Frosts down to -23°C: how to prevent water from freezing in heating systems
In Ukraine, frosts down to -23°C are expected at the end of the week, raising concerns about potential water freezing in heating systems. Experts emphasize the importance of preparing for severe frosts, particularly the need to drain water from the heating system when power is cut off. Water starts to crystallize at 0°C, and at temperatures of -20°C and below, it can cool to 0°C in the pipes within 6-8 hours. Water freezing in pipes begins after 12-18 hours at -20°C.
In Ukraine, there has only been one case in the entire observation history where pipes burst due to frost, in 2006 in Alchevsk. This indicates that with proper preparation for cold weather, serious problems can be avoided if appropriate measures are taken. The government has prepared 69 mobile boiler houses for autonomous heating supply to critical facilities, which is also an important step in preventing freezing.
Factors affecting water freezing
Experts point to several factors that determine the speed of water freezing:
- water movement
- pressure in the system
- material and diameter of the pipes
- ambient temperature
It is important for building managers to take necessary measures, such as inspecting buildings, appointing responsible technical personnel, and ensuring round-the-clock communication.
"Main pipelines carrying hot water will not freeze."
Mikhail Gonchar, expert
Oleksandr Sirydenko also emphasizes the importance of preparation: "Each heating point has special drains for draining water from the system." At the same time, Oleksiy Kucherenko draws attention to the mistakes of the past, saying: "The local authorities then made wrong, absolutely amateurish decisions."
Yulia Sviridenko reported that "we are working to minimize the consequences of bad weather," underscoring the importance of timely responses to potential problems. Preparation for frosts is extremely important, especially in the context of potential power outages, as this can significantly affect the functioning of heating systems.
Expected frosts may pose serious challenges for heating systems in Ukraine, reinforcing the importance of proper preparation and timely response. Government measures, such as mobile boiler houses, can significantly help provide warmth to critical facilities, but service companies and building managers also bear responsibility for maintaining systems in proper condition. Given the previous experience, taking preventive measures can prevent serious problems and maintain the viability of the heating infrastructure during severe cold.