3D mock-up of system install

Hello all, it's me again.

I know some of you are probably tired of hearing about my intentions instead of actions, but I am just about to do the install. I have designed my hopeful setup in a 3D modeling software to help me better visualize how it will all be put together and assist with assembly. I have uploaded a video of an overview of the setup (seen here) and added a few of the screen caps to this post, also see this link for better resolution. Due to tight quarters, I had to make the most of what I had and hopefully you friendly and knowledgeable folks can point out a few easier or more efficient way to do this. For clarity, the copper/pink is all 1" copper line, while the blue is either 3/4 or 1/2". Since Burnham supplies the boiler loop pump, I am really only waiting on the sizing of the pump for the HWH and the system pump, but they're very close in physical sizing that I could mock them up in my model. Here's a link to the higher resolution mockups and plans <here>


I have followed Burnham's "Near Boiler Piping - Heating Plus Indirect Water Heater" schematic from the Alpine manual, and I think I have all of their specified components included in my mockup. In a previous thread, I had used an example that an HVAC specialist and shown me, but using @BadgerBoilerMN 's criticism of overpumping, I decided to go with a system circulator with zone valves as opposed to pumps for each zone (especially since I currently will only have a single zone). I've shown a few Webstone flanges and other Webstone valves since I'm tight on space; while they're not price friendly, they do save me on valuable space.

As always, your comments and criticisms are welcome.

I've also added a few more shots to the album, hoping to order material tomorrow or the day after.

Trying, but what do I know?
1. Is the stub pointed to by the orange arrow for future something?
2. I think you could simplify with without the 45 degree pipes, but maybe you have a good reason for the angle.

Nice drawings.
I am totally unfamiliar with such heating systems.

Reach4 said:

Trying, but what do I know?
1. Is the stub pointed to by the orange arrow for future something?
2. I think you could simplify with without the 45 degree pipes, but maybe you have a good reason for the angle.

Nice drawings.
I am totally unfamiliar with such heating systems.View attachment 21955

Click to expand...

Thanks for the response.

1. The orange arrow points at a stub for a future zone
2. The 45s are needed because the indirect tank is located beneath stairs, so I need to turn down from the ceiling to it, it's more effective if I approach at a 45 opposed to a few 90s.

do I need a separate expansion tank for my IDHW

I am wondering if I need a separate expansion tank for my indirect hot water heater in addition to the expansion tank I have shown on my system? Either that, or do I upsize the expansion tank to satisfy both the heating system and the hot water?

revised and updated

For those following at home, I have used @R Mannino's fine work and copied essentially his layout, including switching from an Burnham Alpine to a Viessmann Vitodens 100.

A video of it can be seen here: http://youtu.be/zBf6-09JTiA
and still shots can be seen here: http://goo.gl/6k59AL

Thank you for the pointers again Ron, you've been a tremendous help and I hope you don't mind me letting others know. Thanks to anyone else who might want to chime it.

I've further revised an error or 2 that was in the original model, the revised model is here: http://youtu.be/OMj7PC6E13g

final mock-up

For the very few of you following, here is my final mock-up. --- http://youtu.be/cH-x5UsCuFA
For clarity, I have not included the indirect tank in the video. Also, the orange/red piping is 1-1/4" copper, the copper/pink is 1" copper, and the blue is 1/2" copper.

The boiler and all of it's components are to be delivered this week and I plan on the full install this weekend. I will post some photos once I get her up and running...god willing.

Material arrived today, very exciting. Will update progress over the weekend.

Success!!!!

We have heat!!!!

Thank you all for your generous knowledge and sharing your opinions throughout this process. I realize I probably overthought a lot of this, but I'm happy that in the end it is up and running.

I'll share some photos once I get some time (and clean up some of the non-professional looking elements).