Long-burning solid fuel boiler Don: characteristics, owner reviews

Dual-circuit

These are models KS TVM 16/20, TV 31.5/40, TV 20 and others. A number of dual-circuit heaters can be easily converted from gas to coal/wood and vice versa. Designed for heating areas up to 300 m². Simultaneously with heating, they heat water for domestic needs.

The secondary circuit is a copper coil; if necessary, it can be changed, thereby prolonging the operation of the equipment.

A double-circuit boiler has characteristics almost similar to those of a single-circuit boiler. Also made of steel, but more powerful than single circuit versions. 20, 30 and 50 kW options are available. Their weight is 150–200 kg.

General description of the model range

Flow-through geysers Don instantly heat the water through a copper heat exchanger. The equipment is distinguished by its ability to operate at low gas pressures. It is small in size, mounted on the wall, and takes up little space.

Additionally, for the forced removal of traces of combustion, a fan is built into the Don geysers. The liquid crystal display on the body displays the water temperature. This indicator should not exceed 80 degrees, otherwise the equipment will overheat. The body is white, but some models come with a pattern.

The devices have a winter/summer switch. It is assumed that in warm weather less power is needed to heat water. In summer mode, only the central part of the burner works, so less fuel is consumed.

How to choose

Thermal power. When choosing it, you need to know not only the area that is supposed to be heated. If a device is selected for heating a private home, you must also take into account what material it is built from and how insulated it is.

In apartments, the location is important - central or corner. In the latter it is always colder, so the power must be chosen with a reserve.

The approximate power of the device is determined by the ratio - 1000 W for every 10 square meters of area. And for every cubic meter - 40–60 W. But it is recommended for cold houses and apartments to take boilers with a heating capacity reserve of 30%. Firstly, there will be no problems with heating in the most severe frosts, and secondly, the equipment will not wear out and will last longer.

Dependence on power grids. This parameter is more important for reliability and stability than for efficiency. If boilers require electricity consumption, for example for ignition, it is insignificant.

Number of circuits. The capabilities and cost of the heater depend on the choice of this parameter. Single-circuit ones are chosen for heating; double-circuit ones, in addition to heating rooms, can heat water for domestic use.

Installation method. Wall or floor. The choice depends on the area of ​​the room. Wall-mounted versions are more compact.

Heat exchanger material - steel or cast iron. Cast iron ones are more reliable, they are not afraid of corrosion.

Type of combustion chamber. It is more convenient with a closed firebox: they are safer, do not waste the internal air of the premises, they are preferred today by owners of houses and apartments that are not equipped with traditional chimneys.

How much do they cost

Equipment from domestic brands is a priori cheaper than imported ones, and products are no exception.

The price of Don boilers depends on the model and its power. An inexpensive single-circuit device KS-T-16, designed to heat 160 m², costs about 17,000 rubles. The cost of a powerful double-circuit device designed to heat 300 m² is 37,000 rubles.

Advantages of solid fuel boilers Don

According to the manufacturer and consumer reviews, the Don wood-burning boiler has the following advantages:

Due to the fact that the Don solid fuel boiler can be converted into a gas one, it is logical to install it in places where gas supply is planned in the future. When supplying gas, you only need to install a burner device of the required model without replacing the boiler.

1. The device is universal. It can operate on almost any solid fuel, be it logs, coal, peat briquettes, wood waste (pellets, shavings, etc.). In addition, if necessary, you can install a gas burner.
2. Does not depend on the power grid. The boiler does not need power from the network, so it is not afraid of a power outage.
3. Has a long service life. The combustion chamber is made of high strength steel and high carbon content. The thickness of the steel sheets is 3 mm. This material is characterized by resistance to high temperatures and corrosion processes. It has excellent thermal conductivity.
4. Safe. The body of the heating device is well thermally insulated, which increases operating performance due to reduced heat losses, and also eliminates heating of the outer surface. The equipment is completely fireproof.
5. Large gaps between fuel fillers. Almost all models from the Don range have large-volume combustion chambers. This increases the interval between fuel fills to eight hours, which is, accordingly, much easier for the owner.
6. Possibility of using low-quality coolant. The boiler can also cope with hard water.
7. Rigor and versatility of design. The outside of the boiler is covered with heat-resistant paint, which maintains the decent appearance of the heating device for a long time.
8. High-quality execution. The boiler casing has no gaps, all elements fit together well. The threaded connections are made perfectly, the joints are welded adequately.
9. Affordable price. It's reasonably priced, and the fuel won't empty your pocket.
10. Work is always under control. The built-in thermostat controls the temperature in the system.

You can learn more about the types of boiler burners from this article.

If such a problem does arise, when the coil fails due to the use of very hard water, the device can be easily replaced without major dismantling work.

The owners point to the clever ash chamber in the design. Thanks to the presence of massive grates, combustion products are moved to a specially designed niche.

Model overview

Let's describe the best models.

KS 16

Of all the models presented by domestic manufacturers, one of the most popular is the “Don” KS 16. Its main advantages: excellent technical characteristics, convenient operation and economical consumption of energy resources.

Having domestic assembly and components, it is ready to work in the most difficult climatic conditions. It is the Russian climate that does not allow many European analogues to compete with domestic developments. This line includes modifications that differ in the number of circuits and a number of smaller differences.

Key technical parameters:

KS-T-11

Steel. Non-volatile. For small objects. Operates on gas or solid fuel - the burner is changed.

Automation installed. Thanks to the Honeywell regulator, energy consumption is reduced by 30%. The firebox material is carbon steel, resistant to corrosion. Adapted to hard water.

• Floor installation.
• Steel heat exchanger.
• The exhaust of combustion products is a chimney.

"Don Eco"

An economical version, the main difference of which is its compactness. The small device contains reliable Italian automation and an efficient heat exchanger. It features stable burner operation and high heat transfer.

The boilers are designed for heating small areas; they can be used with a flow-type water heater (“DON” or “CONORD”). In tandem with a water heater, this model will provide a small home with heat and hot water.

As an example, here are the technical characteristics and design features of the Don Eco KS-G-12S:

• Heating system pressure (min/max) - 0.1/1.2 bar.
• The coolant is water.
• One circuit.
• Floor-standing version.
• Open firebox.
• Steel heat exchanger.
• Gas removal is through a vertical chimney.
• Body color: white.
• Warranty - 2 years.

DonStail

New gas equipment from DonStail models with increased performance. Powerful heaters with a strict and stylish design. The white color and decorative perforations on the body create a feeling of lightness; the device fits harmoniously into a modern interior.

Thanks to the special design of the heat exchanger and Sit automation and Polidoro burner, these modifications have high efficiency, low energy consumption and are completely safe.

Characteristics of the single-circuit version of DonStail KS-G-12 S:

• Floor-standing version.
• Open firebox.
• Steel heat exchanger.
• White color.
• Warranty - 3 years.
• Piezo ignition.

Powerful boilers "Don"

For heating large cottages, industrial and warehouse buildings, high-power devices are used:

• At 40 kW. Efficiency - 76%. Heats a room up to 400 m². Weight - 290 kg. The dimensions are small - 700x850x1430 mm.
• At 50 kW. Consumption 3 m³/h. Provides heat for cottages up to 50 m². Efficiency - 85%. Dimensions - 850x700x1430 mm.
• At 100 kW. The most powerful option is for 1000 m². Efficiency - 87%. Weight - 560 kg. Dimensions - 1280x900x1090 mm. An ideal solution for large country houses and non-residential premises.

Advantages and disadvantages

The casing is made of galvanized steel, which prolongs the service life of the housing and gives it an impeccable appearance.

Don units have the following advantages:

• high quality of work;
• wide possibilities of service and repair;
• attractive design;
• reasonable combination of quality and cost;
• resistance to sudden changes in pressure in heating circuits;
• fuel efficiency.

Products are certified by a document of quality compliance with the international form ISO 9001 - 2011. The products have received many prestigious prizes and awards.

The disadvantages include the shallow depth of the firebox in the latest models and the absence of an electric heating element in the sales kit.

Features of operation

Each model is accompanied by instructions in which the user can familiarize themselves with the rules for operating the heater, its connection diagram, design features, settings and adjustments.

The system is filled gradually, at a rate of no more than 8 l/min. The water is fresh. Filling is continued until liquid appears in the overflow tube of the expansion tank.

Description of the ignition process:

• ventilate the combustion chamber for 5–10 minutes, the main valve must be closed;
• checking traction by bringing a paper strip closer to the viewing window;
• opening the air supply gate and igniting the flame;
• closing the door;
• temperature control by coil valve.

Installation and strapping

The installation of boilers should be carried out by specialists, but even users benefit from knowing the installation rules. If the piping is carried out according to the gravity scheme, the heater is placed lower than the return pipes - this improves the movement of the coolant. The chimney is located inside the structure.

If the chimney passes through unheated rooms, it must be insulated.

Connecting additional equipment

All products are easy to use, but it would be a good idea to equip the device with a thermostat - this device will make the equipment operate as efficiently as possible. You can also purchase an additional coil in advance in case of breakdown. As standard, the heaters are equipped with an adjustable front damper.

Specifications

Don water heaters have built-in flame modulation systems, forced ventilation, and multi-level security systems. Geysers turn off automatically when:

• insufficient traction;
• flame fading;
• a sharp decrease in water flow;
• overheating;
• high pressure.

The overheating sensor turns off the column if the water temperature rises above 80 degrees. This makes the device safe to use. The minimum water pressure required to ignite the speakers is only 25 kPa. The maximum pressure that the column can withstand is 800 kPa. (In general, when choosing a gas water heater, you need to study the technical characteristics in the same way as if you were choosing spare parts for combines, which you can choose if you go to the claas catalog)

To increase the service life of Don gas equipment, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• wipe the speaker body from dust with wet and dry wipes without using chemicals or abrasives;
• every six months, clean the heat exchanger from scale with a solution of citric acid, change water filters;
• keep the burner clean and clean the chimney regularly;
• Carry out annual maintenance.

Every day before using the column, it is recommended to check the flame on the burner, connecting elements, and the presence of gas odor in the air. It is important that flammable objects are not placed near the water heater.

Spare parts for the Don gas water heater are inexpensive and are sold in stores. The warranty period from the manufacturer is 1 year. A faulty device cannot be used, as it can cause gas poisoning and cause a fire.

If you smell gas when you turn it on, you must immediately turn off the heater, turn off the supply, ventilate the room, and call the gas service.

Reviews

KS-TGVm-16: Nikolay V., Dolgoprudny

We bought it for 18,000 rubles two years ago. The price is attractive; they are much cheaper than their Proterm analogues, for example, or Buderus. We use any fuel - gas and solid. On natural gas the power is 20, on solid fuel 16 kW. We heat about two hundred square meters with it, plus it also heats the water. It looks unprepossessing, rustic, but for me the most important thing is that I can always find any components for it.

KSts-G-20S: Georgy T., Velikie Luki

This device has one plus - ease of maintenance. It is easy to understand its operating principle and troubleshoot simple problems. The rest are shortcomings. During normal operation, it consumes one and a half cubic meters of gas per hour, and if it’s minus 25 outside, then only 2.5 cubic meters. They promise 92% efficiency, but for me 5,000 rubles for heating one hundred cubic meters is too much.

Floor-standing boilers from Rostov are in demand among consumers who are willing to sacrifice the technological “bonuses” offered by their European counterparts. Don heaters are adapted to Russian conditions, reliable and affordable.

Advantages

• Energy independence
• The boiler allows the use of several types of fuel (solid fuel and gas), which allows it to be very convenient in everyday life
• The boiler is specially designed for Russian operating conditions
• Excellently protected by 8 mm thermal insulation, which allows for more efficient heat retention and does not allow the surface of the boiler to heat up, which will prevent burns, etc.
• Thanks to 3mm steel, the KS-T boiler is very durable
• The KS-T Don boiler is adapted to our operating conditions - this is hard water, for example
• A replaceable coil will significantly extend the service life of the boiler and the secondary circuit as a whole.
• The design of the boiler is very successful and allows, if desired, to easily transfer the boiler from one type of fuel to another
• Long burning (up to 8 hours) from one load
• Provides you with comfortable and warm conditions in your home
• The KS-T boiler passed all tests and received all certificates in the Russian Federation

List of sources

• MyAquaHouse.ru
• www.teplogidromash.ru
• masterotopleniya.ru
• vashslesar.ru
• stroyka.radiomoon.ru
• mr-build.ru
• iobogrev.ru

Conclusion

Heating boilers using Don hard fuel are manufactured in accordance with the company's regulations and quality management. Very important operations - crimping equipment and welding - are performed by workers with a personal brand, which increases their level of responsibility for the production of products (see also the article 'Solid fuel boilers KChM: simplicity, efficiency and reliability').

The devices are economical, reliable, ergonomic and reliable in operation. The video in the article will allow you to find additional information on the above topic.