Characteristics and replacement of cast-iron batteries
Radiators are the most important part of any heating system. To date, there are several main types of heating radiators, namely: aluminum, steel, cast iron, bimetallic. All types of batteries have both advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage of cast iron, as a material for the production of radiators, is its resistance to corrosion. Such a radiator can, under proper operation, last more than 50 years. It has a high heat dissipation and low hydraulic resistance, and an affordable price. Simplicity of operation and exceptional reliability are also important advantages of such radiators.
One of the biggest drawbacks of these radiators is the non-aesthetic appearance, although the new generation of batteries has a pretty attractive design. Large weight and considerable internal volume make it difficult to install cast-iron batteries. Since the walls of cast iron are thick enough, the heating of such a system will take longer.
Battery replacement principle
If the radiator has leaked, or a crack has formed on it, it must be replaced. To remove the cast iron battery, you need a pipe wrench of the required size to unscrew the locknuts and flanges or pipe cutter to cut the pipe right in front of the lock nut if it can not be unscrewed.
The radiator can then be disconnected from the system and removed from the brackets. It is necessary to carry out such work as much as possible in the summer, until the heating system is switched on. In winter, it will be necessary to leave the whole house without heating, and the repair itself will require the descent of all the water from the system. Assembly and installation of cast-iron batteries is a laborious process and requires certain skills, in the absence of which it is better to entrust such work to specialists.
Sometimes there are situations where it is necessary to replace any one section, or the cast iron radiator after long operation is clogged with rust, although it remains quite usable. In this case, it must be disassembled and rinsed.
Disassembling and assembling cast-iron batteries with your own hands
Before dismantling the cast-iron battery, it is necessary to check the availability of such tools and materials: a battery and a pipe wrench, a chisel with a hammer, a bulb, a blowtorch, a rust removing brush, nipples,.
Disassembly of the cast-iron battery is as follows: first the plugs on the battery are heated with a blowtorch and then unscrewed. Next, the nipple between the radiator sections is gently cut by the Bulgarian, then the sections need to be disconnected. After this, it is required to knock out the nipple with a chisel, without damaging the thread, which must be cleaned well.
Assembly of cast-iron batteries is carried out after grouping of sections. It must be remembered that the nipples on the different sides of the radiator have a different threaded connection in the direction. Between the sections are inserted gaskets and for greater tightness are spread with silicone. The assembled radiator must be rinsed inside with a hose.
Before connecting the cast-iron batteries to the heating system, they must be secured. In houses with concrete or brick walls radiators are attached using brackets, which are nailed to the wall by dowels.
If the walls are wooden, the radiator is put on the stand, and to the wall it is fixed by supporting devices.
The connection of the cast-iron batteries to the heating system is carried out by means of the drivings when the plugs are turned out. For better tightness, all threaded joints need to be sealed with the glue. After that, you can open the valve so that the radiator is filled with water. Connecting the cast-iron battery is done!
