Bimetallic heating batteries. Bimetallic heating radiators: rating of manufacturers. Bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators

A heating device is called bimetallic, in the design of which two metals are used simultaneously: steel and aluminum. At the same time, a bimetallic radiator combines all the advantages of both metals: it has a high heat dissipation of aluminum, as well as strength, reliability and resistance to corrosion, characteristic of heating devices made of steel.

How is a bimetallic heating radiator arranged?

Outwardly, it is not easy even to distinguish a bimetallic radiator from a conventional aluminum heating device. experienced master who installed a lot of heating appliances. At first glance, they look exactly the same: it is true that the bimetallic radiator is slightly heavier, but this does not mean at all that a more massive and heavier radiator is necessarily made of two metals.

The main difference lies under the outer shell, or rather under the outer plates of the heater, made of aluminum and attached to the core of the radiator, made of steel pipes. Thanks to this design, the coolant moves only through steel pipes and does not come into contact with aluminum. Wherein outer shell the heating device, made of aluminum, quickly heats up when in contact with hot steel and effectively transfers heat to the surrounding space. Predominant in this case (as well as in aluminum radiators) is convective heat transfer.

This design results in unique performance characteristics bimetallic heating radiators, namely:

Ability to withstand operating pressure in the heating system up to 20 atm and pressure testing up to 60 atm

Ability to operate at coolant temperatures up to 130 C.

Of course, in a conventional autonomous heating system, such parameters are hardly achievable, and there is simply no need for them, but such performance characteristics can be safely called a “real find” for those who decide to install real steam heating in their home. Useful bimetal radiators and for those who want to be absolutely sure of the reliability and durability of their heating system and are afraid of leaks.

AT heating systems ah with bimetallic radiators, you can forget about possible emergency situations and the associated risk of flooding neighbors from the lower floors.

How to choose a bimetallic heating radiator?

When choosing bimetallic heating radiators, you need to know that not all heating devices, on the label of which two metals used in their design appear at once, are equally good and reliable.

The fact is that today there are 2 types of bimetallic radiators on the heating equipment market:

Instruments whose core is entirely made of steel. They can be conditionally called “100% bimetallic” or completely bimetallic.

Devices reinforced with steel, which can be safely called "semi-bimetallic", in which aluminum is in contact with the coolant, which means that it simply does not make sense to talk about any corrosion resistance, reliability and strength.

It should be noted that semi-bimetallic radiators are often passed off as full-bimetallic ones, selling them at almost the same price. When buying such a heating device, the consumer acquires a low-quality product, the service life of which is unlikely to be long.

How to avoid deception?

Semi-metal radiators are heating devices in which steel is used only to reinforce the structure. Usually vertical channels are made from it, connecting the upper and lower collectors. In this case, the radiator housing and horizontal channels for the movement of the coolant are made of aluminum. Reliable connection these two metals is impossible: the vertical channel is simply installed in the radiator housing and is not fixed by anything.

It is clear that during installation or simply due to careless handling, the vertical channel may shift, which will lead to the formation of a leak.

It is not uncommon for unscrupulous manufacturers to make only nipples out of steel, calling radiators bimetallic heating devices.

Deception can be recognized with a simple magnet. It is enough to bring it to the radiator and, by the level of attraction, determine where there is steel in the heating device and where it is not. You can buy only those heating batteries in which horizontal collectors and channels for the movement of the coolant are made of steel, connecting them, which is possible only in full bimetallic radiators.

The choice is made: we take full bimetallic radiators!

In turn, fully bimetallic radiators are monolithic and sectional.

Sectional bimetallic heating radiators consist of separate sections, which are then connected into a single heating device. Each section is made from a steel billet, which is two horizontal pipes(core) interconnected vertical pipe smaller diameter, filled under pressure with molten aluminum. The result is a strong and robust construction from a steel base designed for the movement of the coolant, and an outer aluminum casing that effectively transfers heat to the surrounding space.

When connecting sections, various seals are used to ensure the tightness of the heating device.

The distance between the cores can be different from 20 cm to 120 cm or more, which allows us to produce radiators of various heights and thermal power, suitable for heating almost any room.

If desired, a heating device of almost any thermal power can be assembled from separate sections.

Among the disadvantages of sectional bimetallic radiators, one should mention the vulnerability of connecting individual sections to each other, which makes it impossible to use them in heating systems filled with antifreeze, as well as in autonomous systems with steam heating. (leakage may occur at the junction of sections)

Sectional bimetallic radiators can work with a coolant heated to a temperature of 95 ° C and work for a short time when the coolant is heated to 115 ° C, withstanding pressure in the heating system up to 3.5 MPa.

Monolithic bimetallic radiators

More reliable and durable are monolithic bimetallic radiators, in the design of which there are no separate sections. Inside them, the steel channels through which the coolant moves are connected by welding in single structure, then cast under pressure with an aluminum alloy.

Thanks to this device, a monolithic radiator has no individual elements or gaskets, which means there is no room for leaks.

At the same time, the heating device has a high thermal output, has a low thermal inertia and can withstand, in truth, extreme loads. In particular, monolithic bimetallic radiators can withstand pressing pressure up to 150 atm and heating of the coolant up to 135 C.

The height of monolithic bimetallic radiators can also be different, and their thermal power depends on the geometric dimensions of the heating device and is a constant value.

Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic heating radiators

Bimetallic radiators are characterized by high heat transfer. On average, one section has a power of 170-190 W (more exact specifications indicated in the device passport)

Bimetal radiators can be installed in any heating system (autonomous, central, with plastic or steel pipes)

Heating devices can have any geometric dimensions, which allows them to be matched to any interior design and installed even in a limited space

Bimetal radiators are durable. Monolithic heating devices are designed for a service life of at least 25 years

Bimetallic radiators have low thermal inertia, which allows them to be used in regulated systems heating

The only drawback of bimetallic monolithic heating radiators is their relatively high cost, as well as the fact that it is not possible to change the radiator power or reduce its size.

Master of Architecture, graduated from the Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

The unique characteristics of bimetallic batteries allow you to replace the usual cast iron radiators, while the efficiency of heat transfer and durability of new radiators is not inferior to traditional ones, and in appearance they are much superior to old models. Batteries of this type are successfully used for organizing heating of a country cottage and for installation in multi-storey city houses. The steel core is able to cope with the powerful pressure characteristic of centralized networks, and is also resistant to water hammer, from which urban heating plants are not insured.

In addition to strength characteristics, bimetallic products show high resistance to impact aggressive environments, which is important in urban conditions, when the coolant is subjected to excessive alkalization or there is an increased acid content in it.

These devices are lightweight, attractive looking, they have high level heat dissipation and long service life. Pick up a radiator required size is not difficult, as manufacturers have launched production various models.

Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic radiators

The considered devices have positive properties that distinguish them from other types of heaters:

• Extended service life. Device made with high quality without violations technological process, will reliably heat the room for at least 30 years;
• The steel basis gives to this product the increased durability;
• The steel core, especially if it is made of high-carbon steel, is not afraid of a coolant with an excess content of alkali and acids;
• High degree of heat transfer (up to 190 W per section);
• As standard, the radiator has a temperature controller that allows you to reduce or increase heat transfer;
• Large selection of colors and variety design solutions appearance products, allow you to choose a radiator for any interior.

The negative qualities include the following points:

• Over the years, the different coefficient of expansion of the material can lead to the occurrence of internal friction, which is expressed in the appearance of noise;
• A small inlet and outlet diameter of the radiator pipes, if there are foreign substances in the coolant, can cause clogging. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to install a supply filter;
• High price.

Technical and operational characteristics

When choosing a radiator, you should pay attention to its technical characteristics, which are reflected in the product passport. Typically, the following information about the device is important for the consumer:

• Power. It is measured in W and determines the ability of the device to transfer the amount of heat to the room at normative value heating network at 70°C. Using this indicator,
• make a calculation required amount sections for a specific object;
• Material strength. This characteristic important when determining the type of heater in terms of heating system pressure. It is measured in bar and ranges from 15-35 units;
• The limiting level of the coolant temperature. Any bimetallic radiator copes with a temperature of + 90 ° C;
• Dimensions. It is important to determine the center distance and correlate it with the dimensions of the eyeliner. There are models with this indicator from 200 to 800 mm. The height, width and thickness of the product must comply with the recommended standards for installing a radiator in a room;
• Volume. Characterize the capacity of the radiator in liters, ranges from 0.15 to 0.4 liters;
• Weight. Standard products measuring 580x80x80 mm weigh about 2 kg.

The device of bimetallic batteries

Radiators of this type are produced using a complex technology by combining two types of metals. The basis of the product is a steel frame, inside which the movement of the coolant passes. The rigidity of the steel allows it to successfully withstand high pressure, as well as resist corrosion.

Outside, the frame is clad in an aluminum casing. Aluminum is able to quickly heat up and transfer heat to the atmosphere. Also, the casing is equipped with special ribs that direct the flow warm air into the room.

Prefabricated models are fastened together using nipples with the installation of rubber gaskets. Such connections can withstand temperatures up to 200°C and network pressure up to 35 atm. Cast models do not have internal connections.

Types of bimetallic batteries

Bimetallic radiators are produced in two types:

1. Cast. In this case, the battery case is cast in special molds;
2. Sectional. This option is assembled from separate sections, which are joined together using a threaded connection.

The convenience of sectional models lies in the ability to build new sections as needed. It will not be possible to increase a monolithic battery in this way, but due to the breadth of the size range of radiators, they can be selected for any task.

The cost of monolithic models is higher than sectional models by 20-30%.

For heating devices in residential premises and administrative buildings both types of bimetallic heating radiators are used. Which is better for an apartment - depends primarily on the design of the heating system. For standard apartments in high-rise buildings it is better to use cast products, and in country house sectional ones will perfectly cope with the load.

How to choose and what to look for

To decide which radiator to choose, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the organization of heat supply at home and the following characteristics of the heaters themselves:

• the value of the pressure test, which is determined when testing the product - this indicator should not be less than the peak values ​​\u200b\u200bof the heating system;
• with an increased content of alkali or acids in the heating system, you should choose a heater with a stainless steel or copper core;
• the outer aluminum casing must be of sufficient thickness and not bend when mechanical action, and the thickness of the rib protruding from the base should be from 1 mm or more;
• recommended core wall thickness - more than 3 mm;
• in sectional batteries, it is advisable to check the connecting gaskets for elasticity;
• the edge of the battery must have a width of at least 7 cm, this size gives maximum heat transfer;
• the minimum warranty period (less than two years) indicates the unreliability of this device, since the average service life of this type of radiators is from 20 years.

Monolithic or sectional

Monolithic cast products withstand significant pressure and water hammer, so they should be installed in multi-storey buildings. Sectional products are not able to withstand such tests due to the weakening of the structure threaded connection separate parts, but such heaters are easy to maintain and, if necessary, increase, which is impossible in the case of cast batteries in a private home.

Bimetallic or semi-bimetallic

In addition to standard radiators made of steel (or copper) and aluminum, semi-bimetallic heaters are produced. In these products, the inner core is made not only of steel - it also contains elements of aluminum. Usually aluminum is used to install vertical pipes.

Such a replacement of the base material significantly reduces the strength characteristics of the product, and in terms of durability in aggressive heating systems, semi-bimetallic radiators differ slightly from conventional ones. aluminum batteries. Connection points aluminum pipe with a steel pipe become unusable very quickly due to the difference in the expansion coefficient of these metals when heated.

Semi-metal radiators are slightly lighter than the original, so when buying, you should pay attention to this point, as unscrupulous manufacturers may not indicate the exact parameters of the product. These heaters are closer in characteristics to aluminum ones, so it is better to install them in a private house.

Distance between axles

All types of produced bimetallic radiators are subdivided according to the distance between the inlet and outlet. Most often, the distance between the axles is 350 or 500 mm, but some manufacturers make batteries with center distance in 200 and 800 mm.

Production material

Most of the bimetallic batteries are made with a steel frame and an aluminum shell. The steel core perfectly copes with the excess pressure of the network, resists corrosion, and the aluminum shell serves as an excellent heat spreader. Some manufacturers use high-carbon steel grades, which makes it possible to achieve higher strength characteristics and product durability.

To a more expensive, but most the best option bimetal radiators, include batteries with a copper core. This is actually an eternal material with high strength. The service life of such products is at least 50 years.

The best bimetal radiators

AT retail chains there are many models and brands of bimetallic batteries, such as domestic production, and foreign analogues. The rating of bimetallic heating radiators for an apartment in terms of reliability includes several well-known manufacturers.

Reliable manufacturers

The most famous and reliable manufacturers include the following companies:

• global style. An Italian brand that produces radiators under the markings: Style, Style Extra, Style Plus. The product line of this manufacturer includes models with standard characteristics and products with unique strength characteristics.
• Sira. Also a manufacturer from Italy, which focuses on the production of premium products.
• Rifar. Domestic brand. The company has launched the production of heaters with different center distances from 200 to 500 mm. The quality of products is confirmed by a guarantee of 10 years.
• Tenrad. A manufacturer from Germany is engaged in the production of heaters for private houses, equipped with autonomous system heating, but the product line also includes devices that can withstand the high pressure of a district heating system.
• WARMA. Joint Russian-Chinese venture. Technical task is developed in Russia, and the assembly of finished products is carried out in China. The radiators of this company are used for both autonomous and central heating systems.
• Konner. Russian company, which produces bimetallic batteries at the production facilities of China. The products of this company are also universal. The features include increased anti-corrosion resistance of the metal and high strength, which makes it possible to hold powerful hydraulic shocks.
• TENRAD. German company placing orders for production in China. All products are quality tested by German engineers.
• Radena. The development of the design of radiators and the control of finished products is carried out in Italy. Production China. Used center distance from 150 to 500 mm. Most models are great for Russian conditions operation in the central network.
• Fondital. Italian manufacturer of predominantly aluminum heaters. Bimetallic products are also present in the product line, and in terms of quality and cost they can be attributed to the premium segment.

This review will allow the consumer not to get lost in the multitude trademarks and choose a quality product.

Models, prices and their characteristics

The most popular and high-quality models include the following bimetallic radiators:

• WB350 from WARMA BIMETALL. This product has dimensions: height - 41 cm, depth - 8 cm, center distance - 35 cm. Refers to prefabricated batteries. The number of sections varies from 5 to 6. The power of one section is 140 watts. The maximum network pressure is up to 25 atm. 10 year warranty. The cost is 450 rubles per section.
• WB500 from WARMA BIMETALL. Dimensions: height - 56 cm, depth 8 cm, center distance - 50 cm. The number of sections is from 6 to 7. The power of one section is 180 watts. The maximum network pressure is up to 40 atm. 10 year warranty. The cost is 600 rubles per section.
• Konner. Are issued with interaxal distance of 350 and 500 mm. Both options withstand a network pressure of 30 atm. Power from 140 to 190 watts. The maximum temperature of the heat carrier is 110°C. The volume of one section is 0.14 - 0.18 liters. Dimensions: height - 413 and 560 mm, depth - 80 mm, width of one section 80 mm. Warranty 15 years. The cost for one section is about 500 rubles. Number of sections from 4 to 12.
• TENRAD BM350. The maximum pressure is 24 atm. The power of one section is 120 watts. Heat carrier temperature not more than 120°С. The volume of one section is 0.15 l. Dimensions: height - 400 mm, center distance - 350 mm, depth 77 mm, width of one section 80 mm. The cost is from 600 to 700 rubles per section. Number of sections from 4 to 12. Warranty 50 years.
• Radena Bimetall CS 500. Permissible network pressure 25 atm. The power of one section is 120 watts. Heat carrier temperature not more than 110°C. The volume of one section is 0.13 l. Dimensions: height - 552 mm, center distance - 500 mm, depth 85 mm, width of one section 80 mm. The cost is from 650 to 800 rubles per section. Number of sections from 4 to 12. Warranty 15 years.

Calculation of the number of required sections

To calculate required number radiator sections for efficient space heating, you will need to determine the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and know the heat transfer power of one section in watts. It is believed that in order to create comfortable conditions 0.1 kW (or 100 W) of thermal energy per one square meter, then, to obtain the required number of sections, you need to carry out the following calculations:

1. Find the area (P) of the room (for example, 6 x 3 \u003d 18 m 2).
2. Define by technical specifications products power (M) of one section in W (for example, 170 W).
3. To determine the number of sections (K), you need to multiply the area by 100 W and divide by the power.

The formula for calculating the number of sections looks like this: K=P*100/M

Installation of bimetallic radiators

If necessary, you can install bimetallic heating radiators yourself. Before starting work, you should read the instructions that came with the equipment and correctly calculate the location of the battery.

The radiator must be placed in the middle of the window opening, the distance from the installation surface is from 3 to 5 cm, the distance from the floor and the window sill is at least 10 cm. Having marked the installation location, you can proceed with the installation. The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Brackets are installed.
2. A radiator is hung on the brackets.
3. Make a connection to the coolant.
4. Install a thermostatic valve or drain valve.
5. A Mayevsky crane is installed to bleed excess air.

Upon completion of all work, the protective film is removed from the surface of the radiator.

Related videos

The bimetallic radiator is not a complicated and convenient system in the latest developments in heating. Its design is both high-tech and quite primitive, and the assembly feature contributes to achieving the maximum effect in raising the room temperature.

The use of two different metals in the design of a bimetallic radiator, namely steel and aluminum, made it possible to combine all the positive qualities of both in it. All these achievements together have provided bimetallic radiators with high demand and popularity.

For those who are still thinking or doubting these attitudes, for greater persuasiveness, an analysis of their advantages and disadvantages is given below. If you compare and compare them, then you can come to a certain conclusion and finally stop doubting the advisability of choosing a bimetallic radiator.

Scroll positive qualities bimetallic radiators.

• Maximum heat transfer. This factor is due to the use in the design of the radiator aluminum shell. Aluminum is known to be an excellent conductor of heat.
• Resistance to corrosion processes and coolant components. The anti-corrosion effect is achieved thanks to the inner steel shell of the radiator. Steel is less susceptible to the effects of chemical components.
• Good strength properties and, as a result, the ability to withstand high working pressure. All this became achievable thanks to the use of steel, and it, like a metal, is capable of withstanding large mechanical loads.
• Small dimensions and light construction. Compactness and weight make bimetallic radiators aesthetic, easy to install and transport.
• Unlimited sectioning. The possibility of sectional disassembly, assembly of bimetallic radiators, allows you to vary the heat transfer power in any required range.
• Attractive designer look radiators. Aesthetics unusual for heating devices, in the case of bimetallic radiators, is reflected as nowhere and never. In terms of the interior of the room, such radiators do not spoil it, but even complement it.

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages for relatively simple device, and all of them are important for operation. Then it was necessary to move on to the minuses, but they, as it were, are not there. More precisely, there is a minus, but only one and its essence is the high cost of bimetallic radiators. Yes, they are more expensive than their counterparts made using other technologies and from other metals, but the indisputable advantage of the advantages of bimetallic radiators is probably worth it.

The quality and durability built into bimetallic radiators by manufacturers have already been appreciated by millions of consumers, and this fact reduces all doubts of the incredulous to nothing. Do not hesitate, but try to heat your home with new bimetallic technologies.