Siphons for air conditioning with a drain to the sewer. Basic data

19.10.2020

Good afternoon.

What type of ball valve should be installed in the drainage system of the supply ventilation unit in the air overpressure compartment (after the fan), so that the air does not leave the supply unit, and the water flows freely into the sewer. The water seal is not quite suitable, since water comes from the ventilation unit periodically, and it has time to dry out.

04/15/2016 Vladimir 4

4 comments

Hello Vladimir. Thank you for trusting our resource.

Are you interested in what type of ball valve will be effective in the drainage system of the air handling unit?

Undoubtedly, a water trap is the simplest and most effective device for preventing unpleasant odors from entering the supply air through drainage from the sewerage system. But, as you pointed out, there is a problem of the water seal drying up due to the irregular use of the supply ventilation unit.

There are two options for solving this problem:
- Installation in the drainage system of a siphon with a water seal and mechanical or float ball valve.
- Installation of a siphon with a "dry" water seal.
Siphon with water seal and ball valve

When water passes through the siphon, the ball rises and allows condensate to escape into the sewer system. When the movement of water stops, the ball blocks the passage of air through the siphon.

The adapter (3) provides connection of the siphon to the drainage pipes of ventilation units with different standard sizes.

The standard connection diagram for a siphon with a water seal and a mechanical ball valve (3) looks like the one shown in the figure.

float ball valve

A standard float ball valve, for installation in ventilation and air conditioning drainage systems, in section looks like this:

In the dry position, the valve is closed and does not allow air to pass through. If condensate also enters, the ball floats and opens the device for free passage of water into the sewerage system.

A dry siphon also does not allow air to pass through, but allows free movement of water through the drainage pipeline into the sewer system.

The figure shows the "dry siphon" device in section.

A compressed rubber tube is fixed in the body of this device, which straightens when water passes through the siphon. After the passage of water, the pipe shrinks again. In the compressed “dry” state, the “dry siphon” will prevent air from escaping and the ingress of unpleasant odors into the supply air from the sewer.

We hope we helped you solve your problem.
Vladimir
Thank you very much for the detailed answer.
If I understand correctly, these devices prevent air from entering the ventilation unit from the sewer, that is, from the discharge section to the fan.
The question was about the backwater compartment of the air handling unit. In our case, the steam humidification section, which is located after the fan.
The problem is that the air leaves the supply unit and there are losses in air flow, and when the unit is not working, there is no shutter from the sewerage system. The water seal is not suitable due to the periodic discharge of water, as well as the lack of the need for a humidification system in the summer and demi-season periods.
It is not yet clear how to solve this problem.
Good afternoon, Vladimir. We are answering your clarifying question about the valve for the drainage of the air boost section.

The thing is that the movement of air through the ventilation system can be compared with the flow of electric current through a conductor: air, like current, moves along the path of least resistance. Since the internal section of the air handling unit is much larger than the size of the drainage hole, the air masses driven by the fan will move in the direction from the intake grille, through the filtration section, heater, fan, steam humidification section, noise attenuation (if any), to the air distribution devices. Air flow losses mainly occur due to depressurization of the case of a monoblock air handling unit. In modular devices, these are the connection points of sections and flexible inserts located before and after the fan.

If you insist that the losses occur precisely through the drainage of the steam humidification section, then in order to block the passage of air and at the same time allow the condensate to freely exit, try using a float valve, the diagram of which is shown in the figure below.

When air enters the valve, the ball 11 reliably closes the drainage pipeline 8. When water enters the valve, the ball floats to the upper part of the valve and takes position a - a, opening a free passage for the condensate outlet, as shown in fig. 2.

When the movement of moisture through the valve stops, the ball will fall and take its place in the valve chamber 9.

The valve can be mounted both horizontally and vertically. When installed vertically, the condensate will move the floating ball to its original place.

There are float valves of a different design.

The principle of operation of this valve is similar to that described above.

Now a few words about our proposal to use inexpensive siphons for the drainage system. We assume that they will also work, as they create an additional obstacle to the passage of air and at the same time cope with the removal of condensate into the sewerage system, performing the function of a water seal.

Unfortunately, it is beyond our ability to inspect your air handling unit with our own eyes and find out where the air flow losses come from. Based on this, we strongly recommend that you contact the equipment manufacturer with this problem.

We hope we were able to help resolve your issue.
Vladimir
Hello Eugene.
Thank you very much for your reply.
This type of valve is the most suitable.
We have siphons. They only work when there is water in them. Therefore, we turned to you for help.
Thanks again for the advice.

Siphons HL are used for air conditioners, for draining condensate from ventilation systems, boiler equipment, refrigeration equipment, etc. Siphons for air conditioners HL (Hutterer & Lechner) can have: a water seal (model - HL 136.2, with a transparent pipe), a water seal and an odor locking device - HL 136N, HL 136.3. If it is necessary to install a siphon hidden (embedding in a wall recess), use the HL 138 model, equipped with a replaceable cassette with a water seal and an odor-locking device that can be removed, washed, or replaced with a new one. The cassette is made of transparent polypropylene for visual control of the degree of contamination.

Catalog of HL siphons for air conditioners and condensate drainage

		Description
		Siphon for air conditioners HL 136 N with a sealing nut 5/4", with a water seal - 60 mm. The siphon is equipped with a mechanical odor-locking device that does not allow smell from the sewerage when the water dries in the water seal, with a cleaning-dirt collector. Siphon with horizontal outlet DN 40. Connection vertical or horizontal (DN 32 - crimp connection) or d 12 - 18 mm for smooth fittings.
HL 136NT		Siphon for air conditioners and fan coil units made of transparent polypropylene with a horizontal outlet DN 40 with a sealing nut 5/4" (DN 32 - crimp connection) or d 12 - 18 mm (for smooth fittings), with a vertical or horizontal inlet, with a water seal - 60 mm and a mechanical odor locking device, with a cleaning-collector.
HL 136.2		Siphon for air conditioners HL 136.2 with a water seal height of 140-320 mm. The siphon has a transparent pipe for visual control of the water seal, as well as the ability to connect a washing machine or dishwasher. The siphon is equipped with a jet check valve for feeding the water seal with water, with a 6/4" flare nut and a horizontal outlet DN 40.
		The HL 136.3 siphon for air conditioners is equipped with a mechanical odor-locking device that does not allow odors from the sewer to pass when the water dries in the water seal. The siphon has a purging-collector, with a swivel joint, with a 5/4" threaded connection and a horizontal outlet DN 40.
		Built-in siphon for draining drainage from HL 138 air conditioners. Designed for hidden installation (embedding into the wall). The siphon is vertical, DN 32, inlet 20 - 32 mm, has a 50 mm water trap and a mechanical odor-locking device that does not allow sewer odors to pass when the water dries in the water trap. It has a decorative ABS cover and a construction plug attached to the body of the siphon. The minimum mounting depth is 60 mm.
HL 138H		Siphon for condensate discharge with jet break. The jet break is provided by a special adapter located on the upper inlet. A pipe Ø20-Ø32 mm can be inserted into it. The siphon has a water trap 50 mm high and a mechanical odor locking device (ball), which, when the water trap dries up, reliably prevents odors from entering the room from the sewer. Throughput - 0.02 l / s or 72 l / h;
Drip funnels for air conditioners
HL20		The drip funnel HL 20 has the ability to receive water with a "jet break". Thread - 6/4". The funnel is equipped with a fixing clamp.
HL 21		Drip funnel HL 21 is designed to discharge condensate from air conditioners with "jet break". The funnel is equipped with a water seal (60 mm) and an additional odor-locking device that comes into action during the drying phase. DN 32.

The split system emits condensate during operation. To remove it, an air conditioner siphon is used. Air and water pass through the water seal in one direction only. The lintel, which is always filled with liquid, blocks unpleasant odors coming from the sewer. There are various types of such devices, differing in design and characteristics.

The drain siphon for the air conditioner combines the sewerage with the liquid outlet tube. The water seal ensures efficient operation of the system by conducting air masses and liquid in one direction.

The siphon discharges condensate directly to the drain, prevents the appearance of an unpleasant odor and helps maintain the aesthetic appearance of the air conditioner, as a result of which moisture does not accumulate on the device and does not flow down the wall. The specially designed elbow is permanently filled with water and thus blocks fumes from the sewer.

The fluid is constantly replaced as the unit operates and condensation forms. There are also models with shut-off valves and balls.

air conditioner drain

An ordinary siphon is found under any sink in an apartment. It can also be used as an air conditioner drain. But the device has rather large dimensions and will look inappropriate with a split system. For these purposes, special small siphons have been developed that do an excellent job with their functions. According to the design features of the device are divided into several types:

with a water seal;
boxed versions for installation in the wall;
with odor blocker and water seal;
dry.

Siphons with a water seal are made in the form of an arc. A pair of tubes is connected by a jumper in the form of a knee, which plays the role of a locking mechanism. This type of device is quite popular, but it also has its drawbacks:

large size;
favorable environment for the appearance of bacteria and fungus;
when the air conditioner is idle, the water in the lintel dries up, and the unpleasant smell freely passes into the room.

For hidden installation, models located in a plastic box are used. Inside there is a knee with a blocker in the form of a ball. Two tubes are connected to the box - for sewage and drainage.

The system works like a float: the liquid passes into the siphon, the ball floats up and opens the way to the sewer. After draining the device, it returns to its original place under its own weight, blocking the hole. The design of the siphon allows you to easily remove it from the box for cleaning and install it back.

Some models with a water seal are complemented by a ball mechanism to block odor. They also include tools for cleaning pipes and removing dirt.

Siphon for air conditioner PROFcool SCU-032

A dry siphon for an air conditioner is used as an alternative to a conventional device. The task of retaining the smell here is performed by a compressible rubber tube. The valve expands to allow fluid through and contracts again when drained. These models come with a funnel and a straight adapter. Siphons can also differ in the way the liquid is drained. They are:

vertical;
horizontal;
combined.

It is desirable to install the fixture in a hidden niche, but open mounting along the wall surface is also possible.

The most famous manufacturers of siphons are three companies:

Austrian HL;
Italian Vecam;
Russian Profcool.

Drainage for multi split system cassette type

It is important to choose a siphon that is suitable for a particular split system and fits well into the environment. When buying, you need to consider several factors:

HL models have been popular on the market for a long time. They have a self-cleaning function that prolongs their life and simplifies maintenance.

HL products (Hutterer & Lechner) are used for boiler equipment, air conditioners, refrigeration and ventilation systems as condensate drainage. Models can be equipped with a water seal and have an odor-locking design. Flush mounting uses a device with a replaceable cassette, which can be removed and cleaned if necessary. The transparent structure of polypropylene allows you to monitor the level of contamination.

Model HL 136 N has a 5/4″ sealing nut and is equipped with a 60 mm water seal. The package includes a mechanical device with a dirt collector-cleaning, blocking the smell. Outlet DN 40 horizontal type, crimp connection DN 32 with two directions, for smooth fittings d 12-18 mm is used. Price 1721 rubles.

The HL 136 NT version is similar in characteristics to the previous model, made of polypropylene with a transparent structure, installed with fan coil units and air conditioners. The cost of production is 2347 rubles.

Siphon for draining the air conditioner into the sewer. Installation option

HL 136.2 - siphon for air conditioner with water trap 140-320 mm high. A dishwasher or washing machine can be connected to it. A pipe made of transparent material allows you to control the state of the shutter. The reverse jet valve supplies water to the bollard. The model has a DN 40 horizontal outlet and a 6/4″ cone nut. Price - 1445 rubles.

HL 136.3 - device with mechanical lock, swivel joint, dirt collector, 5/4 connection thread and horizontal outlet DN 40. It can be purchased for 1721 p.

HL 138 is a built-in siphon for air conditioner drainage. Used for concealed mounting. Vertical outlet type DN 32, inlet opening Ø 20-32 mm, water trap 50 mm, odor blocker with mechanical device. The siphon is equipped with a decorative ABS cover and a plug connected to the body. Installed at a depth of 60 mm, costs 1664 rubles.

HL 138 H - siphon for condensate. An adapter on the top nozzle, which can accommodate a 20-32 mm pipe, creates a break in the jet. The model is equipped with a water trap 50 mm high and a ball device that retains odor when the tube dries out. The siphon passes 0.02 l/s or 72 l/h. Its price is 1975 p.

The HL 20 drip funnel receives water using the jet break method. Its thread size is 6/4″. The model has a mounting bracket. Its cost is 842 rubles.

HL 21 is another type of funnel for condensate discharge with a water seal of 60 mm and an odor blocker DN 32. The purchase price will be 884 rubles.

The price of purchased products is quite high, so some craftsmen decide to assemble the siphon with their own hands. However, a high-quality device with a check valve cannot be made independently.

You can make a U-shaped system from ordinary plumbing pipes. But when the split system is turned off for a long time, the liquid in the knee will dry out, and there will be a smell from the sewer. A homemade drainage element will also turn out to be too bulky and difficult to install.

It is better not to save on a condensate siphon and purchase a factory model with compact dimensions and a convenient functional design. A well-chosen siphon for the air conditioner will ensure optimal and efficient operation of the device without unpleasant side effects in the form of odor or moisture formation near the split system.

An air conditioner siphon is a device that is necessary to remove condensate directly into the sewer system. This device works on the principle of a water seal, passing liquid and air in only one direction. effectively copes with the task, without letting unpleasant odors into the home.

A water seal in such a drainage unit is formed by filling with water a jumper located in the lower part of the device and connecting two communicating vertical parts of the pipeline. There is always water in the siphon lintel, which does not allow odors from the sewer system to pass through.

Main types and design features

The classic siphon can be seen under every sink located in the kitchen of our apartment. It can certainly be used to drain the drainage water from the split system into the sewer, but the device is too bulky and takes up a lot of space. That is why many manufacturers of such devices have taken the path of reducing their dimensions, due to which the following types of devices have been developed:

for air conditioner condensate, has a U-shape. The elbow connecting the inlet and outlet of this device plays the role of a water seal. The device is easy to install and maintain, but has several serious drawbacks: water in the knee can evaporate with irregular use of climate technology, and unpleasant odors can enter the room. The second drawback is that such a drainage unit takes up a lot of space. As a rule, it is installed in specially prepared wall niches, covered with decorative panels.

With a water trap and a mechanical ball valve that prevents odors from the sewer system from entering the room. This type of fixture can be used both for external installation and for internal (built into the wall) location. The ball valve opens due to the pressure of the drain water on it. When the flow decreases, the valve closes the outlet to the sewerage system, preventing the movement of fecal water in the opposite direction.

A feature of such units is the presence of a cleaning-collector in their design. The ball valve prevents the movement of water and unpleasant odors.

For concealed installation (installation into the wall), box models with a ball float valve as a locking mechanism are most often used. The ball valve pops up when condensate enters the device, allowing water to pass freely into the sewer.

When the circulation of water in the device stops, the float, under its own weight, blocks the drainage channel, creating a barrier to the penetration of odors from the sewer system. The float siphon for the air conditioner, with its small dimensions, completely replaces the standard U-shaped drainage device. The box-type drainage units have a replaceable cassette, which, if dirty, can be changed or cleaned independently. The cassette is made of transparent plastic, which makes it possible to control its degree of contamination.

The experts of our company answer such questions unambiguously: It is quite difficult to make a device with a check valve without special equipment.

At home, you can make an ordinary U-shaped structure out of a plumbing pipe, but after some time of inactivity of your climate control equipment, the water from the knee of the water seal will evaporate and your apartment will be filled with “wonderful aromas” of the sewer. In addition, the drainage unit, which can be made from improvised means, will be quite bulky and difficulties will certainly arise during its installation.

Cheaper or homemade siphon analogues often cause an unpleasant odor to spread. You should not save on a siphon for an air conditioner. Against odor, you should choose devices with a mechanical ball valve.

Condensation forms during the operation of the air conditioner. To collect moisture, the design of the indoor unit provides a special tray. Condensate is removed by a drain hose. According to the rules, climate control equipment for water discharge must be connected to the sewer system. A siphon with a water seal prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors into the apartment.

Purpose of the device

Leading the drain hose outside through a hole in the wall is the easiest way to drain condensate. A flexible tube 80 cm long serves to drain the formed moisture. A simple and affordable option has its drawbacks: it is prohibited by SNiP, drops fall on passers-by, and in winter the drainage pipe freezes. In a private house, blurring of the blind area is added. The best way out is to connect the air conditioner to the sewer. An indispensable condition for competent installation is the installation of a siphon with an odor-locking device. It passes liquid in one direction, prevents the penetration of not only smell, but also dangerous gases into the room.

The principle of operation of the siphon

A conventional siphon with a water seal has a U-shape. Water remains in the elbow connecting the inlet and outlet pipes, which is a barrier to the exit of sewer odors. When using plumbing fixtures, the water in the water seal often changes, the level does not have time to decrease. In the case of an air conditioner, the flow of moisture is uneven, if the equipment is not working, then the condensate does not drain. The water seal dries up, in the absence of a water barrier, gases penetrate into the room.

A non-return valve for draining the air conditioner helps prevent an unpleasant situation. The device blocks air and sewage drains, and condensate passes freely. The locking mechanism is an ABS ball or a spring diaphragm.

When the unit is filled with water, the float rises, opening the outlet to the sewer. After leaving the liquid under its own weight falls, blocking the hole.

Types of siphons

Devices are classified according to two criteria: design and method of removing moisture.

Arc-shaped model with water seal

The standard version is bulky. The height of the water seal should be in the range of 140-320 mm. Branch pipes are made transparent for visual control. Outlet diameter 40 mm. It is possible to connect a washing machine to recharge the water seal. The model is recommended for high pressure or vacuum in the drainage pipeline. Among the minuses of the unit: large size, favorable environment for the development of bacteria, the likelihood of drying out.

Design with a water seal and an odor-locking mechanism

Compact version for concealed and surface mounting. The unit is provided with a water lock and an odor-locking mechanism in the form of an ABS ball. When the level of the water seal drops, the shut-off valve closes the outlet pipe. The model is equipped with a cleaning - a chamber for collecting dirt. The entrance to the siphon is vertical or horizontal, pipe DN32. Outlet horizontal DN40.

Flush mounting system

Concealed trap with vertical connection

The siphon assembly for draining the air conditioner into the sewer is hidden in a plastic box. The body of the unit is installed in the wall. The type of placement is vertical, the height of the water seal is 50 mm. Case size 100x100x60 mm. Two tubes are connected to the box - the inlet pipe and the outlet to the sewer. Connection of drainage hoses of three diameters is possible: 20, 26, 32 mm. A transparent cassette with a water seal and an odor locking device is placed inside the case. The valve opens when condensate passes and lowers when the water drains. The cassette is replaceable, it is independently removed and cleaned of dirt.

The kit includes a construction plug and a decorative cover with spring clips. When choosing the installation site, the requirement is taken into account - the minimum distance between the outlet pipe of the split system and the siphon is 2 m. To service the unit, it is enough to remove the decorative cover.

dry aggregate

Using a water seal is a simple and cheap solution to the problem of blocking unpleasant sewer odors. Without regular renewal of the water barrier, its benefits disappear.

A dry water trap for an air conditioner is a design with a membrane, a pendulum valve or a tube that acts as a check valve.

The most common option is an elastic molecular memory tube. In the normal state, it is closed and locks sewer gases. During the passage of water, the tube opens, then returns to its original shape. Advantages of dry shutter:

compact size;
due to the smooth surface of the membrane or tube, the device does not clog;
serves as a reliable barrier to the spread of odor from the sewer;
does not freeze in winter;
the absence of knees ensures high throughput;
allow vertical and horizontal mounting.

A dry siphon is used not only for draining air conditioners, it is installed under bathtubs and sinks in the country.

The second point of classification is the method of condensate outlet:

vertical release;
horizontal release;
combined option.

How to choose a siphon for draining condensate from an air conditioner

Siphons installed to drain condensate differ in size and design. When choosing a model, several criteria are taken into account:

Condensate outlet diameter. The size of the drain hose must match the siphon inlet.
The free space for mounting the device is estimated. Dimensions of the model may not fit in the allotted area.
For built-in siphons, the depth of the mounting niche in which the unit is installed is estimated.
The throughput of the node must correspond to the amount of condensate. The required information is indicated in the characteristics of the devices. A siphon with a low capacity is not suitable for air conditioners with a large amount of condensate.
Rubber seals at the inlet and outlet of the unit ensure the tightness of the connection. When placing the siphon under the sun's rays, ultraviolet will quickly render them unusable. In such a situation, concealed installation is necessary.

Installation of the drainage system

A flexible hose is laid from the drain hole of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. To accommodate it, a strobe breaks through the wall.

The line should not make sharp turns, they prevent a uniform flow of fluid. Let's say the angle is 45°.

To ensure that condensate is drained by gravity, the hoses are laid with a slope of 1-2 cm per 1 m of length. Hoses must not sag.

A siphon with a water seal is installed before entering the sewer pipe, which cuts off unpleasant odors. Installation is carried out using compression nuts. The direction of flow is marked on the body of the unit. The arrow helps identify entry and exit. The connection to the sewer network is carried out with a jet break. After installation, the system is tested.

Main manufacturers

Hutterer & Lechner

The leader in the production of siphons for air conditioning systems is the Austrian company Hutterer & Lechner (HL). Products are of high quality and simple design. The technology of equipping the units with a water seal and a locking ball valve prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors. The company offers siphons of various models:

HL 136.2 - siphon with water seal;
HL 138 - built-in system;
HL 136 N is a unit with a water seal and a ball odor lock.

Vecamo

The Italian company Vecamo offers a siphon for air conditioning, which is mounted on the wall, providing free access to the inlet and outlet. The kit includes connectors designed for drainage hoses of various diameters. The transparent plastic case provides an opportunity of control over a condition of internal part.

McAlpine

McAlpine's MacValve self-closing drain valve or dry trap is available in two installation sizes: 32mm and 40mm. A polymer tube is installed in a compact plastic case, which acts as an odor-locking device. Vertical mounting is recommended, but horizontal mounting is acceptable. In the first case, the throughput is 1.58-275 l / s, in the second it is lower - 0.7-1.7 l / s.