Successful commercial heating installations rely not only on the boiler but also on essential accessory parts for quick, cost-effective, simple, and safe installation. These components ensure a well-designed system performs as expected and should be considered from the outset.
This article examines four key accessories: Frame & Header Kits, Hydraulic Separation, Pumps, and Insulation Kits, offering advice on types, suitability, and key features for optimal cost and efficiency.
Frame & Header Kits for Boiler Cascades
For high output requirements, multiple smaller boilers can be installed in a cascade instead of a single large unit. Cascades offer benefits like high turn-down, easier access to challenging areas, and space savings. Prefabricated frame and header kits simplify installation by providing pre-assembled support frames and pipework, requiring only onsite bolting. This saves significant installer time compared to traditional site fabrication.
Kits are available in inline and back-to-back configurations, with standard and low-height mounting frames. It's crucial to select kits that match the plantroom specifications.
Image showing multiple commercial boilers mounted on a frame with associated pipework and valves.
Hydraulic Separation
Heating systems are prone to contamination from debris. Installing new boilers onto old systems risks circulating 'dirty' water, which can reduce efficiency and boiler lifespan. Hydraulic separation prevents this.
Methods include plate heat exchangers and low loss headers, often combined with filters or separators. Plate heat exchangers transfer heat between circuits without direct fluid contact, offering protection from poor water quality and allowing different operating temperatures and pressures for each circuit. This is beneficial for integrating new boilers with older systems or when secondary fluids are incompatible with direct boiler heating.
Consider heat transfer capacity and temperature profiles when specifying plate heat exchangers. They are available as gasketed (with elastomeric gaskets) or brazed (for higher pressures).
Diagram illustrating a plate heat exchanger, showing parallel plates with channels for fluid flow, used for hydraulic separation.
Low loss headers create a chamber where water flows slowly, allowing dirt and debris to settle for removal. Mounted vertically, they also facilitate air venting. Magnetic low loss headers capture ferrous particles. They enable boilers to operate independently of variable system loads, maintaining optimal performance.
Proper sizing and ensuring low flow velocity within the header are critical for effective separation.
Insulation Kits
Insulating headers and pipework is essential according to current standards. Pre-formed kits offer superior insulation, reduced energy loss, and faster installation compared to traditional methods.
Ideal Heating's insulation kits are made from expanded polypropylene, featuring modular sections with interlock features for easy application.
Boiler Circulation Pumps
Pumps circulate water, varying in volume and head capacity. Choosing a pump from a reputable manufacturer is crucial for quality and reliability; economizing here is detrimental.
Key features include pump speed modulation, which enhances boiler efficiency by matching output and maintaining temperature differentials with lower energy consumption. Compact size is also important for fitting within the installation space.
Image of a commercial boiler circulation pump, identified as a Grundfos model.
Check Availability
Parts availability is a critical but often overlooked factor, especially given recent industry scarcity. Ensure reliable availability for both boilers and all accessory components.
Contact Ideal Heating Commercial
To discuss Ideal Heating Commercial products:
Ideal Commercial Boiler Technical Support & Customer Service
Ideal Commercial Boilers UK | Commercial Heating Specialist
