Vito-Simple

Glen

Is this the same project that we exchanged notes on? I am thinking that as it is a gravity conversion - the very low head loss is a perfect match for the through flows available through the vitodens. And - without a LLH!
Cheers
From the Canadian
rockies

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Know it's not what you're used to seeing and sorry that the surroundings aren't new, but here it is.

Vitodens was the ONLY boiler available that could work this simply on this system. Gravity conversion with TRVs on all radiators and constantly circulating radiant bath floors. Other condensing boilers would have required a buffer; other condensing/modulating boilers would have required primary/secondary.

Two pairs of 3" mains come in at really kooky angles above--looked and looked and looked I wouldn't have gained anything by not just "tapping in"--only thing it would have gotten me is a bunch of work.

"Old Reliable", the grungy looking W/M, stays in place, but isolated, as a backup. May do some snowmelting one of these years and it should prove useful for that. The B&G circulator is no longer in the Vitodens flow path--will though use it (and the built-in air separator in the W/M) for the initial air purge when filling (Vitodens isolated of course).

No low-loss header as it was not required on this system. Maintenance flow is WELL within the ability of the built-in circulator. Differential pressure bypass is right above the B&G pump--you can make out the grey adjustment knob.

Will finally clean up the W/M wiring--all but the WWSD (bright orange) was inherited and I just let it be... Draft hood is original to the boiler (1970s) and I don't see any condensation damage despite the fact that this thing has NEVER had a return temperature above 140° and short cycles extremely. HX has surface rust, but otherwise seems unscathed as well.

If you see things amiss (well, besides what I already mentioned), let me know!

Notice where I wanted to use a 1¼" black iron wye?

Nron_9

Vito simple

There is nothing wrong with keeping thins simple , did you remove the old boiler , if not is it discontinued , are use useing the boiler as the low loss header ? sorry My screen is starting to fade and I cant see the picture to well

Mike T., Swampeast MO

One and the same.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Old boiler staying in place but won't have any flow through it when the Vitodens is operating. Same for the B&G circulator. Internal circulator of the Vitodens has a straight-through flow path to the system--nothing even similar to the low-loss header as such is not needed. Extremely low velocity in the mains, and all near boiler piping is brand new or about 6 years old. The low velocity and wye strainer in the return should keep debris of any size out of the Vitodens. Air remover in the supply should remove any air left after the initial purge.

After filling, will isolate the Vitodens and operate the B&G circulator for a couple of days for the initial air removal. Then close two valves, open two others and it's Vito-Mitey.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

ATTN: HOMEOWNERS

If your old system looks and sounds something like this and you're getting worried about extreme fuel bills and are willing to part with some $$$s ask your pro about doing something similar!

No special add-on proprietary components for the Vitodens to add to cost. Piping is simple. It doesn't have to be black iron--I'm just a throwback--but it only took me about 6 hours. The main thing you need are TRVs on ALL radiators. If you're willing and able to do some physical work getting the rads ready for the TRVs you can save some money as well. Contractors shouldn't have a problem with you doing the rad prep as it's the kind of job that few really enjoy--sort of like removing old plaster.

Your comfort level will be among the best available and your fuel consumption will most likely drop like a rock! Boiler design is uncompromising regarding quality and longevity--the trickiest part (mixing the air and fuel) is non-mechanical and self-correcting. You have a GREAT opportunity to reduce consumption AND achieve quite rapid payback.