The first heating radiators made from two metals (bimetallic) appeared in European countries more than sixty years ago. Such radiators quite coped with the assigned function of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room during the cold season. At present, the production of bimetallic radiators has been resumed in Russia, while the European market, in turn, is dominated by various aluminum alloy radiators.
Bimetal radiators are a frame made of steel or copper hollow pipes (horizontal and vertical), inside which the coolant circulates. Outside, aluminum radiator plates are attached to the pipes. They are attached by spot welding or special injection molding. Each section of the radiator is connected to the other by steel nipples with heat-resistant (up to two hundred degrees) rubber gaskets.
In Russian city apartments with centralized heating, radiators of this type perfectly withstand pressures up to 25 atmospheres (up to 37 atmospheres when pressure tested) and, due to their high heat transfer, perform their function much better than their cast-iron predecessors.
Radiator - photo
Externally, it is quite difficult to distinguish bimetallic and aluminum radiators. You can verify the correct choice only by comparing the weight of these radiators. Bimetallic because of the steel core will be heavier than its aluminum counterpart by about 60% and you will make an error-free purchase.
Video - Bimetallic radiator
The positive aspects of using bimetallic radiators
- Bimetal panel-type radiators fit perfectly into the design of any interior (residential buildings, offices, etc.), without taking up much space. The front side of the radiator can be one or both, the size and color scheme of the sections are varied (self-coloring is allowed). The absence of sharp corners and too hot panels makes aluminum radiators suitable even for children's rooms. In addition, there are models on the market that are installed vertically without the use of brackets due to the additionally present stiffeners.
- The service life of radiators made of an alloy of two metals reaches 25 years.
- Bimetal is suitable for all heating systems, including central heating. As you know, low-quality coolant in municipal heating systems adversely affects radiators, reducing their service life, however, bimetal radiators are not afraid of hyperacidity and low quality of coolants due to the high corrosion resistance of steel.
- Bimetallic radiators are the standard of strength and reliability. Even if the pressure in the system reaches 35-37 atmospheres, this will not damage the batteries.
- High heat transfer is one of the main advantages of bimetal radiators.
- The regulation of the heating temperature using a thermostat occurs almost instantly due to the small cross section of the channels in the radiator. The same factor allows you to halve the amount of coolant used.
- Even if there is a need to repair one of the radiator sections, thanks to the well-thought-out design of the nipples, work will take a minimum of time and effort.
- The number of radiator sections needed to heat a room can be easily calculated mathematically. This eliminates unnecessary financial costs for the purchase, installation and operation of radiators.
The negative aspects of using bimetallic radiators
- As mentioned above, bimetallic radiators are suitable for operation with a low-quality coolant, but the latter significantly reduces the life of the radiator.
- The main disadvantage of a bimetallic battery is the different expansion coefficient for aluminum alloy and steel. After prolonged use, creaking and a decrease in the strength and durability of the radiator may occur.
- When operating radiators with low-quality coolant, steel pipes may quickly become clogged, corrosion may occur, and heat transfer may decrease.
- The contested disadvantage is the cost of bimetal radiators. It is higher than that of cast iron, steel and aluminum radiators, but considering all the advantages, the price is fully justified.
How to calculate the number of radiator sections
Thanks to a simple mathematical formula, you can calculate and find out how many radiator sections are needed to heat the room.
Before calculations, you need to know the area of \u200b\u200bthe heated room and the power of the radiator. The second value is indicated on the packages with the goods or provided in the price lists by the manufacturers of radiators.
So, to find out the number of radiator sections (A), the area of \u200b\u200bthe room (S) should be multiplied by 100 and divided by the radiator power (P).
A = S×100÷P
With a room area of 20 sq.m and a radiator power of 180 watts, we get:
A = 20×100÷180
Accordingly, the number of sections can be taken as 11 or 12. But, since radiators with more than 10 sections warm up less efficiently, it is better to install two or three radiators with fewer sections.
Installation (assembly) of bimetallic heating radiators
The design of the heating system includes pipes and a radiator directly. The connection of the radiator and pipes is made by spot welding. Installation is carried out by plumbers or other qualified specialists in a short time without serious damage. wall partitions. Possible self-installation in the presence of necessary tools, instruments and ideas about the order of work being carried out. Installation instructions from the manufacturer usually come with bimetal radiators.
As practice shows, pipes made of polypropylene (reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum) are most successfully combined with bimetallic radiators. When using pipes with deep aluminum reinforcement, the use of a shaver and the stripping process become unnecessary. This significantly reduces the installation time of radiators. Less popular pipes for connecting bimetal radiators due to frequent leaks and blockages are iron (steel) and metal-plastic pipes in combination with collet clamps.
The installation of bimetallic heating radiators is carried out in place of the dismantled old ones after preparation working area, which includes the dismantling of pipelines from the riser, marking the place for installing a new radiator and drilling holes for brackets.
- The distance from the bottom of the radiator to the floor level is taken in the range of 60-120 mm. If the radiator is installed above or below the specified height, the heat exchange rate is reduced. At the same time, about 20 mm are left from the back of the radiator to the wall, and there should be at least 50 mm from the top of the radiator to the window sill to improve convection and ease of installation.
- Traditionally, radiators are mounted strictly horizontally under the window, in the center. Moreover, if there are already radiators in the room, their level must strictly correspond.
After marking (using building levels) holes are drilled on the wall for the brackets and the latter are fixed with dowel-nails and cement mortar. The brackets must be positioned so that the hooks pass freely between the horizontal collectors. In this case, the radiator housing will be securely fixed to the wall.
Before installation, the bimetallic radiator is equipped with everything necessary: a Mayevsky crane (to remove excess air from the system) from above, adapters and fittings at the junction of the radiator with pipes.
Radiator connection diagrams
— Traditional one-way or side connection. With this option, the pipe supplying the coolant to the radiator is connected to the branch pipe located on top of the radiator. Accordingly, the outlet pipe is mounted to the lower radiator pipe. Heat loss with this method of connection is not more than two percent.
— Bottom diagram. It is practiced when the heating system is hidden or built into the floor covering. The pipes for the removal and supply of the coolant are connected from opposite sides of the radiator, to the lower branch pipes. Heat losses reach up to 12%.
— Diagonal pattern suitable for radiators big amount sections. The coolant supply pipe is connected to the upper branch pipe, and the outlet pipe is connected on the other side, from below.
After connection, the system is filled with coolant. To do this, the stabilizing valve is closed 2/3 to prevent water hammer.
Bimetal radiators with a decorative coating (two layers of heat-resistant paint) cannot be cleaned with abrasive materials and powders. Painting is recommended to be done no more than once every ten years. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to paint over the thermostat.
Video - Dismantling the old radiator and installing a bimetallic
Bimetallic radiators, which are better
Bimetallic radiators on the Russian market are fully certified, but they differ not only in the company and country of origin, there are small, but very important nuances which you should pay attention to when buying.
Price is one of the most important aspects that consumers pay attention to. But before judging the quality of a product by its price, you should figure out what makes up the cost of a radiator.
The most inexpensive bimetal radiators presented by manufacturers from China and Russia. The price of one section does not exceed four hundred rubles. The low cost is due to a simplified design, material savings in the production of goods. The working pressure of such radiators is slightly lower than analogues produced by other countries, and the appearance is not perfect.
If we compare bimetallic radiators from the price range from 400 to 600 rubles for each section, we will meet two manufacturers from Italy (Global, Sira) and another brand from Russia - RIFAR. The radiators of these companies look more aesthetically pleasing and attractive with a coating of snow-white or cream shades. Some models are equipped with an air vent or thermostat. Mounting methods and some production nuances (center-to-center distance, equipment, etc.) are different, which do not significantly affect the performance (power) and reliability of radiators. But all of them managed to establish themselves on the positive side of satisfied customers.
In a special series RIFAR MONOLIT models of radiators are presented, specially designed for operation at operating pressures up to one hundred atmospheres. If you need to choose a radiator not straight, but rounded, you should evaluate the quality and design of the series RIFAR FLEX. And if your choice fell on radiators with a copper core with increased resistance to corrosion, then the models of such heaters are presented by the company PILIGRIM.
Bimetallic heating radiators: features, types, how to choose
5 (100%) votes: 3Today for heating in the house are used different kinds radiators. The most popular are bimetallic batteries that combine the properties of steel and aluminum. In the article, we will consider the design features, pros and cons of such batteries, and also answer the question: how to choose bimetallic Radiator?
Bimetal heating radiators
How bimetallic radiators are arranged
As already mentioned, two materials formed the basis of bimetal batteries: steel and aluminum. The inner part of the structure (pipe), through which the process of movement of the coolant is carried out, is usually made of stainless steel (sometimes copper). This metal is very durable and is not affected by the aggressive environment of the heated coolant.
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The outer side is made of aluminum and is a casing with fins. Aluminum has a high thermal conductivity, warms up in the shortest possible time and the air in the room begins to warm up instantly.
Device bimetallic radiators
The inner and outer parts of each section are joined together by casting. This process is carried out under pressure or spot welding. By means of steel nipples and heat-resistant gaskets, which are able to withstand a maximum temperature of not more than 200 ° C, the sections are assembled into a battery.
The fact that in the design bimetallic radiator there are parts made of steel, due to a number of positive characteristics that this metal possesses:
- steel is able to withstand pressure drops;
- steel is highly resistant to electrochemical influences, while aluminum internal surfaces rust quickly, and therefore their service life is short.
However, in turn, aluminum is characterized by high thermal inertia. On the one hand, this is a virtue, but on the other, a kind of disadvantage. Aluminum surfaces respond very quickly to even minimal changes in temperature. Thanks to this property, you can very quickly adjust the temperature parameters of the heated room.
Due to the high heat transfer of aluminum, less coolant is consumed, while the amount of heat given off is identical to that of cast iron radiators. That is why the dimensions of bimetallic heating radiators are more compact, and the shapes are very attractive in appearance.
Advantages and disadvantages
By purchasing an installation made of bimetal, your heating system will be provided with many positive aspects:
- First of all, it is a long service life. Due to the high quality of the design, which combines two good material, such radiators can work effectively for 30-50 years.
- Durability and reliability. These qualities are ensured by the steel core, which is able to withstand high working pressure and water hammer.
- Bimetal heating radiators are suitable for any heating system, even with low quality coolant.
- High heat transfer is another important positive quality. Due to the fact that the outer case is made of aluminum, heat is distributed throughout the room very quickly. Standard models, in which the distance between the axles is 500 mm, have a heat output of up to 190 W, which is much more than in radiators made of only one metal.
- Thanks to the built-in, you can control and regulate the heating temperature.
- Externally, bimetal batteries are very attractive. Various colors and design solutions allow everyone to choose a radiator to their taste.
As you can see, bimetallic radiators have a large number of advantages, which cause a wide demand for such products. However, there are some disadvantages that should not be ignored when choosing:
- Different coefficients of expansion of steel and aluminum. In this regard, after prolonged operation, noise and squeaks may occur in the heating circuit, and the strength of the structure will be lower.
- During the installation of radiators in the central heating system, heat pipes can quickly become clogged. This is due to the fact that they have a small diameter. Given this feature, it is better to be careful and install a coarse filter.
- The high price of bimetallic radiators.
Varieties of bimetallic radiators
Radiators made of bimetal are of two types: monolithic and sectional.
Sectional ones are designed from sections, each of which has a multidirectional thread inside the horizontal pipe sections on both sides, through which connecting nipples with sealing gaskets are screwed.
It is this design that is one of the most important shortcomings of bimetal batteries. The downside is that defects very often appear at the joints, for example, from a low-quality coolant. As a result, the operating period of the radiators is reduced.
Also in the areas where the sections are connected, under the influence high temperatures leaks may be observed. To avoid such unpleasant moments, another technology for the production of bimetallic heating radiators has been created. Its essence lies in the fact that initially a one-piece welded collector is made of steel, then it is placed in a special form and, under the influence of high pressure, aluminum is poured on top of it. Such radiators are called monolithic.
Both varieties have their advantages and disadvantages. We have already talked about the disadvantages of sectional ones, but their advantage is that if one section is damaged, then it is enough just to replace it. But if a breakdown or leakage occurs in monolithic construction you will have to buy a new radiator.
Let's spend comparative analysis monolithic and sectional bimetallic radiators.
The cost of a monolithic radiator is higher than that of a sectional radiator by about 20%.
The choice of bimetallic heating radiators
When choosing bimetallic batteries, you should pay attention to a number of criteria on which the operating efficiency will depend.
Design
As already noted, radiators can be monolithic and sectional. In order to choose the most optimal option for a particular heating system, you need to know what the working pressure in the system is. If it is exposed to powerful water hammers, then it is better to give favor to monolithic models. In all other cases, it is recommended to purchase sectional ones, since they are much cheaper.
To purchase a more reliable device, you should know that there are two types. The first type is made of a steel frame, the other is supplied only with steel-reinforced channels through which the coolant moves.
Batteries belonging to the first type are characterized by greater strength and reliability. In such designs, the coolant does not come into contact with the aluminum alloy, as a result of which the risk of corrosion is minimal.
The main features characterizing the first type are weight and cost. They are produced by the following companies: Royal Thermo BiLiner, Global Style, Rifar (Model Monolit) and domestic company Santekhprom BM.
Another type is called semi-bimetal radiators. The main characteristics of such devices: high heat transfer and more low price. Most popular device brands Gordi, Sira and Rifar, excluding Monolit.
center distance
Most of the manufactured models of bimetallic radiators are equally functional. However, the distance between the axles of the models varies. Standard indicators of the distance between the axes: 35 and 50 cm.
You can find radiators in which the gap is 20 cm, this length is considered the minimum. Batteries with such a distance are manufactured by companies: Sira, BiLUX and RIFAR. The maximum distance is 80 cm, such models are available from the manufacturer Sira.
Production material
It is important that the radiator is well resistant to the effects of an aggressive environment in case the coolant is of insufficient quality and contains a large amount of alkali and acidity. This is mainly typical for batteries in apartment buildings.
- It is important that the internal channels are made of one metal, preferably stainless steel.
- The wall thickness of the inner pipe should be 3-3.5 mm.
- A very important role is played by the quality and elasticity of the pads. It is they that affect the reliability of the connections, so usually rubber or silicone acts as the material for their manufacture. To check the quality of the sealing ring, it is enough to bend it with your fingers. If the gasket is stiff and inelastic, then this indicates its poor quality.
- If the radiator is sectional, then here you should pay attention to the nipples. It is important that they are made of high quality steel. The low quality of these parts is evidenced by the softness of the metal. If it is of poor quality, then the key hooks will definitely fall off and in this case the nipple will need to be sawn using grinder and get its parts from the holes of the sections.
- The width of the front part of the radiator fin should be more than 70 cm. If this figure is lower, then this will affect the heat transfer of the radiator in a negative direction. Most optimal ratio section size in section is 80*80 mm. With such indicators, heat transfer will definitely be high.
- The thickness of the protruding ribs is also indicative of quality. This indicator should not be lower than 1 mm.
Guarantee
The warranty period also indicates the quality of the product. If the manufacturer gives a service life of only 1-2 years, then this means that the likelihood that the radiators will work with high efficiency small, because operational period quality product is 20-30 years old.
Specifications
Battery specifications include dimensions. The height of the radiators is from 20 to 80 cm. To choose the right size radiator, you need to take into account the distance between the base of the window and the floor and subtract 20 cm from this number. The width is directly dependent on the place where the device will be installed.
Another important indicator is the working pressure, which varies between 15-35 atm. For centralized heating systems, it is better to choose the maximum values, for autonomous ones, you can also choose the minimum.
One of the most important and significant criteria affecting the efficiency of radiators is power. This indicator is determined based on the power of one section (it is indicated in the data sheet).
Calculation of sections of bimetallic heating batteries
In order to effectively heat 1 m² of area, you need 100 W of thermal energy. To calculate the area of a room, multiply the width by the length.
N= S*100/P N is the number of radiator sections, S is the area of the room, m², P is the specific thermal power of one section.
Use the calculator for calculating the required number of sections of a bimetallic radiator.
Installation of heating radiators from bimetal
Bimetal batteries must be installed in accordance with the instructions specified in the device's passport.
In order to connect the radiator with your own hands, you need to consider a number of factors:
- as a location for the battery, it is better to choose the middle of the window;
- installation is carried out exclusively in a horizontal position;
- from the wall to the battery, you need to maintain a distance of 3-5 cm. If you place the radiator too close to the wall, then the result will be an uneven distribution of heat;
- the distance to the window sill should be 8-12 cm, if it is less, then this will negatively affect the heat transfer of the batteries;
- the distance from the floor to the battery is 10 cm.
Installation of all elements of the system is carried out in a polyethylene package of the radiator. Do not remove this packaging until the entire installation process is completed.
The procedure for performing the installation of bimetallic heating radiators:
- initially it is necessary to mark the intended area on the wall where the brackets will be attached;
- then the brackets are fixed;
- batteries are installed on them;
- then the radiator must be connected to the pipes;
- then a thermostatic valve or faucet is mounted;
- an air valve is installed at the top of the battery.
Manufacturers
Currently on the market heating equipment you can find a large number of different models of bimetallic radiators produced by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. Consider the main characteristics of the most popular models.
| Model | Distance between axes, mm | Section Size: Width*Height*Depth (mm) | Maximum working pressure, Bar | Thermal power of the section, W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifar (Russia) | ||||
| Rifar Forza 350 | 350 | 415*90*80 | 20 | 136 |
| Rifar Forza 500 | 500 | 570*100*80 | 20 | 202 |
| Rifar MONOLIT 350 | 350 | 415*100*80 | 100 | 136 |
| Rifar MONOLIT 500 | 500 | 577*100*80 | 100 | 194 |
| Global Radiatori (Italy) | ||||
| Style 350 | 350 | 425*80*80 | 35 | 125 |
| Style 500 | 500 | 575*80*80 | 35 | 168 |
| Style Plus 350 | 350 | 425*80*95 | 35 | 140 |
| Style Plus 500 | 500 | 575*80*95 | 35 | 185 |
| Royal Thermo (Italy) | ||||
| BiLiner Inox 500 | 500 | 574*80*87 | 20 | 171 |
| Biliner 500 | 500 | 574*80*87 | 20 | 171 |
| Tenrad (Germany) | ||||
| Tenrad 350 | 350 | 400*80*77 | 24 | 120 |
| Tenrad 500 | 500 | 550*80*77 | 24 | 161 |
| Gordi (China) | ||||
| Gordy 350 | 350 | 412*80*80 | 30 | 460 |
| Gordy 500 | 500 | 572*80*80 | 30 | 181 |
| Sira Industrie (Italy) | ||||
| Gladiator 200 | 200 | 275*80*80 | 30 | 90 |
| Gladiator 350 | 350 | 275*80*80 | 30 | 140 |
| Gladiator 500 | 500 | 423*80*80 | 30 | 185 |
| Litiz LLC (Ukraine) | ||||
| Altermo LRB | 500 | 575*82*80 | 18 | 169 |
| Altermo RIO 500 | 500 | 570*82*80 | 18 | 166 |
| Grandini (Italy) | ||||
| Grandini 350 | 350 | 430*80*82 | 16 | 130 |
| Grandini 500 | 500 | 580*80*80 | 16 | 167 |
Thus, high-quality bimetallic heating radiators are able to work effectively for a long period of time.
Bimetallic heating radiators are widely used in private houses and apartments. They are extremely long term service life and high pressure resistance. Installing such radiators in your apartment, you get at your disposal a reliable and durable source of heat and comfort. Which radiators are better and how to choose them? You will learn about this from our review.
Bimetal radiators - what is it
For many years, cast iron and steel radiators have been used in heating systems. They had certain advantages, but over time they were replaced by modern aluminum and bimetallic radiators with high efficiency. To date, the bimetallic models are the leader in terms of reliability. What are they?
Aluminum heating radiators are very sensitive to pressure in the system, and at high pressure they will inevitably burst.
Many people know about efficient and inexpensive aluminum batteries. Aluminum radiators are characterized by excellent heat dissipation, light weight and ease of installation. But they also have obvious disadvantages - this is the lack of resistance to corrosion, high pressure and water hammer. Aluminum deteriorates under the influence of aggressive coolants and bursts when the nominal pressure is exceeded. To solve the problem with the lack of resistant radiators, bimetallic radiators were created.
The basis of bimetallic radiators is strong steel - the core is made from it. On top of this steel core is an aluminum “shirt” responsible for heat transfer. The result is a kind of "sandwich" of two metals. Steel tolerates pressure surges and water hammer well, and under the influence of an aggressive coolant, it deteriorates rather weakly. This makes the battery very durable.
As for the aluminum "shirt", it does not come into contact with the coolant, so it is practically not threatened by anything. As a result, the developers managed to create lightweight, durable and extremely durable heating batteries. What are the advantages of bimetallic batteries?
The bimetal radiator consists of a strong steel core and an aluminum body.
- Long service life - resistant and durable steel is used in the production of radiators, which does not deteriorate under the influence of an aggressive coolant. As for aluminum, in a dry environment it is practically eternal;
- Resistance to high pressure and water hammer - the same steel core is responsible for this. Battery manufacturers claim that their radiators can easily withstand pressure surges up to 50-60 atmospheres. Also, models began to appear on the market that are resistant to pressure up to 100 atmospheres (for a short time);
- Long service life - it reaches up to 25 years. But practice shows that this indicator is not the limit;
- High heat transfer is the key to the efficiency of the heating system. Bimetal radiators have a heat output of up to 200 W per section. This is a very high figure, typical for steel and aluminum models- this is exactly what the developers were striving for when creating these batteries;
- Great appearance - bimetal batteries are extremely neat and compact. They are well suited for exposed and concealed (under-panel) mounting. They can be installed both in the apartment and in the office - they fit perfectly into any interiors;
- Lack of inertia - bimetal batteries heat up in a matter of minutes. This is due to the low heat capacity of the metals used;
- Repairability - if necessary, a failed section can be quickly replaced without changing the entire battery.
Thus, bimetallic heating batteries have absorbed only the most best features his predecessors. They have become indispensable when creating heating in multi-storey buildings, where there is a high pressure of the coolant. But they also have their drawbacks:
- High cost - the disadvantage is not very significant, since you have to pay for quality and reliability;
- Noise - this manifests itself over time and only on batteries Bad quality(when the manufacturer frankly “hacks”, saving on the production of radiators). As a result of thermal expansion, the batteries begin to emit extraneous sounds.
This list can be completed, since bimetallic batteries do not have any special drawbacks - only solid advantages.
Where are bimetallic batteries used?
A frequent consequence of water hammer in a heating system with low-quality or old radiators is battery rupture.
Heating of multi-storey buildings is carried out by centralized heating systems. They are characterized by low quality of the coolant, high pressure and the presence of water hammer. Many high-rise buildings still use steel radiators, which have good efficiency and high heat dissipation. But their appearance is far from perfect. Therefore, apartment owners in multi-storey buildings often change batteries to bimetallic ones.
Bimetal radiators tolerate high pressure well - some models can withstand up to 60 or even up to 100 atmospheres. That's why ideal for centralized heating systems. The resistance to water hammer that occurs in heating systems connected to central boiler rooms is also pleasing - other batteries literally burst, flooding apartments and personal belongings of residents.
Also, bimetallic batteries are used to heat large industrial, administrative and utility rooms connected to centralized boiler houses. They are also installed in private households, but this is not very profitable - there is no high pressure in autonomous heating systems, so buying bimetal batteries will be a waste of money.
For heating private houses it is more profitable to purchase aluminum batteries heating - they have more affordable price and work well with a good quality coolant.
Characteristics of bimetallic radiators
Technical characteristics of bimetallic radiators of the Italian company Global
- Coolant temperature - up to + 110-130 degrees;
- Thermal power - up to 205 watts per section;
- The internal volume of one section is from 0.15 to 0.4 liters;
- Working pressure - from 16 to 35 atm;
- Peak pressure - 50-100 atm;
- Section weight - 1.5-2 kg;
- Center distance - 350 or 500 mm.
Naturally, the characteristics may differ in one direction or another, depending on the manufacturer.
More detailed information about the technical characteristics of the selected bimetallic radiators you can get from the product passport.
Which bimetallic radiators are better
When choosing equipment for the installation of a heating system, it is necessary to pay attention to radiators. They must be reliable, durable and of high quality. Bimetallic heating radiators - which are better and how to choose them? Focus on the following options:
- Heat dissipation of one section;
- Manufacturer country;
- Trademark.
These are key parameters, so you need to pay special attention to them so as not to buy some short-lived nonsense. The price for one section of bimetallic radiators varies from 550 to 1000 rubles. Naturally, there are also more expensive models in stores. If the selected radiator turns out to be suspiciously cheap, it is better to refuse to buy it. The optimal price tag for today is 600-700 rubles per section.
Heat dissipation selection
For more efficient heating room, use radiators with a higher heat output.
The higher the heat transfer, the warmer it will be in the rooms - the simplest laws of physics work here. Cast iron batteries have low heat dissipation, so they cannot release much heat into the atmosphere. If the temperature in the rooms seems low to you, try replacing the old cast iron batteries to modern bimetallic ones. Due to the high heat dissipation, you will feel how the rooms become much warmer.
The range of thermal power of bimetallic radiators is quite large - from 130 to 205 W per section. The greater the thermal power (heat transfer), the warmer in the rooms with the same number of sections. We recommend choosing batteries with maximum heat output, because the heating system should not only be beautiful, but also compact - with powerful batteries you can reduce the number of sections. But you need to remember that you have to pay for high heat dissipation, so such batteries are more expensive than their low-power counterparts.
If we do not take into account the most advanced and efficient bimetallic batteries, then the average thermal power will be about 170-180 W per section.
Selection by country of origin
When choosing the best bimetallic heating batteries, you need to pay attention to the country of origin. Italy is the leader in quality here. If you saw Italian batteries in the store, you can safely count on their highest quality. Only German products can compare with Italian products - many well-known and few well-known manufacturers. Concerning domestic manufacturers, then they work under licenses of foreign brands, so their quality can be trusted.
Italian bimetal radiators GLOBAL Style Plus
Nothing unequivocal can be said about Chinese manufacturers - that's why they are Chinese manufacturers. They do some things well, and some things they do badly. One batch of batteries can drastically differ in quality from another. Somewhere they can save on the thickness of the metal, forgetting to correct the technical specifications. And someone makes quite decent batteries, albeit somewhat inferior in quality to European products. That's why buying Chinese heating batteries is always associated with a certain risk.
For our part, we recommend buying bimetallic batteries from well-known manufacturers from Italy, Germany and Russia. However, if you come across radiators from the well-known Chinese manufacturer Grandini, then you can think about buying them - they are quite good in quality.
Select by manufacturer
Which bimetallic batteries are better and which are worse? You can answer like this - if you buy batteries from an Italian trademark Global, then you will not be mistaken in your choice. This manufacturer produces a wide range of radiators, including bimetallic ones. The Style Plus 500 series is characterized by the greatest heat dissipation. The numerical index here indicates center distance, and the heat transfer rate reaches 185 W per section. Other series are also on sale, which are distinguished by a more affordable cost.
One of the best domestic companies producing bimetallic radiators is Rifar.
Domestic bimetallic radiators Rifar have good characteristics. They are manufactured under license from the aforementioned Global brand and are characterized by high heat dissipation, reaching 205 watts. Batteries are really great, and their main advantage is their affordable price. As a result, we get a product that is balanced in terms of characteristics and price.
It is impossible not to mention the products of such a famous Italian brand as Sira. These are durable and hardy radiators with good technical specifications and low cost - the perfect balance for the products of the famous Italian manufacturer.
You can buy bimetallic heating radiators at any heat engineering store. They are not in short supply, so there will be no problems with the purchase. You only need to be afraid of Chinese radiators, as they can fail with quality.
Bimetallic radiators - customer reviews
You already know which bimetallic batteries are better and which ones are worse. Now it remains for us to consider user reviews.
I have my own installation team and we are engaged in the installation of heating systems. In apartment buildings, we always install Italian bimetallic batteries, famous for their quality. Therefore, our customers are always satisfied - the batteries effectively heat the premises, and some of them even feel hot from such batteries. Bimetal tolerates water hammer well, can work at high pressure. Breakdowns are almost never encountered, as they are very rare. People order such batteries even for private houses, because they want the heating to work for a long time and without problems.
In our apartment there were old cast-iron batteries that literally disfigured the rooms. Last summer we decided to overhaul throughout our den. At the same time, the batteries were changed - in the store we were advised to buy bimetallic radiators Rifar Monolith. They are very neat and flat, do not spoil the interiors of the rooms. The craftsmen calculated the number of sections for us, as a result of which it turned out that the new batteries would be smaller in size than the old ones. Now we have an excellent apartment renovation with nice bimetallic radiators. It is very warm with them in winter, so we are already planning to install the same radiators in our son's apartment - he has old steel dust collectors.
My husband and I bought an apartment, but instead of checking in, we decided to make repairs first - otherwise the repairs would have gone into the back burner. They installed new kitchen furniture and completely re-laid the floors. We also decided to modernize the heating and install modern bimetallic radiators. The very first winter showed that the batteries heat well, but one of them showed a leak. It’s good that taps were installed along with the radiators, so we didn’t have to suffer with repairs - they blocked the coolant supply, unscrewed it, and handed it over to the master. Here is such a vaunted Italian quality, although it is possible that we just got a marriage - the rest of the batteries have been working for the fourth year already.
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Bimetallic radiators, which, as the name implies, are made from a composition of two metals, began to be produced more than fifty years ago in European countries. They quickly gained wide popularity due to their reliability and operating efficiency when installed in any heating system.
Which bimetallic batteries are better to choose, and what should you pay special attention to? This question always arises for all those who decide to replace old heating appliances with more modern options that differ in high operational characteristics, and respectable appearance.
Today, the production of bimetallic radiators has been established in Russia. Domestic products are quite popular, and have fully justified themselves when installed in central heating systems.
The design of bimetallic radiators
General design principles
This type of radiators consists of two main parts, made of different metals.
Their inner part is made of stainless steel or, more rarely, copper, since these metals are highly resistant to the aggressive environment of a heated coolant. Pipes made of these materials are arranged vertically and horizontally, and it is through them that the coolant circulates.
The outer part of the radiators is, in fact, a casing equipped with fins, which is made of. This metal has excellent thermal conductivity and quickly warms up, giving off heat to the premises, which is why it was chosen for the outer part of the structure.
The inner and outer parts of each section of the radiator are joined together by injection molding or spot welding. Sections are assembled into a battery using steel nipples and heat-resistant rubber gaskets, designed for temperatures up to 200 degrees. However, in addition to such batteries, there are also monolithic radiators made of the same materials.
Crimping passport pressure of bimetallic batteries different manufacturers may vary - this indicator depends on the material of manufacture of internal pipelines and dimensional parameters. If during the pressure testing of certain models a test pressure of 35 atmospheres was created, then they will be able to withstand water hammer, pressure drops during which reaches 25 ÷ 30. This allows the use of such radiators in central heating systems, which sometimes do not differ in the stability of the coolant pressure.
Due to the high thermal conductivity, bimetallic devices turned out to be even more efficient than the familiar cast-iron batteries.
In appearance, bimetallic radiators practically do not differ from aluminum models. However, they can be distinguished by weight, because due to the steel pipe "core", bimetallic batteries are heavier than aluminum ones, by about 50%. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you should definitely study the certificate of conformity and other accompanying documents. technical documentation, which must be attached to the batches of products, and is located at the seller of a specialized store.
Bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators
In addition to bimetallic, semi-bimetallic radiators are also produced. You need to know how they differ from each other, and which ones are better.
- Bimetal devices
In real bimetallic radiators, only the outer casing of the device is made of aluminum.
Their production process consists in the fact that ready-made all-steel cores, laid in special forms, are poured under pressure with aluminum, which conducts heat well, but is not resistant to aggressive media and high coolant temperatures. In bimetallic versions, aluminum does not come into contact with the liquid medium in any way and serves only as a heat exchanger. The design, made according to this principle, is ideal for installation in both central and autonomous heating systems.
In some models, the core is made of copper, not stainless steel - such batteries are usually used for installation only in an autonomous heating system, where special antifreezes are used as a coolant. Steel pipes, even stainless ones, do not “behave” so adequately with some of these antifreezes.
Water is not the only possible type of coolant
For dusting the circuits of an autonomous heating system, in addition to water, other liquids are also used - this may be due to the peculiarities of the operation of the system or the requirements of the boiler equipment. More about - in a special publication of our portal.
- Semi-bimetallic batteries
For semi-bimetallic radiators, the internal channels are made of different metals. So, vertical pipes can be stainless steel, and horizontal pipes can be aluminum, as in conventional aluminum radiators. There is also the reverse. In a word, they do not “pull” on full-fledged bimetallic ones.
Be careful - instead of full-fledged bimetallic radiators, there is a chance to purchase lower-quality and reliable semi-bimetallic radiators This type of battery is not suitable for central heating, since the coolant there often does not differ high quality and fashion to contain a sufficiently large concentration of alkali. In contact with aluminum, such a composition can cause corrosive processes, which, among other things, “capture” and steel elements installed in combination with aluminium. In addition, the differing thermal expansion of these metals can even cause elements to move when subjected to extremely high temperatures, which can lead to leaks and even more serious accidents.
Such radiators are often confused with bimetallic ones - outwardly they are generally indistinguishable. Not really understanding the intricacies, they are often preferred because of the more affordable cost. However, as can be seen from the description, they differ quite significantly in their reliability.
In extreme cases, a semi-bimetallic type of radiator can be installed in an autonomous system. But still, if it is decided to make the heating of a house or apartment as reliable as possible, then it is better to refuse semi-bimetallic radiators, and opt for real bimetallic samples. Be sure to consider this when buying.
Monolithic or sectional bimetallic radiators
As already noted, collapsible bimetallic radiators are produced, which consist of sections fastened together with nipples, and monolithic non-collapsible ones.
In the sectional version, each of the sections inside the horizontal pipe sections has a multidirectional thread on both sides, designed to screw in the connecting nipples with sealing gaskets.
This design is the main significant drawback of sectional batteries, since these joints can be damaged from, for example, low-quality coolant, which significantly reduces their service life until the next preventive intervention. In addition, leaks most often occur at the joints of the elements, under the influence of high temperatures and high pressure in the system.
To avoid these unpleasant moments, another technology for the production of bimetallic radiators was thought out. It consists in the fact that at first a one-piece welded copper or steel manifold is made, which is placed in a special form and filled with aluminum under pressure. These bimetallic batteries are called monolithic.
And this bimetallic radiator is a monolithic assembly Both types have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The lack of a collapsible scheme has already been mentioned. And the main advantage of such batteries is that if one of the sections is damaged, you won’t have to change the whole one completely, since it’s quite enough to make a bulkhead - replace or simply remove only the failed element.
In the event of any leakage in monolithic radiator it remains only - they have practically no maintainability.
Selective comparative characteristics radiators of both types are shown in the table:
Often the decisive criterion is the question of cost. The fact is that the monolithic type of radiators has more high price than sectional, and this difference can be up to 20%.
When using monolithic bimetallic batteries, it will not be possible to vary the total thermal power- reduce or increase the number of sections. Therefore, before purchasing them, it is necessary to carefully calculate how much power is needed for heating. specific premises. It will not be difficult to choose the right option, since monolithic bimetallic radiators are produced in different sizes, both in length and in height.
When choosing between sectional and monolithic batteries, the features of the heating system should also be taken into account. For example, if they are planned to be installed in an apartment of a high-rise building, then it is better to choose a monolithic type of device, since the pressure in the heating system of high-rise buildings is often quite high, water hammer is not excluded. and connecting nodes of sectional batteries may not withstand it and leak.
Selection criteria for bimetallic radiators
When choosing a specific model, in addition to the characteristics already mentioned above, there are other points that will directly affect the quality of the heat exchange devices and the duration of their operation.
- The design of the radiator must withstand water hammer and high pressure. This is especially important to consider when installing them in central system heating. Be sure to pay attention to the test pressure indicator.
- The battery material must be inert to the aggressive environment of low-quality coolant with an increased level of alkali or acidity. This factor also mainly applies to batteries installed in multi-storey buildings.
- The material of manufacture must also resist the occurrence of electrochemical corrosion.
- Radiators must be resistant to mechanical impact, that is, their outer casing must have sufficient strength. To check the quality of the aluminum (aluminum alloy) used, you should try to bend the fin with your fingers. In a poor-quality product, the ribs bend easily, and sometimes they can even crack or break.
- Internal ribbed channels should be made of one metal, and it is better if it is high-quality stainless steel.
- The wall thickness of the inner pipe must be at least 3÷3.5 mm.
- An important element in sectional design batteries are gaskets, since the reliability of the connections will depend on their quality and elasticity, so they are most often made of rubber or silicone. You can check the quality of the sealing ring by bending it several times with your fingers. If the gasket is rigid and inelastic, then it is clearly not enough for a long time.
Particular attention to the quality of the nipples - they must be made of durable steel - IN sectional radiator high-quality steel nipples should be installed, in which the internal “antennae” will not break when the sections are twisted and the thread will not “gobble up”. The fact that the nipple is of poor quality can be recognized by the softness of the metal of manufacture.
If this element is of poor quality, then when the battery is unwound or twisted, the key hooks will definitely break off, and then the nipple will have to be sawn with a grinder, and then its parts removed from the section holes.
- The width of the front part of the radiator fin should not be less than 70 mm, since if this parameter is smaller, the heat transfer from the device is significantly reduced. It is best if the size of the section in the section is 80 × 80 mm - such parameters are guaranteed to give high heat transfer.
Optimal depth and the width of the sections is about 80 mm Some manufacturers use a marketing ploy - they reduce the price of their products by reducing the size of the sections, which significantly reduces the overall thermal power of the device. Therefore, when choosing a radiator, it is advisable to have a tape measure or ruler in your pocket - so that you can control the optimal size.
- For a high-quality battery, the thickness of the protruding ribs should be at least 1 mm.
If the thickness of the fins is less than 1 mm, then this most likely indicates an insufficient quality of the product, since the strength of the radiator casing is reduced in it, and the heat transfer is not so high - due to the low heat capacity of too thin heat exchange plates.
But on this model, the thickness of the ribs is clearly underestimated - it's worth considering ... - You also need to know that if a manufacturer saves on high-quality nipples and gaskets, this indicates that the entire product, with a probability close to 100%, is not of high quality, and it is better to immediately refuse it.
- You should not buy devices for which the manufacturer gives guarantee period only 1 ÷ 2 years, despite the fact that the service life of bimetallic sectional batteries is 25-30 years, and monolithic ones - even about 50 years. Such a small guarantee suggests that the manufacturer himself is not confident in his products.
Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic radiators
positive their qualities are as follows:
- Bimetal radiators fit perfectly into modern interiors both residential and office space.
- This type of radiators is often produced with different color design. If the desired color is not found, then self-coloring is allowed. For this process, special heat-resistant paint formulations are used that can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees.
- Smooth surfaces and rounded corners make these radiators safe enough from the point of view of the possibility of injury, and therefore suitable for installation in children's rooms.
- The advantage is a fairly long guaranteed service life, subject to the choice of high-quality radiators and their correct operation.
- Bimetallic radiators can be installed in any heating system, even with low-quality coolant.
- This type of device, unlike other modern radiators, is able to withstand high intra-system pressure and temperatures up to 130 degrees.
- One of key benefits such batteries is a very high heat dissipation.
- Such devices, as a rule, are equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to set the desired temperature for their heating. Its adjustment occurs almost immediately, due to the small cross-section of the channels.
- The number of radiator sections for each particular room can be easily calculated independently using the mathematical formula that will be given below. The correct calculation will help to avoid unnecessary costs when buying radiators, their installation and further operation.
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