system:

Hydraulic stability of the system;
Simplicity of design and installation of the system, which significantly affects the timing of the work;
Material costs are reduced by a pipeline consisting of one pipe with coolant;
The single-pipe main does not overload the design of the premises with complex engineering solutions for wiring and connecting radiators;
The use of modern radiators, shut-off valves for balancing the system and automatic thermostats ensures uniform heating of the air in the rooms;
Shut-off valves make it possible to dismantle any radiator in the system without stopping the heating system and dumping water in the system.

Negative aspects of using a single-pipe system

Requires the production of precise hydraulic and thermal calculation systems;
Difficulty in reconstructing the system or eliminating calculation and installation errors due to imbalance of the system;
High degree of dependence in the operation of heating devices on each other;
The system is limited to 8-10 radiators on one riser; the temperature difference from the first radiator to the last depends on their number and can cause significant underheating of the premises in winter;
High hydraulic resistance overloads circulation pump and requires greater productivity from him;
To compensate for heat loss, an increase in the number of radiator sections at the end of the riser is required.

During the operation of such a system, many measures have been developed to improve its operation, which make it possible to control the operation of heating devices connected to one riser without significant change temperature regime adjacent radiators in a common system.

Each radiator is equipped with a transit bypass pipeline; this is a jumper with a tap, valve or automatic thermostat that manually or automatically regulates the supply of boiler water to the heating radiator. The presence of shut-off valves allows you to completely exclude the radiator from the system without compromising the heating of the entire house. Correct calculation, installation and balancing of such a system can only be performed by a certified heating engineer.

Wiring a heating system with two pipes

Such a system serves the battery system with two pipes: a supply of hot coolant and a return to return cooled water back to the boiler.

Currently this system recognized by most experts as the most reliable in operation and safe for the heating devices used.

Advantages of a two-pipe system:

Ease of implementation of temperature control in each room without changing the operating parameters of adjacent radiators in the system (on the riser);
Easy installation of radiators, which ensures independent operation of each element of the system;
Changes in the heating system in the future will in no way lead to disruption of the temperature balance in the rooms; in other words, you can add a radiator anywhere or change the number of its sections;
The possibility of freezing of the heating system in the end sections in insufficiently insulated or service rooms is minimized.

Disadvantages of such a system:

More complex installation systems due to the connection diagram of heating devices;
Additional material consumption due to an increase in the number of pipes;
Complex decoration of pipes and assemblies in conditions small apartment and limited areas.

Each type of heating system has its own pros and cons, but if you want to get more comfort with a total area of heated premises over 100 square meters. m, you need to opt for a two-pipe system. IN European countries from single pipe system abandoned in the last century. Well, problems arise in any system with a certain curvature of the arms...

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

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

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

Advantages of a one-pipe system:

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

Disadvantages of a one-pipe system:

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

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

Advantages of a two-pipe system:

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

Disadvantages of a two-pipe system.

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

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

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

In addition to those mentioned above positive features this scheme, we present one more consideration as a substantiation of our recommendation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single pipe heating system

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

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

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

thermostatic valves;
radiator regulators;
balancing valves;
Ball Valves.

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

Characteristic features of a single-pipe heating system

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

Advantages single-pipe heating before two-pipe:

Pipes can be connected to “warm floors” or heating radiators.
Such a system can be installed in any room, regardless of the layout.
The closed circuit allows the entire building to be heated as a single piece.
Such a system is much cheaper because it requires much less materials.

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

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

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

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

Two-pipe heating system

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Installation of heating systems

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

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

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

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

The main classification of heating installation methods is still based on the chosen scheme. Single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems have a lot in common, but the difference between them is too great to put them on the same page. The advantages of single-pipe heating are obvious: low cost and ease of operation. But this system also has enough disadvantages, and the most important of them is that if it is too large area at home (more than 100 sq.m.) or if there is a second floor, a single-pipe scheme simply will not justify itself. In such cases, it will be much more profitable to opt for a two-pipe heating system.

Last option It also makes it possible to choose the appropriate method of installing radiators:

sequentially;
parallel;
diagonally;
on the side.

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Have you thought about installing water heating in your home? It is not surprising, because a single-pipe heating system for a private house can be traditional and completely energy-independent or, on the contrary, very modern and fully automatic.

But you still have doubts about the reliability of this option - you don’t know which scheme to choose and what pitfalls await you? We will help clarify these issues - the article discusses schemes for arranging a single-pipe system, the pros and cons that await the owner of a house with such a heating system.

The article material is supplied detailed diagrams And clear photos with image individual elements, used in heating assembly. In addition, a video has been selected with an analysis of the nuances of installing a single-pipe system with warm floors.

IN low-rise construction The most widespread is the simple, reliable and economical design with one line. The single-pipe system remains the most popular way of organizing individual heat supply. It operates due to the continuous circulation of the coolant liquid.

Moving through pipes from a source of thermal energy (boiler) to heating elements and back, he gives his thermal energy and heats the building.

The coolant can be air, steam, water or antifreeze, which is used in periodic residences. The most common.

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The unit consists of an air vent, a pressure gauge and safety valve for coolant discharge in emergency mode. Mounted with shut-off valves on the supply pipeline to allow shutdown in case of repairs.

If there is a rise in the pipeline, then it is located at its highest point.

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Owners of private homes often face a choice of which type of home heating to choose. There are only two types of heating systems traditionally used in everyday life: one-pipe and two-pipe. Each type has both advantages and disadvantages. The difference between both systems is in different ways delivery of coolant to heating devices. What heating structure for own home It’s better to choose one-pipe or two-pipe directly to the owner of the house, taking into account his own household needs, the expected heated area and the availability of finances.

In the first option, heat is distributed throughout the house through one pipe, sequentially heating each room of the house. In the second case, the complex is equipped with two pipes. One is a direct supply of coolant to the . The other pipe serves to drain the cooled liquid back into the boiler for subsequent heating. A correct assessment of your own financial capabilities, an accurate calculation of the optimal parameters of the coolant in each individual case, will help not only decide on the type of heating system, but also competently.

You can understand and figure out what is best for you, a single-pipe or two-pipe heating system, only after carefully studying the technical nuances.

Single pipe heating system. General views

A single-pipe heating system can work with both a pump and natural coolant circulation. When considering the second type, you should delve a little into the existing laws of physics. It is based on the principle of expansion of a liquid when heated. During operation, the heating boiler heats the coolant, which, due to the temperature difference and the pressure created, rises along the riser to the highest point of the system. The coolant moves upward through one pipe, reaching the expansion tank. Accumulating there, hot water already fills all series-connected batteries through the downpipe.

Accordingly, the first connection points along the coolant flow will receive maximum heat, while the radiators located further away will already receive partially cooled liquid.

For large, multi-story buildings, such a scheme is extremely ineffective, although in terms of installation costs and maintenance, a single-pipe system looks attractive. For private one-story houses, two-story residential buildings similar principle heat distribution is acceptable. Heating of residential premises using a single-pipe circuit in one-story house quite effective. With a small heated area, the temperature in the radiators is almost the same. The use of a pump in longer systems also has a positive effect on the uniformity of heat distribution.

Heating quality and installation cost in in this case May depend on connection type. Diagonal connection radiators provide greater heat transfer, but are used less frequently due to the larger number of pipes required to connect all heating devices in residential premises.

The scheme with bottom connection of radiators looks more economical due to lower consumption of materials. From an aesthetic point of view, this type of connection looks preferable.

Advantages of a single-pipe heating system and its disadvantages

For owners of small residential buildings a single-pipe heating system looks tempting, especially if you pay attention to its following advantages:

has stable hydrodynamics;
convenience and ease of design and installation;
low costs for equipment and materials.

The indirect advantages of a single-pipe system include the safety of the supply of coolant, which disperses through the pipeline through natural circulation.

The most common problems that owners of a single-pipe heating system have to face include the following aspects:

technical difficulties in eliminating miscalculations in the work made during the design;
close relationship of all elements;
high hydrodynamic resistance of the system;
technological limitations associated with the impossibility self-adjustment coolant flow.

Despite the listed disadvantages of this type of heating, a well-designed heating system will allow you to avoid many difficulties even at the installation stage. In view of the listed advantages and economic component, single-pipe schemes have received enough wide use. Real benefits They have both a single-pipe and another type, a two-pipe heating system. What can you win and what can you lose by choosing one of the types for your home?

Technology for connecting and positioning a single-pipe heating system

Single-pipe systems are divided into vertical and horizontal. In most cases for multi-storey buildings used vertical wiring. In this case, all radiators are connected in series from top to bottom. At horizontal wiring The batteries are connected one after another horizontally. The main disadvantage of both options is frequent air jams due to air accumulation in the radiators. The proposed diagram makes it possible to get an idea of some wiring options.

Connection methods in this case are chosen at the discretion of the owner. Heating radiators can be connected via side connection, diagonal or bottom connection. The figure shows similar connection options.

Always for the owner of the house important aspect remains economic expediency equipment installed in the house and the resulting effect. Do not underestimate the option of a single-pipe heating system. Today in practice there are quite a few effective measures on improvement heating schemes this type.

Eg: There is a technical solution that allows you to independently regulate the heating of individual radiators connected to the same line. For this purpose, bypasses are created in the system - a section of pipe that creates a bypass movement of the coolant from the direct pipe to the return, bypassing the circuit of a certain battery.

Valves and flaps are installed on the bypasses to block the flow of coolant. You can install thermostats on radiators that allow you to regulate the heating temperature in each radiator or throughout the system as a whole. A competent specialist will be able to calculate and install bypasses to achieve maximum efficiency. In the diagram you can see the principle of operation of bypasses.

Two-pipe heating system. Operating principle

Having become familiar with the first type of heating system, single-pipe, it’s time to understand the features and operating principle of a two-pipe heating system. Thorough analysis of technological and technical parameters heating of this type allows consumers to make independent choice- which heating is more efficient in a particular case, single-pipe or two-pipe.

The basic principle is the presence of two circuits through which the coolant disperses throughout the system. One pipe supplies coolant to the heating radiators. The second branch is designed to ensure that the already cooled coolant, after passing through the radiator, returns to the boiler. And so constantly, in a circle, while the heating is on. At first glance, the very presence of two pipelines in the scheme may repel consumers. The large length of highways and the complexity of wiring are factors that often scare away owners of private houses from a two-pipe heating system.

This is at first glance. Like single-pipe systems, two-pipe systems are divided into closed and open. The difference in this case lies in the design of the expansion tank.

Closed with a membrane expansion tank are the most practical, convenient and safe to use. This is confirmed by obvious advantages:

even at the design stage, it is possible to equip heating devices with thermostats;
parallel, independent connection of radiators;
technical possibility of adding heating devices after installation is completed;
ease of use of a hidden gasket;
the ability to turn off individual radiators or branches;
ease of system adjustment.

Based on the above, one clear conclusion can be drawn. A two-pipe heating system is much more flexible and technologically advanced than a single-pipe one.

For comparison, the following diagram is presented:

The Two-Pipe System is very convenient for use in a house in which it is planned to increase the living space; extension options are possible, both upward and along the perimeter of the building. Already at the work stage, technical errors made during the design can be easily eliminated. This scheme is more stable and reliable than a single-pipe one.

With all the obvious advantages, before choosing this type of heating, it is appropriate to recall the disadvantages of the two-pipe system.

It is important to know! The system is characterized by higher complexity and installation costs and rather cumbersome connection options.

If you have a competent specialist at hand, the necessary technical calculations, then the listed disadvantages are easily compensated by the advantages of a two-pipe heating circuit.

As in the case of a single-pipe system, the two-pipe option involves the use of a vertical or horizontal pipeline arrangement. Vertical system– radiators are connected to a vertical riser. This type is suitable for two-story private houses and cottages. Air jams are not a problem for you. In case of horizontal option- radiators in each room or premises are connected to a pipeline located horizontally. Double pipe horizontal diagrams heating systems are mainly designed for heating one-story buildings and large residential buildings with the need for floor-by-floor adjustment. Air jams that arise can be easily eliminated by installing Mayevsky valves on radiators.

The figure shows a vertical two-pipe heating system. Below you can see what a horizontal two-pipe system looks like.

Traditionally, radiators can be connected using bottom and top wiring. Depending on the technical specifications and the project - the choice of wiring option depends on the owner of the house. Top wiring is more convenient. All highways can be hidden in attic space. The system creates the circulation necessary for good distribution of coolant. Main disadvantage two-pipe scheme heating with upper wiring option - installation required membrane tank outside heated rooms. The upper wiring does not allow making a fence process water for domestic needs, as well as connect the expansion tank with the tank for hot water used in everyday life. This scheme is not suitable for residential properties with a flat roof.

Summary

The selected type of heating for a private home should provide all residents of the residential building with the necessary comfort. There is no point in saving on heating. By installing a heating system in your home that does not meet the parameters of the residential property and household needs, you risk spending a lot of money on refurbishment in the future.

Two-pipe or single-pipe heating system - the choice should always be justified, both from a technical and economic point of view.