Installation of a pellet boiler

Not every household has the opportunity to connect to the main gas pipeline, and the cost of energy resources is constantly on the rise. As a result, more and more people are turning to solid fuel boilers for heating their space. One of the most popular types of solid fuel boilers is the pellet boiler.

Pellet boilers use special pressed pellets made from wood and agricultural waste as fuel. These pellets are known as pellets.

There are several advantages of using pellet boilers:

• High efficiency, ranging from 87 to 97%;
• Minimal amount of ash, requiring only weekly cleaning of the unit;
• Autonomy, as there is no need for a constant supply of fuel. Pellets are automatically fed into the furnace from a fuel compartment;
• Long service life – more than 25 years;
• Environmentally friendly.

Rules of installation of pellet boilers

To begin with, it is essential to conduct a heat loss calculation and determine the required heating capacity based on the size of the room. Below are some general guidelines for installing pellet heating systems.

The pellet equipment must be situated in a separate area, such as a garage or basement. In the absence of such spaces, it may be necessary to construct an extension. The flooring in the boiler room must meet specific requirements and be constructed from durable, non-combustible materials. Examples of suitable materials include concrete or metal sheets. Additionally, a concrete elevation of approximately 10-20 centimeters high should be present in the area designated for the boiler installation.

The boiler room needs to be heated to a minimum air temperature of +10C˚ and have moderate humidity to ensure the longevity of the equipment. It is important to have easy access to the equipment for repairs and maintenance. The ventilation in the room should be designed according to the equipment’s capacity stated in the documentation.

For the installation of the equipment, it is necessary to follow the design documentation, SNiP regulations, and safety requirements. Qualified workers can perform the installation work.

IMPORTANT: Improper connection, piping, or adjustment of the heater can result in increased fuel consumption, reduced efficiency, and even the breakdown of boiler parts.

Instructions for installing a pellet boiler

Without a doubt, if you possess the necessary expertise, you can undertake the installation of the device by yourself. However, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a qualified professional in a specialized organization that holds a construction license.

The primary and crucial stage in the installation process is the execution of a thoroughly planned design. Subsequently, the following steps are taken in the installation of heating equipment:

• Preparatory stage. This involves preparing the boiler room, constructing a raised platform for the boiler, installing the chimney, and providing ventilation.
• Mounting the heating unit onto the raised platform.
• Connecting the heating system and hot water supply pipelines to the boiler.
• Attaching the flue duct.
• Adjusting and starting up the heater.

Preparatory work

Preparation of the boiler room includes leveling and strengthening the foundation, which needs to be able to support a weight of up to 200 kilograms. It is important to note that the boiler must be installed in a vertical position, without any inclination. Additionally, the base of the boiler room should have a fire-resistant surface.

In terms of electrical installation, it is necessary to install wiring for the automation of the heater and for the lighting of the boiler room. This will ensure convenience during its operation. Furthermore, a sandwich-type chimney with a minimum height of 5 meters needs to be erected, along with the installation of appropriate ventilation systems.

Boiler installation and piping

Installation and piping are performed in the subsequent order:

• First off, the boiler supplied is positioned on the podium.
• Next, the fuel compartment and the auger that feeds pellets are installed.
• Afterwards, the distribution comb is linked.
• Then, the expansion tank and shut-off valves are set up.
• Finally, the boiler is connected to the coolant supply circuit and the return circuit.

Chimney connection, start-up and adjustment

Once the coolant (such as water, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) has been filled into the system, it is essential to connect the system to the chimney. The outlet pipe should have the same diameter as the chimney for proper connection. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the height of the chimney meets the technical requirements.

Having the appropriate chimney diameter will guarantee a strong airflow, regardless of wind intensity or air temperature. This strong airflow is crucial for the efficient operation of pellet equipment. However, it is important to note that this type of boiler cannot handle a strong draft, but it also cannot function efficiently with a chimney that is too small. To address this issue, it is recommended to use a draught stabilizer or a gate valve.

The chimney is typically constructed of metal pipes with built-in hatches for easy cleaning. It is also important to have a condensate drainage system and insulation in place. A crucial step is pressure testing, as poor execution can result in leakage of pyrolysis gases and reduced efficiency.

Afterwards, a check start-up and adjustment process is performed. Failure to properly adjust the device can cause issues such as smoking, smoldering, extinguishing of the boiler, and incomplete burning of the pellets.

IMPORTANT: Adjustment work must be carried out during the initial start-up of pellet units.