All About Bimetal Radiators

Among different types of batteries, bimetallic radiators occupy a special place. The combination of the positive characteristics of two metals - aluminum and steel - allows you to achieve outstanding indicators of strength and heat transfer. Consider the device and the features of these devices and get acquainted with the rules for the selection and connection of bimetallic batteries.

Device and properties of a bimetallic radiator

Bimetallic radiators have a combined structure - their inner part in contact with coolant, made of steel; the external part responsible for the quality of heat transfer is made of aluminum. This distribution of materials allows the maximum use of the positive qualities of both metals, neutralizing their shortcomings.

From aluminum, bimetal heating radiators received:

• high heat inertness;
• excellent heat dissipation;
• quick response to battery temperature regulation.

The steel core endowed the batteries with the following characteristics:

• resistance to pressure drops and water hammer;
• resistance to electrochemical influences;
• undemanding to the quality of the coolant;
• durability.

Unlike aluminum radiators, bimetallic batteries perfectly tolerate the conditions of centralized heating systems.

In addition to these advantages, the following positive characteristics of bimetal batteries can be mentioned:

• high threshold pressure limit - 30-40 atmospheres;
• high power with small dimensions;
• profitability due to the small cross-section of the channels;
• Convenience of the design, allowing you to quickly remove individual sections of the device for repair;
• easily calculated number of sections required for high-quality heating of the room.
• long service life - up to 25 years;
• modern and attractive appearance.

The bimetallic radiators of the brand have all these advantages. STOUT. Heating devices are produced at the largest Russian factory “RIFAR”, adapted specifically for the operating conditions in our country. Each product passes the most stringent control at all stages of the manufacturing process. The radiator is pressed twice with high pressure - the first time before painting, the second time after. This guarantees 100% reliability of each device.

The available number of sections is from 4 to 14, efficient operation with a coolant up to 135 ° C, withstand pressure up to 100 atmospheres. A well-thought-out logistics system, cooperation with reliable suppliers and partners, as well as warranty and insurance directly from the manufacturer, make the STOUT brand the best choice.

Tip: since the outwardly bimetallic sectional radiator is practically indistinguishable from aluminum, you can understand which radiator in front of you is primarily by weight. A bimetallic device with a steel core is much heavier than an aluminum counterpart.

Possible problems during operation

Bimetal devices have a large number of advantages. Which of their features can be attributed to disadvantages?

1. Despite the possibility of using bimetallic batteries in a system with any coolant, the low quality of the latter negatively affects the life of the device.
2. Different expansion coefficients of metals present in the battery design can lead to instability of heat transfer and decrease in the strength of the device over time.
3. The use of a low-quality coolant in the system can lead to clogging of the channels, the appearance of corrosion, and the deterioration of heat transfer.

Design Features

Bimetallic batteries can have two designs.

• Cheaper models differ in the presence of a steel core only in vertical channels. Such radiators are sometimes called semi-bimetallic. Despite the fact that in their characteristics they are significantly superior to aluminum devices, they still do not have sufficient strength inherent in full-fledged bimetallic batteries.
• Real bimetal heating devices have a solid steel frame, which is poured under pressure with an aluminum alloy during the manufacturing process.

Separately, we can mention copper-aluminum radiators, which in their characteristics surpass all existing types of batteries. They have excellent resistance to corrosion, have excellent heat dissipation and a long service life, but the high cost did not allow them to be widely used.

Battery Sizes

The dimensions of the device matter, because with the necessary power parameters it should fit in a niche under the window. What sizes can bimetallic batteries have?

Bimetal heating radiators are characterized by standard height dimensions. The device has a marking that indicates the center distance of the device - 200, 350 or 500 mm.

Important! When choosing a radiator, it is necessary to take into account that the center distance is the gap between the inlet and outlet openings of the battery, which does not correspond to the entire height of the case. To find out the real height of the device, you need to add 80 mm to the center distance.

Full height of the device with different markings:

• marking 200 - real height 280 mm;
• 350 - device height 430 mm;
• 500 - height 580 mm.

The width of the heating device will depend on the number of sections, which is calculated based on the parameters of the room and the power of an individual section.

Attention! When choosing a radiator size, do not forget that, in accordance with technical standards, the device must be installed at a distance of at least 10 cm from the windowsill and 6 cm from the floor.

Calculation of the number of sections of bimetallic batteries

How many bimetal radiator sections can fully heat a room? Calculation of bimetallic radiators requires knowledge of two parameters:

• how many square meters does the floor space occupy;
• power of one section of the device.

According to building codes, approximately 100 watts of power is required to heat 1 square meter of living space. In order to find out the total power needed to space heating, the area value is multiplied by 100. The result is divided by the power section of the selected radiator.

We find out how many sections of the device will be needed for a room of 25 square meters. m. when using a bimetallic device, the power of one section of which is equal to 170 watts.

1. 25 x 100 = 2500 W - the required power.
2. 2500: 170 = 14.7 - round to 15 - get the required number of sections.

Given the fact that the system parameters may change due to wear and tear of equipment or blockages, you can add 20% of the stock. A larger number of sections may be needed to heat a corner apartment, a room with a large number of windows, high ceilings. For regions with a harsh climate, the required number of sections will be 1.5–2 times more.

Important! Since batteries having more than 10 sections do not warm up efficiently, it is advisable to install several radiators with fewer sections.

What to look for when choosing

We will find out what characteristics of a bimetallic radiator should be studied upon purchase.

1. Operating pressure. The bimetallic sectional radiator must withstand a constant load of 15 atmospheres, for a centralized heating system it is better to choose a device with a maximum value of working pressure.
2. Rated power section - needed to calculate their number.
3. Sizes. For standard window sills with a height of 80 cm, a model with a center distance of 500 mm is suitable.
4. Thickness of steel inlays. The thicker the walls, the stronger the device and the longer it will last.
5. Price. Bimetallic radiators are at least 20% more expensive than aluminum. If the price is lower, most likely it is a “semi-metal” of poor quality.

Installation of radiators

Which tubes are best suited for bimetal batteries? Experienced craftsmen advise combining bimetal heating radiators with reinforced polypropylene pipes. It is allowed to use steel and metal-plastic pipes on collets, however, in this case, you need to be prepared for leaks and blockages. Due to its reliability, the optimal method of connection when connecting is the spot welding method.

Traditionally, it is customary to place the radiator under the window strictly in the center. This allows the device to create a thermal curtain that creates an obstacle for the penetration of cold air flows through the window.

What can be the options for connecting a bimetallic radiator?

• Lateral or one-way connection has maximum efficiency, but only with a small number of sections (up to 12 pieces). With a larger number of sections, the section remote from the feed pipe will not warm up well.

• The lower connection is less effective in terms of heat transfer; it is used only in case of a specific system configuration.

• The diagonal connection is used for radiators with 12 or more sections and allows to achieve uniform heating of the device.

Before connecting to each bimetallic battery, a valve for venting air or a Mayevsky crane, as well as adapters for connecting to the pipes, must be installed.

The order of connecting the radiator:

1. After dismantling the old equipment using the building level, marking is made for the installation of a new device, holes for brackets are drilled.
2. Brackets are mounted to the wall using dowels and cement mortar.
3. The battery is connected to the supply lines, a tap or thermostat is located at the junction.

Important! Since the bimetallic sectional radiator has narrow internal channels, which are very easily clogged garbage from the heating system, before connecting it is necessary to install a coarse filter before each battery cleaning up.