What are the features?
In essence, bimetallic radiators are an important element of a complete heating system, which provides direct heat transfer and consists of two types of metal, usually steel and aluminum. The fact is that these two metals have completely different properties, the mutual work of which gives a very good result. So, for example, aluminum has a high thermal conductivity, and even the highest pressure levels are not afraid of steel.
This type of radiator has a sectional structure, each element of which consists of two parts. The inner compartment is made of steel and is aimed at transferring thermal energy from the coolant to the second outer part made of aluminum composition, which in turn has many divisions to create efficient convection processes. Each individual section has threads on both sides, with which you can adjust the size and, accordingly, the power of the radiator to the parameters of a particular room.
Universal BR1-500 for all heating systems
The model is based on a welded tubular frame, cast in high-quality aluminum. Since the coolant does not come into contact with the inner layer, the radiator does not corrode, it keeps pressure drops well. High-tech intersection connection with non-planar silicone gaskets reduces the risk of leaks to a minimum.
Due to the increased heat transfer of 195 W, the device can be installed in central and autonomous heating circuits with various installation schemes, even in low-temperature ones. Heat appliance BR1-500 is ideal for painting - you can choose different colors according to RAL. According to the manufacturer, the radiator can last for at least half a century.
The model is suitable for those houses where the heating medium of the required temperature is not always supplied.
The owners praise the high heat dissipation, the crash-proof design without sharp corners, and the affordable cost. They note the ease of installation and additional protective packaging for the period of repair.
Features of Rifar radiators
Rifar heaters are the products of a popular Russian company producing the latest high quality battery family. They have the same advantages and disadvantages as most bimetallic and aluminum heaters.
Distinctive features of Rifar heaters are relatively high resistance to various types of influences and operating conditions:
- The use of high quality steel in the construction ensures high quality rust protection.
- A strong monolithic layer created by painting the outer surface guarantees the protection of batteries from various types of mechanical damage. This protective shell is formed due to the use of special preparations when painting the outer part of the devices.
- To protect the inner jacket of the heaters from the influence of caustic substances present in the coolant, a special protective shell is used.
- Rifar batteries are used in various variations of connection to the heating system: one-sided, diagonal and bottom connection. In individual sectors, devices with a bottom connection are more often used, and in high-rise buildings - with a side connection.
- Heaters can be used in all climatic zones of Russia in a variety of heating systems for individual houses and multi-storey buildings and structures.
- The special quality of products is achieved by using high-quality technological and production equipment. Rifar radiators are manufactured using robotic production lines and high-tech foreign equipment.
Advantages
The family of modern heating devices is represented by various types of constantly improving heaters.
Reliability and quality of Rifar products, as well as a set of the following advantages, make it the most attractive for customers:
The original design of the case ensures the creation of maximum heat transfer and free air movement.
The use of sectional batteries makes it possible to regulate the area of the heated surface of the batteries by increasing or decreasing the number of sections. This leads to a change in the amount of heat received from the heater.
When using monolithic structures, the heaters are highly resistant to water hammer, and any leaks of the coolant are excluded. Of course, heaters of this type remain operational for a long time and have a long service life.
Bimetal batteries are relatively light, modern in design and compact enough. The buyer has the opportunity to purchase appliances of the color that he prefers
To protect the surface from damage and burnout, a two-layer painting is performed.
The devices show high resistance to heat.
Simple and convenient installation allows for independent installation and connection.
High degree of reliability of bimetallic heaters in conditions of high fluid pressure and hydraulic shocks.
High tolerance to various heat transfer fluids, resistance to their internal composition, rigidity and purity.
The metal outer jacket has a significant heat transfer coefficient.
The average price is lower in comparison with similar devices abroad.
Rifar heaters are reliable, durable, have a long guarantee and use.
Bimetallic batteries are low-inertia, have high-speed heating and cooling, which is important in conditions of automatic regulation.
disadvantages
Bimetallic heaters Rifar, due to their features, are distinguished by positive performance characteristics.
But, like most devices of this class, they also have weaknesses:
- The high cost of devices.
- Aluminum radiators maintain their performance and reliability only with a high-quality heat carrier. Failure to comply with these conditions leads to a decrease in the amount of heat transfer.
- High performance of batteries is achieved by using a special manufacturing technology that requires corresponding costs. Therefore, the cost of these devices is higher compared to others.
Types of Rifar batteries
It is preferable to present the entire gallery of Rifar heaters as two classes of devices. The first includes heaters that include a set of mechanically fastened elements. Another group is based on heaters that represent a monolithic connection.
All sectional heating batteries are subdivided into bimetallic and aluminum.
Bimetallic
Bimetallic radiator rifar
The bimetallic heater is a structure consisting of two parts: an internal assembly unit made of steel and an external frame made of aluminum. They are produced in block and monolithic versions.
Monolithic heating devices are presented as bimetallic radiators Rifar, which outwardly almost do not differ from other heaters of this type. Unlike sectional bimetallic devices, they represent a one-piece structure, achieved by a special technology during the production process.
The non-use of mechanical connections between the links completely eliminates the possibility of leaks, significantly increasing the durability of the heater.
Monolithic Rifar is a bimetallic heater, the outer surface of which is aluminum panels with high thermal conductivity and transferring heat to the external environment, and the coolant moves along the inner steel elements of the structure.
Sectional bimetallic batteries are a connection of several sections with each other using steel nipples using heat-resistant rubber gaskets.
Each section is a structure of two pipes (upper and lower), located in a horizontal plane and fastened together by a vertically located pipe. All this metal structure, designed to move liquid, is cast with an aluminum alloy using a special high pressure casting technology. The result is a single durable monolithic product with appropriate technical parameters, the outer surface of which is a finned heat exchanger.
Aluminum
In the Rifar model range, aluminum batteries are represented by only one Alum model.
Durable aluminum alloys are used to protect against corrosion and the effects of various types of corrosive liquids. The outer surfaces of the battery are coated with a polymer material.
The unique shape of the section and the minimum value of hydraulic resistance, characteristic of aluminum, allows to increase the speed of movement of the coolant. The increased circulation in the system helps to reduce the amount of deposits on the walls.
This type of battery is allowed to be used in autonomous and, to a limited extent, centralized heating systems. Unlike most similar devices, the thickness of the metal in the section is 2.8 mm, therefore, the working pressure is allowed up to 20 atmospheres.
Intersectional gaskets are made of durable rubber, which allows the use of both water and other types of heat carrier.
Global STYLE PLUS 500 anti-scratch
The device is used in the main heating system with any kind of pipes. It can withstand low quality coolant and water hammer. The all-steel core provides increased hydrogen resistance. The working pressure is quite high - 35 W.
The durability of the anti-scratch coating is achieved by a two-step dyeing process using a polyester-based paint. Thanks to the nipple connections, the extension or reduction of sections is extremely fast.
Due to the large cross-section of the intercollector tube, the Global STYLE PLUS 500 quickly responds to data from the thermostat, providing comfortable heating. There are no pockets in the sectional collectors, which prevents the formation of air blockages.
The device is recommended in an apartment where children and pets live: it is difficult for naughty children or pets to spoil the strong coating.
Users note good heat transfer, no leakage, and anti-corrosion qualities. There are also no problems with adjustment. But at a low temperature of the coolant, the radiator does not work efficiently.
Pros:
- durability of anti-corrosion steel core;
- durable coating with protection against scratches;
- resistance to water hammer.
ROMMER Optima Bm 500 high quality
The radiator is made of high-quality corrosion-resistant steel and cast with an aluminum alloy, which ensures high thermal conductivity efficiency. Complies with GOST 31311-2005. ROMMER Optima Bm 500 is used for heating systems, where the pressure during operation does not exceed 18 atmospheres, and the temperature is within 110 degrees. It is possible to use antifreeze coolants based on propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.
All internal elements of the section in contact with the heated liquid are made of steel.In this case, a three-stage grinding of surfaces is carried out, which makes it possible to completely avoid blockages. The outer cover is durable, two-layer.
An inexpensive device for private cottages or apartment buildings with a small number of floors can be advised. For high-rise buildings, its pressure indicators are small.
How not to be mistaken in choosing such equipment
To choose the most suitable bimetallic radiator, you must adhere to a certain algorithm of actions, the essence of which is the following steps.
number of sections required,
Such calculations are necessary to fully compensate for all heat losses of the room due to the work of the required amount of radiator equipment.
Different models of bimetallic radiators have different resistance to working pressure. Therefore, if you are connected to central heating, you should choose equipment with the maximum working pressure, well, if you have an individual system, then this parameter is not so important and your choice can be stopped on radiators with a small indicator, which will slightly save the cost of purchasing them. ...
There are a lot of manufacturers of such equipment and each of them makes its own design features. Therefore, check which alloys were used, whether aluminum is in contact with the coolant and what are the dimensions of the inner steel pipes.
The appearance of all models is quite pleasant, but if unusual shapes are needed for any design interior, the manufacture of such radiators is quite possible under an individual order.
The choice of a manufacturer's firm must be carried out by studying reviews and consumer opinions. Today, the most trusted are the Italian companies Sira and Global, whose products can be purchased on average for 800 rubles (for 1 section). Of the domestic companies that have an established production of such radiators, the most famous is Rifar. Their equipment costs a little less, namely about 600 rubles. When calculating the budget for the purchase of bimetallic radiators, remember that really high-quality models simply cannot be cheap.
This concludes our article on all the nuances associated with bimetallic heating radiators came to an end. Of course, the equipment of such a plan surpasses all traditional batteries and registers in all technical parameters. Therefore, the reason for refusing to purchase them can only be a relatively higher price. The most important thing to remember is that it is worth buying such heat exchangers only in specialized stores that are engaged not only in the sale, but also in the professional installation of heating equipment.
Criterias of choice
The Rifar company produces several types of radiators in a wide range, differing from each other in various parameters and characteristics. Therefore, buyers always have the opportunity to choose the necessary model of heating batteries for their purposes.
Before you start choosing a specific radiator model, you need to decide in what operating conditions it will be used:
- When choosing, one should take into account the climatic conditions of operation, the average monthly temperature and the duration of the heating season, temperature drops.
- Select the heating system used - a private house, a multi-storey building, a centralized system or an autonomous system, the state of the heat carrier used.
- Determine the size and volume of the heated room, since the power of the used radiator and the required number of heating sections depend on this.
- When completing the battery, one requirement must be fulfilled: the size of the radiator should not exceed the length of the window opening.
- Determine the category of the condition of the room, its insulation and possible heat loss.
When choosing the required radiator model, one should decide and choose the appropriate solution in the process of considering some criteria, taking into account the above operating conditions.
First, you need to make a choice in favor of aluminum or bimetallic devices:
- Aluminum batteries have significantly higher heat transfer coefficients than bimetallic ones. At the same time, they have low thermal inertia, which ensures rapid heating. One section can deliver approximately 200 watts of thermal energy. All this allows you to save money in private homes.
- The heat output of one section in bimetallic devices is slightly lower than in aluminum ones. Steel cores in them reduce the amount of heat transfer by about 1/5.
- Aluminum batteries can withstand a maximum operating pressure of no more than 20 atmospheres. In central heating systems, this value can exceed this value, and in case of water hammer it can be even higher. This threatens to rupture the case. Therefore, the use of this type of battery in multi-storey buildings is not recommended.
- Bimetallic in this respect is much more reliable, since steel pipes withstand much higher working pressures and are able to withstand water hammer.
- The coolant in centralized heating systems is a liquid containing a huge package of various chemically active substances that react with aluminum. So the walls of aluminum batteries cannot be destroyed.
- Steel pipes of bimetallic devices are less demanding on the quality of the coolant, in addition, the inner surfaces of the battery are covered with a special anti-corrosion compound.
- The price of bimetallic heaters is 1/5 or even 1/3 higher than aluminum ones.
- The service life of aluminum batteries is 1.5-2 times less than that of bimetallic ones. For bimetallic ones, it is 15-20 years, for aluminum ones - up to 10 years.
In the case of choosing bimetallic batteries, it is necessary to determine the preference for a sectional or monolithic structure.
The most attractive option on the market is the option of sectional bimetallic heating batteries. This type of battery attracts buyers with its diversity when calculating the sufficiency of the required amount of heat generated by radiators. If necessary, it is possible to add a certain number of sections or, conversely, remove them. The system for calculating their number is not difficult.
The monolithic design, in comparison with other models, undoubtedly has more reliable technical characteristics under any operating conditions. They have a margin of safety in many respects, which is not always required under certain operating conditions. Moreover, the cost of this type of heater is slightly higher than that of all other models. Therefore, it is worth considering the need to purchase this type of heaters when using them in simple operating conditions.
How to choose a bimetallic radiator
Bimetallic batteries are divided into collapsible, consisting of sections, fastened by means of nipples, and monolithic. The former are cheaper, their connections are sometimes destroyed due to a reactive coolant, which reduces the operating period. But it is also easier to repair - a damaged element is easy to replace. Also, if there is not enough heat, you can build up the device with additional sections. Monolithic is better and more reliable.
Bimetal radiators are made entirely on a steel frame or equipped with reinforced stainless steel channels. The first ones are more durable, of higher quality: the coolant does not come into contact with the aluminum shell. They cost more, weigh more. Batteries where the core is made of a different material with the addition of steel are called semi-metallic.
They are inferior in quality compared to true bimetal, but they have better heat transfer.If we talk about which firms are the best among the manufacturers of such systems, then the three leaders include the domestic firm Rifar, the Italian Sira, and the Chinese Gordi.
But when making a choice, you should rely not only on the brand. It will be correct to analyze the reviews of owners, experts about specific models, because manufacturing companies make sections that differ in design and design features with different thermal power.
What parameters should be considered before choosing a bimetallic heating radiator:
- Heat output... The amount of heat that the section gives off is approximately the same as that of one element of the cast-iron battery - about 150-180 watts. The higher the value, the better.
- Operating pressure... For bimetal radiators, the indicator is from 20 bar. This is quite enough even for apartments in high-rise buildings. If the building has old pipes, frequent water shocks, choose an option with a value of 35 bar or more.
- Temperature maximum of the coolant... Should be above 90 degrees.
It is also important to calculate how many sections are required to heat the room. On average, one square meter requires 100-120 watts
Multiply this value by the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe housing to obtain the thermal output of the entire radiator. Find out the data for one section from the documents, divide the resulting value by this number and determine how many elements your battery should consist of.
When choosing a suitable model, one must take into account not only the type of apparatus, its thermal conductivity, the number of sections, but also the center distance. It depends on it whether the radiator fits into the heating circuit. Most often, the distance between the cores is 350 and 500 mm - these are the standards of modern new buildings. But for an old house, a narrow battery with a distance of 200mm may be required. These are also released, but you have to look for them. Versions wider than 500 mm are only available on request.
The rating of manufacturers of the best radiators includes the Italian brands Global Style, Royal Thermo BiLiner and the Russian Santekhprom BM. Also, the domestic company Rifar produces the Monolit model with similar properties.
RIFAR functionality
The products of the domestic manufacturer RIFAR represent a number of different models that differ in appearance and functionality, for example, the maximum pressure value, the center distance, and the like. So, RIFAR for heating boasts the following functional solutions:
- The product has a built-in valve that regulates the intensity of heating. Some models have built-in thermostatic valves, so that an excellent microclimate can be created in the room. They are more expensive in price, but much more efficient.
- Withstand high loads, and also cool down rather slowly. For example, RIFAR base 500 is the most powerful heating device, which differs in a heat transfer coefficient of up to 204 W.
- The coolant temperature can reach up to 135 °.
By choosing this particular battery model, you will not have to configure them for many years. The video in this article will help you make the right choice in favor of quality!
Features of bimetallic models
Let's list the main pros and cons of bimetal radiators.
Advantages
These radiators have the following advantages:
- They can be used both as part of individual systems and connected to centralized heating;
- Able to withstand high pressure of the working substance;
- The steel used as a material for the part of the product in contact with the coolant resists corrosion;
- Long service life (25 years or more);
- Ease of assembly, installation and maintenance of the radiator;
- High heat transfer due to the high coefficient of thermal conductivity of aluminum.
- Small overall dimensions, good design.
disadvantages
Bimetallic radiators have only 2 significant drawbacks:
- The high cost, which is justified by the strength, reliability, durability of the product.
- If air gets inside the radiator, rust may appear on the steel pipes. But this disadvantage is typical for cases of improper operation of the device.
Appendix: How to independently calculate the number of sections of a bimetallic radiator
So, if there is clarity about the rating of manufacturers, then you can choose the model you like. But at the same time, the question will certainly be raised - how many sections will be necessary and sufficient to heat a particular room?
The often practiced method of calculating, based on 100 W of thermal energy per square meter of area, does not differ in accuracy - each of the premises has its own characteristics, which must also be taken into account. Therefore, we will take the liberty of offering the reader a more accurate algorithm, which is implemented in the program of the calculator below.
Necessary comments on the calculation program
A few brief explanations for making calculations:
The total amount of heat loss is influenced by the presence and number of walls in contact with the street, as well as their location to the cardinal points and in relation to the prevailing winter winds. The program provides the appropriate input fields for these data.
The climatic features of the region will be taken into account when specifying the minimum winter temperatures. In this case, you should indicate not abnormal, but quite usual frosts for your region in the coldest decade of winter.
The parameter of wall insulation may cause questions. It is better to approach here from the position that a wall is considered fully insulated, the thermal insulation of which was carried out in full on the basis of the performed heat engineering calculations. There should be no non-insulated walls in residential buildings at all - no heating with this approach simply will not help: it will still be cold in the room, and the walls will be damp.
The features of the room, that is, its height and proximity from below and from above, directly affect the required amount of thermal energy to warm up the volume of the room and replenish heat loss through the floors.
After entering the parameters of the windows, the program will calculate the percentage of glazing (from the area of the room) and introduce the appropriate correction factor. A similar approach - if there are regularly opened doors to the street or an unheated balcony.
Finally, the overall heat transfer from heating radiators is significantly influenced by the scheme of their connection to the circuit and the features of their location on the wall.
All this is taken into account by the calculation algorithm.
Attention! The program is capable of producing two total values.
- If the calculation for a non-separable radiator model is chosen, then the result "A" should be taken into account - this is the required total radiator power for a given room, expressed in kilowatts
Prices for popular bimetallic heating radiators
- If the goal is to calculate the number of sections of a collapsible radiator, then after choosing this path, an additional field will appear, in which it is necessary to enter the nameplate capacity of one section of the selected model (in watts). The total is taken from point "B" - this is the required number of sections, rounded up to the nearest integer.
