Furnace valve: what is it, how does it work and can you assemble it yourself?

What is it and what is it for?

Damper (from the German Schieber - damper) is a device for completely or partially blocking the movement of gases in the chimney. It has been used since the appearance of the first Russian stoves. Made from cast iron or steel. In modern engineering it has found application both in smoke exhaust structures and in ventilation systems.

Damper functions:

Regulating draft and maintaining heat in the room.

The chimney is closed after use to prevent warm air from being drawn from the room into the chimney. Using a damper, you can reduce or increase the working cross-section of the chimney.

Saving fuel consumption.

The valve can be used to regulate the intensity of oxygen flow to the flame, and accordingly increase or decrease the efficiency of the heater.

This statement is true only for furnaces and boilers without blowers and forced air supply devices.

How to properly regulate traction?

The correct value is “alpha” - it is in the range of 2.0-2.5 (there is a special formula to calculate this). Only then does the firewood burn well and the amount of soot produced is minimal. And for this, it’s not superfluous to provide air supply to the combustion zone - if you have such an opportunity.

Remember just one thing: if you close the damper, carbon monoxide will still seep into the bathhouse - even if you don’t hear burning or see smoke. It is very dangerous! Within a few hours you can be completely burned out. You can close the damper only at the very end, when everything in the firebox has long burned out and is slightly covered with ash. Take care of yourself!

Functions, purpose and characteristics

The damper is a partition that is located inside the chimney. It follows the shape and area of its cross-section and, when closed, almost completely covers it. Changing the position of the damper allows you to increase or decrease the opening of the chimney pipe, increasing or decreasing the air flow. Using the damper, you can stop the movement of air after lighting the stove.

The gate valve is a thin metal plate that is manually adjusted using a special handle. The latter is located outside the chimney pipe so that the user can manually adjust the position of the plate.

Depending on the design and type of damper, it is installed using a special metal frame, or is inserted inside the pipe and fixed with an axial rod.

Important! Do not assume that the valve completely seals the pipe in the “closed” position. According to fire safety requirements, the damper must have a small hole through which weak gas exchange occurs.

The damper in the chimney performs the following functions:

increases traction force in difficult weather conditions;
increases the intensity of combustion in the furnace due to increased oxygen flow;
reduces draft when there is a strong hum in the chimney during strong winds;
saves fuel by reducing combustion intensity;
prevents heat loss after the heater has warmed up.

Very important! You can close the chimney with a damper only after the wood has completely burned and the flame has gone out. If you close the damper prematurely, this can lead to a dangerous situation due to the release of large amounts of carbon monoxide into the room. If the damper is closed too late, the efficiency of the furnace will be reduced, because Most of the heat will go out through the chimney.

Purpose of the design

The main purpose of the valve is to control draft by partially blocking the channel.
In addition, using a damper increases fire safety and increases equipment productivity.

And when all the fuel burns out, the valve can be closed - this will reduce heat loss through the chimney. It is worth noting that it is forbidden to completely block the smoke channel: according to safety standards, there should always be a small opening.

This element is used for any heating device - a traditional stove, fireplace, modern boiler, for home and bathhouses. Installation of a damper is not required if a draft control deflector is used.

Types of gate valves

There are two main types of gate valves - sliding and rotary (throttle). The design features are clear from the name: the first type works due to the perpendicular movement of the metal plate relative to the chimney pipe.

We recommend that you read: How to make a spark arrestor for a chimney with your own hands?

To increase draft, the damper is moved back and almost completely extends beyond the chimney, and to reduce the flow it is pushed back into the pipe.

Retractable gate

The most popular damper for a retractable type chimney. It compares favorably with other varieties in terms of reliability and ease of use. The retractable gate is a plate with a smooth, even surface, in which there is a special longitudinal hole. It runs along the grooves in the chimney.

This type of valve is installed strictly horizontally. To change the draft force in the chimney, it is enough to move the damper in the desired direction, increasing or, conversely, reducing the cross-section for the pipe.

This option is suitable for steel pipes, but is more suitable for stoves made of brick. Its installation does not require special knowledge or significant effort.

Some models provide a small cut-out area. This ensures the safety of the structure: even if this valve is completely closed, the movement of carbon monoxide in it will continue.

Rotary gate

Another type is a rotary gate. It is a plate made of metal, which is fixed in the central part of the guide by welding.

Dimensions and principle of operation of the rotary gate

Its main portion is located in the inside of the chimney, but the tip should always remain outside. Against the background of rotation of this plate relative to its own axis, the draft in the chimney is regulated.

The disadvantage of this type is the need for fastening by welding. It is this place that is the weak point of the design: the damper will open if the fastening becomes loose.

The rotary gate is characterized by low reliability. But this indicator may vary depending on what it is made from. Most often it is used for installation in steel chimneys. It is also installed in cases where there is not enough space to extend the classic valve.

Cast iron gate

Cast iron dampers have found quite wide application in various types of stoves and fireplaces. The disadvantage of such products is their significant mass. At the same time, cast iron itself has been used for a long time in the production of valves for furnaces. This is explained by its high reliability, durability and strength.

Model range of cast iron gates

Steel type gate

A gate unit made of stainless steel is not the cheapest option. But the design is characterized by high quality and excellent performance characteristics. Its advantages are as follows:

maintaining furnace efficiency;
small weight;
long service life;
not subject to metal corrosion;
prevents soot accumulation.

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The specified dampers may have a different design depending on the features of the furnace. They are relevant for chimneys made of steel or brick.

How to install a damper for a stove chimney? — Prof Pipes

Greetings, dear guest!

Today's article will focus on a modest element of an individual heating system. His name is a chimney damper. I wouldn't be surprised if some of you haven't even heard of this name. But this inconspicuous detail can save you up to 25% of fuel. How can this be? Read the following material and you will understand everything.

Rotary gate for round pipe and stone chimney

Many owners of country cottages and summer cottages prefer to arrange the heating system themselves. Of course, to implement such an idea you need to have the appropriate skills and tools.

But at the final stage of work, you can see an original fireplace or even a stove, which will fill any home with real warmth and comfort. The effective operation of such a system depends on which chimney damper is purchased.

The choice of gate must be approached carefully

Main types of dampers

According to manufacturers, a damper is a specific device that is designed to control the draft force in the smoke exhaust system of heating and cooking stoves, as well as in fireplaces for a country house.

The popularity of this product is due to the fact that the good combustion of the filled fuel, the removal of the generated smoke, as well as the rate of heating of the room depend on the draft.

If the house is heated by a stove, then it is the damper that will provide the fire safety function.

Pull-out model

This type of chimney damper is considered one of the most reliable and powerful in terms of operation. This part consists of a smooth plate on which there is a small longitudinal hole.

The movement of the damper occurs thanks to special grooves in the chimney. The installation process occurs only in a horizontal position, the traction force depends on the position of the plate.

It is used in brick stoves, as well as in modern chimneys made of steel pipes.

In this video you will learn how to make your own gate:

Cast iron products

The material itself is distinguished by its strength and durability. Most often, this type of gate valve is used for the manufacture of durable furnace valves. The only disadvantage of this product is its heavy weight.

Throttle option

The gate is presented in the form of a durable metal plate, where a special guide piece is welded in the center. Mounted inside the chimney. The end of the guide must be located outside.

The traction force can be adjusted by rotating the plate. Among experts, such a product is considered not very reliable, since over time the welding joint weakens, which is why the damper opens slightly in random order.

But despite this, a rotary damper is often used in steel chimneys.

There are several variations of the gate

High quality stainless steel gate

The advantage of using this steel is that it is not at all afraid of the negative effects of corrosion, has a long service life, is lightweight and does not affect the efficiency of the furnace.

The process of cleaning the chimney is significantly simplified, since soot does not accumulate on the smooth polished surface.

In addition, stainless dampers can have absolutely any shape, so they can be installed in both brick and steel chimneys.

Functionality

Since the damper is the main regulator of draft inside the house, the intensity of fuel combustion depends on it. To reduce the draft and intensity of the flame in the firebox, you just need to close the damper. To increase the fire, the opposite actions are carried out.

Modern damper models can be installed in both single-wall and double-wall boilers. If the fireplace or stove is not in use, then at this time the rotary damper valve for the chimney must be completely closed.

Source: https://profpipe.ru/drugoe/kak-ustanovit-shiber-dlya-pechnogo-dymohoda.html

Safety precautions

When talking about gate valves, first of all we should focus on safety precautions. Already from the definition it becomes clear that this device is capable of completely blocking the natural flow of air from the room through the stove and chimney to the street. The oven can be in such a locked state only under one condition - there is nothing in it that is still smoldering even a little, much less burning.

As you know, burning wood in a stove leads to the release of carbon monoxide, which is poisonous to humans. The danger of poisoning with this gas is that a person may simply not feel the harmful effects of the gas until he begins to lose consciousness, and then it may be too late. This danger should not be underestimated: for example, it is known that the famous French writer Emile Zola died in Paris in his bedroom from carbon monoxide.

We recommend a video review of the features of gate valves of various designs.

An attentive reader may notice that valve manufacturers produce them with special holes that prevent complete blocking of the chimney. However, with regular use over time, soot and resin accumulate on these holes, which gradually reduce their throughput, and then can completely block them. Obviously, the chimney periodically needs to be cleaned and the damper is no exception, but in practice this procedure is carried out much less frequently than required by safety regulations.

Adjustment of draft using a slide valve

With an optimal combustion mode in the firebox, the draft causes fuel combustion in such a way that no smoke is formed, and the combustion process proceeds smoothly and calmly. Our task is to find a position of the gate valve in which these conditions are met. This is done like this: the chimney is gradually closed with a valve until the flame begins to suffocate with smoke. From this position, the gate moves slightly back to provide a small supply of air. This position should be remembered and then completely close the chimney with the damper for a moment, and then immediately return it to the optimal position. This is done in order to make sure that the optimal position found is not exactly extreme and leaves a gap for the free passage of air in the pipe.

Let us repeat that this method of adjusting draft is extremely dangerous and, if the correct technique is not followed, can lead to complete blocking of the exit of gases that are dangerous to humans, emitted during the combustion of fuel in the furnace. It’s worth saying here that there is an alternative way to adjust the optimal draft by manipulating the air flow entering the oven. Most furnaces have a so-called “blower”. By opening and closing the ash door, the draft is absolutely safe and easily adjusted and the most efficient fuel combustion mode is achieved.

Differences between retractable and rotary gates

So far we have been talking about the retractable type of damper on a stove chimney, although there is another type - a rotary one. Let's look at how they differ.

The purpose of both types is the same - to partially or completely block the flow of flue/heated gases. The differences relate to the design.

A retractable model is a metal plate that is fixed in a frame and moves along guides in a horizontal position. There are no strict requirements for the dimensions of the device, since they must correspond to the cross-section of the chimney and completely depend on its parameters.

Thus, the valve consists of two main parts:

frame , which is fixed in the smoke exhaust duct and is motionless;
plate moving inside the frame.

Typically, both parts are made from the same material to maintain performance when heated or cooled.

A properly designed and installed damper should never completely block a stove chimney. A small gap is necessary for fire safety purposes.

The design of the rotary (throttle) gate does not extend, but rotates along an axis, as the name suggests.

A round or rectangular plate (depending on the cross-section of the chimney) is fixed on a metal rod, the free end of which extends beyond the channel and serves as an adjustment tool.

The simplest model of a rotary gate with a diameter of 120 mm. Manufacturing material – stainless steel. The smoke exhaust channel is closed by turning the handle with a curved end

Gate valves are considered more reliable and wear-resistant devices. The weak point of the rotary devices is the connection between the rod and the plate, which becomes loose over time and renders the valve unusable.

How to make a rotary gate

To make a structure of this type, you need to take a steel corner with a side of 30 mm and a piece of sheet of the same material up to 2 mm thick.

After measuring the internal diameter of the chimney, you need to weld a frame from the corner.
Identical holes are drilled in the center of two opposite edges of the product, the dimensions of which reach 7 mm. The openings made in this way are necessary for installing the rotary axis.
After taking the internal measurements of the frame, a plate is cut out of a metal sheet that will close the pipe cavity.
The rotary axis is made of steel wire with a cross-section of 7 mm. The length of the segment should be equal to the corresponding size of the edge of the frame, increased by approximately 6 cm.
Using a die, one end of a piece of wire must be threaded, onto which, after threading the rotary axis into the holes of the frame, a locking nut is screwed.
It is necessary to grind the sections of the plate, insert the finished part inside the structure and weld it to the rotary axis.
The guide axis is equipped with a handle made of any material that is at hand.
To prevent loosening, the rotating element can be secured in the holes using appropriately sized bushings, which are cut from a thin metal tube.

Which material is stronger

In addition to structural differences, types of gate valves may differ in the material of manufacture. The only possible option is metal, since it is the only one that does not burn or deform at high temperatures, and over time, even in an aggressive environment, does not change its characteristics.

For production, either cast iron or stainless steel is used. It is not possible to build a damper from cast iron yourself, since this requires, at a minimum, a forge. However, you can find both nondescript and beautifully designed cast iron dampers on sale.

Cast iron rotary gate with a comfortable handle. This design is suitable for a brick chimney with a rectangular cross-section, capable of supporting the fairly heavy weight of the device

Steel products look simpler, but their characteristics are similar to their cast iron counterparts. The advantage of steel fixtures is their light weight.

If a cast iron damper for a stove chimney is installed only on a durable, permanent structure, then a steel damper is suitable for any smoke exhaust ducts - brick and steel, rectangular and round, solid and light.

Samples of a galvanized steel damper, chimney cross-sectional diameter – 150 mm. Galvanization, unlike ordinary steel, does not react to moisture (condensation) and does not corrode

When choosing a material, you need to focus on the characteristics of the chimney pipe and the features of the interior.

For a country heating stove, a modest steel valve is sufficient, while for upgrading a Russian stove in a cottage, a custom-made cast iron valve is better suited.

Selecting a location option

There are three main options for placing the damper in the chimney:

pipe-to-pipe fastening;
placement in a fireplace insert;
installation in a ventilation pipe.

Brick chimney with damper

If you place a gate valve in the outlet pipe or in the furnace firebox, that is, build this element into its design, the damper is placed on a section of pipe as close as possible to the heating boiler. This guarantees ease of control and ease of turning the valve. This is explained by the fact that the handle will not touch either the portal or the cladding area. If it is located according to the “pipe to pipe” option, no additional fastenings are required for connection with other elements of the furnace.

If you place the damper assembly in a pipe intended for ventilation, overheating of the fan motor during its operation is prevented.

Typically, ready-to-install chimneys are offered, which are equipped with everything necessary, including a slide valve. In this case, it is placed in the system in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If it is not provided for one reason or another, it is quite possible to manufacture and install this element yourself.

Design features of the device

A gate valve is used to completely or partially block the flow of a bulk, liquid or gaseous medium in a pipeline.

Conventional fittings can still cope with relatively pure gases and liquids - small particles of the working medium do not prevent the shut-off element from being hermetically combined with the seat.

Note! Only a gate valve can reliably block the path of dense smoke, wastewater of domestic and industrial origin, and especially sand - thanks to its design, even large elements in the composition of the transported substance do not fall between the seat and the gate.

The gate valve is designed in approximately the same way as other types of shut-off and control valves:

body - a tee with an expansion in the center, with a hollow branch, which can be dismountable and have a cover that provides access to the valve;
seats – guides and sealing elements located in the passage part of the body;
gate or damper - a shut-off and control element located perpendicular to the flow; when its location relative to the seat and body changes, the pipeline capacity is adjusted;
a rod located in the upper part of the body that moves the bolt;
control mechanism: external screw, lever or actuator that moves the rod;
gland - an element that ensures the tightness of the connection between the rod and the body.

A distinctive feature of gate valves is precisely the structure and mechanism of operation of the shut-off and control element:

in the open position, the shutter is located in the upper or side cavity, the passage opening of the body freely allows transported substances to pass through,
when the rod moves, the valve lowers between the seats, reducing the throughput of the unit;
in the closed position, the locking element completely covers the body, forming a tight connection with the seats.

Tips for choosing a gate valve

It must be remembered that the correct selection of an element such as a slide damper is reflected in the future not only on the draft indicator, but also on the safety of the heating system, of which the chimney is a part. Installation of the damper is carried out on any model of fireplaces and stoves, except for the most modern ones, which have a deflector.

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The main recommendations for choosing slide valves for smoke exhaust communications are as follows:

If the heating device operates by processing gas, it is better to purchase a rotary valve model. This is due to the fact that such models exclude the possibility of completely blocking the smoke exhaust channel. Thus, the heating system will be safer. The chimney, which removes combustion products from the gas stove, must be closed by at least 40 percent during operation;
There are heating systems that operate intermittently (periodic). A closed damper installed in such a heating structure, as a rule, allows steam to pass during supply, and an open damper contributes to the formation of a large amount of soot on the pipe, which is located below the plate;
It is strictly not recommended to use rotating elements for installation in sauna chimneys.

A rotating device is the most suitable option for a gas-consuming system

Note! The chimney damper is a shaped part of the chimney service, so if you purchase everything necessary for laying a chimney, it will be included with the pipes. Such shutters can be purchased at any specialized store or ordered using an online store on the Internet.

Experts recommend carefully measuring the cross-section of the smoke exhaust duct before purchasing a gate product. Perhaps this is the main thing that needs to be done before purchasing a gate.

Features of installation of gate valves

To install the throttle valve, it is necessary to make markings on the pipe in order to drill holes according to the welded valve structure.

To do this, you need to measure the pipe using a measuring tape and make marks for future holes. After making sure that the marks are symmetrical, use a drill to drill holes for the future rotary handle.

The throttle valve is installed as follows:

A steel damper circle with a welded tube is inserted into the chimney pipe.
A metal rod is threaded through the drilled holes in the pipe through a small tube, the end of which is secured with a bolt and nut.
The end of the rod is bent using pliers for a rotary handle.

Important! It is advisable to install a wooden element at the end of the rod, which will serve not only as decoration, but also as protection from touching hot metal, since the damper will become very hot during operation.

Next, you can install the resulting structure in the chimney pipe. To do this, the first piece of pipe is put on the furnace pipe of the stove heating, onto which a structure with a gate valve is installed on top. The next piece of metal pipe is put on the gate. All connections are treated with liquid silicone sealant.

Installation of a retractable damper in a brick chimney occurs during the masonry process. To do this, after 6-8 rows of bricks, a layer of cement masonry mortar is applied, on which a wire frame is installed with the open side facing the performer. You need to insert a latch into the frame and bring it into the closed state.

The frame is covered with mortar on top and bricks continue to be laid according to the standard pattern.

Attention! The slide damper is allowed to be installed in the first section of the chimney, at a height of up to 1 m above the firebox. This will ensure ease of adjustment of the damper and good aerodynamic properties of the chimney.

DIY making

The simplicity of the design of the damper plate for the chimney allows you to make it yourself to ensure further regulation of the draft in it.

Option 1. Manufacturing a rotary gate from stainless steel

We offer detailed instructions for manufacturing the damper already with a finished stove heating, when the design is completed, but the damper mechanism was not provided.

To make and install a gate valve with your own hands, you will need the following materials:

grinder, cutting and grinding abrasive wheel;
drill;
tap;
oil for lubricating the tap when cutting threads;
hammer;
vice;
pliers;
welding;
core;
electrodes for stainless steel;
compass;
roulette;
permanent marker.

The materials you should immediately prepare are:

stainless steel sheet 1.5 -2 mm thick.
stainless steel tube with an internal diameter of 6 mm;
2 bolts 8mm,
nail (or metal rod).

When all the tools and materials are prepared, you can begin to carry out the work.

Measure the inside diameter of the pipe and mark it on the stainless steel sheet using a compass.

step 1
Now, using a grinder, cut out a circle according to the markings made.

Step 2
We try on the cut-out damper and, if necessary, modify it with a grinding wheel until it clearly fits into the pipe.

Trying on the damper
Take the prepared stainless steel tube and apply it to the finished circle. Use a marker to measure the size of the flap. We make it smaller than the internal diameter by 3 mm on each side.

Step 4
We cut the pipe with a grinder and a cutting wheel.
We drill an internal hole in the 6.8 mm tube for threading. When drilling, it is necessary to periodically lubricate the inner surface of the tube with machine oil.

Drilling out the tube
We cut an 8mm thread on both sides of the tube with a tap, not forgetting to lubricate the tap in the process. To remove the cutting chips, it is necessary to make a half turn back every half turn of the tap along the thread.

Step 5
Now you need to make three holes in the damper. Immediately use a marker to make marks.
Clamp the tube and the valve in a clamp and weld the tube to the valve through these holes (welded rivets). We start welding from the central hole, then release any one clamp and weld it into the free hole.

Step 6
We mark the future holes on the smoker. To ensure that the axis of the holes clearly coincides, wrap the pipe with a tape measure and measure the center horizontally and vertically. Let's drill.

Making the markings
We assemble the damper into a tube.

Step 7
Making a template for the damper clamp.

Step 8
We transfer the markings to the metal sheet. You can use a compass.

Step 9
Mark the middle for the fastener holes, cut and drill according to the markings.
We weld it to the pipe.

We weld the clamp

Option 2. Manufacturing a horizontal sliding gate from stainless steel

For this option, you need to purchase a ready-made factory stainless steel gate valve. The design represents a frame within which the mechanism moves.

Lay out 2 rows of the stove or fireplace according to the ordering pattern used.

horizontal sliding gate
On the row where the valve will be installed, we cut grooves in the brick. These are small grooves into which the metal element will fit. It is best to use an angle grinder with a wheel for this work. But if you don’t have such a professional tool, then you can get by with a file.
The damper is installed.
It is necessary to cut a recess in the side brick for the movement of the damper handle, because it will need to be cleaned of soot during operation.

We block the gate with a row of bricks
The next row of bricks is laid and all the resulting gaps are well sealed.

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As you can see, making a gate does not require much time or much experience. At the same time, this is a very important detail that will significantly increase the efficiency of the boiler or fireplace.

How to make a gate valve with your own hands

Let's look at how to make both types of chimney valves - retractable and rotary. Each of them has its own manufacturing and installation nuances. Let's start with the retractable view.

Preparation of materials and tools

To create the simplest model of a retractable gate, galvanized steel is suitable. It is lightweight, thanks to its smooth surface it is easy to clean from soot, and if necessary, the moving part can be easily replaced.

Millimeter steel will not work, as it bends easily, and if deformed, it will be difficult to slide the plate into the chimney. The minimum sheet thickness is 1.5 mm, and preferably 2-2.5 mm

The main tools are a welding machine, electrodes, a grinder, metal scissors (choose depending on the thickness of the sheet), a drill with a grinding disc, metal drills, and a file.

It is better to carry out work on a workbench with a vice. Among other things, you will need a sheet of paper for a template, a tape measure, and a marker.

Drawing up a diagram (drawing)

Removing dimensions must be taken seriously, since even a few millimeters can cause the chimney to malfunction. To find out the dimensions of the frame, you should use a tape measure to measure the cross-section of the smoke exhaust duct - it will coincide with the dimensions of the inside of the frame.

To this value you should add 20-30 mm on three sides and calculate the outer side of the frame.

Drawing of a damper with a wire frame. A wire frame is more difficult to secure to brickwork than a profile with flat wide sides

In order for the latch to slide out easily, without effort, its width should be slightly narrower than the width of the frame (taking into account the outer sides). To simplify the calculations, it is necessary to draw a design diagram and indicate all possible dimensions, so that in the future, when working with metal, you can navigate by them.

For metal pipes, a flat damper design is usually combined with a chimney fragment located perpendicularly.

Design dimensions for a rectangular pipe. The valve must completely block the chimney, but at the same time have small holes for air penetration, drilled with a drill, or a gap

For brick chimneys, a flat frame made of wire or profile with a moving valve along guides on two parallel sides is sufficient.

Marking and cutting out parts

Having determined the exact dimensions, we cut out the frame for the gate. If the chimney is small, for example, in a bathhouse or in a summer kitchen, you can use thick wire, bending it in the shape of the letter P.

A more comprehensive frame is a durable corner profile. To make it, we cut out a strip from sheet steel and bend it lengthwise at an angle of 90º. To give the profile the desired shape, in the places where the corners are marked, we cut one of the planes. When folded, we get a frame. We weld the bends.

Next, we cut out the damper itself. It should be approximately 5-10 mm narrower than the width of the frame. We adjust the length so that when closed, only a small fragment of the valve peeks out. It can be decorated in different ways: in the form of an ear with a hole or simply a folded edge.

We clean the edges of the cut gate with a disc so that the closing/opening process is easy and silent. Parts cannot be painted.

Gate valve installation steps

The photo shows the stages of installing a factory-made gate. A homemade device is mounted using the same principle.

Image gallery

Photo from

Step 1 - determining the installation location

Step 2 - cutting bricks around the perimeter of the hole

Step 3 - planting the gate on the solution

Step 4 - brickwork above the gate

The installation height of the damper largely depends on the design of the stove; in sauna stoves it is lower, in home heating stoves it is higher. The minimum height is 0.9-1 m from the floor, the maximum is about 2 m.

Pipe installation

A gate valve can also be installed on a pipe. To do this, select a section of it where there is no insulation, otherwise it simply jams due to expansion as the element heats up. Experts recommend placing it about 1 meter short of the firebox.

The following procedure is suggested:

Fastening the first part to the pipe with coating of the joints with a sealant characterized by heat-resistant properties.
Installation of the gate on this segment or on the tee.
Placement of the second trim for the pipe, which will connect the structure with the insulated sections of the chimney.

Due to the tight fit of all elements of this design, no additional fastenings are required. The installation technique is suitable for rotary and retractable gates. Sometimes a rotation limiter is additionally provided.

Installing a gate valve on a pipe

How to install?

How to properly install a valve on a stove and how to install a valve on a chimney? It's simple, let's consider 2 cases.

Installing the damper in the furnace

When installing the damper in the furnace, you need to take into account that this is done during brick laying. It is placed at the beginning of the pipe, about a meter from the surface of the furnace itself. The frame fits tightly into the chimney structure, and the damper is installed after.

Installing a valve in a furnace can be done in three steps:

Reach the 6th row of brick laying.
Apply the solution in the desired location and carefully install the frame there. Sometimes you need to cut grooves in the brick for convenience and easier retraction.
Align the frame so that it lines up with the bricks. Then you can continue laying bricks.

All cracks that may form when installing the plug must be sealed with mortar. Otherwise, there will be loss of thrust and combustion.

Video instruction:

Pipe installation

The damper is also installed at a height of 1 meter from the firebox. It is important that this is the uninsulated part of the pipe. Then there will be no temperature difference when the valve operates.

Installation on the pipe is also simple. First, the first part of the pipe is attached. The joints are lubricated with sealant (temperature-resistant). A gate is tightly placed on top of the structure (the first nozzle). The second part of the pipe is attached to the gate on top. This entire structure is connected to an insulated chimney.

Thus, there is no need to further secure the structure.

It is worth saying that homemade gates can be attached to the pipe a little differently. This already depends on the design. An example of installation of a homemade rotary gate, we reviewed the manufacturing instructions above:

We make a mark on the chimney pipe.
Let's try on our preparation.
We insert the gate into the pipe and screw it into the structure with a thread.

Installing a damper on a chimney

Today, there are two main ways to install a damper on a chimney:

Installation in a fireplace insert. This installation option implies the location of the gate product in close proximity to the heating equipment. As a rule, in this case the distance from the damper to the heating apparatus is 1 meter. This arrangement is very convenient for regulating the valve.
Connection with other elements of the heating system. In this case, there is no need to use additional locking elements, so this option is quite common. This type of installation can also be called “pipe to pipe”.

Helpful information! In addition, it is worth noting that the gate product can also be installed in the ventilation system. A gate valve for ventilation is necessary to prevent the fan motor from overheating. The fan motor may overheat during shutdown.

The above options for using valves for chimneys and ventilation systems are used everywhere. It is worth noting that today you can find a huge variety of stoves and fireplaces, which differ from each other from a constructive point of view. This variety of heating devices also influenced the range of gate valves. Therefore, the choice of a damper for a chimney depends entirely on the characteristics of the heating device and the chimney design in a particular case.

What it is?

The gate valve is an ordinary steel valve, which is installed in a pipe indoors, and is located from the firebox (fireplace, stove) at a distance of up to 1 meter. The damper is a retractable system located in a horizontal position, which changes the cross-section of the chimney. In addition to conventional stove dampers, such a valve is installed in the chimney systems of single- and double-wall heating boilers.

Round gate valve on the left and rotary on the right

Damper with inspection window

A properly calculated and installed damper allows you to use the indoor heating system efficiently and at full capacity. Experts do not recommend additional insulation of the pipe where the valve is located, since this place is subject to strong heating, and because of this the gate often jams. Such a device is not installed in places where the supply air is pumped. The design is ideal for a stove or fireplace.

There is another type of damper - on an axis (rotating mechanism), located inside the pipe. But it can hardly be called a full-fledged gate valve, since it completely covers the pipe, and also has a bad reputation due to its low quality. With this type of damper, the welded seams often burn out. It depends on the manufacturer; the best purchase is a rotary valve made of stainless steel.

DIY chimney damper

There are craftsmen who are able to make a lock on the throttle with their own hands, thereby changing and fixing the position using a chain. Such a device can be used for gas heating, which will protect against accidental flame escaping from the stove.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any engineering solution, a gate has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

Possibility of traction control;
Fuel economy;
Dampers help retain heat.

Minuses:

The devices make it difficult to clean chimneys;
If installed incorrectly, the gate may jam and negatively affect the movement of gases;
To make the correct adjustment, you must have some knowledge in the field of smoke exhaust systems.

Visual demonstration of the efficiency of a gate valve (video)

Closed gate:

Open gate:

In most cases, the gate is made of stainless steel with a thickness of no more than 1 mm. This part can withstand temperatures up to 9000C, is resistant to corrosion and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

In order to ensure maximum ease of operation of the chimney and good soot removal, the surface of the damper must be polished.

The joints are joined using the rolling method.

A standard damper covers up to 85% of the chimney, which is the optimal indicator for the effective removal of combustion products.

Do-it-yourself gate valve for a chimney: step-by-step instructions for creation, types and differences

Most owners of country houses and summer cottages prefer to install their own heating system by building fireplaces and stoves. This, of course, requires certain experience, knowledge and understanding of construction technology. One of the necessary elements for the stove to ensure its effective operation is a chimney gate valve. In this article we will try to explain to you the principle of its operation and the step-by-step process of creating and installing it yourself.

Gate valve - photo

Today, a stylish fireplace or an exclusive stove is no longer a luxury item and, if desired, you can build it yourself. In this article we will describe in detail what a chimney gate valve is, its main purpose and installation features.

Purpose and characteristics

This device allows you to control and regulate the draft into the smoke exhaust system. Translated from German,

gate (“schieber”)

gate (“schieber”) means a part that is made of a certain metal.

Good traction is one of the key conditions for normal operation of the fuel system. With good draft, the fuel burns almost completely, providing an efficient and economical heating process. If the draft is poor, then smoke in the room and a fire may occur.

To eliminate these dangerous and unpleasant moments, a slide damper is installed in the smoke exhaust system. It prevents the fission of gas bubbles that should not be separated.

It is recommended to install a slide damper when heating with gas, coal, or solid fuel.

Main functions of gate valve

Being the main draft regulator inside the chimney, the damper regulates the combustion of fuel. To reduce the draft and reduce the intensity of the flame in the firebox, it is enough to close the slide valve. To increase traction, on the contrary, it is necessary to open it.

In fact, a gate is an ordinary metal plate that allows you to regulate traction.

It can be installed both in single-wall and double-wall boiler systems.

If the fireplace and stove are not in use, then during this period the gate valve must be in the closed position.

As a rule, the valve is installed at the initial section of the chimney (on the first meter), since this particular section remains uninsulated.

But on the contrary, it is not recommended to install a valve on a section of a well-insulated chimney pipe. Especially when it comes to double-circuit pipes. When the metal of the inner and outer pipe expands, the gate valve may jam.

So, the main tasks of a gate valve are:

Function of the draft regulator in the chimney.
Partial blocking of the chimney channel section.
Regulator of flame burning intensity in the firebox.

Attention! If combustion in the firebox is carried out when supplying fresh air, a gate valve is not installed on the chimney!

Visual demonstration of the efficiency of a gate valve (video)

Closed gate:

Open gate:

In order to ensure maximum ease of operation of the chimney and good soot removal, the surface of the damper must be polished.

The joints are joined using the rolling method.

A standard damper covers up to 85% of the chimney, which is the optimal indicator for the effective removal of combustion products.

Main types of gate valves

Horizontal retractable damper. Horizontal retractable damper The plate located inside the damper extends, due to which the cross-sectional area of the chimney is adjusted. Typically, this type of valve is used for installation in brick chimneys. Often small holes are made on the surface of the plate so that even in the closed position of the gate, it does not block the smoke channel 100%. This complies with fire safety regulations. The advantage of this type of device is ease of installation.
Rotary gate. It is also called a “throttle damper”, a chimney gate valve which is a metal plate mounted on a rotating axis. The axis, in turn, is attached inside the chimney pipe. This device has a removable rotating disk, but with prolonged use it may become unusable. However, the design of the rotating mechanism allows you to repair and replace it yourself. The advantage of this type of device is its ease of operation. This type of gate does not require constant monitoring by the home owner.

Due to the complexity of the DIY design, the rotating mechanism is less often used when laying a fireplace or stove.

The gate design is necessary for wood-burning stoves and heating devices operating on any solid fuel.

As for gas boilers and liquid fuel boilers, here the damper rather plays the role of protecting the chimney from precipitation.

Therefore, for a gas boiler, the most practical solution would be to install a rotary mechanism. The temperature of the exhaust gases is less low than when using solid fuel, so the operation of such a mechanism will be the most convenient.

Valve on an insulated chimney

But it is better to refuse to install a rotary mechanism in the bathhouse. The fact is that it will partially allow steam to pass through when closed. And when open, such a mechanism is difficult to clean.

Made of stainless steel, the gate mechanism will not completely block the chimney, but will eliminate the possibility of flames escaping through the ash pan into the room.

There are three options for installing the gate.

Installing a damper in a fireplace insert. To do this, the damper is mounted at a distance of 1 meter from the heating device, which ensures simple operation.
The “pipe to pipe” option involves combining the damper with other elements of the heating structure without the additional use of fasteners.
Installation of a gate valve in a ventilation pipe. But this option is usually used to protect the fan motor from overheating during operation.

When purchasing ready-made chimneys, the kit will most likely be equipped with a gate valve, which simply needs to be installed according to the instructions.

But even if the finished kit does not come with this element, you can easily make the gate yourself by choosing the most optimal mechanism option for yourself.

Option 1. Manufacturing a rotary gate from stainless steel

We offer detailed instructions for manufacturing the damper already with a finished stove heating, when the design is completed, but the damper mechanism was not provided.

To make and install a gate valve with your own hands, you will need the following materials:

grinder, cutting and grinding abrasive wheel;
drill;
tap;
oil for lubricating the tap when cutting threads;
hammer;
vice;
pliers;
welding;
core;
electrodes for stainless steel;
compass;
roulette;
permanent marker.

The materials you should immediately prepare are:

stainless steel sheet 1.5 -2 mm thick.
stainless steel tube with an internal diameter of 6 mm;
2 bolts 8mm,
nail (or metal rod).

Frequent errors and problems during installation

Installation of a valve in an insulated area. Under the influence of thermal expansion, the damper may jam;
Installation of a cast iron part in a metal chimney (cast iron weighs a lot);
Using too thin steel or stainless steel with a low nickel content for the manufacture of valves. Such a product quickly deforms under the influence of hot gases and can burn out;
Installation of a gate with a non-smooth surface;
Installation of a valve without a hole for carbon monoxide release;
Installation of handles that do not allow monitoring the position of the valve (applies to rotary elements).

Features of gate maintenance

The gate, made of stainless steel, is usually polished to perfect smoothness. Soot settles on it poorly, but still settles. Therefore, it must be cleaned periodically.

The horizontal valve can be cleaned simply by pulling it out to the maximum and applying a special solution. Rotary - cleaned through the chimney with a special plastic brush. You should also ensure that the damper moves freely along the guides. It is allowed to periodically lubricate them with an anti-corrosion compound.