Choosing a radiator for a specific heating system
Having considered the main characteristics of radiators, we can conclude which model is suitable for a particular system. If you use central heating, then the pressure in it can change dramatically, sometimes the mark reaches exorbitant values, and water hammer occurs. The temperature will not be stable, it can change during the heating season and even during the day. The composition of the coolant does not differ in purity, it contains chemical impurities, abrasive particles, and there is no need to talk about an acceptable ph level either. Based on all this, it can be argued that it is best to refuse aluminum batteries in such systems.
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Features of bimetallic radiators
In the production of these products, two types of metal are used - steel and aluminum ("bi" means two). The section is a high pressure cast steel pipe into an aluminum jacket. Steel elements mate with the pipeline, withstanding pressure surges and successfully resisting corrosion. The aluminum coating provides high heat dissipation. The sections are connected to each other by means of nipples.
Steel tube in an aluminum casing
Pros of bimetallic batteries
- Durability and long service life (over 25 years) due to the inner steel pipe. This is the main difference between bimetallic and aluminum radiators.
- High heat dissipation. A small amount of energy is spent on warming up the radiator itself. Heat is transferred to the room almost immediately.
- Working pressure up to 40 atmospheres.
- The maximum temperature of the coolant is 130 degrees (for aluminum batteries - 110).
- Resistant coating. Coloring is carried out in two stages: first, the product is completely immersed in a coloring solution, after which a polymer layer based on epoxy resin is sprayed. Such processing not only gives the battery an aesthetic appearance, but also increases its tightness.
- Easy to transport and install. You can increase the number of sections on site.
Important! Some bimetallic models have a single steel core and are not divided into sections. The advantage of such products is that they can withstand high pressure and are not subject to leaks.
Cons of bimetal
The difference between aluminum and bimetallic radiators is that the heat transfer from bimetal is lower. The steel core significantly reduces this figure.
The cost of bimetallic batteries exceeds the price of aluminum ones by about 30%.The operating costs are also higher - bimetal has a higher hydraulic resistance, so more energy will be needed to pump water.
Improper use of batteries will corrode steel elements. This happens if water is drained from the system at the end of the heating season. Simultaneous contact with air and water creates conditions for steel rusting.
The narrow bore of the iron pipe increases the risk of clogging and shortens the life of the product.
Note! Steel and aluminum have different coefficients of thermal expansion, so after a while the radiator begins to emit characteristic sounds. It is not dangerous
Comparison of aluminum and bimetallic radiators
- Externally, aluminum and bimetallic radiators are similar - they are metal rectangles with flat fins, painted in neutral colors. The number of sections for both is from 6 to 12. The average heat transfer of the devices does not differ much - from 180 to 200 watts. But the use of devices has its own characteristics.
- Aluminum batteries are installed where maximum heat transfer is required at low pressure and good quality of the coolant, namely in private houses. You can put bimetallic sections in an autonomous system, but this will be an unjustified waste of money.
- Bimetal devices were created taking into account the peculiarities of domestic centralized heating systems. The steel filling of the battery withstands frequent pressure drops in pipes, hydrodynamic shocks, aggressive impurities in the coolant. Therefore, bimetallic radiators should be installed in the central heating system.
Finally. When buying radiators, it is better not to save money and choose appliances from well-known brands. If the production technology is not followed, the equipment will not last long
It is extremely important that experienced specialists are engaged in the installation, since the operation of the entire heating system and the heat in the house depend on the correct installation of the batteries.
What is the advantage of a bimetallic battery?
The first thing I would like to draw your attention to is the insignificant internal volume of the product, which allows you to save on heating a small amount of the coolant without sacrificing heating the room. Plus, bimetallic radiators have the following advantages:
- the ability to use a coolant with any level of acid-base balance;
- a bimetallic battery can withstand very high pressure;
- only reliable paronite seals are used to connect the sections;
- bimetallic radiator has a high margin of safety;
- thanks to the use of a special dyeing technology, the finished product does not lose its visual appeal throughout its entire service life;
- long service life, which can exceed 25 years thanks to the use of steel pipes;
- high level of heat transfer achieved due to the use of aluminum fins in the construction of the heating battery.
Ease of installation due to the low weight of the bimetallic battery, the ability to expand additional sections right at the installation site, attractive appearance and other characteristics make such radiators popular along with aluminum products.
How to distinguish a bimetallic radiator from an aluminum one?
As it might seem at first glance, the aluminum battery is practically no different from the bimetallic counterpart. But in reality, this statement is incorrect and can lead to the wrong choice of a suitable radiator.And if you plan to save on the cost of the heater and buy the cheapest model, then it is possible that it will not work for a long time. Therefore, you need to understand how a bimetallic radiator differs from an aluminum battery.
First of all, I would like to focus on the external similarity of bimetallic and aluminum products. They are shaped like a flat rectangular battery painted white.
If we consider the number of sections, then both models of batteries can be equipped with the required number of cells, depending on the area of the heated room.
The main difference between the bimetallic and aluminum heatsinks is inside the device. Aluminum is a metal that is quite light and soft, so batteries made of it can break down under constant voltage conditions. Simply put, the pressure of the coolant inside the system should not exceed 12 atmospheres. In turn, bimetallic radiators are able to withstand almost 3 times the pressure.
Also, these batteries differ in weight. The mass of steel is slightly larger than aluminum, and therefore 1 section of a bimetallic radiator is approximately 500 Gy heavier than an aluminum analogue. This difference is especially noticeable in products with a large number of sections.
Well, the main difference between bimetallic and aluminum batteries is the service life of the devices. Aluminum radiators are significantly inferior in this matter to bimetallic batteries. The service life of an aluminum product reaches 15 years
In turn, the combined unit has an operational life of more than 25 years, which is important for any heating system.
Based on the above, we can conclude that in private housing construction, an aluminum battery is considered the best in terms of price and quality, and a bimetallic radiator is suitable for apartment buildings. Plus, modern products are equipped with everything you need for self-installation, from wall brackets to an air vent. Therefore, the installation of both aluminum and bimetallic radiators is possible with your own hands without seeking help from specialists.
Bimetallic heating radiators, properties
The name of these products says that their main highlight, in accordance with comparison with other batteries, is contained in the use of 2 different metals in the manufacture of the frame. Radiators of this type are iron pipes, in accordance with which the heated liquid circulates, they are pressed with external components made of aluminum or its alloy. Due to this fruitful individuality, bimetallic products retain excellent heat transfer characteristics due to aluminum and increased strength of iron parts ...
Bimetal radiator
The use of a steel core will reduce to a minimum the number of drawbacks of a heating battery made of only aluminum.
Here are the main characteristics of batteries made with 2 metals:
- Excellent heat dissipation (200 W from one section).
- Fast heating rate.
- The devices are small and not heavy.
- They do not contain a large volume of coolant.
- Withstand high pressure (20 atm working)
- The metal core is inert; modification of the reaction of the coolant medium affects it.
- Reliable (20 years of work and more).
Poor quality of bimetallic devices. The narrow lumen of the iron core, this can lead to early pollution and not a small price of products (on average, thirty percent more expensive than similar aluminum ones). Bimetallic radiators are externally similar to aluminum ones, their outer part is made of the same material.
It can be seen from the features of aluminum batteries and those produced by 2 alloys, their constant use in one criterion is not possible. Especially for aluminum products, they are not suitable for centralized heat transfer criteria due to their inability to tolerate dangerous pressure surges and sensitivity to water quality.
This means that from these 2 radiators, only bimetallic devices are suitable for central heating. Aluminum products are suitable for weak heating systems and are good for independent heating systems, where the temperature of the circulating water is comparatively low.
The radiators of the bimetallic system are not bad in individual heating systems of the building, especially if there are solid fuel boilers, these batteries have a large solar inertia in comparison with aluminum ones, therefore they can smooth out the reeling of the pace. heat carrier.
When choosing a suitable device in the presence of an autonomous boiler, it is necessary to take into account the differences between aluminum radiators and bimetallic ones, taking into account not just one characteristic, but their complex. Devices made of 2 metals are more expensive and have lower heat dissipation, but they are the most durable by 2 times.
Operation and maintenance
Steel radiators are available as finished panels. If the calculation of the power of the heating battery is incorrect, then you will have to add a new one.
With an aluminum radiator, everything is simpler - if you wish, you can add one or more sections, or remove unnecessary ones. You can do this yourself.
The service life of aluminum radiators depends significantly on the manufacturer and the model range. The cheapest will start flowing in 5 years, or will crack with a small water hammer (see photo). And expensive models can last 20 years or more.
Aluminum radiator bursting due to water hammer.
Steel radiators are more difficult. By definition, they cannot be particularly strong - thick metal will impair their thermal conductivity. Therefore, they are afraid of high pressure, they wear out quickly when it drops.
But if the system has a stable working pressure and there are no water shocks and surges, then a steel panel radiator can serve for 15 years. In addition, in case of problems, it can be "patched". This is much easier to do than repairing an aluminum one.
As for special care - neither steel nor aluminum require it. Unless you need to wipe them from dust, which is easier to do with a steel radiator.
Comparison of aluminum and bimetallic radiators
In appearance, both presented radiators are very similar to each other. They are made in the form of rectangles made of metal, the shape of their ribs is flat. The number of sections for both types of structures is from 6 to 12 pieces. Their heat transfer also goes almost on par with each other, amounting to approximately 170-200 watts.
Today, it is very popular to play up every household detail of a room, turning it into a fashionable accessory. The same applies to the bimetallic batteries installed in your home. The outer coating of the products is always painted neutral white or gray. However, you can improve the standard store options yourself by covering them with specialized bright paint. Apply a pattern to the radiator that you like and breathe a special atmosphere into the room.
Color options from the manufacturer
Heating radiator decor option
Important! Before purchasing paint, consult with experts. It is important to choose non-toxic and heat-resistant to keep your health safe
So, let's summarize and name the main difference in the operation of batteries made of aluminum and bimetal:
- Aluminum batteries are well suited for installation in country cottages and ordinary private houses. It is there that you need to get the maximum heat transfer from the radiators, especially in winter. Subject to low pressure and high quality of the coolant, this is an ideal option for heating suburban housing equipped with an autonomous heating system. It makes no sense to install bimetallic sections, as they can quickly fail;
- Bimetallic batteries were developed just for operation in the conditions of an urban centralized heating network. Impurities from aggressive chemicals have long been added to the water circulating through them to reduce heat loss. The steel core of bimetallic installations easily copes with these impurities, and also withstands hydrodynamic shocks and pressure drops in the system. That is why it is better to use this type for installation in an apartment, office, etc.
Choosing heating radiators, which are better - aluminum or bimetallic?
When choosing heating devices, it is important not to make a mistake and purchase equipment that has optimal technical and operational characteristics. The main aspects influencing the selection of products are battery design features, build quality, heat transfer and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress.
What is the difference between bimetallic and aluminum radiators?
When determining which is better, an aluminum or bimetallic heating radiator, first of all, you should pay attention to the design features. How the battery is arranged affects performance and heat dissipation
Bimetallic batteries
Bimetal is a structure made of two different metals. The core is made of copper or steel, and the shell is an aluminum alloy. The design feature does not make it possible to use large-diameter pipes as a core, therefore there is a high probability of battery clogging during operation. It is recommended to regularly flush the sections.
Aluminum batteries
They consist of type-setting sections made by casting or extrusion. The latter method is not used in EU countries. Extrusion type batteries are produced by Chinese and several domestic manufacturers.
Which radiators are better, bimetal or aluminum?
The fundamental difference between aluminum heating radiators and bimetallic ones is that the design of the latter provides for a core made of metal that is different from that used for the shell. This affects the parameters and performance of the battery.
Heat dissipation of radiators - in aluminum batteries, one section has a capacity of 200 watts. The power of bimetallic equipment with a steel core is not more than 180 W. The performance of the section of aluminum-copper radiators is also 200 W.
Bimetallic heating devices with a steel core can easily withstand pressure surges of 20 atm., And some manufacturers make a core that can withstand a water hammer with a power of 40 atm.
Aluminum reacts to any impurities, therefore, the walls of the sections, when connected to central heating, quickly become thinner, leaks appear. In this case, the choice of a heating radiator between aluminum or bimetal is clearly in favor of the latter.
Which radiator to choose, aluminum or bimetal?
The decisive role in the definition is played by the structural difference between aluminum and bimetal radiators. It is better to install aluminum sections for private heating systems. The pressure in the pipeline, even when using circulation equipment, rarely exceeds several atmospheres, and the owner of the house will be able to monitor the quality of the coolant and thus extend the service life.
Calculation of the power and temperature of a warm water floor
Heating boiler power selection calculator
Calculator for calculating the number of radiator sections
Calculator for calculating the footage of a pipe for a warm water floor
Calculation of heat loss and boiler performance
Calculation of the cost of heating depending on the type of fuel
Calculator calculating the volume of the expansion tank
Calculator for calculating heating PLEN and electric boiler
Heating costs by boiler and heat pump
Where is steel and where is aluminum?
Which heating radiators are best for a private house, and which ones for an apartment? The answer to this question is simple.
In a private house, you can monitor the quality of water or heat carrier. There are no water hammer or large pressure drops in an individual heating system. A steel radiator in a private house will last a long time.
It is not possible to check the water quality in apartments with central heating. Changes in temperature and pressure in the central heating center are not uncommon. So it is rather risky to use steel radiators - it is better to fork out and install aluminum ones.
Steel radiators are, on average, cheaper than aluminum ones. Of course, among both types there are premium models from well-known manufacturers that differ in design (see photo) and are more expensive than usual. But if we take the middle class, then steel costs less.
Non-standard aluminum heatsink.
Non-standard steel radiator.
Why cast iron radiators are hopelessly outdated
It's not fair to say that cast iron batteries are that bad. They have been serving people for almost a hundred years! They were also massively installed in the Khrushchev and Stalinist buildings, located everywhere. These batteries are still used in new buildings, and many residents are in no hurry to part with them. But still, new is new. We have prepared for you a list of reasons that will convince you to part with the cast-iron oldies:
- The heat transfer of one section of a battery made of cast iron reaches approximately 100 W. These indicators for sections of aluminum and bimetallic devices similar in surface area are one and a half, or even two times higher;
- Each section of the cast iron installation requires about a liter of water, while the updated devices require only about 4 liters;
- Unlike light aluminum items, the weight of each section of a cast-iron radiator weighs 6 kilograms. It turns out that the total weight of the battery is approximately 30-35 kilograms. And this is without water!
- Due to inertia, the temperature in such batteries cannot be changed in a short time period;
- The outdated appearance of the devices resembles the times of the USSR. By installing them in your apartment, you take away a few points from the thoughtful design of the room;
- Due to the long heating of the battery, it is inconvenient to use in private houses with an autonomous heating system;
- Imported boilers in country houses are often clogged with finely dispersed clay, which is washed out by water from cast-iron radiators and fail.
Modern cast iron radiators
Important! Do not spare your money when buying new batteries. The lower the quality of the device, the less it will serve you
If the production technology was not followed during manufacture, other heating installations will have to be purchased again soon. Microcracking, metal corrosion, rapid loss of appearance - this is what awaits overly thrifty buyers. You should also order the installation of the selected batteries from professional builders to be sure of the quality of the work done by 100%.
Remember, it is you who will live in the house that you are equipping.
How to distinguish when buying
Now, knowing the design of both those and other radiators, you will not "steam" aluminum radiators under the guise of bimetallic ones.
Pay attention to the place of the radiator, where the thread for connecting the sections is located. In a bimetallic radiator, threads are cut in a steel pipe
Therefore, steel differs from aluminum in color, it is often possible to observe the border of two metals again in the thread area (but sometimes this transition is not visible)
Compare the weight of a bimetallic radiator with the weight of an aluminum one with the same size and equal number of sections. Steel is heavier than aluminum, so the weight of one section of a bimetal can weigh up to half a kilogram more than its "double". In general, this difference will be sensitive even without the use of weights.
How to distinguish an already installed radiator
Imagine a situation when you hired a team to install the heating system, they installed it completely, they bought all the materials themselves. The moment when the radiators were not yet installed, you have missed. You have doubts whether they installed aluminum instead of bimetallic batteries. It is necessary to check this fact in order to dispel all doubts.
To do this, take a magnet, preferably neodymium. He is much stronger than others. But you can also ordinary. Bring the magnet somewhere on the edge of the radiator closer to its center, instead of as close as possible to the intended passage of the metal pipe. Steel is attracted to the magnet, aluminum is deprived of this property. Therefore, a small attraction will be observed at the bimetallic radiator, since the magnet will not be located close to the pipe, but at some distance due to the surrounding aluminum shell.
Now, knowing the differences in design features and properties of these types of radiators, it will be impossible to deceive you and you will feel their warmth in your home for many years to come.
There are many heating radiators on the market, the differences of which are in the material of manufacture, design features, methods of connecting sections to each other and many other parameters that affect the reliability and durability of products. However, the most common controversy arises around aluminum batteries and their bimetallic counterparts. At first glance, they are ideally suited to the conditions of city apartments. However, there are significant differences between these two types of radiators that you need to know before making a purchase. So, which radiators are better, and what is the difference between a bimetallic battery and an aluminum one?
Resistant to pressure and water hammer
The heating medium in most heating systems is under high pressure. This is most typical for heating systems in multi-storey buildings. The high height of buildings requires the creation of conditions in which the coolant can rise to the last floor, providing high-quality heating of all rooms. In addition, he needs to get through numerous cranes, go through corners and bends that create hydraulic resistance. And the higher (larger) the building, the higher the pressure in the heating system.
Aluminum radiators are sensitive to the pressure in the heating system and are not the best choice for high pressure systems.
Also, in heating systems with high pressure of the coolant, water shocks often occur - most often they occur due to the fault of the employees of the boiler houses, creating conditions for a sudden increase in pressure. As a result, pipes and batteries in heating systems burst, and the coolant itself floods apartments and rooms. Aluminum is a strong metal, but it can not withstand high pressure and water hammer in the heating systems of multi-storey buildings - it will simply burst, unable to withstand such an impressive destructive force. But in low-rise buildings, the use of aluminum radiators is quite justified. As for the bimetallic counterparts, their strongest metal base is able to withstand pressure over 50 atmospheres.
Thus, in heating systems with high coolant pressure, it is better to use bimetallic radiators, and it is better to leave aluminum radiators for heating low-rise buildings.
Features of aluminum radiators
As the name suggests, these heaters are made from aluminum. The properties of this metal determine the main characteristics of the batteries made from it. Aluminum is a metal with high thermal conductivity, due to which heating devices are distinguished by high heat transfer, which occurs both due to radiation and by convection. In addition, the lightness of the material makes it possible to make low-weight radiators from it. The small amount of water circulating in the sections allows you to quickly and easily adjust the temperature using special thermal heads.
Characteristics of radiators. How to compare and choose the best
To choose the right radiator for an apartment, office or private house, you need to compare the advantages and disadvantages for a number of characteristics.
Important! Some Chinese-made radiators, despite the declared characteristics, show discrepancies in the results under laboratory conditions - up to 35%. Be careful when choosing a manufacturer
Heat transfer level
For comfortable heating 1 sq. m. apartments with a ceiling height of 2.7 m require a heat transfer of 100 watts. Each section of the aluminum heatsink can provide up to 212 watts, while the bimetal heatsink can provide a maximum of 185 watts.
Water hammer and high pressure
Water hammer is a pressure surge in a pipe that appears:
- at the time of an interruption of the circulation pump at the station;
- due to the presence of air zones in the pipeline;
- with a sharp closure of the tap, shut-off valves.
The water hammer lasts a split second - but this time is enough to damage the radiator. Aluminum is not the most reliable metal for houses with central heating and can withstand up to 16 atm., While bimetallic models with a steel core calmly take on 20 atm., And some - all 40 atm.
Maximum coolant temperature
For aluminum radiators, this is 110 degrees. Interestingly, aluminum reacts to temperature changes quickly, and holds a large volume - up to 0.46 liters. This is a plus. Bimetallic ones hold only 0.18 liters of water, but the temperature is also kept higher - up to 130 degrees.
Reliability and durability
Aluminum is susceptible to corrosion because it itself is not protected from contact with water. Good aluminum models use high quality alloys that guarantee durability. But this durability is still inferior to bimetal, because steel does not corrode at all.
Easy to install
It is recommended to wash bimetallic radiators more often, because the diameter of the steel pipe inside is small, blockages may occur.
In general, they are easier to install because there is less risk of deformation. Both bimetallic and aluminum models can be easily secured with a set of keys and fittings, without powerful brackets.
Conclusions from comparative characteristics
When buying radiators, you need to take into account the main performance characteristics: the ability to withstand significant pressure drops, resistance to corrosion processes, the strength of the section connections and, ultimately, the durability of the product.
Aluminum can be installed in private households, where it is possible to control the quality of the coolant and the pressure in the system. They will serve you well for many years. Home owners will get good quality at an affordable price. However, such radiators should not be installed in houses where antifreeze is supposed to be used as a coolant.
Bimetallic ones are ideal for apartment buildings where premises are heated centrally. They can withstand high pressure and are suitable for a coolant of any composition.
The difference between a battery and a radiator is the ability not only to give off, but also to accumulate heat. In this respect, of course, cast iron models win. However, they are overly heavy, expensive and justifiable in homes where the heating system runs on solid fuels. In other cases, it is more convenient to install modern heating devices made of aluminum or bimetallic, which are convenient to install even on your own. The radiators are supplied with wall brackets, air vents and other elements necessary for installation.
Not every type of radiator is capable of withstanding the harsh everyday life of centralized heating. As it turned out, only bimetal and cast iron do not burst from high pressure and are not eaten by corrosion in a couple of seasons.But still, which radiators are better - bimetallic or cast iron - we will consider and compare their technical characteristics.
