Despite the diversity of modern steel and bimetallic heaters, heating aluminum radiators remain as popular as ever.
The reasons for the popularity are excellent performance, sleek design and reasonable price, which for some property owners are crucial.
In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of aluminum radiators, their varieties, and will understand how to self-install the device.
The content of the article:
- The pros and cons of aluminum radiators
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Classification of batteries on the manufacturing technology
- Type # 1 - extrusion
- Type # 2 - cast
- Overview Performance
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Installation instructions with their hands
- Requirements for installation of batteries
- What tools and equipment are needed?
- The order of execution of works
- Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
The pros and cons of aluminum radiators
Over the past half-century against aluminum radiators nothing has changed - they are still actively used for equipping the heating systems of public institutions and apartment buildings. Neat, light and easy to install, devices readily acquire and for the improvement of private housing.
The undoubted merits of aluminum radiators are several, and they are often "outweigh the" disadvantages (which are also available), and are the decisive arguments for selecting.
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High heat - it is a guarantee of rapid heating. As soon as the coolant heats the metal parts of the instrument, the heat then begins to flow into the surrounding space
As is known, aluminum refers to the light metals. Mounting several sections of the radiator will perform even one person on a special bracket (weight 6-cell battery about 7 kg)
Current models are additionally equipped with a thermostat, which is installed on the supply of hot coolant. It allows you to adjust the air temperature in the room, to be exact - to lower it to the desired parameter
In contrast to the cast iron models, aluminum available in different versions. You can find the 3-cell and 12-cell model, wide and narrow, flat and convex
Aluminum has excellent heat transfer parameters
Lightweight construction in general
Ability to set the thermostat to adjust
A variety of shapes and sizes of radiators
Feedback from users of aluminum devices perfectly complement the interior of the rooms, and if they are knocked out of the picture its industrial design, it is easy to disguise themselves decorative screen or boxes with holes.
But there is a battery of a relatively soft metal and its weaknesses, including:
- characteristic feature aluminum enter into chemical reaction with the coolant, resulting in a formation of corrosion and gas;
- occurrence of air pockets save the vent valves;
- low resistance to high pressure and waterhammer typical of central lines;
- sensitivity to improper installation - installation errors can disrupt the uniform distribution of coolant for all sections.
Skilled installers because these specifications are not advised heating aluminum radiators equipped contours dependent on the central line.
The system operates in a way that can not be excluded hydroblows, A sharp change in pressure. Because of the instability can fail the most vulnerable places - the joints and connections.
Aluminum is sensitive to stray currents, which are one of the causes of corrosion. Too acidic or alkaline emergency coolant also causes degradation of the material, resulting in a replacement unit
In connection with the above disadvantages aluminum device is better to connect in a more stable cottage heating system. It is protected not only from water hammer, but also from a poor heat transfer medium. If you still choose aluminum radiators for high-rise buildings with the main heating, better to prefer anodized model.
Classification of batteries on the manufacturing technology
For the production of heating radiators are used not pure aluminum and its alloys with silicon. From blanks are separate sections and whole products. Basic methods of processing - extrusion, and casting.
Type # 1 - extrusion
On the production line the main tool for the production of extrusion molding extruder devices is that literally squeezes on metal workpieces desired profile.
The disadvantage of the technology consists in the production of separate parts subsequently joined by compression. Of course, the seams on the design makes it vulnerable to pressure drop and heat transfer medium to brown.
Using extrusion sections and manifolds are made. After the parts are molding processing, resize them is not possible, therefore, the installation length of finished articles not change
Extrusion model - the most inexpensive among aluminum. They differ smaller area working surfaces, which reduces the heat transfer devices. Welds obtained through compression, are gradually destroyed by contact with poor coolant.
corrosion process is still active and, therefore, that as a raw material used for extruding a secondary aluminum, which is characterized by the presence of rapidly oxidizable impurities.
Type # 2 - cast
Radiators produced by molding technology have higher operational performance. They are safer, stronger and more resistant to hostile environments than extrusion analogues, respectively, and more expensive. aluminum is used for manufacturing (by 88%) and with the introduction of silicon alloys (up to 12%).
Manufacture proceeds as follows. Molten metal enters the casting mold, wherein acquires predetermined profile. Received design configuration details cooled, treated and tested for leaks. The walls of the blanks on all sides treated with a rust inhibitor.
After another cooling and drying sections stained with practically complete protective polymer enamel with the addition of epoxy resins. Finishing stage - assembling and testing
Various manufacturers are experimenting with casting technology, bringing new types of radiators. Suppose Company Faral Trio has released a line of two-channel heat sinks, which are not lost in strength and excellent job with the pressure in the gap of more than 55 atm.
And Italian radiators Raden have vertical fins 6 rows, so there is an increase of heat.
If you want the heating system was equipped with a truly reliable and secure devices, pay attention to the anodized battery. It is made of aluminum radiators, covered with a solid oxide film that has two purposes - the protection and decoration.
The process of oxidation increases several times the resistance to metal corrosion and other adverse reactions or changes in poor quality fluid circulating through channels devices.
Overview Performance
When buying radiators is important to consider not only the appearance or method of connection, but also functional characteristics of which will depend on the work of the heating system. It is important to remember about the pressure in the network and properties of the circulating fluid.
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For individual houses (cottages) with autonomous heating systems use radiators with a working pressure of 6-10 bar, for city apartments that are connected to the central network - 10-16 atm. The maximum possible pressure is used during the test work, it reaches about 35 atm
The value of heat (which is higher than that of steel and cast iron analogues) consists of two approximately equal halves: a thermal and convection heating. The total amount of heat given summarized and indicated in watts. One section has a heat capacity of from 80 watts to 212 watts, the parameters are dependent on the size and design of the device
Center distance - a significant parameter for the circuit layout. This distance between the upper and lower openings for connecting heating pipes. To find the center distance is not necessarily look at the product passport, as the interest figure is usually present in the model name (VOX 350). Standard values - 300-600 mm (2000 mm)
There are models with different numbers of sections, some of which can be upgraded. Total number calculated by the formula: volume multiplied by the room heating rate of 1 m³ (in SNP) and divided by the thermal capacity of one section. Approximate calculations for the room 18 m² (height 2.5 m) in a pre-fabricated house: 18 x 2.5 x 41 (standard for pan.d.) / 180 W = 10-11 sections
Sections are of different volume, which depends on the height, width and depth models. The averaged capacitance values for one section - 250-500 ml, but there may be deviations. To find out the total amount of fluid in the radiator, you need the volume of one section multiplied by the number of sections
Dimensions (referred to as H x W x D) are important for installation. Typically, aluminum radiators are adjusted to the dimensions of the installation in the most suitable place - weatherstrip space. Before buying the heater must be removed from the dimensions of said portion and specify the distance between the pipes (unless they are already set)
Weight of aluminum products should not worry - this is the easiest battery of all varieties. Weight one section - from 800 grams to 1.5 kg. Brackets for hanging on the wall sold separately, as their number depends on the total number of sections (respectively, by weight of the block as a whole). Usually indicated on what kind of weight calculated fasteners
Aluminum radiators for the most part have a standard design - rectangular, vertically directed section, combined into blocks. Color usually white, but the order can find and color options. The form is just a rectangular, convex, flat, ribbed, etc., and the manufacturers are not standing still and release new models focused on customer demand
Operating and maximum pressure
thermal power parameters of the radiator
The distance between the axes of the sections
How to calculate the number of sections
The volume of coolant in one section
Selecting the size of the radiator by the surface area
Radiator Weight and mounting conditions
Features of shapes and designs
Also other characteristics and indicates the maximum temperature of the coolant. The average is +110 ° C, but the real figures are usually lower. For example, in an urban environment, they usually do not exceed the threshold + 60-70 ° C (in a partially cooled down state, and the output is usually about +90 ° C).
Installation instructions with their hands
If you have experience in similar works, the installation of the batteries can be done independently. For wall mounting than aluminum radiators require brackets and set of tools, but initially you need to learn some of the provisions regulated SNIP 41-01-2003 and general rules installation.
Requirements for installation of batteries
Radiators are heating devices inside the circulating coolant, whose temperature is higher room, so it is important to observe a minimum distance from the enclosure to the nearest significant objects:
- from the bottom to the floor - 4 cm;
- from the top of the sill to - 5 cm;
- from adjacent to the wall surface to the wall plastered - 2.5 cm.
But there are exceptions. If the window is too low, the upper edge of the device is mounted on a level with the window sill, the lower must rise above the floor a minimum of 3 cm. If sill prevents movement of air, the distance between the window and the radiator is allowed to increase up to 8 cm.
When replacing the radiator pipe arrangement does not change, it is important only to pick up the heater according to the method of connection and size. But in the regeneration of a new heating system should be made and the correct installation of pipes.
When connecting one pipe riser scheme must take place at 15-20 cm from the slope of the window, wherein the liner to the radiator should not exceed 40 cm
To use the fastening brackets (shelves, rods) or stand. The number of brackets depends on the radiator heating area: for every 1 m² - 1 pc. (Minimum 3 pcs. for one radiator). Welcomes the opening of the installation of the batteries, without camouflage screens and structures as heat transfer value at the same time anymore.
If installation takes place in an apartment building, it is necessary to agree on the temporary disconnection of the circuit before installing or replacing the radiator. Typically, this involved the representatives of the dispensation (plumbing).
What tools and equipment are needed?
Tools required for assembly and radiator connection - pliers, wrenches, pliers, sandpaper, brush and grease cleaning, pipe cutter, Flat skimmers. To secure the brackets to the wall, drill with useful pobeditovym drill and a set of plugs.
Installation is carried out by means of reinforcement sets, some of which have a connection process to handle the pipes (as are the tubes)
Accessory items that may be required:
- locking and adjusting valve (normal or under installation of the thermal head);
- collector adapters with seals;
- Majewski crane (Service - venting);
- connecting tubes made of stainless steel;
- fasteners for cranes (nuts, washers).
Qualitative valves and professionalism in sealing compounds - the key to a long and trouble-free functioning of aluminum radiators.
The order of execution of works
First, prepare openings radiator at the joints with the tubes: a brush or brush cleaned, rubbed technical cleaner (brake may be used). If necessary mount adapters with one diameter to another, and American. Further, the same tube was prepared, and then attached and mounted radiator.
As an example - replacing old cast iron radiators new aluminum counterpart.
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To connect the radiator to the pipes of the heating system, the hole is inserted a metallic adapter for sealing wound thread linen thread
If the pipes for supplying / removing coolant fit on one side (e.g., left), the holes on the second side sealed plugs
To disassemble the iron battery is necessary to cut the pipe, because there is no detachable joints. For cutting use electric saber saw for metal
Cutting both pipes (upper and lower), an iron battery carefully removed from the fasteners and is set aside. Then dismantle the old mount
To provide a threaded connection for pipe ends of the heating systems make the threads. For this purpose, the die stock with nozzles on the desired diameter
The cut ends are trimmed and fitted with shut-off valves. Then fasten a new aluminum radiator to make a layout for the brackets
Read the radiator, drilled holes for installation brackets. Fixing stud in the form of hooks are screwed into the wall, after aligning the level
Put on holders aluminum radiator, check on the horizontal level again. Connect the device to the pipe stop valves, tight twist fixing nuts
Step 1 - Set the adapter to the radiator
Step 2 - Installation of plugs on the side of the dead
Step 3 - Cutting the pipe reciprocating saw
Step 4 - dismantling of the iron battery
Step 5 - Cutting the pipe die stock
Step 6 - Installation of valves
Step 7 - Set the brackets
Step 8 - the radiator mounting brackets
Decorative walls and pipe coating made to last. Upon completion of all works again connect the riser and check the radiator work. If it heats quickly and evenly, installation is carried out correctly.
For detailed instructions on installation of radiators with their own hands can be found in this material.
Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
Installation of various models of aluminum radiators made based on some of the features, but the basic rules of connection and setting about the same.
The entire installation process, by processing the input openings prior to installation of the wall:
EXAMPLE assembly using sealant:
Installing an aluminum radiator does not take much time, if we have the necessary tools at hand and have the skills to work with metal. But whatever experience you had at the time of installation, must act strictly according to instructions, which is equipped with a new model.
Do you have personal experience of the installation or use of aluminum radiators? Please share advice with our visitors. Tell subtleties of installation that are worth paying attention to novice home handyman. Leave your comments in the box below the article.
