Pyrolysis boilers with or without a water circuit - this is highly efficient equipment for high-quality and quick heating of rooms. Hi-tech underlying manufacturing, absolute safety, high heating speed and other advantages distinguish these devices as separate group modern heating devices, which have already managed to occupy a worthy niche in the market, acquire a wide audience of fans and positive reviews.
The essence of pyrolysis
Firewood placed in the boiler chamber gradually burns and smolders. When there is insufficient oxygen, in addition to heat, smoke and a certain amount of flammable gases are formed. Unlike wood fuel, anthracite consists almost entirely of carbon, which suggests a lesser heating effect and the release of only carbon monoxide. The composition of firewood is largely dominated by cellulose (carbohydrates) and contains a decent amount of water, so this type of fuel emits a wide variety of substances.
The combustion time of the gases is minimal, and practically no soot is formed during the combustion process, which has a positive effect on the efficiency of the heating device. To activate the process of gas evolution, the boiler should be warmed up well. Most often, a special design is used for this. Although gas generator boilers slightly more expensive than usual solid fuel models, but these costs will more than pay off in the near future.
Design and principle of operation
The boiler design includes 2 chambers: the lower one is intended for pyrolysis, and the upper one is for combustion of gases released during the combustion process. Since all processes occur under the influence high temperatures, then all elements and the boiler body must be made of heat-resistant materials. Most often, manufacturers resort to cast iron due to its super strength, good resistance to corrosion and temperature effects. You can often find boilers made of steel, which heat up very quickly and also cool down quickly. Such designs require a special ceramic coating that protects the steel from burning.
The operating principle of a pyrolysis boiler is the process of generating pyrolysis gas from solid wood at temperature conditions from 200ºС to 800ºС and a lack of oxygen and subsequent afterburning of the released gases, which are mixed with secondary air already in the afterburning compartment.
For this:
- solid fuel resources are placed in the loading chamber;
- using the regulator, the combustion mode is selected and set, upon reaching which the boiler performs the functions of a furnace;
- after the combustion compartment is sufficiently warmed up, the regulator switches to the pyrolysis mode. At this moment, the access of air is blocked, due to which the wood gradually smolders and the space is filled with a large amount of carbon dioxide;
- the gas moves into the second chamber, which is usually located at the top of the boiler, but in some models it may be at the bottom;
- mixing with oxygen, the gaseous substance is burned, and an additional volume of heat is released, which warms the room.
Important! Since pyrolysis boilers long burning with a water circuit for domestic use are modern and efficient heating devices, then they provide the ability to easily and effectively control the combustion process. In addition, they solve the problem of creating favorable conditions for the formation of the maximum amount of released gases and heat.
Fuel
Equally productive solid fuel boilers can operate on any solid fuel - it can be peat, coal (both black and brown), ordinary wood, fuel briquettes. Since all the mentioned raw materials have their own distinctive features and quality, their complete combustion time is also excellent. For example, the combustion period of soft wood is 5 hours, hard wood is 8 hours, and the combustion time of coal is already 10 hours.
In this regard, the opinion of experts is also curious: they all unanimously affirm high performance boilers operating specifically on hard and dry wood. To achieve maximum performance, good heating of the room and long-term trouble-free operation of the equipment, it is recommended to use dry firewood, the length of which does not exceed 60 cm, and the humidity is 20%.
Important! The color of pyrolysis gas is almost white, and no by-products should be formed during combustion. However, if excessively high humidity solid fuel, the appearance of tar and soot, a sharp decrease in the calorific value of the equipment and even its spontaneous attenuation cannot be ruled out.
Comparing wood and other solid fuel raw materials, which can only be used for the uninterrupted operation of a pyrolysis boiler, with gas, one can note the availability and environmental friendliness of the former, the high cost, and in some cases the impossibility of constructing a gas pipeline.
As for solid fuel, there is plenty of it in every Russian region, and its transportation requires only a highway and a spacious vehicle. For many residents rural areas pyrolysis boilers running on solid fuel resources are a real salvation.
Advantages of pyrolysis boilers
Before purchasing and installing such heating equipment, you should carefully identify and analyze all the pros and cons of a particular model or type of boiler.
Thus, a long-burning pyrolysis boiler has a number of undeniable advantages compared to other heating devices:
- the fuel consumed is affordable and freely available;
- high efficiency when using firewood and quick heating of the room, regardless of its size;
- high rate of heating of the coolant;
- long-term operation with one loading cycle;
- available functionality and easy adjustment combustion intensity;
- ease of maintenance;
- good stability and long-term, maintenance-free operation;
- ease of installation of the pyrolysis boiler, no need to lay and connect the pipeline;
- heat loss is very insignificant;
- easy cleaning of equipment due to the formation of a minimum amount of ash in the chamber and chimney during operation;
- The minimum volume of emissions allows not to pollute the environment.
Long-burning pyrolysis boilers, unfortunately, are not without their drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the price of the device. Regardless of the manufacturer and design features of pyrolysis boilers, they are all somewhat more expensive than other solid fuel appliances.
In addition, these boilers are single-circuit devices that are not intended for heating water for domestic needs. Another disadvantage, which was already mentioned earlier, is the sensitivity of the equipment to wood moisture: at high humidity levels, the efficiency and operating efficiency of the device may decrease. It is impossible not to note the impressive size of the unit. And finally, regulation of combustion intensity is possible only in manual mode; full automation is not provided.
Operating efficiency factors of pyrolysis boilers
The performance of heating equipment, the efficiency and speed of heating the premises, in addition to fuel resources and their humidity, are influenced by the following factors:
- room temperature;
- temperature level to be achieved;
- presence (absence) and quality of building insulation;
- specificity current system warming up.
How to choose a suitable boiler
If you have the opportunity to inexpensively buy or prepare wood in advance, then you can safely and without doubting the high performance of the work for a long time, buy and install a long-burning pyrolysis boiler at home.
If you are not at all sure of this possibility, then we recommend paying attention to a boiler whose firebox combines 80% pyrolysis compression of solid fuel resources and 20% conventional. These devices are considered combined, since they allow high-quality combustion of not only traditional firewood, but also wood and coal waste, peat waste, as well as any other fuel mixture, the humidity of which will be less than 50%. Such a combined heating device is capable of burning about 80% of solid fuel in pyrolysis mode, and the remaining 20% in the mode of the most ordinary boiler, which runs on solid fuel resources.
When purchasing a boiler, be sure to visually assess the volume of the loading chamber. The best option would be a device whose loading capacity will be able to accommodate wood 65 cm long. The coating of the chambers is also important: the presence of ceramic concrete guarantees the integrity of the compartments at maximum heating, protects the walls from burnout and ensures the necessary combustion of raw materials.
Attention! Check out the technical characteristics of the equipment you like. Special attention Pay attention to the duration of combustion of fuel resources: the average combustion duration should not be less than 10 hours.
Operation of a pyrolysis boiler: video
Pyrolysis boilers for heating: photo
In this article, we will analyze the operating principle of a long-burning pyrolysis boiler, read reviews from its operation and see which manufacturers are ready to offer the best models.
Each type of boiler, be it solid fuel, gas or liquid fuel, has its own advantages and disadvantages. Liquid fuel boilers have expensive fuel, electric boilers are constantly dependent on the network... At the same time, owners of gas boilers note the low cost of fuel. But a design of this type implies a high danger, so their installation and maintenance are carried out by specially trained people.
You can find out the price and buy heating equipment and related products from us. Write, call and come to one of the stores in your city. Delivery throughout the Russian Federation and CIS countries.
Owners of boilers solid fuel They know that fuel is not difficult to get: firewood and peat are available in almost all residential regions. However, their maintenance requires constant supply fuel, cleaning and constant attention to safety precautions. But a long-burning pyrolysis boiler can help solve these problems.
Pyrolysis solid fuel boiler
Principle of operation
A modern and universal option can be a long-burning solid fuel pyrolysis boiler. Like the other unit, it can be used for heating residential premises and hot water supply, heating greenhouses or providing heat for industrial and public areas.
The pyrolysis boiler is economical; it is enough to refuel it 2-3 times a day. Much depends on the fuel and the temperature outside the window. It can be single-circuit or double-circuit, which allows you to build various schemes heating and hot water supply systems.
It can work efficiently on many types of solid fuel: brown and black coal, wood, peat, etc. You can see the combustion time of raw materials for a gas generator boiler in the table.
If these types of fuel are not available or cannot be purchased, then any organic fuel can be used.
The most effective raw material for a pyrolysis boiler will be dry wood: it increases the operating time of the pyrolysis boiler and makes its operation more productive.
Long-burning pyrolysis boilers operate by decomposing carbon-containing fuel in the absence of oxygen into a huge amount of flammable substances and gases. Because of this, the devices are also called gas generator boilers.
Wood (carbon-containing raw materials) can decompose into a solid residue (charcoal), acetone, resins, methyl alcohol and acetic acid.
How does a pyrolysis boiler work?
The substances combust and release huge amounts of calories. Because of this, solid fuel pyrolysis combustion boilers have two chambers. One chamber is intended for loading fuel and ignition. The other is the afterburner. It removes gases that were released during the combustion of raw materials. Since the gases have a high temperature, they mix with the incoming air and ignite. Air is supplied to both chambers separately and, depending on it, the combustion force and power changes.
The design of the pyrolysis boiler can be different: in some models the afterburner chamber is located under the primary one, in others - on top:
- The first case is when the camera is at the top. These are the most common designs, simple and easy to use. Since the fuel raw material is located at the top, the exhaust gas exits through the pipe located at the bottom. Such a pyrolysis combustion boiler will have to be cleaned of ash from time to time, because ash can get into the afterburner chamber.
- The second case is when the camera is located at the bottom. A less common option, but at the same time has its advantages. In contrast, such units do not need to be cleaned of ash. The gas rises here and, using a nozzle, enters the chimney and cools.
Comparison of pyrolysis and conventional solid fuel boiler
If you decide to make a long-burning pyrolysis boiler with your own hands, then keep in mind that you will have to purchase everything for the design necessary materials and components. Plus, experience in this activity, tools and drawings.
User reviews
Owners pyrolysis long-burning boilers are noted for their environmental friendliness, good boiler performance and their high coefficient useful action (on average 85%, compared to direct combustion boilers, where the efficiency is about 65%).
Pyrolysis boiler Buderus Logano S171 W
Another difference is that a wood-fired gas generator boiler saves about 40% of fuel. The pyrolysis process can be controlled: if desired, set the power to 30% or turn on the unit at 100%. This ultimately improves fuel efficiency.
Here the entire setting is regulated by automation, focusing on the specified standards. As an example for comparison - an ordinary boiler. Its power is conditionally regulated manually: open or close doors, dampers, and blowers.
Users of such boilers note a long fuel burning time and an almost complete absence of waste. Logs can be used without being chopped.
Among the disadvantages, owners of pyrolysis boilers point to high cost units and their constant dependence on electricity, as well as the need to use dry wood.
When purchasing a pyrolysis boiler, you need to consider the following parameters:
- Boiler efficiency. According to this criterion, the best manufacturing companies are Viessmann, Buderus, Biasi, Dakon, Atmos, Ferroli, Viadrus.
- What material is the heat exchanger made of?
- Is it possible to use additional fuel without changing it, and also which main fuel and which additional (there may be various combinations, for example, firewood-pellets, firewood-coal, etc.).
- Is it possible to re-equip the boiler when changing the burner?
Pyrolysis boiler Atmos DC 15 E
Review of pyrolysis boiler manufacturers
There are many models of long-burning pyrolysis boilers on the market. Foreign and domestic manufacturers offer heating devices of various configurations and prices. All units differ in performance characteristics, which are described in the table below (some of the popular manufacturers are noted).
| Manufacturer | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Blago | The peculiarity of this gas generator boiler is its extreme energy independence. The unit operates on natural draft, and not on artificial air supply. Assumes the possibility of heating various types fuel (firewood, wood chips, sawdust, scraps, old tires, leather, rubber, polyethylene), and can work on wet wood (with humidity up to 50%) without loss of power. If the design is of low power, then it can cope with humidity up to 30-35%. The power of the models ranges from 12 to 58 kW. The company claims that the unit requires on average 25% less fuel compared to other boilers with the same operating mechanism. Fuel is added to them every 12-18 hours. High safety is guaranteed, and ease of use is obvious: automatic control, automatic cleaning of fuel channels and no smoke. You can choose a boiler required power based on the area of the heated room:
|
| Atmos | This is a Czech company that produces more than two hundred models of heating boilers. The units burn wood, liquefied gas. Eat combi boilers, and a gas boiler can be made to order. The Atmos company produces units with a power ranging from 15 kW, which are suitable for areas of 90-180 m², up to 1000 m² and more for industrial premises. Long-burning pyrolysis boilers can operate on wood, in which case they are labeled as Atmos DC, those operating on coal and wood are Atmos C and Atmos AC, pyrolysis boilers are labeled as Atmos DC 24 RS, DC 30 RS, and pellet boilers are Atmos. Boiler markings also contain the prefixes GS, GSE and S. The first two types have an all-ceramic finish on both fireboxes. Due to this, the efficiency becomes higher, and the percentage of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere is significantly lower. |
| Bosch (Bosch) | They are distinguished by the possibility of wide power adjustment. Their efficiency is on average 80%, and the volume of water in the system is 76-124 liters. Can work on wood up to 25% humidity. The manufacturer produces three main types of boilers:
|
| Viessmann | This is a stable company that has been producing products for over a hundred years. Today the manufacturer has competitive advantages in the production of equipment for heat supply systems. Viessmann boiler equipment is popular in enterprises and in country houses, apartments and cottages. Wissmann products are premium products, the quality of which corresponds to its price, as well as norms and standards. It is extremely economical, has high level safety and comfort in operation. |
| Dakon (Dakon) | The power of pyrolysis boilers from this manufacturer ranges from 18 kW to 40 kW. All units are environmentally friendly and economical in their operation (combustion in a chamber with a ceramic nozzle increases the efficiency sometimes up to 85%). The maximum moisture content of solid fuel reaches 20%. The Dakon pyrolysis wood boiler has a large raw material loading chamber. This helps to increase the boiler operating time without supervision. The unit can burn logs with a diameter of no more than 130 mm. The maximum length of logs varies depending on the size of the firebox in a particular boiler model. |
Thus, a pyrolysis boiler makes it possible to achieve ease of use of a solid fuel unit due to long-term combustion of fuel.
2017-03-28 Evgeniy Fomenko
Pyrolysis - what is it?
In the context of heating equipment, pyrolysis refers to the release of volatile gases during fuel combustion. The greatest intensity occurs at temperatures above 450 degrees and lack of oxygen. This is taken into account in the design of pyrolysis boilers, which have two combustion chambers and a controlled oxygen supply.
In one chamber the fuel burns directly, and in the second the emitted gases burn. This allows you to significantly increase the efficiency of the equipment compared to classic solid fuel boilers. Pyrolysis-type devices need to be filled with fuel only 2-3 times a day. To choose the best long-burning pyrolysis boiler, let's consider possible configurations.
Design features and types of boilers
Number of circuits
Based on the number of circuits, pyrolysis boilers are single-circuit, double-circuit and multi-circuit. Single-circuit ones are intended only to provide room heating. In order to provide hot water supply with their help, it is necessary to additionally purchase an indirect heating boiler.
Double-circuit models simultaneously heat the room and heat water for domestic use. Differ more complex design, installation and high price. Such equipment is suitable for a home where people live permanently. Sometimes there are multi-circuit boilers with more than two circuits. An additional circuit can be used, for example, to provide underfloor heating.
Housing material
The body of the pyrolysis boiler can be steel or cast iron. Steel boilers are lighter and cheaper. They are easier to transport and install. More expensive cast iron models are more reliable. Cast iron is resistant to corrosion and has no welding seams. The downside is the fragility of the material; with a sharp temperature change, it can crack.
Top burning
A separate variety are top-burning pyrolysis boilers with cyclic fuel loading. Such models can work on one portion for up to a day. This is achieved due to the fact that a larger amount of firewood is laid, and only the upper layer. Here you should use only high-quality, well-dried solid fuel. The peculiarity of use is that until the previous bookmark burns out, we cannot add firewood.
Principle of operation
Based on the principle of operation, there are convection and air-heating models. Convection boilers heat the coolant, which is subsequently distributed by pumps to radiators, which can be located in different rooms.
Air heating devices are designed to directly heat indoor air. Most often used in industrial production premises and in small houses with 1-2 rooms.
Electricity addiction
Non-volatile models are equipped with a mechanical control panel. Easy to maintain and reliable. Electronically controlled boilers require electricity to operate. Their advantage is more precise tuning. A number of models are sold without a control panel. It can be purchased separately depending on your needs.
Atmos pellet boiler control panel
Fuel types
Firewood
One of the most effective types fuel for pyrolysis boilers is firewood. They have very high percent release of volatile substances, which is required for the pyrolysis process. It is important to select dried wood, this parameter greatly affects the efficiency.
A wood boiler produces the least amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Also, using wood, the operating time of the equipment is longer, due to the lack of sulfur in it, which has a destructive effect on the body of the device. When purchasing, it is important to choose the appropriate size of bars. To do this, measure the depth of the firebox using a tape measure.
Coal
Coal can vary greatly in purity and, accordingly, heat transfer. The most expensive and efficient brown coal. When smoldering it produces greatest number gas In second place coal and on the third anthracite. When running on coal, the boiler will wear out faster due to the sulfur content in it, which leads to corrosion.
Pellets
Pellets
Pellets are granules that are produced from crushed waste. The raw materials for them can be sawdust, peat, paper, straw, and so on. They are environmentally friendly and are not used in their production. chemical substances. Modern pellet boilers are equipped with an automatic fuel loading system as needed.
Model selection
Termico pyrolysis 12 kW
One of the most popular models. It has one circuit, a power of 12 kW and can heat up to 120 square meters room area. Open type combustion chambers. The heat exchanger is steel, the control panel is electronic. The thickness of the metal from which the boiler is made is 5 mm.
Can work with almost any type of solid fuel and firewood with humidity up to 40%. The depth of the firebox allows you to place bars up to 37 cm long. The time to enter the pyrolysis mode is about 10 minutes. Installation type: floor-standing, dimensions 478*1126*981 mm, weight 170 kg.
Pyrolysis boiler Termico
Bourgeois-K MODERN-12
Domestic Bourgeois-K devices are produced in Kharkov and have proven themselves in operation. Power 12 kW, has one circuit, capable of heating up to 120 sq. m. at home. Non-volatile with mechanical control panel. Large firebox with a volume of 30 liters and a depth of 40 cm, which allows you to load long bars.
The grate is made of cast iron. Fuel consumption 1.2 kg per hour. It has the ability to additionally connect a heating element to maintain the coolant temperature in the event of the end of solid fuel. Installed on the floor, dimensions 718*459*560 mm, weight 87 kg.
Boiler Burzhuy-K MODERN-12
WATTEK PYROTEK 30
Pyrolysis boiler WATTEK PYROTEK 30 with a thermal power of 30 kW and one circuit. Has a closed combustion chamber. Electronic control with display in Russian. It has several operating modes: standard, summer, with DHW priority. The primary heat exchanger is steel. Works only with wood fuel. Dimensions 530*1145*915 mm.
Boiler WATTEK PYROTEK 30
You will find more information about popular models of pyrolysis boilers in the article at the link:
In places where interruptions in gas or electricity supply are possible, where fuel (wood, coal, etc.) is available, long-burning solid fuel boilers are taking root as the main or backup heat sources in heating systems. And long-burning pyrolysis boilers have proven themselves especially well. They are both effective and economical!
The topic of solid fuel boilers at one time lost its relevance, but is now quite confidently making its way into the heating sector. This is successfully helped by rising energy prices (gas, oil, electricity), as well as greater popularization individual construction houses and cottages.
Let's look at their features...
Who are they?
The group of pyrolysis boilers for heating usually includes their solid fuel “brothers”, which consume mainly wood.
Important! Firewood in our country has the status of an easily accessible fuel. And, mind you, renewable. The main thing to remember is that forests not only need to be cut down, but also need to be planted...
High-tech supporters need not be nervous! This is not a leap into the past, but a smart integration of scientific technologies into human life. Studying a wood-fired pyrolysis boiler (even the simplest one) reveals the beginning of an impressive list of its advantages.
The benefits of pyrolysis in heating
The long-term search for energy-saving technologies has touched a little on organic chemistry. Scientists have noticed that in a high-temperature environment with limited access to oxygen, the combustion process of many organic solids accompanied by a stable release of flammable gas, which itself is suitable for further combustion. And when it burns, it releases a large number of warmth.
In other words, when one fuel burns, a new (gaseous) fuel is formed. Wood is the leader in this process!
This process of generating flammable gas from solid organic substances during their smoldering was called pyrolysis, which determined the name of the pyrolysis heating boiler. They are also called gas generators or long-burning solid fuel boilers.
Due to the two-stage combustion of fuel (solid and newly formed gaseous), pyrolysis boilers produce more heat when burning the same volume of fuel than conventional solid fuel units. That is, their efficiency is much higher.
The main practical advantage of such boilers is their ability to operate for a long time (up to 25-30 hours) on one load of fuel. This is achieved by deliberately restricting the air supply to the combustion chamber.
And how does it work?
The difference between a pyrolysis boiler and a conventional solid fuel boiler is that it has two combustion chambers. It also has a separate compartment for waste from the combustion process.
The upper chamber (gasification) is intended for loading fuel. The primary decay of firewood occurs in it.
Due to the restriction of air access into the chamber, an exothermic reaction occurs in it. High temperatures from 200 to 800 °C lead to the formation of two flammable components: pyrolysis gas and charcoal.
The heat released at this stage is also spent on drying the wood and heating the air entering the combustion zone.
Next, the gas enters the middle chamber, where, in “pair” with air drawn into the chamber by a fan-exhaust fan at a high temperature of 1150-1200 O C, it ignites and releases significant amount thermal energy and virtually complete combustion of the entire contents of the chamber.
The resulting ash, as well as soot, fall into the lower chamber, adapted for periodic cleaning, the frequency of which depends on the quality of the fuel and the intensity of use of the wood-burning boiler.
High temperature processes occurring in pyrolysis boiler long burning determine the requirements for the strength of the entire unit. Steel or cast iron are used. Cast iron is more “slow” (inertial), both when heating and when cooling, but it is also more durable. Steel improves dynamics when heated, but rapid cooling of a pyrolysis boiler is not always convenient. Cast iron has higher corrosion resistance, and steel surfaces are predominantly coated with ceramic materials, which protects the metal from the “destructiveness” of high temperatures. Various construction materials, the presence of automation, and the power of the unit determine its cost.
Set of advantages and disadvantages
Modern technologies that use pyrolysis boilers have allowed them to acquire a number of advantages:
- Efficiency of up to 85% is explained by the operating features of the boiler, which ensures complete combustion of fuel;
- complete combustion of fuel ensures minimization of waste;
- the slow combustion process allows you to add a new portion of fuel twice, and in some designs, with economical use, even once a day;
- the boiler design provides the ability to automatically dynamically control the power of the heating system within the range of 30-100%, by regulating the rate of air flow into the lower combustion chamber;
- the environmental friendliness of this boiler design is ensured by the virtually complete combustion of both solid and the resulting gaseous fuel mass, which ensures low emissions (about 3 times less) of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere;
Wood-burning pyrolysis boilers also have disadvantages. These are also worth mentioning:
- the most insignificant is the need for constant power supply to the unit. But in view of the fact that modern systems heating mainly with forced circulation coolant, then electricity will be required to ensure the operation of the circulation pump.
- “single-circuit” pyrolysis units, which is also easily compensated by the installation storage boiler for the DHW system, which naturally leads to additional costs;
- enough high price, which is also compensated economical consumption fuel;
- the need, although rare, is still “manual” loading of fuel. This disadvantage is successfully overcome by new pyrolysis boilers using wood pellets, which can be automatically reloaded from a fuel bunker or warehouse.
- “demanding” on the quality of wood fuel, especially its moisture content, to ensure highly efficient operation.
And in conclusion about the global...
As we can see, energy-saving technologies have firmly taken root in the long-burning pyrolysis boiler, realizing their current global goals:
- minimizing fuel consumption;
- increasing the heat transfer of fuel during combustion;
- reducing the concentration of morbid substances in combustion products.
By installing a boiler of this type in your home, you will not only optimize your time spent on its maintenance, but also make your contribution to the conservation of nature.
Pyrolysis boilers, which are used for heating houses far from gas mains, are a type of solid fuel boiler, i.e. heating device that runs on wood, coal, peat and other organic materials.
The priority fuel for them is wood, which burns almost completely with minimal heat loss.
These types of fuel are convenient to use. In private homes, manual loading of firewood or other materials is practiced. large enterprises and production – automatic. Their power is quite large, so it is impractical to install them in small country houses and small cottages.
Advantages and disadvantages
Any technical devices and the devices are imperfect and have obvious advantages and obvious disadvantages.
- ease of maintenance;
- the ability to regulate the room temperature;
- the only one best option in places where there is no gas supply;
- you have to load firewood or peat 1.5–2 times less often, unlike classic solid fuel boilers, which are fired every 10–15 hours;
- environmental friendliness, fuel burns almost completely, without emitting excessive amounts of flue gases with toxic substances into the atmosphere;
- easy to clean, as in the chamber itself and inside chimney a small amount of ash remains;
- The coolant quickly heats up to an optimal temperature of about 60 °C.
- the average price is 1.5–2 times higher than the cost of traditional solid fuel devices;
- all pyrolysis boilers are single-circuit devices that provide only heating for the house;
- do not involve working with wood with a moisture content of more than 25%;
- There is no automatic operating mode; loading occurs manually.
If you compare the device with an electric or gas one, it will be inferior in terms of environmental friendliness, since it produces smoke emissions with impurities. However, electricity is quite expensive, so pyrolysis heating systems remain the best option.
How does a heating device work?
A pyrolysis boiler for heating a private house has its own characteristics: it consists of two chambers. In the first, under the influence of high temperatures and a small volume of oxygen, the wood smolders and pyrolysis gas (a combination of hydrogen, methane, ethane) is released.
This mixture is delivered to the combustion chamber through a special nozzle and mixed with the coolant. Ultimately, the process of burning pyrolysis gas and charcoal occurs simultaneously in two compartments. Thanks to this, the efficiency of the installation increases and the duration of combustion of one batch of firewood increases.
The essence of the pyrolysis process itself is the breakdown of complex organic substances (for example, wood, coal, peat) under the influence of high temperatures and insufficient oxygen into simple substances and compounds. In individual compartments, not the entire volume of fuel burns at once, but only that necessary to maintain the combustion process. This affects the stable power of the system.
Some installations, among other things, have an electric or thermal heater. It automatically turns on when the fuel begins to burn out and maintains the required temperature of the coolant (water or air).
Varieties
Pyrolysis boilers for heating are classified into two types according to several criteria.
I – according to the type of material used as fuel.
II – at the location of the annealing compartment.
Choosing the right type
Purchasing a pyrolysis boiler for heating a private home is advisable for those who have the opportunity to buy dried wood or dry the firewood themselves.
In other cases, you can choose one in the compartment of which 80% of the pyrolysis combustion of high-quality fuel occurs, and 20% of traditional fuel. Such devices are called combined.
It is recommended to buy boilers for your home with a chamber that can accommodate firewood from 45 to 65 cm in length. The chambers are covered with ceramic concrete, which maintains a given temperature, ensures high-quality combustion of firewood and protects the walls from damage.
Combustion time is at least 10 hours. Service life from 20 years. Case material – steel. It has a thickness of at least 5 mm. It's durable and reliable material, which has one significant drawback - it is susceptible to corrosion, which reduces operational and physical-mechanical properties. Alternative option– cast iron body with increased thermal conductivity and resistance to aggressive combustion components.
When choosing, it is important to think about the ventilation device. There is a natural and forced ventilation. Natural does not require electricity, but requires a high chimney to create the necessary draft. Forced - operates due to pumps and electrical devices, controlled manually - and more efficient.
Features of launch and operation
In order to properly start and operate a pyrolysis boiler for home heating, you need to understand its differences from a classic solid fuel boiler. Both of them have two chambers in which wood combustion occurs, but the loading compartment of the pyrolysis boiler requires preheating. After the temperature rises to the required 500–800°C, they begin to load solid fuel. Next, the damper - special plugs-regulators - is set to the pyrolysis combustion mode and the smoke exhauster is turned on.
By following this technology, it is possible to ensure gradual oxygen-free combustion of wood or coal. Pyrolysis gas has a white-yellow color, which indicates optimal mode combustion.
Fuel selection
Pyrolysis devices, in theory, are designed to operate on a variety of fuels: black and brown coal, peat, firewood. Each one has its own combustion duration, environmental friendliness and price.
However, experts say that pyrolysis boilers for heating a home have the longest service life and operate at maximum power only when using dry firewood with a moisture content of no more than 20% and a length of 45 - 65 cm, with a diameter of up to 200 mm. Sawdust and waste can be used, but their volume should not exceed a third of the loaded material.
In cases where there is much more moisture in the wood, it forms steam, which reduces the thermal characteristics and leads to the formation of soot and excessive smoke.
Selecting the manufacturer and brand
When purchasing any equipment, there is always a question: trust to a domestic manufacturer or foreign. The undoubted leaders are the models of the German campaigns Buderus and Viessmann. They have minimal emissions of toxic substances and the highest efficiency. Some devices are capable of operating for up to 24 hours on one batch of flammable material. The quality of work is controlled automatic systems, which ensure uniform heating of the chambers and combustion of fuel with minimal energy consumption.
Another leader, according to consumer reviews, is the Czech brand Dakon. Operational efficiency and build quality are similar German manufacturers. They are not inferior in terms of operational efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, there are a couple of improvements. One of them is a control panel for the boiler and all the processes occurring in it. Secondly, a new cast-iron housing allows for longer service life and the ability to operate at 50% power in the cold season.