Solid fuel boiler KChM: installation and operation rules

Home / Solid fuel boilers

Back

Published: 07/02/2019

Reading time: 7 min

0

6250

The KChM boiler is a reliable, simple and popular piece of equipment. This equipment can operate on different fuels. The design feature allows for quick repairs - the damaged section is replaced with a new one. This is the main difference from steel boilers, which can be difficult to repair.

• 1 Who is the manufacturer
• 2 Decoding
• 3 Construction of KChM boilers
• 4 Pros and cons
• 5 Basic parameters
• 6 Installation and operation rules
• 7 Malfunctions

Device and technical characteristics

The peculiarity of the KChM-5 boiler is that its heat exchanger is not solid, like most heating devices, but consists of cast iron sections. The number of sections increases with increasing power.

Photo 1: Hot-water solid fuel household boiler KCHM-5

The next feature of KChM heating devices is their versatility. If necessary, a solid fuel boiler can be easily converted to operate on gas, diesel fuel, fuel oil, or exhaust gas. If you install a pellet burner and a hopper with a feed auger, the KChM-5 easily turns into an automatic long-burning pellet boiler. You just need to slightly modify it, install a burner for the appropriate fuel, and now it’s gas or diesel. This versatility can be very useful if main gas is still being installed, but a heating device is needed now. Then everything is simple, install a solid fuel boiler KChM-5, and then switch it to gas with a minimum of costs.

Photo 2: Heating boiler KChM-5 with Baxi gas burner

Let's take a closer look at what parts the KChM-5 boiler consists of:

• We have already mentioned that the heat exchanger consists of sections. At the bottom of the near section there is a pipe for connecting the return line of the heating system, and at the top of the far section there is a pipe for connecting the direct line.
• There are three doors on the front panel: the loading door, the scooping door and the ash pan door. The loading chamber has holes for access of secondary air. By adjusting the amount of opening of the ash pan door, you can regulate the intensity of combustion. This process is performed either manually using an adjusting screw or using a draft regulator.
• On the rear wall of the boiler there is a chimney pipe with a smoke damper. Thanks to it, you can regulate the output of combustion products.
• The entire body of the KChM-5 is insulated with a special material to prevent heat loss and increase operating efficiency. The outside of the body is coated with wear-resistant paint.
• To prevent boiling and control the water temperature in the heating system, a thermometer is provided. It measures the water temperature in the middle section and displays the readings on the front panel.

Let's look at the main technical characteristics from the manufacturer's official website:

Number of sections3456789

As you can see, KChM-5 stands out from the general mass of solid fuel boilers. Let's move on to analyzing its advantages and disadvantages.

What is special about the equipment?

Before purchasing this or that heating equipment, it is necessary not only to read reviews, but also to get acquainted with the features of the product. Heating units are universal, as they can operate on different types of fuel. Can be used:

• firewood;
• loose and briquette coal;
• peat;
• wood waste - wood chips, sawdust, shavings, pellets.

Advice! If necessary, you can install a special burner in the boiler. This will allow you to use gas or diesel fuel for heating.

This unpretentiousness to the type and quality of fuel is very convenient. Especially if the house is built in a remote area and the supply of a certain type of fuel is difficult.

Advice! If you have to use very low quality fuel, the manufacturer recommends equipping the boiler with a fan for forced air supply.

With such undemanding quality of fuel, KChM heat generators have high efficiency, which allows you to save on heating.

Device

Heat exchangers in KChM boilers are made of cast iron. Why was this material chosen? The fact is that cast iron has excellent heat capacity and at the same time it lasts a long time, since it is resistant to corrosion and does not burn out even at high temperatures.

Advice! Cast iron heat exchanger sections can last up to 50 years. However, under certain conditions, the qualities of the material change. For example, cast iron does not tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations; such exposure makes the material brittle.

Model range of boilers KChM-5

KChM-5-K solid fuel 03M1: coal, firewood from 21 to 80 kW

KChM-5-K Gas 17M1: from 27 to 96 kW

Universal-RT Solid fuel version with rated thermal power from 120 to 240 kW.

KChM-7 GNOM Pure gas boiler. From 48 to 96 kW.

Structure and appearance of the KChM

The package of sections of the KChM-5 boiler is assembled from 3 types of sections: front, rear and middle sections. A cover for cleaning the chimney, a door for loading fuel, and an ash door are attached to the front section. Also, through the nipple hole plug on the front section, a temperature sensor from the automation is attached. Thanks to the temperature sensor, the KChM-5 Combi boiler automatically maintains the set temperature of the coolant in the boiler. Through a special rod, the temperature sensor lever is connected to a damper on a hinge and, by changing the angle of coverage, it regulates the amount of air supplied to the boiler (Honeywell VR). The rear section has holes for the chimney, a flange for discharging heated water into the heating system and a flange for supplying return water. The middle sections of the KChM-5 boiler in the lower part have specially shaped castings. When sections are connected into a single package, a firebox (the main convective part) is formed, and these castings form a grate. On the outside, the seams between the sections of the KChM boiler are puttied with heat-resistant mastic. The boiler package is insulated with modern mineral insulation, which reduces heat losses. It is harmless to health. Under the insulation, the seams are formed by connecting successive sections of putty with heat-insulating mastic, forming a stable gas tightness. The outside of the boiler, the KChM-5 combi boiler, is covered with metal casing, which is coated with high-quality powder paint of bright red color.

Description of the solid fuel boiler KChM 5K 8 sections

The KChM 5 COMBI universal boiler is intended for heat supply of individual houses and buildings for municipal purposes, equipped with water heating systems with natural or forced circulation, manufactured according to technical specifications and in accordance with GOST 20548, belongs to the category of heating water heating devices with an open combustion chamber.

The KChM 5 COMBI boiler is available in two versions: for the domestic market and for export supplies. Boilers intended for the domestic market are branded “Combi”, boilers intended for export supplies are branded “Vidra”. Vidra boilers are assembled without the use of asbestos-containing materials.

The boiler is designed to burn:

• solid fuel: sorted anthracite (main, calculated), brown coal in accordance with GOST 14834-86, hard coal GOST 8163-87, firewood in accordance with GOST 3243-88, peat briquettes GOST 9963-84, milled peat GOST 13672-76
• gas fuel: low pressure natural gas GOST 5542-87, liquefied gas GOST 20448-90
• liquid fuel: liquid fuel GOST 305-82, heating oil, waste oil, fuel oil, etc.

Construction of the KChM 5 K boiler

In the rear section of the boiler, in the upper part there is a chimney pipe and a heating water flange, in the lower part there is a return water flange. A cover for cleaning the convective surfaces of the chimney, loading, screwing and ash doors are attached to the front section. The door is separated from the firebox by a shield.

The boiler package is insulated with healthy mineral insulation, which reduces heat loss to the environment. The steel casing is covered with high-quality paint.

The smoke damper of the chimney pipe regulates the exit of combustion products from the boiler into the chimney. It is controlled by a handle at the top of the chimney pipe.

The opening size of the ash door determines the amount of combustion air supplied to the combustion chamber. It is controlled using the draft regulator or manually with an adjusting screw on it.

The hole in the loading door serves to supply secondary air to the firebox.

In boilers with up to five sections inclusive, a partition sheet is installed between the front and middle sections, extending the convective flue of the boiler. When using gaseous and liquid fuels, the partition sheet is installed on boilers of all sections.

To determine the temperature of the boiler water, a capillary thermometer is installed in the water cavity of the front section.

Complete set of delivery of solid fuel boiler KChM 5K 8s:

1. Universal hot water cast iron sectional boiler - 1 pc.

2. Accessories.

3. Operation manual. Passport.

4. Operating manuals and data sheets for components.

Main settings

The technical characteristics of the KChM depending on the heat output are as follows:

Design features

The KChM has a structure in the form of sections, which, depending on the model, can be from 3 to 9. According to the number of sections, the technical characteristics of the device change - its power, boiler length, volume and size of the firebox, volume of the water tank, fuel consumption.

Thus, in the configuration for 3 sections, the KChM 5 boiler has the following technical characteristics: dimensions 1150x500x715 mm, diameter of the hole for the pipe - 15.3 cm, volume of the combustion tank - 35 l, size of the combustion tank 320x210 mm, volume of the water boiler 35 l, heating capacity - 21 kW, heated area - 210 m2, anthracite consumption 3.3 kg/hour.

Equipment design

The KChM-5 boiler, as noted above, is made of cast iron sections. A chimney is attached to the rear section, in its upper part. There is also a flange for water used for heating. On the front part there is a hatch for cleaning the chimney, as well as several doors (ash pan, scoop, loading). Fuel is added through them and the ash pan is cleaned.

Mineral wool is used as a heat insulator that protects the housing from heat loss. This material can withstand high temperatures and is safe for humans. Next comes the metal casing. It is painted with paint. The draft in the boiler is adjusted manually using the handles of the slide valves.

Special devices are installed on the furnace body to monitor the operation of the device. Thus, a capillary thermometer is installed in the water heating zone. It is used to measure the temperature of the coolant.

Comparison with analogues

Solid fuel boilers KChM-5 can be considered universal in their design. Their heat exchangers are cast iron sections. This distinguishes the model from its analogues. Moreover, the greater the power of the unit, the more sections are included in its design.

A feature of the boiler is its ability to be converted to work with other fuel. A long-burning pellet boiler operating in automatic mode can be assembled. To do this, you just need to install a pellet burner and a hopper with an auger supplying fuel. You can get a KChM gas boiler through a simple modification. You just need to replace the fuel burner.

In terms of its technical characteristics, the KChM differs from its analogues. A comparison of the main indicators for models with a power of 40 kW is shown in the table below.

Boiler features

Photo of the KChM boiler

The KChM boiler is a device produced by the Kirov plant, which has been specializing in iron casting for more than 250 years.

The manufacturer's range includes:

• Solid fuel boilers;
• Gas heating systems;
• Liquid fuel devices;
• Fireplaces;
• Furnaces;
• Various cast iron products.

But since we are interested in boilers specifically, let’s try to understand their key features.

1. Solid fuel boiler models from KChM belong to the category of universal ones, since they can operate on various types of fuel.
2. KChM units operating on solid fuel are able to “feed” on peat, sawdust, coal, and traditional firewood.
3. By making minor changes to the design, a solid fuel boiler can switch to working with liquefied gas, diesel fuel, or special liquid fuel stove compositions.
4. KChM perfectly adapted to the peculiarities of the Russian climate and the conditions of populated areas. Main gas is not installed everywhere, and many cities and villages have constant problems with electricity. In this situation, a solid fuel universal boiler from KChM becomes objectively the best solution to the problem.
5. KChM are unpretentious in terms of the quality of burned fuel. Therefore, for its operation, you can purchase cheap fuel options.
6. To ensure efficient combustion of low-grade fuel, a fan is provided. It allows you to force air in, thereby maintaining the temperature and burning fuel. The traction control actively helps with this.
7. The efficiency indicators are quite solid, although they may be inferior to more advanced imported analogues. However, the difference in cost is significant. Paying almost twice as much for a few percent efficiency is not always reasonable.
8. The Kirov plant is a true virtuoso in working with cast iron. Many years of experience and the availability of highly efficient equipment allows us to assemble boilers using excellent cast iron. The material itself is reliable and durable, and in combination with a competent approach to its casting, the result is enviable boiler equipment.
9. The only thing you should be wary of when operating a cast iron unit is sudden temperature changes. They can cause cast iron to crack. By following basic operating rules, the device will serve you for many years.

Installation features and connection

When installing KChM 5 yourself, a number of specific requirements must be met. If you follow all these rules, you will be able to significantly extend the life of the boiler, and will also make its use safe and convenient. Let's take a closer look at all the installation requirements:

• The boiler should be installed in such a way that the distance from the rear wall of the boiler to the wall of the boiler room is at least 0.25 meters. The distance between the side walls and the walls of the boiler must be at least 0.1 meter. In order to provide access to the rear, a passage should be made on one of the sides, and the minimum permissible width in this case is 0.4 meters. There should be at least 1 m2 of free space near the front of the unit to make stowing and cleaning convenient.
• Installation is carried out only on a floor made of non-combustible material or on a special plinth. Under no circumstances should there be flammable materials around at a distance of at least 0.4 meters. It is also prohibited to store fuel nearby; the minimum permissible distance is 0.4 meters from the boiler.
• Only clean water, free from various impurities, should be used in the heating system. When using a liquid with high hardness, scale will begin to form, and this will significantly reduce the service life of the heating boiler and the heating system itself.

According to reviews of the solid fuel boiler KChM 5, the installation procedure is as follows:

1. First, you should install the boiler on a stand made of non-flammable material, possibly on a plinth.
2. The device must be connected to the heating system and chimney.
3. The system can be filled with water and then checked for leaks. Also, KChM 5 can be used for systems with forced and natural circulation.

By following the simple rules described below, you will be able to protect your loved ones and yourself, as well as make using the device convenient and enjoyable.

About the manufacturer

KChM is the oldest brand of domestic equipment.
The Kirov plant for the production of sanitary, technical and heating equipment was founded in 1745 by the Zolotarev and Faleev brothers. Merchants and industrialists founded the first workshops of a hammer plant on the river in the Kaluga province.

The small enterprise gradually developed into a large company, using advanced technologies in conjunction with the time-tested features of iron casting. Modernization of assembly lines and the use of highly qualified specialists brings the quality of units to a high level. Since 2006, the company has been a member of OJSC Santo Holding.

Pros and cons of solid fuel boilers

The use of solid fuel boilers is due to the many advantages of this equipment. These include:

1. Long service life. A high-quality cast iron body guarantees at least 25 years of boiler service. At the same time, the device does not lose its consumer properties.
2. Easy to maintain. The design of the equipment does not cause problems in terms of independent maintenance. An ordinary user can replace the energy carrier used at will.
3. Versatility. When purchasing a boiler, additional parts are included in the kit, so you can convert the device to any type of fuel.
4. High efficiency. High-quality thermal insulation of the body and other engineering solutions contribute to high heating efficiency, which is at least 78%.
5. Possibility of modernization. The power and amount of heat depends on the number of sections in the heat exchanger. The power limits of the equipment range from 20 to 80 kW, which makes it the most flexible solution when using solid fuel in an individual heating network.

Note! High efficiency indicators are achieved through high-quality fuel. The most suitable type of coal for this boiler is anthracite with a fraction of up to 60 mm. When using wood, its moisture content should not exceed 20%.

Among the disadvantages of solid fuel boilers KChM-5, the most important is high fuel consumption and short time of continuous operation without human intervention. In addition, in comparison with gas generator devices, these devices are much inferior in efficiency. Also, this equipment requires constant cleaning due to the large amount of ash and ash that remains after burning wood or coal.

Equipment advantages

Solid fuel boilers KChM-5 have a number of advantages:

Made from durable material (cast iron).

They have a wide power range (within 21-80 kW), which becomes possible through the use of sections.

They are small in size, which saves space in the room.

It is possible to upgrade the device to work with other types of fuel (liquid or gaseous).

The operation of the boiler does not depend on the availability of electrical energy.

Has low chimney draft requirements.

Easy to use due to its simplified design (easy to clean and repair in case of breakdown).

Unpretentious to fuel quality.

Domestic assembly, due to which a network of service centers operates throughout the country to service equipment.

Long service life (more than 25 years), which is determined by the use of high-quality materials.

Affordable price, which is lower than many analogues.

Experience in supplying equipment and spare parts. Our portfolio!

Spare parts for KChM-7 GNOM Middle and outer sections in Omsk

Spare parts for KChM-5-K Front section of a new model in Tyumen

Universal-RT delivery to Kaluga KChM-7 GNOM Delivered to a regular customer in Yelnya Two boilers KChM-5-K Monastery in Belgorod

Gas KChM-5 School in Lipetsk Spare parts Universal-RT 2 middle sections in Kaliningrad

Spare parts KChM-5-K Front section with loading hole in a semicircle in Moscow

Advantages and disadvantages

So, what advantages does the KChM-5 boiler have in comparison with its solid fuel counterparts? Let's look at them in order:

• Thanks to the use of cast iron, proven design and quality of workmanship, the KChM-5 will serve you for at least 25 years.
• One of the main advantages over other solid fuel boilers is its versatility. With the help of easily installed additional equipment, it can be converted to another type of fuel, such as gas, diesel, fuel pellets.
• The simplicity of the design of the KChM-5 boiler greatly simplifies its maintenance. The device is easy to clean and eliminate minor problems that inevitably arise during the operation of any unit.
• The use of a sectional heat exchanger made it possible to create an impressive range of different capacities from 20 to 80 kW.
• Design features, as well as the presence of thermal insulation, made it possible to achieve an efficiency of at least 78 percent when working with wood and coal.

Advice: The most preferred fuel for which the best efficiency is achieved is anthrocyte coal with a diameter of 40-60 mm. Firewood should be used with a humidity of at least 20%. With wetter fuel, the boiler efficiency will decrease significantly.

Photo 3: Loading chamber of a domestic boiler KChM-5
The disadvantages of KChM models include high fuel consumption and short operating time on one load, as well as low efficiency compared to long-burning pyrolysis solid fuel boilers. Low operating efficiency entails another significant drawback - the boiler requires frequent cleaning and the organization of a competent chimney system.

How does KChM 5 differ from its analogues?

The name “KChM” stands for “modernized cast iron boiler.” Cast iron boilers running on solid fuel are considered one of the most expensive and reliable. Compared to the same steel counterparts, cast iron ones are 1.5 times more expensive. This is explained, first of all, by the high cost of cast iron and the high costs associated with casting this metal.

Despite this, the cost of a cast iron boiler from the Kirov plant is several times lower than the price of similar models from foreign manufacturers.

The main difference between KChM 5 is its multi-fuel capability: the device can operate on solid fuels (coal, firewood, peat), liquid fuel (kerosene, gasoline, oil) and gaseous (natural or liquefied gas). Operation on liquid and gas fuel requires modification of the device, which is provided by the manufacturer.

The purpose of the KChM is to provide heat and hot water to residential buildings, public buildings and industrial facilities.

Initially, the boiler is manufactured with one circuit, but the manufacturer provides technical solutions that can implement the possibility of connecting a second circuit to provide the facility with hot water.

User opinions about this device do not always coincide in their assessments. Most speak highly of the boiler, assuring that the device is completely satisfactory.

The KChM 5 boiler, reviews of which are indicated above, is also often condemned by users for the small volume of ash pans. The insufficient volume of the ash chamber forces you to clean the ash pan more often than you would like.

Among the negative reviews about the KChM 5 boiler, there are also mentions that the heat-resistant grille of the heating device requires modification or replacement, since due to a design error it tends to crack at ultra-high temperatures.

In addition to the above-mentioned disadvantages of the boiler, users otherwise respond extremely positively to the device, especially noting its relatively low cost, high power and modern design.

Installation and operation rules

When installing a boiler, it is necessary to fulfill certain requirements related to fire safety. This will increase the service life of the solid fuel boiler and ensure safety and comfort. When installing the boiler in a suitable room, it is important to maintain the distance from the unit to the walls: from the back surface to the wall at least 250 mm, to the side surfaces at least 100 mm.

To ensure access to the rear surface of the boiler during installation and maintenance, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 400 mm from one side. A free space of about 1 sq.m. is provided in front of the boiler to ensure easy loading of fuel and cleaning of the ash pan.

The heating installation is placed on a reliable base, finished with fire-resistant materials, or on a platform. The fuel is placed at a distance of 400 mm from the boiler. The coolant is used prepared, without impurities, to avoid the formation of deposits, which can reduce the service life. The equipment is suitable for operation in systems with both natural and forced coolant circulation.

It is important to protect the boiler from overheating when the water temperature has reached the maximum value and the fuel continues to burn.

This phenomenon can be avoided by using: a thermostatic draft regulator, using a cooling heat exchanger, a switching valve or installing a heat storage tank.

Security measures

It is necessary to operate KChM-5 boilers in compliance with safety regulations. Failure to follow these instructions will result in damage to the device, which may result in a health hazard.

Only adults who have undergone special training are allowed to service ovens. Leaving children near the boiler unattended is strictly prohibited. In situations that could result in a fire, the stove must be turned off immediately.

It is prohibited to light KChM-5 boilers using flammable liquids. It is necessary to ensure that explosive objects do not get into the firebox.

It is prohibited to change the design of the boiler, carry out repairs during operation, and do not operate it with the heating system not fully charged or with the cord door open.

Prices and some characteristics

Version 03 is a model for working on solid fuel. Version 17 presented in the title is a model for working on gas fuel. All prices are current at the time of publication. June 2022.

We are waiting for YOU

Cast iron hot water heating boilers KChM 5 combi with a power from 20 to 100 kW operate on various types of fuel. The power of the KChM boiler is determined by the number of sections. Cast iron boilers KChM 5 combi are not afraid of untreated water and are very reliable in operation. The efficiency of KChM cast-iron gas boilers is no less than 90%; for solid fuels, the efficiency of KChM boilers is up to 80%. It’s easy to buy KChM heating boilers! Place your order directly on the website or call us by phone! Become our satisfied client right now!

Malfunctions

During operation, characteristic malfunctions of the CFM may be observed.

In addition to common breakdowns, you should know the list of wearing parts: scorching door shield, scorching and loading door reflectors, thermocouple, temperature regulator, igniter.

Connection conditions

There are certain requirements for installing and connecting the boiler. Compliance with them will extend its service life and make operation comfortable and safe. The unit must be positioned in the room so that the distance from its back to the wall reaches 25 cm, and from the side walls - 10 centimeters. Periodically during repairs you will need to approach the rear surface, so leave 400 mm between one side and the wall. You need to leave a space of 1 m² in front of the boiler, which will allow you to easily add new fuel and clean the ash pan.

The boiler must be installed on a floor finished with heat-resistant materials or on a special pedestal. All flammable substances and fuel are located at a distance of no closer than 40 cm from the structure. Clean water without any impurities is poured into the heating system, since hard liquid leaves scale and shortens the service life of the boiler and the system itself. KChM is suitable for heating with natural and forced circulation.

Installation of the boiler must begin by installing it on a plinth or stand. It is then connected to the heating system and chimney. After this, you can add water and check all pipes for leaks. When heating for the first time, it is necessary to monitor the operation of the boiler.