Do-it-yourself pyrolysis boiler: device, circuits, principle of operation

The term "pyrolysis" refers to a process where there is a delayed burning of solid fuel to produce a gaseous medium. Despite the “professorial” name of the structure, making a pyrolysis boiler with your own hands is relatively simple, and homemade products are quite common in practice.

The explanation is simple - a wood-burning gas boiler is easier to maintain, often more efficient and more economical than other similar equipment. Let's look at how such equipment works and what is needed for its manufacture.

The principle of operation of pyrolysis boilers

Boilers of heating systems, where solid combustible materials are used as fuel, in addition to the classics, also belong to pyrolysis structures. Usually they are called gas-generating boilers.

In order to better understand the principle of operation of a home pyrolysis boiler, it is logical to carefully consider the device of such a technique. Let's start with the features of the furnace as the main part of the heating structure. In fact, the working area of ​​the fuel chamber of the pyrolysis boilers is divided into two separated chambers.

The design of the pyrolysis boiler in the context of: 1 - loading chamber (passive), where the process of pyrolysis (incomplete combustion) takes place; 2 - gas combustion chamber (active) generated during pyrolysis

One of these chambers is loaded with solid fuel - firewood, pellets, briquettes, etc. There begins the primary process of burning solid fuel with limited air supply. In this state, the fuel does not burn, but smolders. Gases emitted during slow combustion enter another area of ​​the chamber - the active one, where they burn out intensively even with increased air supply.

Technically, a similar combustion process is implemented in a simple manner. The subregions of the common chamber are simply separated by the grate and nozzle. The upper part of the chamber is a passive furnace, the lower part of the chamber is an active furnace. In this case, a design feature should be taken into account - the upper air supply to the fuel chamber (upper blast).

Actually, this distinguishes the design of the gas boiler from the classic single-chamber design, where the lower flow is used.

The classic design of an air pump (often called a fan, but technically this is an erroneous name), which is used in the pyrolysis boiler circuit. This is an important part to ensure equipment performance.

Technologically, for the arrangement of pyrolysis boilers, a characteristic moment is also the organization of forced draft. The design of the two-stage firebox has high aerodynamic drag. Therefore, there is no way to do without installing an air pump.

How does the boiler function in practice?

It is convenient to consider the practical use of equipment in a step-by-step process:

1. Loading firewood - laying on the grate of the upper area of ​​the camera.
2. Ignition of fuel and start-up of the smoke pump.
3. The formation of wood gas at a temperature of 250-850 ° C.
4. The transition of wood gas to the lower region of the furnace.
5. Combustion of wood gas with additional air supply.

Further, the heat obtained in the lower region of the fuel chamber is used to heat the coolant. The coolant can be both aqueous medium and air.

1 - active camera; 2 - water inlet; 3 - secondary air; 4 - chimney; 5 - outlet pipe; 6 - a butterfly valve; 7 - water outlet; 8, 9 - sensors; 10 - temperature regulator; 11 - the door of the passive chamber; 12 - primary air; 13 - passive camera; 14 - air pump; 15 - heat exchanger circuit; 16 - nozzle; 17 - the door of the active camera

If you pay attention to all existing designs of home boilers operating on solid fuel, the traditional alternative is the main alternative to the pyrolysis boiler.

This is a similar version of a wood-fired boiler, where there is one undivided firebox and the principle of lower air supply to the combustion chamber works. But such a system is considered less efficient and uneconomical due to the rapid combustion of fuel.

The pyrolysis boiler is capable of producing a coefficient of performance at the level of 85-95% under the condition of 100% load. However, the efficiency drops sharply if the load is less than 50%. That is why manufacturers of pyrolysis equipment recommend users to operate equipment with maximum load.

A similar approach is true for home-made structures, provided that they fully comply with the classical pyrolysis scheme and operating requirements.

For the “pyrolysis" operation requirements, it should be noted, rather stringent:

• mandatory equipment with an air pump;
• permissible fuel moisture not higher than 25-35%;
• equipment load not less than 50%;
• return temperature not lower than 60 ° С;
• loading only with a large fuel mass.

It should also be noted the high cost pyrolysis systems industrial manufacturing. This is probably why the do-it-yourself option is very popular.

Homemade pyrolysis boiler

As a rule, in the manufacture of such heating equipment with their own hands, the popular Belyaev scheme is taken as the basis. This is not to say that this is a simple solution that allows you to make a heater without problems. But, perhaps, one of those solutions that can really be implemented.

Three-dimensional scheme of a pyrolysis boiler for DIY production. This is one of the simple circuit variations that can be done in the home on their own.

For the production of equipment according to this scheme, the master will need:

• metal pipe (d = 32; 57; 159 mm);
• profile pipe (s = 60x30; 80x40; 20x20 mm);
• steel strip (20x4; 30x4; 80x4 mm);
• fireclay brick;
• a metal sheet;
• air pump;
• temperature sensor.

It is also necessary to have a complete set of bench tools, plus a welding machine (and welder skills, respectively).The work on the manufacture of a pyrolysis boiler with your own hands is clearly not overpowering alone. At least one assistant is needed.

First of all, in accordance with the selected scheme, it is necessary to prepare sheet details of the structure. It is recommended to prepare sheet panels, cutting them to size with professional precision equipment.

Application for cutting a hand tool such as "grinder" also requires some skills and safety precautions during operation, but does not ensure cutting accuracy, which subsequently affects the quality of welding performance. This point should be taken into account. A reasonable solution for cutting metal sheets is an order in a mechanical workshop.

Assembly of internal parts of equipment

From one part of the metal sheets it is necessary to make a fuel chamber. For this, a material commensurate with the circuit parameters is connected and welded. A two-chamber design should be obtained, which should be supplemented with air ducts.

These elements of the fuel chamber are made of a metal channel or a profile pipe is used for manufacturing. Holes are drilled over the entire area of ​​the front side of the duct.

Air ducts inside the combustion chamber. Air is supplied through these channels using an air pump. For uniform distribution of air flow along the entire length of the channel, holes are drilled

Lower in level, in the region of the active combustion chamber, a metal pipe (secondary air supply) crashes on a wall located across the air ducts. Next, work begins with pipes, since the turn of assembling a tubular heat exchanger has come.

This part of the pyrolysis system is made of metal pipes d = 57 mm:

1. Two metal sheets are taken to the size of the drawing and marking is done.
2. Based on the marking for the location of the pipes, holes d = 60 mm are cut out on the sheet.
3. Pipes d = 57 mm in length are cut.
4. The ends of the pipes are inserted into the holes of one sheet and scalded.
5. Repeat the operation with another sheet.

The output should be a finished heat exchanger, which is fastened to the boiler body where the circuit indicates.

An example of manufacturing a heat exchanger from two steel sheets and pipes, cut to size. High-quality welding is required here, so that later on there will be no problems during the operation of the boiler

A throttle valve is installed next to the heat exchanger (at the upper level). This part is equipped with a handle and is also welded to the structure. The end part of the throttle body is closed with a piece of sheet with a pipe under the chimney.

Then it remains only to weld the front panel of the fuel chamber with windows for doors under each of the two sections and a module for the air pump.

Installed heat exchanger and part of the throttle design. Variant of the adjusting mechanism in the form of a manual lever with the possibility of fixing the damper in any position

Before installing the front panel, the inside of the combustion chambers must be reinforced with fireclay bricks. This material is cut to size, some at an angle. The brick is grinded and adjusted at the place of laying.

Both fire sections of the boiler fuel chamber are exposed to fireclay bricks. At the same time, the area of ​​the flaps of the air exhaust (supply) pipes is neatly laid around. After laying out the brick, the front panel is installed.

An example of laying out the inner area of ​​the fuel chamber with fireclay bricks. The brick lining protects the walls of the chamber of the pyrolysis boiler from possible burnout during long-term operation

In fact, the main assembly of the pyrolysis boiler at this stage can be considered completed. The assembled structure must be processed - remove scale from welding, clean welds, trim if there are slight irregularities somewhere.

The next step is the conclusion of the assembled structure in a sealed enclosure.This part of the structure is also made of metal sheets. However, pressure testing is needed first.

Testing and final assembly of the structure

The assembled structure must be tested. Mandatory actions - check for tightness of the boiler area where the coolant should circulate. To conduct pressure testing of the heat exchanger, plugs are temporarily installed on the supply and return pipes of the coolant.

Then the heat exchanger is charged with water. It is advisable to use hot water from the heating network or hot water supply in order to be able to check welds in the conditions of thermal expansion of the metal.

The front part of an almost finished construction with outlets for air supply inside the working chambers. The windows of the fuel chamber sections are so far without doors. This structure will be sheathed in hull sheets.

If there are no leaks at the seams of the heat exchanger, the water is drained and the metal structures of the pyrolysis boiler are framed by external metal panels. Also at this stage the doors of the windows of the sections of the combustion chamber are manufactured and hung.

The doors of the pyrolysis installation require execution taking into account high-temperature operating conditions. Therefore, these structural elements are usually made (or used already made) of cast iron with additional thermal reinforcement by chamotte brick.

An example of the design of the door of one of the sections of the fuel chamber of the pyrolysis boiler. To enhance protection against the effects of high temperature of the combustion process, fireclay bricks are used in addition to metal

The final stage is the installation of a pyrolysis boiler in the place of its future operation. Installation of the structure is carried out on the foundation or on a concrete slab. The height of the foundation (slab) relative to the ground level is recommended to maintain a size of not less than 100 mm.

After installation and balance by levels, the lower part of the boiler is fixed to the foundation. It remains to connect the chimney, install an air pump and connect the coolant supply / exit lines.

The pyrolysis boiler is completely enclosed in a metal case and ready for installation on the workplace. Angular hooks are welded as supporting elements of the fasteners on the body

Making a pyrolysis boiler design on your own is a job that requires a significant investment of effort. Of course, you can not do without overhead in terms of financial resources.

Perhaps, the purchase of material and the use of third-party services will cost less than the cost of industrial equipment. However, the difference is likely to be not so significant. But the main question is not about money.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

On the independent manufacture of a pyrolysis boiler:

Technically independent production of pyrolysis boilers without the availability of an appropriate base is an extremely complex process. Also required are professional skills in working with metal, a clear understanding of engineering schemes and technological subtleties of manufacturing boiler equipment. Without all this, you should not even take up work.

If you possess the necessary knowledge and skills, and can give valuable advice on assembling the pyrolysis boiler to other visitors to the site - please leave your comments, share the secrets of skill, ask questions in the block under the article.