Chinese diesel heater ducting advice.

[ArchersArrow1971]

Good morning to all you fellow boaters and sailors.

I am very new to owning a vessel, and have a 1982 classic sedan with a length of 9.75 metres and beam of 3.25 metres. She will become my home at a point where by she is able to. She is in dyer need of tlc, which I am currently active with. Most of the Iroco wood has been left to rot (sadly). New timbers are currently being fitted by myself.

I have invested in a Chinese diesel air heater and will be installing the unit before build and fit new furniture.

My query is this.
How long, if anyone knows, can the ducting for the heater be extended to? I have purchased an 8kw unit and extra ducting for the install, but really need to know how long the ducting can extend to. There doesn't seem to be much information on this spec, but does give diameter specs.

Can anyone help?

Thank you in advance for your help and look forward to a great relationship with you.

 

[peteK]

I have 2metres of hot air ducting and runs ok,but have heard of people with a lot more ,over a long length you will lose a lot of heat and not much heat will come out of the end of the pipe so you will need to insulate the pipe.

 

[pvb]

Welcome to the forums!

If you click on the following link you can download the Eberspacher Marine Installation Guide from the excellent Butler Technik website. In the guide, you'll find a section on how to calculate the air resistance of your proposed ducting. You should use the Airtronic D5 figures as being most similar to your heater. You'll see that every bend, adaptor, metre of pipe, vent, etc, adds resistance to the airflow, and you should plan not to exceed the recommended limit. You'll see that larger ducting has much less resistance.

https://www.butlertechnik.com/downl...e_Installation_Guide_Airtronic_D2_D4_&_D5.pdf

 

[ArchersArrow1971]

Thank you for the information. That is so awesome.

Yes, I shall be insulating the ducting as the overall length from unit through is about 7.8 metres. 2 exit points in the main saloon (the biggest area to fill with warmth), one in the shower room and one in the cabin area.

I shall not put one in the galley as I figured that it will probably be warm enough with the hob, oven and fridge.
Plus I plan to have the galley open plan onto the main saloon. As the bulkhead for that area have been removed by the previous owners. Mind you, most of the bulkheads and deck supports were ripped out causing the current neglected damage.

I may share some photos to give you all progress and a better picture of what level of undertaking I have committed to.