The principle of operation of a gas column: features of the device and operation of a gas water heater

If your house does not have hot water or hot water is constantly turned off for you, then life becomes completely uncomfortable. But this is not a reason to abandon a warm shower on a cool autumn evening, agree? This problem can be solved by installing a gas column, as many users do. But how does such a miniature water heater work and can it cope with its task?

We will talk about all this in detail in our publication - here we consider the principle of operation of a gas column, the scheme of its structure. And also focuses on the main equipment malfunctions and ways to cope with them. The material presented is supplemented by visual illustrations, diagrams and videos.

The general structure of the household speaker

The gas water heater is instantaneous water heater. This means that water passes through it and heats up along the way. But, before proceeding to an analysis of how a domestic gas column for heating water is arranged, we recall that its installation and replacement are associated with a centralized gas supply system.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit documents to the gas service of your region together with the corresponding application. ABOUT norms and necessary documents You can read in our other articles, and now let's move on to the device.

Different models of gas columns differ from each other, but the general structure of a household gas column looks like this:

• Gas-burner.
• Igniter / ignition system.
• Hood and connection to the chimney.
• Chimney pipe.
• The combustion chamber.
• Fan (on selected models).
• Heat exchanger.
• Pipe for gas supply.
• Water knot.
• Branch pipes for water supply.
• Branch pipe for an exit of hot water.
• Front panel with controller.

The central element of the column is gas-burner, in which the combustion of gas is supported, which contributes to the heating of water. The burner is installed in the housing, it collects hot products of combustion, the purpose of which is to warm water.

Housing made of metal and completely covers the front and sides of the column. It is important that the body material conducts heat well, because the quality of heating depends on the transmission of heat.

Structural components of the gas column located inside the housing. This is a closed gas equipment

On top of the unit is range hood and chimneythrough which combustion products leave the column and room. Their arrangement depends on whether the column is open or closed, as will be shown below.

Pipes coil inside the casing, water passes through them under natural pressure and is heated by hot gases. This whole pipe system is called heat exchanger. Below are two pipes: on the right - to receive cold water from the pipeline, hot water flows from the left side.

Between the water supply network and the geyser is often installed filterwhich regulates the hardness of the water. Without a filter, the column can be scaled at high water temperatures. When entering the column, water passes through water node, which serves as a kind of "connection" between the flow of water and the flow of gas. We will talk about this connection a little further.

Burning gas burner with electric ignition and flame detector. Sensors play an important role in the functioning of equipment. We will talk about their functions further

With the help of another tube, which is also located below, the column is connected to the gas main.

There is also a front panel with control unit. It is equipped with regulators to control gas and water waste. Depending on the model, it can be either simple knobs that need to be twisted, or liquid crystal displays, where you can see many characteristics of the column, or even the nature of its malfunction if the column does not work.

How does a gas column work?

Let's get acquainted with the principle of the gas column in the form of a simple algorithm:

• when water flows through the water unit, the membrane tenses and moves up the stem connected to the gas valve;
• then the valve opens the gas supply to the main burner;
• gas is ignited from the electrode or igniter, burns and heats the water that flows through the pipes of the heat exchanger;
• heated water flow is supplied to the tap through the left pipe;
• gas combustion products are discharged through a chimney or hood - there is a fundamental difference between open and closed type columns, which will be described in detail below.

At the same time, the flame power and the power of the water flow through the column can be adjusted using the controls on the front panel.

And now let us examine in more detail how the ignition of the burner occurs and how the already mentioned water unit is connected with this.

Structural elements and the principle of operation of the water unit. In common parlance, it is called a "frog." The yellow arrows show the direction of gas movement in the figure, the blue arrows indicate the direction of water movement

Gas ignition method

In general, gas water heaters are based on three methods of gas ignition. As can be seen in the diagram, in all three cases, the response to the ignition of the main burner is the reaction of the water node (frog).

Here are three ways to ignite:

• using a piezoelectric element;
• from batteries;
• from rotation of a hydraulic turbine.

Ignition with piezoelectric element - This is a manual ignition, and suggests the presence of a button on the front panel. Pressing the button closes the piezoelectric element that ignites the igniter. He, in turn, sets fire to the main burner after the signal of the rod, which moves the water membrane with an active pressure of water.

The ignitor continues to burn with a small flame until it is turned off manually. This leads to increased gas consumption and increased scale formation in the pipes. One of the gas-fired instantaneous water heaters with manual ignition is Bosch Therm 4000 O W 10-2 P.

Diagram of a gas column with piezo ignition.The “insides” of the column are indicated in the figure - the main structural units located inside the case, and the buttons / handles located outside

Geysers of some models work on battery powered. Whereinignition comes from an electric spark after a rod signal. Thus, instead of the igniter, there are electrodes that directly ignite the main gas burner.

But batteries need to be changed on average once every 10 months, and with constant use — every 2 months, so that there are no unforeseen circumstances. One of these battery powered speakers is Zanussi Gwh 10 Fonte Glass LaSpezia.

Sometimes ignition comes from rotation hydraulic turbines (with a stream of water). Ignition also comes from an electric spark, but the batteries do not need to be changed, because the turbine itself generates electricity during the flow of water.

But for the operation of the hydraulic turbine, a high pressure in the pipes is required, at least 0.3 bar. Not every house has this pressure. In Russia and other CIS countries, it is not advised to buy such columns because of the unstable pressure of water. As an example of such a model - a gas columnBosch Therm 6000 oWRD 15-2 G, which is noticeably more expensive than the two above models.

Column water assembly device

The arrangement of the water assembly is of particular interest. Its structure can be seen in the diagram below, the signature for the details - under the diagram. The remaining designated elements are used for fasteners.

The structural elements of the repair kit for the water node of the Neva brand geyser: 1) silicone membrane D 54 mm; 2) oil seal for cold water supply 19x14x2.5 mm; 3) the seal of the drain valve 10x6x2 mm; 4) the seal of the water flow regulator 14.5x9.5x2.5 mm - 2 pcs; 5) stem seal gland, thread M 12 x 1 5.34x1.78x1.78 mm - 2 pcs; 6) the seal of the stem bush seal M 12 x 1 14x11x1.5 mm; 7) a gland of the screw of the regulator of a submembrane pressure of 6.4х2.6х1.9 mm; 8) a gland of the screw of the regulator of a channel of water 7хх3,2х1,9 mm; 9.) gland of the connection of water and gas units 27.5x23.5x2 mm; 10) the gland of the connection of the gas-gas unit with the burner 18x13x2.5 mm; 11) the seal of the water temperature sensor 10x6x2 mm

The main working details are stock and diaphragmunder the action of which it moves when a flow of water begins in the lower part. The stem opens the valve and passes gas into the burner, which is then ignited.

Another work item - PVC ballserving as a fuse. It blocks the gas flow during sudden pressure drops in the water pipes - water hammerwhich we will also talk about.

Type of combustion chamber

According to the arrangement of the combustion chambers, there are two types of gas water heaters: open and closed.

Speakers with open combustion chamber have open air access to the burner, and the combustion products go into the hood.

Such models are simpler thanturbocharged, which will be discussed below, their work is almost silent and in most cases they do not require electricity. However, due to the open connection between the combustion chamber and the room, air pollution in the room is possible due to poor operation of the hood.

Speakers with closed combustion chamber areturbocharged. The combustion chamber in them is sealed, in addition to the channels for pumping and air outlet. It is pumped there by a fan through coaxial pipes and goes outside through a chimney, together with combustion products.

Such columns are usually completely automated, they lack manual controls, and traction and temperature sensors are more sensitive. These speakers are “modern” and more secure.

In the illustrations above, a gas column with a closed combustion chamber was depicted. For comparison, in the following illustration, you can see the arrangement of two types of speakers side by side. You will find many similar elements in them, but the principle of removal of combustion products is noticeably different.

Comparison of combustion chambers in columns. On the left is a combustion chamber of an open type column. On the right is a gas column with a closed combustion chamber, where air is pumped into the chamber with a fan

Key Features

Now let's talk about aspects of the practical use of the column. One of the main characteristics is performance. It is directly related to the power, which is indicated in kW and shows the volume of water heated at 25 ° C per minute.

Characteristics are usually indicated in the passport of the device. An ordinary column heats 10-20 liters of water at 25 ° C per minute, although this value can fluctuate significantly.

Another feature of modern speakers— power modulation. It shows how the column power can vary depending on the flow of water and is measured as a percentage of the initial power.

For modulation, the columns are equipped with special fittings with a membrane, which changes the gas supply to the burner depending on the flow. Modulation in the range of 40-100% of the device power is considered normal.

The diagram shows the modulating armature and the principle of its operation, which is similar to the operation of the water unit and its membrane

Safety sensors and their meaning

A geyser can be dangerous, because it is connected simultaneously with the water and gas pipelines, each of which individually can be a threat.

For problems with gas or water supply, safety sensors turn off the column, and special valves block the flow of water or gas.

Typically, geysers can withstand voltages up to 10-12 bar, which is 20-50 times higher than normal pipe pressure. Such sudden jumps are possible with the so-called water hammer.

But if the pressure is lower than 0.1-0.2 bar, then the column will not be able to work. You need to carefully study the instructions and specifications before buying to understand whether the column is optimized for low water pressure in the pipes of the CIS countries and whether it will work properly. And vice versa— whether it will withstand sudden changes in pressure, which, alas, is not uncommon in our conditions.

Ignition circuit of a burner operating on an electric spark. Locations of the main safety sensors for household gas water heaters

In general, a modern gas water heater contains many safety sensors. All of them, in case of breakdown, can be replaced.

More details about the purpose and location of the sensors are in the table below.

Main problems and ways to fix them

Speaking about the structure and principles of operation of a household gas column, as well as about the sensors built into it, it is worth briefly mentioning possible failures and malfunctions. Here we will not dwell on the complete repair or replacement of the column, but will quickly go through all the elements listed in the description of the burner and describe their malfunctions, as well as ways to deal with them with our own hands.

As already mentioned, the main element of the column— gas-burner. Often, the burner goes out due to the triggering of the safety sensors, which we have already talked about. Common problems that lead to this scenario — this heat exchanger fouling soot and scale.

Cause low pressure — scale formation in the pipes of the heat exchanger. In this case, you need to remove the heat exchanger, and rinse the pipes with special fluids to remove scale.

This photo shows a dirty heat exchanger. In this case, you need to remove it and clean the soot. If the column is placed close to the stove, contamination of the heat exchanger with food fats is also possible.

If the gas does not completely burn, or if the column has been in operation for a long time, it accumulates in the chamber soot from the outside, which significantly reduces the thermal conductivity and quality of water heating.

To learn more about the causes of low pressure and the intricacies of cleaning, please go to this link.

If the gas valve does not open due to the low pressure of the supplied water, it is necessary to remove filter, check how clogged it is and, if necessary, rinse. If the pressure of water or gas is insufficient, you will have to contact the appropriate public service.

If water flows directly from the column, it means that leakage in the pipes. It is necessary to disassemble them and replace the sealing elements. If necessary, the pipes themselves will have to be replaced.

Separately, it is worth recalling malfunctioning water membrane. If the column has been in operation for a long time, the membrane of the water unit wears out and its sensitivity drops significantly. It ceases to respond to low water pressure, and, accordingly, does not give a signal that you need to light the burner. In the best case, it should be changed every 5-6 years.

When the membrane has worn out, you can purchase a repair kit and replace it yourself. The water unit consists of such basic elements as a rubber membrane, a cover, a body and a plastic plate with a spring

Sometimes the problem is also in stock, which moves the membrane, it can also be replaced if necessary, because there are special repair kits for this.

In order to better understand the device of your gas column model, you need to carefully study the instructions for use and the passport of the object. This will not only save you time and nerves, but also in itself will improve understanding of how this device works.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

To consolidate the understanding of the structure of the gas column, you can look video review, where the location of all the elements of the column in a living example is explained in detail:

In this material, we studied the device of a household gas column, the principle of its action. Then we examined the work of the basic elements. And knowing the basic components and elements of gas equipment, sensors of its security system, you can diagnose a breakdown on your own. And if the cause of the malfunction is to contaminate individual structural elements, then perform own service gas column.

Do you want to supplement the above material with useful recommendations or ask questions that we have not raised here? Ask our experts and other website visitors for advice - the feedback form is located below.