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Hot Rod,caleffi hydro air seperator vs p/s piping

jonny88
jonny88 Member Posts: 1,139
Im giving consideration to scrapping p/s piping and using caleffi hyronic air seperator.When I use p/s I have a primary pump,spirovent,dirt seperator,pipe and fittings.Does it make sense use the low loss header,mainly for space issues, and when you break it down there isnt much of a difference in $$..Thanks John.

Comments

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,023
    yes, all the above

    it gives you multi functions in the air, dirt, and hydraulic separation. Also some additional fluid capacity and an excellent location for the boiler sensor.



    Most of the Caleffi brand include a nice insulation jacket to limit heat loss. New versions also have a magnetic band to handle the small iron ferrite products in some systems.



    It really cleans up the piping and should take a few hours labor out of an installation.



    Size the branches (headers) generously and you will not have temperature drop from one take off to the next as you do in series P/S.



    A buffer tank is a super-sized separator, properly piped.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • knotgrumpy
    knotgrumpy Member Posts: 211
    edited February 2014
    Coffee with Caleffi

    Hi Johnyy88 -



    I'd suggest viewing the Coffee with Caleffi that Hot Rod just finished.  He goes over primary/secondary and hydro separators. 



    I think it was an hour well spent.



    Here is the link:



    http://www.caleffi.info/webinars/



    It is the one on mod/con piping...



    Mark
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    Definitely

    view that webinar and use the hydraulic seperators or a buffer tank to provide separation of the circuits . You are right that they cost roughly the same but that sep goes in much faster also .
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
  • Tinman
    Tinman Member Posts: 2,808
    "Generously sized headers"...

    Is a phrase we hear or read often. Is there a rule of thumb or better yet a mathematical equation, to determine how big? One size up? Two sizes up?
    Steve Minnich
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,023
    edited February 2014
    size using flow velocity

    we suggest "generously sized" defined by flow velocity. Size that header so it can handle the combined flow of all the attached zones at a flow velocity of 2 fps. Generally we size hydronics for 2-4 fps velocity, some suggest 1.5-5 fps, as acceptable range.



    Falling below that 2 fps flow rate and air elimination can be tough as the fluid will not always move the air along with the flow. This is especially noticeable in vertical piping where the fluid needs to be able to shove the air back down to the central air elimination device.



    I use Siggys HDS program for pipe sizing, the B&G System Syzer will do the calc, as well as some of the free, online, pipe sizer programs or formulas.



    www.1728.org/flowrate is where I found this calculator



    10 gpm in 1" copper= 4 fps

    10 gpm in 1-1/2 copper= 1.81 fps

    So 1" for the 1000,000 btu boiler (10 gpm), 1-1/2" for the "generously sized" headers.



    We try and indicate the concept by the line size in the drawing, notice the "header" piping lines compared to the boiler input size, but crunch the numbers to get the correct size.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Paul S_3
    Paul S_3 Member Posts: 1,261
    edited February 2014
    Hydro seperator

    I have this job in progress now. ... First time ever using it. ... boiler is peerless purefire 110.... pipe size is 1" 1/4".... Hot Rod , should I have used bigger pipe for the systems supply and return headers? For future knowledge Paul s
    ASM Mechanical Company
    Located in Staten Island NY
    Servicing all 5 boroughs of NYC.
    347-692-4777
    ASMMECHANICALCORP@GMAIL.COM
    ASMHVACNYC.COM
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/asm-mechanical-company
  • Tinman
    Tinman Member Posts: 2,808
    Thanks Bob

    I'm not a big fan of rules of thumb. This is by the book. Very helpful!!
    Steve Minnich
  • knotgrumpy
    knotgrumpy Member Posts: 211
    Indirect

    Hot Rod -



    Should the indirect come off before the hydro sep on the boiler side?



    Mark
  • superdave
    superdave Member Posts: 155
    HYDRO

    I have been using them they are great no problems...
  • jonny88
    jonny88 Member Posts: 1,139
    great pics

    thanks for sharing,nice work.