Metal heating pipes: recommendations and prices

Types of metal pipes for heating

The appearance of technological plastic products in the market of pipeline equipment has somewhat reduced the demand for steel heating pipes, however, the construction industry is not ready yet to completely abandon their use in heating networks and is not yet going to. And there are a number of reasons for this.

In heating networks, the following metal pipes are traditionally used( sometimes not entirely), each of which, as usual, has its advantages and disadvantages:

• ordinary( black) steel;
• steel products with galvanizing;
• stainless steel;
• copper pipes( require separate discussion);
• plastic products.

Any position requires a separate and careful discussion, in this article we will consider the characteristics of steel pipes for heating only, which can be bought at any construction store. According to the manufacturing method, which determines the performance of the pipeline, they are divided into three groups:

• electrically welded - obtained by welding bent rolled;
• seamless - manufactured by pressing and forging;
• cast - made by molding on special equipment.

Characteristics and features of mounting

All steel pipes are characterized by general positive properties that allow them to compete successfully with other metals.

• relatively low price( stainless steel stands apart, but even it is cheaper compared to copper);
• high mechanical strength, ensuring reliable operation of the heating system at standard operating pressure and hydraulic shocks;
• simplicity of mounting the heating circuit from steel pipes.

Now in detail for each position.

1. Black( gray) steel .Corrosion properties are the main problem of this structural material. Experience of Soviet times confirmed that welded pipes in accordance with GOST 3262-75 did not actually work out the resource in 25 years. Aggressive coolant fractions and preventive plums from the circulation circuit( ingress of oxygen from the air) quickly destroyed the internal surface of the pipes and narrowed the working cross section. Hydraulic fractures at fittings and in stagnant zones limit the service life of such pipeline systems. A big plus: low price and simple installation of black steel tubes for heating. Suitable for all kinds of welding equipment and threaded connections.
2. Galvanizing .Insulation of internal and external surfaces with a thin zinc amalgam significantly slows the corrosion process( internal and external).The service life of the heating wiring is prolonged at times. Initially, such metal pipes were intended for gas and water supply networks, but also became a reasonable alternative to "blackies" in heating circuits. The price per meter is slightly higher than metal plastic( for d = 20, 102 and 92 rubles per meter, respectively) for wall thicknesses of 2.8 and 2.0 mm. Certain difficulties can be caused by the independent laying and dismantling of the heat supply pipeline from galvanized steel, a large number of threaded connections on branches, branches and junctions, but it's worth it.

Heating pipe in stainless steel

Deserve a separate discussion. Plus it is obvious: they are practically inert to all aggressive chemical compounds present in atmospheric air and coolant. But in welded or seamless execution such metal pipes are practically not used in heating systems. The reason is simple - price. So, the running meter of such a tube 20x2.0 costs about 250, commensurable in parameters with the examples discussed above 20x3.0 - already 440 rubles. In an apartment building, no developer will risk installing such a pipe line.

For private houses with autonomous heating, too expensive, but there is a modern alternative solution: corrugated stainless steel pipes, most suitable for self-wiring.

• high corrosion resistance maintained;
• plasticity and design flexibility are provided;
• installation of pipes is facilitated: compression fittings with heat-resistant silicone seals are tightened with a simple gas key;
• price is half that of smooth pipes;
• operating pressure of 10.8 atm is redundant for self-contained networks.

When making a choice between plastic and metal heating circuits, be sure to remember the classic steel pipes, they are too early to write off to a historical dump.