The heating equipment of the Atem brand in Zhytomyr is widely known in the countries of the former USSR. The plant's products are famous for their reliability, simplicity and affordable price tags. We highlight another important advantage - the manufacturer is as honest as possible with respect to the buyer. The documentation for the solid fuel or gas boiler "Zhytomyr" reflects the real operating parameters of the equipment, no overstatement of efficiency and other marketing techniques.
We decided to collect all the heat generators of the Atem range in one publication and make a detailed review of each line of boilers. The task is to lay out technical specifications, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the units. At the end, we attach the reviews of the owners using this equipment for heating private houses and apartments.
The line of gas parapet boilers
The gas boiler "Zhytomyr" of the parapet type is an inexpensive device for organizing water heating of a small country house with an area of up to 150 m². It successfully combines elements of turbocharged and atmospheric boilers - a closed combustion chamber and a coaxial chimney in the absence of a fan – blower.
Principle of operation. The heat generator, suspended from the wall by the floor, burns natural or liquefied gas without pressurization. The combustion products are thrown out through an internal short pipe passing through the wall. Air enters the furnace through the external channel (outer pipe) in a natural way. New versions are equipped with 2 separate pipes - smoke and air.
The line of parapet models “Zhytomyr-M” includes 5 single-circuit and 4 double-circuit boilers, designated by the abbreviation AOGV-CH and ADHV-CH, respectively. The thermal power of the devices is 5, 7, 10 and 15 kW. We will reveal the design features of heaters:
- the material of the main heat exchanger is steel, the secondary one for hot water is copper;
- combustion chamber - completely closed;
- burner - tube type, safety automatics - Italian-made gas valve SIT 630;
- ignition - piezoelectric, from the button on the valve;
- 4 DN40 connections for connecting the heating system - two on each side of the housing.
The boiler comes with a gas-air unit (otherwise - a coaxial pipe), a flexible pipe for connecting to a gas main, fasteners and an asbestos sealing cord. The cost of a single-circuit unit with a capacity of 5 kW (heated area - 50 m²) –270 o. E., dual-circuit 15 kW - 475 at. e.
Reference. Current information on pricing policy and the proposed models of heat generators can be found on the official resource of the Atem company at shop.atem.ua.
Specifications
Parapet boiler "Zhytomyr-M" has the following operational parameters:
- fuel efficiency (Efficiency) - 90%;
- the minimum pressure of the incoming gas is 6.4 mbar, the maximum is 17.6 mbar;
- operating pressure in the heating system - 1.5 Bar; maximum allowable - 2 Bar;
- the temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the heat exchanger is not more than 90 degrees;
- the amount of water in the boiler jacket is from 5 to 19 liters;
- maximum pressure from the cold water supply side - 6 Bar;
- dimensions of the largest device in the line - 360 x 495 x 825 mm (LxWxH).
The consumption of natural gas, the performance of hot water and the size of the chimney channel depend on the power of the heater. The specified characteristics are set out in the table, in more detail - on the manufacturer's website.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important advantage of the parapet Zhytomyr boilers is the price available to the population with middle and low incomes. Heating installations can be freely bought in Ukraine and the CIS countries.
We list the remaining advantages of smokeless heat generators:
- Non-volatility. The boiler does not need electricity, although it is able to work in conjunction with an external circulation pump.
- Small size and simple construction.
- Reliability and safety provided by the proven gas automation of the EuroSIT brand.
- A full flue duct is not required.
- The double-sided arrangement of the fittings expands the possibilities for connecting heating pipes.
An important point. You should not perceive the listed nuances only in relation to Zhytomyr vehicles. The market is saturated with parapet clone boilers with similar pluses / minuses.
Despite the low threshold of permissible coolant pressure (2 Bar), wall-mounted boilers can operate as part of closed systems with a membrane expansion tank. The main thing is to withstand the specified threshold when filling with water and adjust the pressure inside the air chamber of the tank according to the instructions.
Since we profess the completeness and reliability of the published information, we will reveal the shortcomings of the Zhitomir-M heaters:
- The degree of automation of the boiler is minimal and includes only a set of safety functions - protection against attenuation, overheating and critical pressure reduction in the gas pipe.
- If the wall faces a passage blown by the winds, the burner may periodically go out. The problem is solved by installing an additional screen on the windward side of the chimney.
- The capacity of the hot water heat exchanger is enough to serve 2 consumers at a low consumption. If you turn on the shower and faucet in the kitchen at the same time, the water temperature will become uncomfortable for washing.
- A constantly burning ignitor consumes fuel. This fact is critical for residents of Ukraine and other countries with a high price of main gas.
- Manual ignition mechanism.
Cons of heat generators are non-critical and are the result of the maximum simplification of the design and cost reduction. At the same time, the life of low-cost Zhytomyr boilers reaches 15 years, taking into account minimal maintenance.
Floor coppers "Zhytomyr-3"
The reliability of stationary units of the model range has been tested over many years. Heaters "Zhytomyr-3" are among the most popular, they are recommended to buy masters of service gas services.
Explanation. Gas workers really "love" floor-standing boiler models of the Zhytomyr brand. The design is simple and reliable, malfunctions occur extremely rarely, respectively, less work is lost to the master.
The range includes 18 devices - 9 single-circuit models KS-G-SN and 9 heat generators KS-GV-SN with an additional water heat exchanger. Basic characteristics of boilers:
- range of power covered - 7 ... 60 kW, efficiency - 92%;
- the material of the main heat exchanger is carbon or stainless steel, the secondary coil is copper;
- burner - tubular microflare company Polidoro, combustion chamber - open type;
- there is a constantly burning igniter, which is ignited from the piezoelectric button;
- coolant working pressure - 1.5 Bar, maximum - 2 Bar, permissible pressure in the water circuit - 6 Bar;
- recommended temperature schedule - 60 ... 80 ° С, maximum - 90 degrees, at 95 ° С the overheating sensor is triggered;
- removal of combustion products - through a traditional chimney with natural draft.
Note. The units KS-G-045СН and КС-ГВ-045СН with a power of 45 kW are designed for a higher heat carrier pressure: operational - 2 Bar, maximum - 3 Bar.
Design features
According to the requirements of the standards, the Atem floor boiler is equipped with safety automatics that interrupts the fuel supply to the igniter and the main burner according to four factors: gas pressure drop below 6.4 mbar, spontaneous flame attenuation, lack of chimney draft and coolant overheating. The shut-off function is performed by an automatic gas valve, whose model depends on the performance of the unit:
- On devices 7 ... 16 kW automatic 630 SIT is installed.
- Heat generators with a capacity of 22.5 ... 31.5 kW are equipped with 710 MINISIT valves.
- Boilers with a capacity of 40 kW or more are equipped with SIT 820 NOVA automatic gas units.
Reference. The latest series of Italian valves 820 NOVA is equipped with a connector for connecting weather sensors and room thermostats. More information on the issues of gas automation of boilers can be found in our separate review.
The second important feature of domestic heaters is the design of the DHW circuit. The heat exchanger is a copper coil immersed in the water jacket of the apparatus. Therefore, the temperature of the water going to the hot water supply depends on the degree of heating of the coolant in the boiler tank.
In the summer, the water supply circuit is ensured by the boiler piping - between the supply and return a pipe jumper with a tap is placed. When the heating of the house is turned off, this faucet opens, and the heating system is cut off by other fittings. The coolant begins to circulate in a small circle, as shown in the diagram.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of Zhitomir-3 floor heat generators remains high reliability at a low cost of equipment. A single-circuit boiler with a thermal power of 7 kW will cost about 300 oz. e., with a water circuit - 340 at. e.
The remaining advantages of water heaters look traditional for the Atem brand:
- simplicity of design and unpretentiousness in work;
- non-volatility - the boiler does not require power supply;
- long service life;
- Models with SIT 820 NOVA automation can be switched with external control devices - thermostats and weather sensors.
Addition. The new generation of KS-G-SN models with a power of 10 ... 30 kW is equipped with the Atem – Start light-ignition system. The start button is displayed on the front panel of the boiler.
Units are adapted for work in gravity and pump open heating systems. It is allowed to use as part of a closed circuit with forced circulation, provided that the working pressure of the coolant does not exceed 1.5 Bar (for a short time - 2 Bar). Recall: the modification KS-G-045CH withstands 2 and 3 Bar, respectively.
The disadvantages are similar to the minuses of parapet boilers, except for blowing the burner through a coaxial chimney. If the flue pipe is built correctly - the cross-section (diameter) and the height of the channel are maintained, then there will be no problems with traction.
Solid fuel aggregates
In recent years, the Zhytomyr plant has mastered the production of solid fuel boilers. At the buyer's choice 2 lines of heat generators are offered:
- Classical heaters of the AOTV and AKTV series, designed for burning coal – anthracite and firewood.
- Purely wood-burning boilers of long burning "Zhytomyr-D".
The first line includes 18 models with a heat production of 12 ... 25 kW with a steel fire tube heat exchanger. The AKTV series is equipped with a cast-iron hob; the AOTV-V modifications are equipped with a copper coil that heats the water for household needs.
We list the features and operating parameters of traditional coal-fired boilers:
- fuel combustion and flue gas emissions occur due to natural draft in the exhaust channel;
- air supply and combustion rate are manually controlled by a special screw on the ash pan or by an automatic draft regulator on the chain (option);
- a secondary DHW copper coil is located in the boiler tank;
- the manufacturer declares an absolutely real indicator of efficiency - 78%;
- working fluid pressure - 1.5 Bar, in versions with a round casing - 1 Bar;
- the weight of the device is from 88 to 208 kg, the volume of the fuel chamber is 44–69 liters, depending on the power of a particular model;
- the burning time of 1 loading of anthracite is 8 hours, firewood is 6 hours;
- the maximum permissible flow temperature is 90 ° C.
Note.Complete with a heat generator is a poker and a scoop for lining and cleaning the ash chamber.
In the operating instructions, the manufacturer expressly indicates: solid-fuel plants are designed to work in heat supply networks with natural water circulation and an open expansion tank. In fact, adding a circulation pump is quite acceptable provided that the pressure of the coolant does not rise above 1.5 Bar.
In closed heating systems, TT boilers must be used with a buffer tank (heat accumulator). Otherwise, in case of overheating, the pressure in the pipeline network will reach 3 Bar, which is why the water jacket of the unit can swell and become cracked. The caution applies equally to the heat generators of the long-term operation of Zhytomyr-D, whose characteristics are presented below:
- the line includes 3 thermal units with a capacity of 12, 16 and 20 kW, the main fuel - firewood;
- minimum working time from 1 full bookmark - 8 hours;
- the volume of the furnace increased to 140, 195 and 250 liters, respectively;
- capacity of the boiler tank - 78 l;
- unit weight - 200, 250 and 290 kg;
- other parameters are identical to the heaters of the AOTV series.
An important point. The manufacturer strongly recommends operating long-burning boilers together with an accumulating buffer tank containing 0.35–1 m³ of coolant.
Positive and negative aspects of operation
In terms of ease of use and reliability, Atem TT-boilers differ little from other heat generators of the budget segment:
- the heat source operates without electricity;
- the duration of combustion and efficiency greatly depend on the quality of the fuel (wood, coal) and the operating mode;
- cleaning the firebox and ash pan does not cause difficulties; access to the heat pipes opens through the front door;
- subject to operating rules and the absence of overheating, the device will last 10-15 years;
- on boilers of the AKTV series you can cook food;
- burning wood is a priori more economical than using other energy sources (excluding natural gas in the Russian Federation).
The most important advantage of Zhitomir-D heaters is the large volume of the fuel chamber, which determines the duration of combustion. Among the equipment of other brands, it is very difficult to find boilers of similar capacity. The real competitor is the Lithuanian 20 kW Stropuva with a firebox capacity of 260 liters, which is significantly more expensive.
It makes no sense to list the disadvantages inherent in all wood and coal boilers. Note the specific disadvantages of Zhytomyr vehicles:
- The low threshold of the maximum coolant pressure does not allow the TT boiler to operate safely as part of a closed heating system, where the water pressure can reach 3 Bar.
- According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the temperature in the return pipe should not fall below 45 degrees, otherwise condensate will be released in the furnace. With natural circulation, it is unrealistic to apply the classic piping scheme with a bypass and a three-way valve that protects against cold return.
- Manual control of the air supply does not allow to realize the optimal operating mode and maintain the desired temperature. The draft regulator solves the problem only partially. A wish for the manufacturer: to equip 2-3 models with an automation unit and a turbocharger.
Video: operation of the Zhytomyr TT boiler
However, the Zhytomyr solid fuel unit can be connected to a closed system of a one-story house, where low water pressure is maintained. In case of overheating, we suggest installing a thermal relief valve, as is done below in the diagram. For more information on safety valves, see the related topic.
Combined Models
In addition to traditional heating equipment, the Atem company produces 3 combined series of boilers:
- Electric gas heat generators KS-G-SN / KE with a heat output of 10-12 kW.
- Units "Zhytomyr-9", burning coal and natural gas. Designation - KS-G-SN / AOTV, power - 10, 12 and 15 kW.
- Heating-water-heating installation “two in one” KS-G-SN, otherwise - “Zhytomyr-10”. The line of models covers a range of 7 ... 30 kW.
Clarification. All types of combined boilers are made in the floor version.
The line of gas-electricity boilers is built on the basis of Zhytomyr-3 units and does not outwardly differ from ordinary floor standing appliances. The design is complemented by a control unit and an electric heater placed inside the water jacket. 2 types of heating elements are installed - with a power of 4.5 and 9 kW. An important feature: both heating methods can be switched on in turn or simultaneously.
The coal-gas heat generator "Zhytomyr-9" has the following parameters:
- in the left part of the case there is a firebox with a volume of 47 or 70 liters for laying anthracite or firewood;
- To the right of the solid fuel chamber, a gas firebox with a Polidoro burner and an automation unit SIT 630 was made, the heat exchanger was shared, the chimneys were separate;
- gas efficiency - 92%, solid fuel - 78%, working water pressure - 1 Bar (Max 1.5 Bar);
- operation in a closed system is allowed, the condition is the installation of a safety group with a safety valve of 1.5 Bar;
- Duration of 1 coal burning cycle - 6 ... 8 hours;
- there are modifications with the DHW water circuit.
Comment. When working on coal and wood, the boiler produces less heat than on gas, which is noticeable in terms of efficiency. Example: the KS-G-016CH / AOTV-12 unit in the first case develops a power of 12 kW, in the second - 16 kW.
The operation algorithm is simple: while the coolant is heated by coal, the gas burner does not ignite. When the sensor detects a temperature drop, the gas supply will open and the right side of the heat generator will turn on. The main thing is that the igniter burns.
The gas installation "Zhytomyr-10" consists of two separate sections - a boiler furnace and a flowing water heater. Burners, safety devices and heat exchangers are completely separate. In fact, the gas column and the boiler are combined in one housing. The goal is to increase the water flow in hot water to a comfortable level without compromising the heating efficiency.
Reviews about the operation of boilers
As you might guess, the vast majority of reviews are positive. By purchasing a heat source of a budget price category, the owners clearly represent the goal - to provide reliable heating of the home with a minimum investment. We give a number of statements by real users.
Azalea, Nikolaev Ukraine
We moved to a private house 8 years ago and immediately took up heating repair. The old boiler left over from the former owners was replaced by Zhytomyr-3. What I want to note: the device operates without interruptions, the burner does not go out in strong winds. We do washing and cleaning annually; there are no operational problems. Satisfied with the boiler.
Alexander, Krasnodar, Russian Federation
I use a double-circuit boiler "Atem" 25 kW, floor version. Fuel is the main gas. Automation and heating work on a solid five, the DHW circuit is worthless. To wash normally, you need to put the regulator at 6-7, the batteries are unbearably fried.
Nikolay, Republic of Belarus
Since the heating system of the house is gravitational, I picked up the corresponding 16 kW Zhytomyr-3 boiler instead of the old Lemax. At startup, I ran into a problem - an uninsulated chimney began to “cry” with condensate, the gases at the old unit warmed up more strongly and no such effect occurred. Six heating seasons have passed since the installation, the malfunction happened only once - the igniter went out. The gasman on the phone advised wiping the contacts of the draft sensor with alcohol, the question has been settled.
Larisa, Perm, Russian Federation
The Zhytomyr hot water boiler has been working in our house for the fifth year, no serious flaws were found. The unit is simple, reliable and unpretentious, you do not need to put on service in a service organization. We have no opportunity to install an open expansion tank, so we made a closed system.Until the gas pipeline was let down, 80 squares of propane cylinders were drowned. True, I had to hire a master to transfer the boiler to liquefied gas.
Conclusion
The assortment of heat generators of the Zhytomyr plant continues to be supplemented with new water heaters - gas water heaters, atmospheric and turbocharged boilers. Within the framework of one publication, it is unrealistic to consider each unit in detail, so we limited ourselves to an overview of the most popular models. We hope that the brand will continue to keep the brand, supplying users with reliable heating equipment.