Adjustment of gas boiler automation: device, principle of operation, tuning tips

For heating homes, gas boilers are often used - convenient and quite economical appliances that run on blue fuel. The correct functioning of these devices is ensured by a number of devices that monitor the operation mode.

Timely adjustment of the automation of the gas boiler can improve the efficiency of the heating device, as well as ensure reliability and safety in operation. And this, you see, is quite an important point for all users.

But how to make the adjustment and is it possible to do it on your own? Let's try to deal with these issues together. Why do we consider in detail the device and the principle of automation using the example of one of the most popular models.

We also pay attention to issues related to equipment setup and the main problems that a user may encounter during the setup and further operation of a gas boiler.

Types and principle of automation for boilers

By this definition is meant a system of executive and control devices aimed at maintaining predetermined modes, as well as prompt response to emergency situations.

This ensures the safe use of boilers with minimal human involvement in the processes taking place in the device.

The design of gas boilers includes a variety of automatic devices (electronic and mechanical) that are designed to maintain effective safe operation

All automation used for the correct functioning of heating devices can be divided into two fundamental groups:

• autonomous, independent of external energy supply;
• devices that require an external source of electric current.

Consider each group of devices in detail.

How do volatile appliances function?

Such systems are complex electronic units, for the operation of which requires the supply of electricity.

At the same time, these devices allow you to adjust the fuel supply and the degree of heating by shutting off or opening the tap, which helps to save heating costs.

The operation of the electronic system is based on the information transmitted by the sensors to the control unit. After analyzing and processing the data on the controller and microprocessor, commands are sent to the boiler drives

Tasks that solve automatic devices:

• opening / closing the valve of the gas supply system;
• starting the device in automatic mode;
• preset or emergency shutdown of the boiler;
• adjustment of the flame level of the burner using the existing temperature sensor;
• displaying data for visual reading (air temperature, water heating level and others).

In addition, modern automatic appliances can have a number of additional functions that greatly facilitate the operation of boilers.

These include:

• equipment operation management and control over its functioning;
• protection of the heating system from malfunctions three way valve;
• protection of equipment from freezing (in case of a sudden drop in temperature in the room, the device automatically starts the boiler to work);
• self-diagnosis, which allows to detect defects in the nodes and parts, as well as to identify failures in the functioning of the nodes. This option allows you to identify a malfunction in time, which could lead to a serious breakdown, requiring major repairs or a complete replacement of the boiler.

At the same time, reliable and stable operation of electronic automation devices for gas boilers can be carried out only under certain conditions.

Namely:

• lack of power surges;
• exact observance of the recommended temperature regime;
• lack of problems associated with a long service life.

In violation of these rules, high-tech devices can quickly fail.

The assortment of such automation is widely represented on the market, which may include programming or do without it. These devices include the following devices.

Thermostat for measuring room temperature

The air temperature measuring sensor is located in the room, but is connected with a cable to the boiler located in this or another room. The device not only monitors the heating level of the room, but also regulates the operation of the heater.

As soon as the temperature drops below the indicated level, the thermal device sends a signal to the boiler, having accepted which the heating equipment automatically starts up.

Separate control units provide the ability to connect a temperature sensor located in the room. In this case, the set temperature will be automatically maintained in the heated space.

Upon reaching a comfortable level of air temperature in the device, the valve closes, after which the operation of the boiler, and, consequently, the heating of the room stops, which contributes to fuel economy.

Our other article contains detailed information on species and thermostat wiring diagrams for heating boiler.

24-hour daily programmer

Like a conventional thermostat, the device regulates the operation of the gas boiler, but it has advanced features.

Using this device, you can set a program for the operation of heating equipment for 24 hours, providing for a different level of heating during certain periods of the day (for example, lowering the temperature in the rooms at night or when there are no people).

Most devices have an automatic cycle repetition, and to change it, you must change the program.The connection of such a device can occur either with a cable or through a special radio channel.

Long-term weekly programmer

Unlike the above-described device, the weekly adaptation allows you to pre-schedule the operation of the boiler immediately for seven days.

In devices of this type, as a rule, several different modes are provided, and it is also possible to create your own programs for the operation of heating devices.

Easy to program, the Auraton-2025 has 3 factory and 7 user modes to optimally adjust the air temperature. The light sensor turns off the display at night, which saves energy

All data is transmitted to the backlit display, which makes it convenient to track information. Since the range of the programmer is 30 meters or more, it can be placed in living rooms.

The principle of operation of non-volatile automation

At the same time, individual parts of boilers that perform the control function do not need to use electricity.

Their adjustment is carried out manually, as well as under the influence of geometric changes that occur in mechanisms under the influence of heating.

In mechanical devices, the boiler is started by pressing the washer on the valve. As a result of this, the latter opens in forced mode, letting in fuel that goes to the igniter

Despite the wide range of models with electronic equipment, mechanically controlled options are also very popular.

What is explained by several reasons at once:

• Democratic cost. Prices for such devices are much lower than for fully automatic counterparts.
• Ease of operation. The simplicity of the non-volatile automation device used in mechanical models allows you to quickly understand the settings even to a person who is not related to technology.
• Reliability. Mechanical devices do not depend on power surges or a complete blackout, so they can function without a stabilizer, which is desirable when working with volatile equipment.

The disadvantages of such models include lower accuracy of adjustments, as well as the need to monitor the operation of the boiler.

As for the setting, it is done manually. Each mechanical device is equipped with a temperature scale, the numbers of which indicate the limit values ​​(from min to max). Operating temperature is set by selecting the desired mark on the graduation ruler.

After starting the unit, the temperature controller is responsible for its operation. The active element of this device is the rod, which, compressing during cooling, opens the gas supply valve, and then increases in size due to temperature increase and blocks the flow of blue fuel.

Using a similar process, it is also possible to reduce or increase the level of heating.

Elements of safety and comfortable operation

The group of automatic appliances for boilers includes many elements that can be divided into two large groups: mechanisms that ensure safe operation, and devices that contribute to the comfortable operation of the boiler.

The following details are responsible for safe operation:

• thermostat;
• traction and flame sensors;
• safety valve.

Flame detector consists of a thermocouple and an electromagnetic gas valve that shuts off or turns on the gas supply.

Flame temperature controller (thermostat) maintains the necessary temperature of the coolant, and also protects against overheating. This module turns the boiler on or off as soon as the coolant reaches a critical point (maximum or minimum).

Traction control module stops the gas supply to the burner as soon as the location of the bimetallic plate changes due to elevated temperature (it bends when heated, blocking the pipe through which the fuel is supplied).

In more detail, we examined temperature, traction, pressure and flame sensors in this article.

The safety valve adjusts, distributes and shuts off the gas flow.

In the heating system safety valve - an inextricable component of pipe fittings, which is important in monitoring the volume of coolant involved in the circuit.

The hole in the valve through which gaseous fuel moves is called the seat. To turn off the device, you need to block it with a disk or piston.

Depending on the number of operating positions, gas valves can be one-, two- and three-stage, as well as simulating:

• Single-stage devices have only two operating positions: on / off.
• The two-stage device is equipped with one input and two outputs, while the valve opens when it is turned into an intermediate position, so that switching on occurs more smoothly.
• Boilers with two power levels are provided with a three-stage device.
• Modulated valves are used to smoothly change the power rating of devices.

The automation used for convenience includes options that are usually performed by users of heating systems. These include auto-ignition of the burner, self-diagnosis, selection of the optimal operating mode and others.

Safety Automation

According to the rules set forth in the regulatory documentation (SNiP 2.04.08-87, SNiP 42-01-2002, SP 41-104-2000), in gas boilers a safety system should be provided. The task of this unit is to emergency shut off the fuel supply in the event of any breakdown.

The diagram below shows an automation system that allows you to adjust the functions of the gas device, with a detailed image of all the constituent elements

The principle of safe operation of the gas boiler automation system is based on monitoring instrument readings.

The control unit monitors the following factors:

• Gas pressure. When it falls to a critical level, the flow of combustible material immediately stops. The process takes place automatically using the valve mechanism, pre-configured to a specific value.
• Gas supply. The responsibility for this property in volatile devices is the maximum or minimum relay. The mechanism of work is to bend the membrane with the rod with an increase in the number of atmospheres, which leads to the opening of the contacts of the heater.
• No flame in the burner. When the fire extinguishes, the thermocouple cools, due to which the generation of current stops, and the gas supply is interrupted due to the electromagnetic valve shutting off the gas valve.
• Traction. When this factor decreases, the bimetallic plate heats up, which causes a change in its shape. The modified element presses on the valve, which closes, stopping the flow of combustible gas.
• Coolant temperature. Using a thermostat, it is possible to maintain this factor at a predetermined value, which helps to prevent overheating of the boiler.

The possible malfunctions indicated above can cause the main burner to decay, as a result of which there is the possibility of gas entering the room, leading to fatal consequences.

This figure shows a schematic device for the operation of regulatory automation, designed to prevent overheating of the system or other violations in its operation

To avoid this, all boiler models must be equipped with automatic devices.This is especially true for obsolete designs where similar devices have not yet been provided by manufacturers.

Features of the device autoblock

As a rule, manufacturers use special control units, which include the above devices. With external differences, they all operate on the basis of the same principles. To get acquainted with the best models and manufacturers of automation, go to this link.

The most widespread products of the Italian brand EuroSIT. The most popular model is the Eurosit 630, which is characterized by lightweight functionality, compatibility with designs from various manufacturers, reliability and durability.

It is on the example of Eurosit 630 that we will examine in detail the device of the automatic unit.

The detailed device of the Eurosit 630 automatic control unit, which is equipped with a significant part of modern gas boilers produced by different manufacturers

The device is a casing, inside of which there are all structural components (spring valve, pressure regulator module, shut-off device), which makes installation much easier.

A pipe is supplied to the body through which gas is supplied, as well as cables from sensors and other devices.

In addition to the Eurosit 630 unit, other models are also on the market: SABC, Vakula SIT, Dungs, Honneywell, which include sets of valves, pressure stabilizers, filters, temperature regulators

There are some difficulties during installation and configuration of this device, but having adapted, you can practically not worry about the operation of the gas boiler.

How to configure the automation of the heater?

The adjustment involves the commissioning of the EUROSIT 630 controller, which maintains the temperature regime of the liquid in the circuit, and, in a critical situation, blocks the gas supply.

Before setting the automation of various models of gas boilers, it is necessary to carry out the installation of equipment, strictly following the drawing. At the same time, it is important to check the configuration of device parts, which should coincide with the one stated in the instructions.

Adjustment is carried out using the handle, which allows you to control the transfer of the boiler in three positions:

• shutdown;
• ignition;
• setting the temperature mode (from 1 to 7).

To turn on the ignition device, the lever must be moved to the second position by setting it against the spark icon.

When pressed, the piezo ignition button will be activated, due to which the pilot burner will light up. In this case, the lever must be held in the adopted position for 10-30 seconds. After releasing the button, the pilot should stop working.

When the flame is ignited, the thermocouple heats up, due to which EMF (25 mV) begins to be generated in it. This leads to the formation of a circuit, the links of which are the sensor and the solenoid valve

When the lever is pressed, the solenoid valve opens and gas is supplied to the igniter (it should be left open after releasing the handle).

In this case, the thermocouple should provide protection against the return of fire. The sensors that are elements of the circuit are closed in the working position. After receiving the signal, they open, which causes the unit to turn off.

Problems turning on the ignition device

In case of difficulty in turning on the device, you can use the following instructions. First of all, you need to stock up with the necessary equipment, namely open-end wrenches, a screwdriver, a multimeter, pliers, alcohol to clean parts.

The device terminals are carefully removed: they close together, then are pressed with pliers. To determine the cause of the malfunction, the igniter must be turned on.

If ignition occurs normally, it is most likely a malfunction in the traction sensor.In this case, it is necessary to unscrew this element (to prevent overheating, it is surrounded by paronite gaskets).

During the external examination of the device, attention should be paid to its contacts, which should be securely fixed to the housing and not have any oxidation traces on the surface. Open temperature should be 75 ° C

After that, using a tester, you need to measure the resistance, the indicator of which should be equal to 1-2 Ohms. If a malfunction is detected, this part must be replaced. If the element functions normally, it is enough to wipe it with alcohol, after which the device is reassembled.

To identify problems in the thermocouple traction chopper, the terminals are removed, after which the resistance is checked, the indicator of which should be equal to 3.

If the obtained value does not correspond to the optimum, it is necessary to use a wrench No. 9 to unscrew the nut that fixes the thermocouple to the traction chopper, after which the key No. 12 unscrews the latter half a turn.

After this, you need to get the plastic insert with the contacts, then the part is completely unscrewed. The thermocouple is being tested: it should be connected to the solenoid valve and secured with a No. 9 wrench. If ignition is still impossible after this, the problem lies precisely in this detail.

To solve the problem, the nut securing the thermocouple to the igniter is unscrewed with a No. 10 wrench, after which the element is installed in the desired position.

To evaluate the result of work, you need to measure the EMF (it should be equal to 18 mV), then the contact of the thermocouple and the elements of the traction breaker are cleaned with alcohol. The final stage is the assembly of the device.

Troubleshoot other automation issues

A common reason for the lack of ignition is contamination of the insulator, through which a wire is laid that goes into the combustion chamber. Such a malfunction can be easily fixed by wiping this part with a soft rag. In case of severe contamination, it can be moistened with a solvent and then wiped dry.

An obstacle to turning on the igniter can also be a soot deposit that forms inside the combustion chamber. This defect can be easily eliminated by tapping the gas supply pipe to the burner.

After a break in operation, it is recommended to check the condition of the pipes. In the absence of work, spiders or other insects can make nests in them, which can make gas supply difficult.

High-tech models of gas boilers are equipped with sophisticated electronics. As a rule, information about problems is displayed in the form of a code with a certain error.

Poor heating of the water may indicate too large deposits on the walls of the heat exchanger. To solve the problem, it is advisable to rinse the circuit with hot water with the addition of a solvent of mineral substances.

If this does not help, it is best to consult a specialist, as the cause may be damage to the electronics or the flow sensor.

In too powerful boilers, a “ticking” effect may occur, which manifests itself in too frequent inclusions caused by intense heating of the gas. To remedy the situation, it is recommended to reduce the fuel consumption that is supplied to the burners.

In mechanical devices this can be achieved by turning the adjusting lever on the gas valve, and in electronic models it is enough to use the control panel, where the corresponding operation parameter is set.

In order to extend the life of the equipment and gas boiler, it is recommended to regularly inspect and perform maintenance. How to perform maintenance, we reviewed in next article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the video presented, you will find a brief installation guide for a gas boiler equipped with the Eurosit automatic system.

A modern gas boiler is a rather complicated design, which provides many useful functions.The automation of most models greatly facilitates their operation, takes control of the mechanisms and controls their work.

This significantly increases the level of safety during the functioning of the heating system, and also increases its effectiveness by selecting the optimal mode.

Do you need to adjust the automation of your gas boiler? Do you want to solve this problem yourself and want to clarify some points? Feel free to ask your questions under this article, and our experts will try to help you.

Or have you successfully dealt with the adjustment of automation and want to share your experience with other users? Write your tips, add a photo depicting the main points - your recommendations will be very useful to other owners of the same boiler.