Compressor for blowing and flushing the heating system: what you need to know
Have you noticed that over time it has become colder in your apartment or house? The counters show the same number, but the results are getting worse and worse. The fact is that pipes constantly accumulate deposits in the form of scale, salts and other debris. It prevents “all heating” from penetrating and does not release enough heat to the outside through the pipes. The system works as hard as possible, but the heat never penetrates.
If there is an option, how to quickly correct the situation. This is a device for purging a heating system. There are both special devices, and you can blow out the pipes with a conventional compressor. We will tell you how to do this in our article.
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How to use a compressor to flush the heating system: all available methods
To ensure effective work, it is advisable to use a pump to flush the heating system. He restores the pipeline and heat exchanger. For some jobs, a machine pump is enough, but for particularly “heavy” jobs, you will have to buy or order equipment for flushing the heating system.
So what methods are there for treating the inside of a pipeline? Let's figure it out further.
Hydraulic blowdown with compressor
It is believed that such a device for flushing the heating system is the “gold standard”.For it, you need to connect any water source to the heating circuit. For example, an ordinary water pipe.
A drain hose is also connected to the boiler drain valve or a separate connection (if it was planned at the heating design stage). The other end is discharged into the sewer drain. In this option, no compressor is required for purging.
Hydrochemical purging of the heating system
If the procedure is carried out with the addition of cleaning chemicals (among household options - baking soda, for example), then this method is called hydrochemical. A compressor for flushing heating is used only when you need to quickly pump water into the pipes. Or, use the same familiar water supply.
Let's analyze the most complex installation for flushing the heating system, assembled with our own hands:
- A flushing compressor creates pressure through the pipes to move large volumes of cleaning solution.
- An additional filter is installed on the drain pipe.
- This mixture should be circulated through the heating system for at least 1 hour.
How to check that the procedure is nearing completion? It's simple: use a transparent hose at the end. When clean water flows through it, you can turn off the pump to flush the heating.
This procedure can be performed with any type of compressor. Even a car version will do. Place a container with a capacity of several tens of liters, pour water and chemicals into it. On the neck place the inlet for the compressor and the outlet for the heating system. You can also install a third outlet - to supply clean water. Then the system will generally be autonomous.
By adjusting the compressor power, you can achieve uniform distribution of water through the pipes.And the result of such work is several times more effective than the usual method - only with water.
Don’t forget to additionally rinse the pipes after cleaning with clean water!
Hydrodynamic cleaning method
This option “fights” most types of contaminants, including:
- Scale deposits;
- Metal decomposition products;
- Solid precipitation;
- Organic matter;
- Nagar;
- Bacteria and much more.
To do this, you will need a purge compressor with nozzles that operate in a pulsed manner. The jet should have an operating speed and pressure of about 200 Bar.
There are also no drawbacks to this method - it is difficult to work with nozzles inside the pipe. Therefore, hydrodynamics is actively used for radiator heating. The services are provided by specialists, so there is no need to purchase additional equipment.
Bubbler washing method
Bubble flushing is a simple way to restore pipes to their former heat capacity. What is the point - you supply not only water under high pressure, but also an air layer. This mixture actively breaks down scale and sediment, effectively cleaning pipelines and radiators.
How does equipment for hydropneumatic flushing of a heating system work:
- You fill the system with water for several hours. Afterwards, a compressor is connected and a pressure is generated that the pipes can withstand (do not overdo it!). After a few minutes, leave the system at rest for another half hour. At the end of the process, all water is drained through the valve. The procedure can be repeated several times for greater effect.
- The air-water mixture is supplied without interruption. For this, a special compressor is purchased that supplies the finished mixture.
No household chemicals or potent substances are used here.But the result of the work is even more effective than some options for chemical solutions.
Water hammer cleaning of pipes
The option involves washing pipes under a high water pulse (speed can reach 1200 meters per second). Such power is capable of removing even ten-year-old deposits inside the coolant.
Can be dangerous for plastic, old pipes and loose connections. A powerful impulse can rupture the pipe or part of it, so be careful!
But, despite this disadvantage, water hammer is the most effective option today.
What you will need for a home purge compressor:
- A pneumatic pistol that operates by pressing the release button;
- The compressor is capable of developing the required impulse inside the pipe;
- Liquid component. The same pipe from the water supply will do.
The principle of operation is extremely simple: water is supplied inside under constant strong pressure. From time to time, the master presses the air gun to create an impulse.
The pressure from the gun creates a hydraulic wave that can break up even the toughest deposits on the pipes. The speed of operation allows you to clean the entire system in 1-2 hours.
To speed up the process, you can use a special compressor. It must be adjusted to the volume of liquid and the parameters of the air gun.
Additionally, various chemicals can be poured into the installation. They are automatically added to the liquid when you press the release valve. This air-chemical-water mixture kills harmful bacteria and cuts off scale and debris that has accumulated over 5-10 years.
Which pipe cleaning method did you like best? Maybe you still know any options for increasing heat in the apartment? Tell us about your experience in the comments, we are very interested!
