Steel heating radiators: varieties, characteristics and advantages of batteries

One of the priority components of the comfort of the room is a comfortable temperature, the achievement and maintenance of which would not have been possible without the availability of high-quality batteries. The most popular are steel heating radiators, characterized by good thermal inertia, high reliability and heat dissipation.

There are various modifications of such batteries on the market. Before choosing the appropriate option, you need to understand the design and operational features of each type, agree?

The article describes in detail the advantages and disadvantages of steel radiators of various types, describes how to connect heating appliances and provides recommendations for their choice.

To facilitate the task, we have prepared a review of domestic and foreign manufacturers, whose products have proven themselves on the positive side and are in stable demand among customers.

What materials are batteries made of?

Radiators not only help to create a pleasant temperature in the room, but can also become a real decoration of the room. They radically differ from each other by the material of manufacture.

In the heating equipment market, the following options are in great demand:

• aluminum;
• bimetallic;
• cast iron;
• copper;
• steel.

Aluminum appliances light weight and modern appearance are inherent. A characteristic feature is the cost effectiveness of heating up energy resources and the simplicity of installation work. Thanks to the thin walls of the batteries, fast heating and a high level of heat transfer are achieved.

A distinctive feature of the operation of panel devices is the absence in the circuits of pressure surges, water shocks and temperature drops, which are inherent in central heating systems especially during the test and start-up

Bimetal radiators- These are models for the manufacture of which steel and aluminum are used. A successful combination of metals provides quick heating and increases the ability to withstand pressure loads. This type of radiator is suitable for both autonomous and central heating systems.

Cast iron equipment characterized by a high degree of heat transfer, reliability and durability. These are unpretentious contours, like the old, well-known from Soviet times, models of the MC-140. They also produce more respectable models with modernized and modified surfaces, smoothed inside and out.

Copper batteries durable, but at a fairly high price. Therefore, they are used quite rarely.

Steel heat exchangers characterized by simplicity of design, which contributes to the convection heating of the room.

For a more detailed acquaintance with steel radiators, it is necessary to understand their classification by type, get acquainted with the technical characteristics, features of installation work and operation.

The main types of steel radiators

Steel is ideal for the manufacture of radiators, due to its flexibility, strength, ductility, and wear resistance. These devices may differ in their shape and design. According to the principle of the device, they can be divided into tubular and panel.

As for tubular steel radiators, they consist of rectangular or round pipes, and panel - from 1-2-3 panels. To make a decision on choosing the optimal type of heater, you need to fully understand the technical and structural features of each of them.

Panel heating appliances

Panel devices successfully combine the functions of a convector and a radiator, differ in primitiveness by their simple and efficient design.

Features of panel radiators

Panel-type steel batteries are presented in the form of two plates connected by welding. Thanks to the connection, a tight space is created for the circulation of the coolant. The use of spot welding provides high reliability of the weld.

Steel panel radiator fits easily into the interior of any room

In contact with almost any type of coolant steel undergoes corrosion, its physical wear can reach 0.1 mm per year.

The decrease in this negative indicator is ensured by the high quality of the paint, performed in the following ways:

• cathodic electrophoresis - when paint is applied to the surface of the device and under the influence of a current source with a negative value, it penetrates deep into the pores of the material;
• anode electrophoresis - this type of staining proceeds similarly to the cathodic one, only the surface has a positive charge;
• immersion - steel appliances are simply immersed in the coloring mixture.

The most progressive method is considered to be cathodic electrophoresis, which has successfully established itself in many industries, including car body painting.

All panel radiators can be classified into types depending on the number of convector heat exchangers and the number of panels.

The main criteria affecting the type of steel appliances are the number of panels and ribs

The panel batteries are guaranteed a long service life at a coolant temperature of up to 70 ° C. It is important that the maximum temperature of the fluid circulating in the system does not exceed 100 ° C

When installing panel steel radiators, it is taken into account that their working pressure should not exceed 10 bar. This indicator is quite sufficient when the central heating in a house or apartment is system pressure is 9 bar.

Dimensions of steel panel-type radiators may vary significantly

However, it should be noted that during the testing of the trunk before starting, short-term water hammer system - increase pressure to 15 bar. The test pressure of the panel radiators is 13 bar, so they may not withstand water shocks that exceed this value.

If a decision has been made to install panel heating equipment in rooms heated centrally, it is necessary to provide for the installation of special gearboxes that will prevent critical load on the radiator.

Power of heating appliances

Battery power is determined by its design, the size of the panels, their number. So, in the absence of convectors in models of types 10 and 20, heat radiation is provided by the panel itself.

But the presence of a convector allows you to create a thermal curtain, cutting off the cold air that comes from the window. Far from the last role in the formation of power is the size of the device.

The presence of a convector in the panel radiator allows you to create an effective thermal curtain

The length of steel radiators is in the range of 0.4-3.0 m, and the height ranges from 0.3 m to 0.9 m. The most popular devices are 21, 22 and 11 types.

They, with a maximum size of 3 m, have the following characteristics:

• VKO 11 has one panel with a convector of 3.15 kW;
• VKO 21 consists of two panels with a 4.2 kW convector;
• VKO 22 - two panels with two convectors of 6.25 kW.

Another parameter that should not be neglected when choosing a steel radiator is its depth. It is determined by the number of sections used in the device.

Detailed information on calculating battery power and determining their number is given in this article.

Battery Connection Methods

Panel radiators are available on the market that allow for lower and lateral connection to the pipe system. When choosing a device, be sure to consider wiring diagramsince in different conditions and places of connection to the circuit, radiators of both types of connection may be required.

The bottom connection allows you to hide the pipes of the circuit in the wall or floor. It should be borne in mind that with the lower connection, the aesthetic side of the interior is maximally ensured, while the radiator efficiency is reduced by 15-20% due to losses.

With the bottom connection of the panel radiator, the heating pipes can be easily hidden in the walls or floor

Installation work on the side connection is much simpler, and the heat transfer is higher. The lateral connection of the panel radiator ensures connection to both vertical risers and to the circuit running along the floor.

Pros and cons of panel radiators

Panel-type batteries, like any equipment, have their strengths and weaknesses. Their main advantage over brothers from other materials is cost and appearance. Especially these advantages are noticeable when compared with copper or cast-iron models.

Advantages of panel structures are as follows:

1. Reliability and simplicity of the device. The absence of complex elements minimizes the likelihood of breakage.
2. Ease of installation. Installation work is possible on their own. Both the bottom and side connections are also available.
3. Good heat dissipation, which is achieved not only by the large area of ​​the battery, but also by convection.
4. Cost-effectiveness. Panel models of devices require a minimum amount of coolant, which takes less energy to heat up. Savings, in comparison with equipment made of cast iron, can reach 30-40%.
5. Presentable appearance - this allows you not to spend extra money on the purchase, installation of decorative and protective screens.
6. A wide range of - A rich lineup with various dimensions in length, depth, height of devices.

Obviously, there are a lot of advantages of panel devices, which explains their popularity and relevance. But they also have significant disadvantages. If you neglect this, you can compromise the stable and reliable operation of the entire heating system.

The weaknesses of panel-type equipment are as follows:

1. Sensitivity of welds to water hammer. With centralized heating, safe operation is only possible with the installation of a gearbox, the purpose of which is to soften water hammer.
2. Tendency to corrosion, which is especially acute when the quality of the circulating fluid is low. The cyclic semi-annual absence of water inherent in central heating systems significantly accelerates corrosion, reducing the life of the radiator.
3. Probability of occurrence of defects - during transportation and operation, the instrument panels are easily scratched, which can also provoke acceleration of corrosion.

When choosing radiators made of panel-type steel, one must take into account all the subtleties of their operation, especially when connected to central heating systems.

Features of tubular batteries

Due to the higher cost, tubular steel batteries are used much less often than panel ones. The design consists of several rows of tubes arranged in parallel. Moreover, the rows can be located not only horizontally or vertically, but also at an angle.

Characteristics of tubular devices

With the identical principle of operation, the methods for manufacturing tubular equipment vary. Some are made in the form of sections, similar to cast-iron, which are joined by welding. For others, steel rows of tubes are used, connected to the lower and upper parts by collectors.

Tubular heating device is not difficult to turn into a significant element of the decor of the room

Although the design of the tubular radiators is different, but at the same time almost all models have similar characteristics. This equipment is optimally suited for installation in heating systems in low-rise buildings.

The heat transfer of tubular radiators, in comparison with the analogs of the panel type, is greater, but the price is much higher.

The following technical characteristics are inherent to tubular radiators:

• working pressure of 15 atmospheres - during the manufacturing process 2 tests are carried out - by air for tightness and water for strength;
• able to withstand a significant temperature of the coolant - up to 130 ° C;
• a large selection of dimensions - depth from 40 to 290 mm, height from 190 to 3000 mm, there are no restrictions on length at all;
• for the manufacture of steel using a thickness of 1.32 to 1.5 mm;
• the presence of bends for side and bottom connection.

The inner walls of tubular devices are most often coated with a polymer composition. This significantly extends their life. The smooth surface prevents the accumulation of dust, therefore, with regard to hygiene, tubular devices favorably differ from aluminum, cast-iron and bimetallic analogues, the cleaning of which causes a lot of inconvenience.

Strengths and weaknesses of batteries

Tubular models of heating devices are suitable for use in private homes, where the heating system is characterized by stable and low working pressure in the absence of sudden surges and water hammer.

The popularity of tubular devices is due to a set of their positive qualities:

• high working pressure and ability to withstand water hammer;
• damage resistance mechanical nature due to the absence of gaskets in the welded sections;
• uniform surface heating and high heat dissipation;
• smooth surface prevents dust accumulation;
• ease of installation, possibility of bottom and side connection, various placement options;
• the ability to adjust the temperature when equipped thermostatic valve.

In addition to fasteners, tubular radiators can be equipped with special brackets used as heated towel rails.

There is also a whole category of models related to the category of design radiators - they are used to create the interior. These devices can be produced in the form of frames for mirrors or railings for stairs. Floor-to-ceiling models have been successfully used for zoning a room.

By giving intricate shapes to heating appliances, manufacturers increase the competitiveness of their products. But in railing-shaped steel batteries, the functional load increases

The mass of positive qualities and excellent characteristics inherent in steel heating radiators make their use attractive. Such devices are easy to fit into the interior, they allow you to visually expand the space.

However, do not forget about the disadvantages of tubular models, which are as follows:

• low resistance to corrosion processes, especially manifested with low quality coolant; spot welding sites are most susceptible to corrosion.
• high cost.

In terms of cost, tubular batteries are by no means a budget solution. Designers most often resort to their installation, who, when implementing their projects, are not pressured.

How to choose the right radiators

One of the important characteristics that affect the choice of heating equipment is considered power. In addition to it, there are a number of characteristics that significantly affect the choice of steel batteries, which should be followed when buying them.

The size of the device should correspond to the area of ​​the heated room. Without taking into account certain nuances, we can assume that for heating 1 m² The area requires 0.1 kW of thermal energy.

The heat dissipation of steel appliances used in the heating system directly depends on their area. So, the length of the radiator installed under the window should be about 60-70% of the width of the window opening.

When choosing the most suitable model, it is not superfluous to take into account such subtleties:

• the most practical are devices with a manual or mechanical temperature controller;
• to avoid accidents or to minimize the risk of flooding will allow the installation of a ball valve that blocks the flow of coolant;
• To ensure the efficiency of the heating system, it is necessary to periodically remove the air that accumulates inside - for these purposes it is suitable Mayevsky crane.

Another of the selection criteria is the reputation of the manufacturer and additional services offered when purchasing goods. So, preference should be given to those companies that provide services for installation, maintenance and servicing of sold steel appliances.

Steel appliance manufacturers

Steel radiators are represented by models of many manufacturers in the heating equipment market, but the manufacturing technology is practically the same, and the cost may vary slightly.

Steel tubular radiators are assembled from stamped sections, welded together by spot welding

The price of a product is determined by its size, brand, design. It is often possible to purchase a high-quality domestic device that is not inferior in its characteristics to a world-famous brand.

Among domestic companies, whose products are in stable demand in our market, the following:

• Lidea
• Prado;
• Conrad.

Devices of the company Lidea are made in Belarus. They are supplied with 1-2-3 panels, in which the coolant volume is in the range of 0.9-6.55 l and depends on size. The power of the radiator with one panel is 2.1 kW, with two panels - 3.9 kW, with three panels - 5.6 kW. Steel thickness 1.2 mm, working pressure 8.9 bar.

heating equipment Prado It is made in Izhevsk. It is equipped with 1-2 panels, the coolant volume varies between 0.8-5.7 liters. As for power, the radiator with one panel has 1.4 kW, with two panels - 2.3 kW. Steel thickness 1.4 mm, working pressure 8.8 bar.

Batteries Conrad are made in St. Petersburg. They are equipped with 1-2 panels, the coolant volume in which is 0.85-5.2 liters and depends on the size. The power of the device with one panel is 1.35 kW, with two panels - 2.3 kW. Steel thickness 1.4 mm, operating pressure 10 bar.

Among European manufacturers of tubular steel batteries, German and Italian companies have established themselves well: Charlston, Kermi, Arbonia, Israp tesi.

German panel heaters are also the most popular.KermiandBuderus, a Finnish companyPurmo. Almost in no way inferior to them in quality and popularity radiatorsDelonghifrom Italy as well as appliancesKorado Czech origin.

Models of panel and tubular radiators of European production have various dimensions and power. Specifications are presented in the passport of each model.

A well-known brand will cost an order of magnitude more expensive equipment from less popular companies. But the purchase of a branded device guarantees the purchase of a device of appropriate European quality

Steel radiators are among the most popular heating appliances. Due to their presentable appearance, affordable price and high heat transfer, they are widely used in offices, houses and apartments. The maximum service life of steel radiators is achieved in autonomous heating systems.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Installation features and possible schemes for connecting steel heating equipment in a video:

The video demonstrates the strength test of heating appliances from well-known manufacturers:

Having familiarized yourself with the characteristics and features of steel radiators, you can choose the best option for yourself. Moreover, the heating equipment market is replete with models of domestic and foreign manufacturers. The main thing, in the pursuit of a perfect shape, is not to overpay for a branded product.

Looking for steel heating radiators? Or have experience using such batteries? Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and share your impressions about the use of steel radiators. The communication unit is located below.