What Is the Optimal Temperature Rise for Secondary Heating System Circulators?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on optimizing the temperature rise for secondary heating system circulators in a dual-boiler setup, each contributing 75% of the building's total heating load. The suggested formula from the boiler manufacturer for calculating secondary flow rate is Gross Output BTUH divided by the product of temperature rise and 500. The participants debate the merits of achieving a higher temperature rise with lower water flow versus a lower temperature rise with higher flow rates, ultimately considering a compromise temperature rise of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance.

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Artman
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I would like to get some opinions on secondary circulator and piping design for heating system.

System Description:

Two (2) boilers each one is 75% of building total heating load. Each with a secondary circulator pumping to a manifold into a primary loop. The return piping comes from a second manifold adjacent to to supply manifold.

Primary loop with two (2) parallel circulators moving the heating water 100% of the heating load using a 20 deg F TD to the building and through the equipment.

Okay, the boiler manufacturer suggests the formula:

Gross Output BTUH/(Temp Rise x 500) = Secondary gpm

Temp Rise = 230 deg F - Return Water Temp

I know that the boiler can handle higher flows than will be obtained through this formula (with a 70 deg Temp Rise and a 515,000 btuh boiler I only get 14.7 gpm).

So which is better, use less water at higher temperature, or use more water at lower, closer to system, temperature? Or is it best to figure a compromise and go with that? Say a 40 deg F or 50 deg F temperature rise in the boiler?
 
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