Selecting Home Heating System

There are various heating systems that can be practically installed in a residential homes located in four climate countries such as North America and Europe. Hence, you need to know which one to opt for. There are basically two types of heating systems for house. You can choose to (1) install a central heating system run by gas, or (2) mount a heater in every single room. The operation of each heating system mentioned previously is different.

The central heating system is simpler and requires less work. You only need to change the amount or intensity of heat by simply turning its control knob. The latter heating system could be quite dreary. For this, there is a need for you to control all heaters in each of the rooms in the house. By comparison, the individual heating system is much hassle to maintain.

In general, you will require a furnace or boiler, that normally be placed below the house. Via this, warm air is pumped through the air ducts that enable the heat to warm the entire home. Another option is to install a radiator for a room, almost similar to the radiator in the car engine. In this case, heated water will be circulated within the house to create a warmer environment. However, this option is less popular compared to the central heating system.

Controlling the temperature in the house is crucially important. To be able to control the temperature, a thermostat is needed. Having these controls, it is easier to adjust or manipulate the heat in your home. In the case of homes that do not use a central heating system, a baseboard heaters or floor heaters, which run on electric current can be also applied. Bear in mind, powering the heating system with electricity will result to you paying a huge sum of electricity bill at the end of the month. So, bottom line, you may want to choose the most economical heating system and at the same time the pleasure of soothing temperature.

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How Air Conditioners & Heat Exchangers Work

Check out this video. It shows how Air Conditioners & Heat Exchangers Work. Very interesting and from it, you can have better comprehension on all the heat transfer process involving these two types of unit operations.

HRS Unicus® Dynamic Heat Exchanger Animation

Virtual animation of how Unicus® scraped surface dynamic heat exchanger works and is assembled.

Hydronic Heat Exchanger - The 3 Basic Types of Hydronic Heating Systems You Should Know

Hydronic heat exchangers or "steam" systems have been around with us since the 1800's at the dawn of the Industrial Age. Steam engines changed the world of transportation almost overnight and steam heat or hydronic heat exchanger systems did the same thing residential and commercial heating.

Almost at the same time that the first steam boilers were made power the great railroad engines, manufacturing mills and cargo ships, steam heat found its way into the home. This is not an unnatural course of events considering the amount of heat that can be put out by steam; as anyone who has ever sat for long in a moist sauna can testify to.

The Theory behind Hydronic Heating Systems

These systems are actually very simple. The most common hydronic heat exchanger consists of three main components: the boiler (the heating source), the piping array and the heat exchangers (which transfer the heat from the water into warmth for the room.)

The process goes like this: water is heated and then either turned into steam or very near to boiling and is then piped to radiators (located through-out the house) or to thermal mass floorings (which absorbs the heat and slowly releases it into the room).

The 3 types of fuel sources for a hydronic heat exchanger are electric, gas or oil-fired boilers. Boilers can be made from cast-iron, stainless steel or copper. While there are different ways that each of these boilers are constructed, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, the main idea to understand that is each boiler is basically heating a closed-water system.

This means that any chronic lost of fluid can cause a problem. This is why the type of piping array becomes critically important to the overall system.

The Three Basic Hydronic Heat Exchanger Types

As you may have guessed by now, hydronic heat exchangers are most often classified by their piping arrangements:

o One-pipe or single pipe
o Two pipe
o Loop series

The oldest of hydronic heat exchanger designs is the one-pipe array. A single pipe carries steam from the boiler to every radiator in the structure. The single-pipe has a layout made so that eventually gravity will pull the condensed water in the piping back into the boiler tank. A two-pipe system uses a second return pipe instead of gravity-induced flow to bring water back to the holding tanks.

Both single and two pipe systems were designed for steam-based heat exchangers but most modern units use hot water in a loop series of pipes as the heat conductors. This type of system offers a slimmer wall-mount, stainless steel heat transfer unit and has better energy-efficient water to air heat transfer rates.

Another advantage of this kind of hydronic heating is that if properly equipped will heat water for domestic uses like cooking, washing or bathing as well as water for external uses such as swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, garages or greenhouses. Plus looped pipe hydronic heat exchangers will not only provide heat in the winter months but can be used to circulate chilled water in the summer months to aid in overall cooling.

So as you can see modern hydronic heat exchanger systems can not warm you and your family in those cold winter months but also provide a low cost method of central air cooling as well.

After a successful life in trading, importing and exports, Rupert now spends his time writing freelance articles for many well-known publications, as well as various educational institutions. For more of Rupert's articles regarding hydronic heat systems, please visit http://www.hydronic-heating-systems.com/

Importance of Keeping Heat Exchanger Clean

The heat exchanger air-water purification is an absolute necessity so that the system of production runs. If your heat exchanger will not be as clean as it should be, he is unable to properly operate and exchange of heat, could not take place. This leads to significant problems in the line if it is not treated within a short time. However, with the cleaning alone is not sufficient to keep everything in perfect condition.

An air-water heat exchanger is very specialized devices intended for use when the air or in the air, the temperatures are higher than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Air conditioning industry is not the machine to cool when the ambient temperature is at this level, since the refrigerant compressor of its production to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is too little difference between the two temperatures for the coolant to his job. In such cases, the air-water heat exchanger in question. They bring in the chamber in the courtyard below the temperature of the air, so that the device is not working correctly.

Basically, a heat exchanger air water cleaning is simply to ensure that both air and water to a portion of the thermal processes of your system are clean. For example, if the mechanism of the system brings the air is a cooling tower, you must bear in mind when he brings the air in the system, the debris, which is not in the air in the system with him. These deposits may be in the system, the establishment in her, and limited the operation - and possibly causing a malfunction, and even heavier. So, quite simply your own system seems to heat the solution to this problem.

However, the ratings are compared, what the adoption of a cold tablet, if you have a cold, and rightly so. Even if the cleaning of the heat exchanger of the system ensures that they are free of everything, leading to problems, whether it is doing nothing to prevent the problem does not occur, particularly in areas where there is a lot of scrap , potentially leading to a kind of jam. In this sense, the cleaning is not enough.

The ultimate solution would be an excellent technology Filtersystem keep residue in the system, primarily, and cleaned with care.

So, make the installation of filters and the technology of filtration and devout your water air heat exchanger for cleaning your entire system to function optimally.

Gas Quench with External Heat Exchange Vacuum Furnaces

Looking for a multi-purpose vacuum furnaces?

This versatile series of multi-purpose vacuum furnaces offers a wide variety of sizes and configurations, including horizontal or vertical designs. As users have a choice of hot zones, pumping systems and gas cooling options, the MetalMaster™ is ideal for almost any heat treating, brazing or other thermal processing application. The gas quench system features a specially engineered heat exchanger and turbine blower designed to optimize gas flow for more efficient cooling. In addition to Ipsen's standard computer control systems, MetalMaster™ furnaces may be ordered with other high-productivity options, including specialized instrumentation, increased pumping capability, and material handling systems. Standard features include:

• Specially engineered external heat exchanger and gas blower
• Choice of hot zone insulation packages
• 360° gas cooling nozzles and heating elements for precise control
• Selection of value-added options

The article is adopted from azom.com.

Plate Heat Exchangers - Design, Advantages and Disadvantages

Plate heat exchangers are obviously types of heat exchangers. It functions by transferring the heat from one fluid to another through the use of metal plates. Comparing it with conventional heat exchangers, these ones are favored specifically because the fluids work on larger surface areas and are capable of dispersing to the metal plates. Simply put, the procedure enables proper facilitation of heat transfer as it speeds up the changes in temperature occurring during the process.

Knowing more about the concept of plate heat exchangers involves looking at the design of the tool as well as setting apart the advantages from its disadvantages. Basically, a heat exchanger uses pipes in order to cool or heat a fluid through the process of transferring it to another fluid. The pipes' walls are often made either out of metal or other substances known to be of high thermal conduction capabilities. This is to ensure that the transfer of heat from one fluid to another will be properly facilitated. Another coating is found outside the pipe walls, now made of plastic with thermal insulation to suppress the heat from coming out of the exchanger.

Design of plate heat exchangers

From the conventional design of heat exchangers, a plate heat exchanger is said to be more of a specialized one. The design was made to construe with its purposes of heat transfer for two types of fluids. For the heat exchanging process, semi-welded, brazed or welded exchangers are used. Instead of making use of a regular pipe, two chambers are used and are separated by the so-called corrugated metal plate.

The plate is designed out of stainless steel. This material has the ability to withstand corrosion and high temperature while it is also noted for its durability and strength. In between the plates, rubber sealing gaskets are placed.

A look at its advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this type of heat exchangers are seen through its compactness, flexibility and ease of cleaning. Its compactness can be attributed to the fact that the entire output does not require a large floor space. Its flexibility is seen with its ability to cope with requirements of different types of fluids. The plates are removable thus making it easy to clean. If replacement is needed, the plates may be removed conveniently as well.

The main disadvantages of plate heat exchangers are classified into three. First, long gaskets are needed. Second, leakage is probable. And lastly, operation costs as well as investment should also form part of the consideration.

Visit the American Industrial Directory to find leading manufacturers of industrial equipment, machinery and supplies based in the U.S., Canada and Mexico offering a wide range of plate heat exchangers and other products and solutions for the global industrial marketplace.

Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance - Engine Cooling

Understanding the marine diesel engine cooling system is a necessary part of marine diesel engine maintenance.

Raw Water Cooling

Flexible impeller pumps provide an efficient solution to most raw water pumping needs. The primary advantage of a flexible impeller pump is that it is self-priming, which means that when the vanes of the impeller are depressed and rebound, they create their own vacuum, drawing fluid into the pump. A dry pump can lift water up to as much as three meters. Thus a flexible impeller pump being used for engine cooling does not need to be manually primed or located below the water line. An added feature of a flexible impeller pump is that it can pass fairly large solids without clogging or damaging the pump. This reduces the need for filtration of incoming fluids.

For general or fresh water applications, a standard long lasting neoprene rubber impeller is used.

A general feature of all flexible impeller pumps is that they cannot be permitted to run dry for more than 30 seconds. Both the impeller and the seals require water for lubrication and will soon burn out if run dry. Parts that start to show wear are easily replaceable and service kits are readily available for most models.

Fresh Water Cooling

For circulation of the internal, closed, fresh water circuit of the cooling system it is common to use a flexible rubber pump if it is located on the cold side of the system (max. 55°C). Other types of belt-driven centrifugal pumps are also used. The closed circuit normally transfers heat from the engine to the heat exchanger. The liquid used is water and anti-freeze.

Cooling Capacity

The required output of the cooling pump is related to engine type and size, not to the size of the heat exchanger and exhaust system. This is true for both raw water as well as fresh water handling systems.

Temperature Regulators (Thermostats)

Thermostats are usually placed in the outlet at the top of the cylinder head to prevent the coolant from moving to the header tank until the marine engine has nearly reached operating temperature.

There are different types of thermostats, the most common being the wax pellet type. The capsule on the lower part of the thermostat has a mixture of wax and copper (to increase the thermal conductivity) sealed in it. As the coolant temperature increases, the wax expands and forces a rod to open the poppet valve at the top of the thermostat, which allows the coolant to circulate.

Cooling system checks

• To test your thermostat, boil a pot of water and drop in the thermostat. (The water must be 100°C--the thermostat usually opens at 85°C.) If the thermostat opens it is okay. If it doesn't open, replace or clean carefully as they can become sticky with deposits. Yanmar thermostats can and should be regularly serviced. Some thermostats cannot be serviced.
• If the thermostat doesn't work, do not remove it and run the engine without it, as the engine will run cold and tight. You can drill a series of 1/4˝ holes to give equivalent flow to an open thermostat. This will get you home, but you must then replace it. Be careful not to fit thermostat upside down.
• Thermostat housings often corrode and need to be replaced. Some can be fabricated.
• The cooling system should be checked after 100 hours running, or at least once each season, for leakage, deposits, etc.
• The thermostat can be taken out of the housing on the front of the engine.
• The heat exchanger core should be removed bi-annually for cleaning and inspection.
• Many heat exchangers are fitted with anodes to protect the expensive core. Check regularly.
• Check all hoses and clamps regularly.

Replacing the sea-water pump impeller

The pump impeller is made of neoprene rubber and this can be damaged in the case of water deficiency if, for example, the sea-water intake should be blocked. The pump impeller is changed as follows:

1. Remove the cover from the sea-water pump. Note that there is the risk of water getting into the boat. With the help of two screwdrivers pull the shaft with the pump impeller out of the housing as far as necessary to reach the bolt retaining the impeller. Place some kind of protection under the screwdrivers in order not to damage the impeller housing. Alternatively, using channel-lock pliers, slide jaws between blades of impeller, rotate and withdraw.
2. Pull the impeller off the shaft. Clean the inside of the pump housing and fit the new impeller. Always have a spare impeller on board.
3. Check that the pump coupling is not damaged, by trying to turn the pump impeller. Fit the cover with the original gasket, which has the right thickness.

Check out the impeller trouble shooting guide to discover how to repair and replace a sea water pump impeller. Did you know that if you understand the basics of marine diesel engine maintenance you can service your own marine engine and save on maintenance costs? Every boat owner should have at least a minimum understanding of their marine engine. Keep your family safe on the water, find out how to service your marine diesel engine yourself and know that it is properly maintained. Learn which spare parts you absolutely must carry on board your boat and discover how to make emergency boat repairs on the water.

USB Heat - Cost-Effective Energy-Efficient Infrared Heat

Do your hands get cold when you are using the computer? Not all people have cold hands, but many of us do. Cold hands may be the cause of poor circulation or arthritis. Whatever it is, when the chill hits, we feel it to the bones. Especially, when we are sitting still inactive at the computer with only our fingers doing the surfing.

Instead of cranking up the furnace for heat, there are economical ways to use the computer to generate warm heat for you while you are using the computer. Does your mouse hand get cold? Do your keyboard hands and fingers get cold? If so, USB infrared heat computer accessories may be the answer.

For a cost-effective approach to heat, use the computer to generate warmth for you. Plug an USB warm mouse into a socket and within a few minutes the mouse is warm and heat is delivered to your mouse hand. For keyboard hands, wrists and arms, plug an USB heated keyboard pad into a socket and rest your keyboard hands and wrists on a warm, soft, ergonomically supported pad in front of the keyboard.

There's more. An USB heated mouse pad creates a warm smooth soothing surface for your mouse and mouse hand. The warm mouse pad definitely takes the cold edge off a cold pad's surface. And, if you've ever crawled under the covers of an electric blanket on a cold winter's night, you'll appreciate the warmth of the USB heated mouse hand warmer blanket. It's a fleece mini-electric blanket pouch to hold the warm mouse and warm mouse pad.

Together the USB heated ergonomic computer accessories serve a wonderful cost-effective and energy-efficient purpose and when used together, they create the perfect warm, mouse hand environment.

The next time you are sitting at the computer and you feel a chill, think about the warming devices available to keep you warm using the heat from the computer. It will save you money and provide a convenient source of warmth.

Anna Miller: ValueRays® USB Heated Ergonomic Computer Accessories -- http://IGMproducts.com & http://Warm-Mouse-Heated-Keyboard.com