Solid fuel boilers Don: installation features

Where to buy a Don 16 boiler ↑

When building a country house, owners are faced with the natural need to organize and equip autonomous heating.
When it is not possible to connect the house to gas supply, you have to choose something alternative. One of such heating system options is the Don solid fuel boiler. It is worth recognizing that this is a convenient and reliable unit to use, which has many excellent reviews. Let's start not with the question of where to buy Don, but with who produces it. The device is manufactured by the Conord Plant, located in Rostov-on-Don. The instructions, uniform for current versions, allow them to be fueled with wood, peat and coal, and if the necessary substances are not available, the boiler can be freely switched to gas. This remarkable flexibility of application is the result of the introduction of strict standards specifically created for the production of equipment with special consumer parameters. Don solid fuel boilers are produced with a power from 11 to 40 kW.

Switching from solid fuel to gas

To convert a Don solid fuel boiler into a gas boiler, you need to purchase a special burner. It is connected to the electrical network and has an automatic system that regulates the degree of gas supply. In order to install the burner, you first need:

• remove the security door;
• dismantle the grates.

There are many benefits to switching to gas. There is no need to constantly add firewood. There is also no need for storage space for solid fuel. Those who use coal have another problem - where to put the sludge? With gas everything is much simpler. Even if you do not have a central gas pipeline, you can connect a cylinder or gas holder to the boiler.

Specifications ↑

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

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

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

Operating principle ↑

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

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

Advantages and disadvantages ↑

Steel heating boilers "DON" are designed for heating premises with an area of ​​up to 400-500 sq.m.

Consumers appreciate the compliance of the equipment with domestic conditions of use (severe and long frosts, hard water), and the energy independence of its mechanisms. Previously, consumer interest was aroused by the good technical characteristics of the lines; now the stability of demand is supported by such qualities as:

• excellent thermal insulation and high safety (provided by an 8 mm casing);
• an impressive period of independent combustion with low fuel consumption (the presence of a lined chamber makes the Don 16 boiler capable of operating on one load for up to 8 hours);
• durability (due to the case being made of 3 mm steel);
• maintainability (parts can be replaced).

Lining critical bunkers prolongs thermal processes, increases efficiency, thereby guaranteeing decent efficiency. It also, as reviews indicate, leads to a decrease in ease of use. Additional processing of sections increases:

• heaviness (the Don 16 boiler is prohibited from being hung or placed on thin supports; it should be placed on thick floors or platforms);
• demands on fuel (humidity up to 15%; if the standards are neglected, smoke and soot will appear);
• uncontrollability (difficult to accurately calculate the operating speed and set the heating temperature);
• capriciousness in installation, which is what owners most often complain about.

Reviews ↑

On a professional forum, the installer Melky writes that in the villages of his region they order only such solid fuel boilers, everyone is happy. In response, Lis criticizes the KS-T-16R model. He is angry that in winter he is on duty at the stove, adding firewood every 3 hours, struggling with the tricks of the traction regulator, suffering from the cold. Nikola SD gives him a hint: the problems are created by the ill-conceived operating principle, which requires igniting all the loaded fuel at once. The combustion is uneven; adjusting the damper does not help. It is especially difficult to achieve the required performance in the off-season.

Serge Ch. says: having found himself in the described situation, he asked a specialist to find out its cause; It turned out that the problem was the short length (less than 3 m) and small (less than 150 mm) diameter of the smoke pipes. I ordered a rework, the price of the service seemed a bit high. In the discussion section of the website on energy saving, NVB praises the KS-TGVm-16 version for its ability to provide powerful coolant circulation, allowing one to avoid purchasing a pump. Master Hottabych assures: the devices will delight your grandchildren if you set the emergency valve to 1.5 atmospheres, add foreign automation, and spend money on decent fuel.

Multi-fuel water heating systems are considered universal products. The cost of the units is: 4-7 thousand rubles. (budget options), 10-35 thousand rubles. (affordable), 35-70 thousand rubles. (premium). According to the specified gradation, Don 16 boilers belong to middle class products, which is confirmed by the following figures:

• models KS-T-16: 12-14.5 thousand rubles;
• version KS-T-16R: 15-16 thousand rubles;
• systems KS-TG-16: 16.5-17 thousand rubles.
• variations KS-TVm-16: 17.5-20.5 thousand rubles;
• TGVm-16 schemes: 21-23 thousand rubles.

Brief operating instructions ↑

1). Fill the system with fresh water in small portions (maximum 8 l/min) until liquid is released from the overflow tube of the expansion tank. 2). Proceed with kindling, focusing on the nature of the fuel: I. Ignition of the CT: a). open the primary air plug, bring a rolled newspaper to the gap between it and the screw valve, make sure there is traction (the pages will be pressed); b). Fill the receiving chamber evenly halfway with firewood, set it on fire, and when ignited, pour small (up to 25-30 cm) pieces of coal on top; V). put no more than 5-6 kg of fuel at one time, spend about an hour loading the bunker; then set the gate so that the thrust is stable. II. Starting the gas burner: a). ventilate for 5-10 minutes. combustion unit by closing the main valve; b). check the traction force by bringing a sheet of paper closer to the viewing window; V). open the air supply valve, light the fire. 3). Close the doors; later adjust the temperature with a mixer or coil valve.

Features of operation

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

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

Description of the ignition process:

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

Installation and strapping

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

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

Connecting additional equipment

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

Video materials ↑

KST 16 - long-term top burning boiler

Boiler KSts-GV-31.5. KSts-G-20N with burner AGU-T-M-35ts(28)(23)ts

1. Firebox 2. Smoke pipe 3. Coil 4. Water jacket 5. Turbulizer 6. Chimney 7. Damper 8. Insulation 9. Bottom pipe 10. Top pipe 11. Casing 12. Cover 13. Guard 14. Burner 15. Temperature sensor 16.Thermometer

5.2.5 Boilers KS-T-…; KS-TG-…; KS-TGV-... (Fig. 4,5,6) consist of a furnace 16(14), equipped for burning solid fuel and gas and a convective flue 17(15). In the lower part of the firebox, grates 13 and a beam are installed, forming the grate web. To ensure complete washing of the heating surface with flue gases and improve the operation of the boiler, the rear wall of the upper part of the firebox is made in the form of a cooled canopy. On the front surface of the boiler, loading doors 1 and screwing doors 2 are attached, through which fuel is loaded, the grate is cleaned, as well as the surface of the firebox and convective chimney are cleaned.

Design features and main characteristics

Like most solid fuel models, the Don 16 boiler is a steel device with a water jacket. Its main part is the firebox. Manufacturers deliberately increased its size so that it could hold more fuel, thereby ensuring longer combustion. The fuel chamber is made of a special alloy, which makes it resistant to corrosion.

Photo 1: Steel universal solid fuel boiler Don 16

The second significant part of the Don 16 hot water boiler is the heat exchanger. Its task is to ensure maximum heat removal and transfer it to the coolant. To ensure maximum heat removal, the heat exchanger is designed in such a way that smoke pipes pass through it. For even better heat transfer, turbolizers are installed inside them. The heated coolant is supplied to the heating system through the upper pipe. The water is returned to the solid fuel boiler through the return line pipe. The temperature of the coolant is controlled by a temperature sensor.

Photo 2: Ash pan of the Don 16 boiler of the old modification

In Don 16 double-circuit boilers, a coil is installed inside the heat exchanger around the smoke pipes. Due to its proximity to the heat source, the water in it quickly heats up, uninterruptedly providing the home owner with hot water for sanitary needs. The flow rate is controlled by a valve or mixer.

The front panel contains the screwing and loading doors. They serve for loading and removing ash, as well as cleaning internal surfaces. The draft, and therefore the combustion intensity, is adjusted using the damper handle.

Photo 3: Gas burner for a solid fuel boiler with a water circuit Don 16

In addition to the universal boiler with a power of 16 kW, 30 kW models are also available. The line also includes devices capable of operating only on solid fuel. Here are some technical characteristics provided by the manufacturer on the official website:

To ensure operation on gas, the screw door and grate are dismantled, and an automatically controlled gas burner is mounted in the lower hole of the front panel. The upper part of the firebox is covered with a firebox sheet close to the front wall.

Attention:

You should not do the installation of gas equipment yourself. Connecting on your own may be unsafe. These works should be entrusted to professionals, especially since any gas equipment requires approval and registration.

Don 16 by installing a pellet burner and a hopper with a control unit can easily be converted into a Russian-made pellet heating boiler. Unlike gas equipment, connecting equipment for working with pellets does not require registration. Pellets are much more efficient than firewood and coal and will help you save significantly on heating your country house or cottage.

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Model overview

KS 16

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

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

Key technical parameters:

KS-T-11

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

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

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

"Don Eco"

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

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

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

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

DonStail

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

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

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

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

Powerful boilers "Don"

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

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

source

Advantages of the Don 16 boiler

Let's look at the main advantages of domestic Don 16 boilers:

Versatility

In cases where heating is needed now, and the gas main is already on the way, it is very convenient to install a solid fuel boiler, and then convert it to gas without any special costs.

Economical

The huge dimensions of the combustion chamber allow the solid fuel boiler to operate on one load for up to 8 hours, which is very good in comparison with analogues. The use of an American Honeywell draft regulator can reduce fuel consumption by 30%.

Electronically independent

The boiler is designed in such a way that no power supply is required during its operation. This parameter is especially important for owners of houses or cottages in new villages that are not yet equipped with power lines.

Resistant to hard water

For central Russia, hard water is a common occurrence. It forms scale on the walls of the heat exchanger, heating system pipes and the hot water heating coil, which significantly reduces their service life. The materials used in Don 16 significantly reduce the effect of hard water.

Photo 5: Trimming of a floor-standing wood- and coal-fired boiler Don 16

A few words need to be said about the shortcomings. The main disadvantage is the relatively low efficiency, similar in values ​​to home-made long-burning pyrolysis boilers. With the exception of working with a pellet burner connection, working on one load is also not great.

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Recommendations for installation

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

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

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

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

Recommendations for installation and wiring

Many who decide to buy a Don 16 solid fuel boiler install it themselves. If you decide to install and connect the heating device yourself, then read the following tips:

1. After installation, it is necessary to insulate the space in front of the firebox with an area of ​​at least 0.5 m² using steel or asbestos sheets.
2. When piping according to the gravity scheme, it is necessary to place the boiler below the level of the return line pipes. This position will improve the circulation of water in the heating system.
3. The chimney must be located inside the building. When a chimney passes through unheated rooms, these areas should be insulated with thermal insulation. To remove flue gases, it is allowed to use asbestos cement pipes. The cross-section of the chimney must be no less than the smoke outlet pipe of the solid fuel boiler.
4. As noted above, the installation of gas equipment must be carried out by appropriate services licensed to carry out this work.

For more information about the operation of Don 16 with a pellet burner, see the following video:

The Don 16 household boiler is a prominent representative of the new generation of domestic heat generators, which include Russian household long-burning pyrolysis boilers. Like any other device, it has its pros and cons, but the main advantage of boilers made in Russia is their low price. In the end, the final decision on which device to buy is still yours.

How to choose

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

In apartments, the location is important - central or corner. It’s always colder in the latter, so the power needs to be chosen with reserve

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

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

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

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