Advantages of cast-iron radiators
Heating water from cast iron has a hundred-year history, preserved to our days in the usual design schemes with some correction for technical progress. This already speaks volumes. There are a lot of examples when cast-iron radiators are used in Soviet-built houses for fifty years or more, and the tenants of these apartments do not want anything better and more creative. What are the reasons for longevity of such batteries should be understood.
There are no ideal devices designed by humans. Always on the scales when choosing a particular life support system should be laid down its positive and negative qualities. Let's start with the pluses.
- Corrosion resistance of .In this component, better than cast-iron radiators did not come up with anything. The material is practically neutral to any chemical compounds, it is not subject to corrosion. Such heaters can work with a coolant of any quality and above the standard level of water pollution. There is no additional supply of corrosion products to the circulation circuit.
- Mechanical strength .Cast iron batteries in comparison with the same aluminum heating radiators better withstand the hydraulic impacts of the heating system and external influences on the housing.
- Service life .The derivative of the first two points, but very important for consumers. Serving radiators made of cast iron will be very long( 30-50 years), another thing is that during this time their exterior may become obsolete.
- Features of the .Low hydraulic resistance, due to the large cross-section of the channels, allows the devices to be used in any heat carrier distribution schemes( forced and natural circulation).Absence of stagnant zones facilitates cleaning and purging of the heating system.
- The cost of .In this segment of the market for comparable capacity, cast-iron radiators of heating of economy class have the lowest price, at least in comparison with popular models of bimetallic radiators( for example, the price of one section for the MC-140 model will cost you 337 rubles).
Disadvantages of cast-iron radiators
- Low thermal conductivity .Heat output from a comparable surface area of the cast-iron radiator is 1.5 times less than that of its aluminum counterpart with the same temperature conditions of the coolant. Up to 80% of the thermal energy the device transmits in the form of radiation and only 20% - by natural convection.
- Big weight of .For suppliers, the difficulties of transportation and storage, for consumers - installation problems. The weight of one section of MC-140 is about 7 kg, to provide a room of 20 sq. M. Heat it will be necessary to assemble 11 sections, i.e.the construction weighs 77 kg. Taking into account the weight load of water, weak external walls, for example in houses of the 600.11 series, can not withstand the installation of cast-iron radiators using any brackets.
- Dimensions of the .First of all, the depth of sections, which in the Lugansk series is 140 mm. The installation under the wide window sill can be resolved in terms of design by decorative protective screens, in the open space of the apartment harmony will be violated.
Technical characteristics of modern cast iron radiators
Before you buy a cast-iron radiator and determine the price, try to calculate its parameters. In the technical passport of each device, the nominal heat flux of one section is indicated( usually from 120 to 220 W).The heating of 1 sq.m of living space requires an average of 100W.We have: heat transfer of a battery cell P = 160 W, room area S = 16 sq.m;Sx100 / P = 10.It is this cast iron radiator of 10 sections that you will need.
We deliberately discussed a somewhat outdated design and construction of the product to draw your attention to modern models, partially devoid of some drawbacks. As an example, consider the trademark Konner Modern and evaluate the positive deviations of these radiators from previous standards.
- the weight of one section is reduced to 4.9 against 7.1 kg;
- test pressure increased from 15 to 18 atm;
- overall depth is almost twice as much: 80 to 140 mm.
If you add a stylish design that seamlessly fits into the interiors of urban apartments, then we can confidently say that the cast-iron radiators are experiencing a renaissance. In the elite class and retro-version, where the price is much higher, especially.
