how to choose the power of a KAMMAK flushing machine

Choosing the correct performance of the KAMMAK flushing machine is a crucial step that directly affects the efficiency of the entire heating system and operating costs. A too weak pump cannot achieve the necessary flow rate to remove deposits, while excessive performance can damage older pipes or increase water and energy consumption without a meaningful effect.

Calculating the total volume and length of the piping

First, you must accurately measure the total length of all branches in the system and estimate their internal diameter to obtain an accurate volume of water that the machine must pump. The pump performance is derived not only from the volume but also from the system resistance, which depends on the number of bends, valves, and the length of the piping. In a typical family home with underfloor heating, the volume often ranges between 30 to 60 liters, which requires a specific pump speed ratio.

  • Measure the length of each loop separately and add them up to the total value.
  • Estimate the average internal diameter of the pipe (usually 16 mm or 20 mm).
  • Take into account the number of short sections and fittings that increase hydraulic resistance.

Difference between flow and pressure in the flushing process

The key to successful flushing is not high pressure, but sufficient flow that creates turbulence and mechanically removes dirt from the pipe walls. KAMMAK machines are designed to achieve an optimal flow rate between 15 to 30 liters per minute, which is critical for effectively cleaning long pipelines. When choosing a model, therefore, pay attention mainly to the flow rate graph in relation to pressure, not just the maximum pressure the machine can generate.

Comparison: Pressure vs. Flow Pressure (bar) Flow (l/min) Low pressure / High flow Optimal area Standard model Professional model

In practice, we have encountered a case where the installation of an overly powerful machine with high pressure caused joints in the older system to loosen, because the flow was lower than the recommended limit for the given pipe length.

How to determine the required performance for different types of systems

For standard underfloor heating systems, a basic performance level is sufficient to ensure a stable flow, while for complex systems with multiple loops and long distances, a higher performance module is required. Machines such as [KAMMAK Pro Series](https://www.atria.sk/vyplachovacie-stroje-kammak/) are intended for large commercial buildings where it is necessary to overcome high hydraulic resistance. On the contrary, compact versions with adjustable performance are ideal for smaller apartment units.

  • For systems up to 100 m², the basic pump capacity is sufficient.
  • For multi-story buildings or long pipelines, a model with variable adjustment is necessary.
  • Always consider the maximum possible resistance in the longest system loop.

The influence of water temperature on the efficiency of flushing and performance

The machine's performance is closely related to the temperature of the pumped water, as hot water has lower viscosity and better dissolves greasy dirt and lime scale. To achieve maximum efficiency, it is recommended to use water with a temperature between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius, while the machine's motor should be able to operate under these conditions without overheating. Some KAMMAK models have built-in heaters that allow maintaining a constant temperature throughout the entire cycle.

Effect of temperature on viscosity Viscosity (cP) Water temperature (°C) 20°C - High viscosity 50°C - Low viscosity Faster cleaning

Practical experience shows that flushing with cold water can take twice as long and less effectively remove deposits compared to warm water at the same pump setting.

Safety limits and protection against system damage

When selecting the performance, it is critical to observe safety limits to avoid damaging the pipes, valves, or radiators due to excessive pressure. Each KAMMAK model has set maximum acceptable values that should not be exceeded, especially when working with older systems or plastic pipes. The right performance means not only cleanliness but also the preservation of the integrity of the entire heating system.

  • Never exceed the maximum pressure recommended by the pipe manufacturer.
  • Use gradual performance increase during the first flush of a new system.
  • Monitor the motor temperature and cooling during long-term operation.

Economic aspects of performance selection and return on investment

Selecting the correct performance has a direct impact on electricity and water consumption, which is reflected in the final operating and maintenance costs. Excessive performance leads to unnecessarily high energy and water costs, while insufficient performance prolongs the flushing time and increases machine wear. An investment in a quality model with optimal performance quickly pays off in terms of time and material savings during subsequent maintenance.

Costs vs. Efficiency Costs (€) Cleaning efficiency (%) Low performance Optimal performance High performance Higher cost, lower efficiency

We recommend that you always consult the specific requirements of your system with experts who can help you choose a model that will be the most cost-effective and efficient for your particular needs.

Hydraulic curve and operating point

Operating Point: Curve vs. Resistance Pressure (bar) Flow (l/min) KAMMAK Machine Curve System Curve Optimal Point

The pump performance is not a constant value, but depends on the system resistance at a given moment; therefore, it is critical to consider the machine's performance curve in relation to the characteristic curve of your installation.

Frequently asked questions

How to determine if my system requires higher performance?

If after several hours of flushing you still see cloudy water or the pressure in the system does not change, you likely need a machine with higher flow or better performance regulation.

Can I use a standard machine for a large object?

Technically it is possible, but the flushing time will be significantly extended and the risk of insufficient cleaning is high, so for large objects a professional KAMMAK model is suitable.

What to do if the machine is too noisy at full power?

Noise may indicate incorrect connection or excessively high pressure in the system, so check the inlet filters and set the performance to a lower level.

Choosing the right performance of the KAMMAK flushing machine is a guarantee of long-term functionality of your heating system and cost savings in future maintenance. Do not save on quality or technical parameters, as a properly set performance will save time, money, and prevent potential problems in the future.

Do you have a question about this topic?

Having trouble deciding or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us - we are happy to help.

Do not fill in this field:
Vytvořil Shoptet | Design Shoptak.cz.