Bimetallic radiators even carry our coolant. Bimetallic heating radiators; which ones are better; selection instructions Which bimetallic batteries are considered the best

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When choosing radiators for heating systems, you should first pay attention to their technical parameters, efficiency and cost. Among all the types existing today heating batteries, bimetallic ones are considered optimal in terms of cost and quality. Their popularity is due to their ease of use and increased reliability. They are presented in various designs and can differ significantly in technical specifications. Bimetallic radiators heating, which is better and what should you pay attention to when choosing?

Appearance of a bimetallic battery

The design of the bimetallic devices was selected in such a way that they simultaneously provide high-quality heat dissipation and are resistant to negative impacts coolant. For the circulation of the liquid medium, channels made of stainless steel or copper are created, with high quality surfaces. Thanks to this, pockets of corrosion do not form on their surface, and various impurities in the form of scale or deposits do not accumulate. The arrangement of pipes for circulation can be vertical or horizontal, which allows you to organize heating systems with forced or gravity circulation.

The number of sections is determined by the following formula:

N = S × 100/P , Where

S – area of ​​the room;

P thermal power one section, which is provided by the device manufacturer.

When obtaining a rational value, it is necessary to round it to big side. It is clear that using this formula it is not always possible to make accurate measurements, so it is necessary to multiply the resulting value by correction factors that can take into account various factors that require increased heating. You can take specific coefficients from SNiP 41-01-2003. Or you can use the calculator we developed below:

one two three four

Heated room Warm attic or other room Cold attic or unheated room

up to 2.7 m 2.8÷3.0 m 3.1÷3.5 m 3.6÷4.0 m more than 4.1 m

One Two Three

Do not fill in if you do not need to send results.

Send the result to me by email

Attention! If you need to calculate the number of non-separable batteries, then you need to substitute the thermal power of the entire heating battery into the formula. The resulting value will also have to be rounded up.

Rating of bimetallic heating radiators: prices and popular manufacturers

There are many foreign and domestic manufacturers of bimetallic batteries on the heating systems market. Therefore, it is quite difficult for beginners to make a clear choice in favor of one model or another. To help you make your choice, you need to familiarize yourself with a short table 1, presented below, which is based on the rating of bimetallic heating radiators with approximate prices in Russia.

Table 1. Average cost of bimetallic sectional batteries by manufacturer.

ManufacturerDimensionsThermal power, WAverage cost per section, rub.
Rifar (Russia)575x95x80185 900
570x100x80204 780
415x90x80104 660
261x100x80104 650
LLC "LITIZ" (Ukraine)570x82x80166 585
575x85x80169 665
Grandini (Italy)432x80x82130 565
580x80x80167 698
Global Radiatori (Italy)415x81x80120 1015
565x81x80171 1030
Royal Thermo (Italy)564x80x80168 700
560x80x80167 690
Tenrad (Germany)563х80х96190 665
563x75x75142 599
413x80x96139 579
Gordi (China)425x80x85140 270
280x80x96112 249
580x80x80183 283

List of main manufacturers of bimetallic batteries:

  • Rifar. Domestic manufacturer, which appeared on the market relatively recently, but has already become a leader in the field of creating heating systems. All production is based on Italian technologies from Global using automated production lines. That is why the products are of the highest quality and lowest prices compared to foreign analogues.

  • LITIZ LLC. Founded more than 20 years ago in Ukraine. Specializes in creating high-quality aluminum radiators using injection molding. Has its own production workshops and foreign equipment that allows us to create high-quality products. The main line of bimetallic batteries is Altermo, which is distinguished by the use of modern original developments in metal welding and powder coating.

  • Grandini. The company specializes in the manufacture of heating systems for residential and production premises. It uses a multi-stage control system at all stages of production, so all products are of exceptionally high quality.

  • Global Radiators. It has been producing products for heating systems since 1971 and has already become known throughout the world thanks to their impeccable quality and long-term warranty. Bimetallic batteries are the most adapted for domestic operating conditions, as they can withstand significant pressure drops and surges in the system, are resistant to low-quality coolants, etc.

  • RoyalThermo. It has been on the heating systems market for more than 50 years and has become a global brand for the production of bimetallic heating batteries. It differs from other manufacturers by the presence of product series with original forms of diffusers and the use of exclusively high-quality components, as well as its own technologies.

  • Tenrad. The company was created by practicing scientists who were able to implement innovative ideas into reality and create successful production bimetallic radiators. Known for the fact that in 2005 she created a heating system for Olympic Games. The production base is based on modern equipment from leading countries such as Italy, Germany and France.

  • Gordi. Despite the fact that the manufacturer is from China, it truly deserves trust among buyers, since its products are of exceptional quality. The batteries are inexpensive, but at the same time they use modern technologies, which are in no way inferior to domestic ones. Therefore, they are direct competitors with well-known brands.

Based on Table 1 and information about manufacturers, you can select bimetallic heating radiators that are suitable for technical parameters, determine which ones are better and which ones should be abandoned.

Conclusion

  • The basic designs of bimetallic batteries are described.
  • A simple calculation scheme is given required quantity sections.
  • The advantages of some branded manufacturers are described, as well as prices for the main product lines.

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Bimetallic heating radiators: features, types, how to choose

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Today, for heating in the house they use different kinds radiators. The most popular bimetallic batteries that combine the properties of steel and aluminum. In the article we will consider the design features, pros and cons of such batteries, and also answer the question: how to choose bimetallic Radiator?

You can find out the price and buy heating equipment and related products from us. Write, call and come to one of the stores in your city. Delivery throughout the Russian Federation and CIS countries.

Bimetallic heating radiators

How do bimetallic radiators work?

As already mentioned, bimetal batteries are based on two materials: steel and aluminum. Interior The structure (pipe) through which the coolant moves is usually made of stainless steel (sometimes copper). This metal is very durable and does not give in negative influence aggressive environment of heated coolant.

The outer side is made of aluminum and is a casing with fins. Aluminum has high thermal conductivity and heats up to the maximum short time and the air in the room begins to warm up instantly.

Device bimetallic radiators

The inner and outer parts of each section are joined together by casting. This process is carried out under pressure or spot welding. Using steel nipples and heat-resistant gaskets that can withstand a maximum temperature of no more than 200°C, the sections are assembled into a battery.

The fact that in the design bimetallic radiator contains parts made of steel, due to a number of positive characteristics, which this metal has:

  • steel can withstand pressure changes;
  • steel is highly resistant to electrochemical influences, while internal surfaces made of aluminum quickly rust, and therefore their service life is short.

However, in turn, aluminum is characterized by high thermal inertness. On the one hand, this is an advantage, but on the other, it is a kind of disadvantage. Aluminum surfaces react very quickly to even minimal changes temperature regime. Thanks to this property, you can very quickly adjust the temperature parameters of the heated room.

Due to the high heat transfer of aluminum, less coolant is consumed, while the amount of heat released is identical to that coming from cast iron radiators. That is why the dimensions of bimetallic heating radiators are more compact, and the shapes are very attractive in appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

By purchasing an installation made of bimetal, your heating system will be provided with many positive aspects:

  1. First of all, it has a long service life. Thanks to the high quality of the design, which combines two good material, such radiators can operate effectively for 30-50 years.
  2. Durability and reliability. These qualities are ensured thanks to the steel core, which is able to withstand high operating pressure and hydraulic shocks.
  3. Bimetallic heating radiators are suitable for any heating system, even with low-quality coolant.
  4. High heat transfer is another important positive quality. Due to the fact that the outer casing is made of aluminum, heat is distributed throughout the room very quickly. Standard models, in which the distance between the axes is 500 mm, have a heat transfer of up to 190 W, which is significantly more than in radiators made of only one metal.
  5. Thanks to the built-in, you can control and regulate the heating temperature.
  6. Externally, bimetal batteries are very attractive. Various color and design solutions allow everyone to choose a radiator to suit their taste.

As you can see, bimetallic radiators a large number of advantages that lead to wide demand for such products. However, there are also some disadvantages that cannot be ignored when choosing:

  1. Different coefficients of expansion of steel and aluminum. In this regard, after long-term operation Noises and squeaks may occur in the heating circuit, and the strength of the structure will be lower.
  2. During the installation of radiators in a central heating system, heat-conducting pipes can quickly become clogged. This is due to the fact that they have a small diameter. Given this feature, it is better to be careful and install a coarse filter.
  3. High price of bimetallic radiators.

Types of bimetallic radiators

Radiators made of bimetal come in two types: monolithic and sectional.

Sectional ones are constructed from sections, each of which, inside horizontal pipe sections on both sides, has a multidirectional thread, through which connecting nipples with sealing gaskets are screwed in.

It is this design that is one of the most important shortcomings of bimetal batteries. The downside is that defects very often appear at the joints, for example, from low-quality coolant. As a result, the service life of radiators is reduced.

Also in areas where sections are connected, under the influence high temperatures Leaks may occur. To avoid such unpleasant moments, another technology for the production of bimetallic heating radiators has been created. Its essence lies in the fact that initially a solid welded manifold is made of steel, then it is placed in a special mold and aluminum is poured on top of it under high pressure. Such radiators are called monolithic.

Both varieties have their advantages and disadvantages. We have already talked about the disadvantages of sectional ones, but their advantage is that if one section is damaged, then it is enough to just replace it. But if a breakdown or leak occurs in a monolithic structure, you will have to purchase a new radiator.

Let's carry out comparative analysis monolithic and sectional bimetallic radiators.

The cost of a monolithic radiator is approximately 20% higher than a sectional one.

Selection of bimetallic heating radiators

When choosing bimetallic batteries, you should pay attention to a number of criteria on which the operating efficiency will depend.

Design

As already noted, radiators can be monolithic or sectional. In order to select the most best option for a specific heating system, you need to know what the operating pressure is in the system. If it is exposed to powerful water hammer, then it is better to give preference to monolithic models. In all other cases, it is recommended to purchase sectional ones, since they are much cheaper.

To purchase a more reliable device, you should know that there are two types. The first type is made of a steel frame, the other is equipped only with steel-reinforced channels through which the coolant moves.

Batteries belonging to the first type are characterized by greater strength and reliability. In such designs, the coolant does not come into contact with the aluminum alloy, as a result of which the risk of corrosion is minimal.

The main features characterizing the first type are weight and cost. They are produced by the following companies: Royal Thermo BiLiner, Global Style, Rifar (Monolit model) and the domestic company Santekhprom BM.

Another type is called semi-bimetallic radiators. The main characteristics of such devices: high heat transfer and more low price. The most popular brands of devices Gordi, Sira and Rifar, excluding Monolit model.

Center distance

Most manufactured models of bimetallic radiators are equally functional. However, the distance between the axles varies among models. Standard distances between axles: 35 and 50 cm.

You can find radiators in which the gap is 20 cm; this length is considered the minimum. Batteries with this distance are produced by the following companies: Sira, BiLUX and RIFAR. The maximum distance is 80 cm; such models are available from the manufacturer Sira.

Material of manufacture

It is important that the radiator withstands the effects of an aggressive environment well if the coolant is of insufficient quality and contains a large amount of alkali and acidity. This is mainly typical for batteries in apartment buildings.

  1. It is important that the internal channels are made of the same metal, preferably stainless steel.
  2. Wall thickness inner tube should be 3-3.5 mm.
  3. Very important role plays a role in the quality and elasticity of the gaskets. They are the ones that influence the reliability of the connections, so rubber or silicone is usually used as the manufacturing material for them. To check the quality of the O-ring, just bend it with your fingers. If the gasket is rigid and inelastic, then this indicates its low quality.
  4. If the radiator is sectional, then you should pay attention to the nipples. It is important that they are made of high quality steel. The low quality of these parts is evidenced by the softness of the metal. If it is of poor quality, then the hooks for the key will definitely break off and in this case the nipple will need to be sawed using grinder and remove its parts from the openings of the sections.
  5. The width of the front part of the radiator fin should be more than 70 cm. If this figure is lower, this will affect the heat transfer of the radiator in negative side. Most optimal ratio The section size in cross section is 80*80 mm. With such indicators, heat transfer will definitely be high.
  6. The thickness of the protruding ribs also indicates quality. This figure should be no lower than 1 mm.

Guarantee

The warranty period also speaks about the quality of the product. If the manufacturer gives a service life of only 1-2 years, this means that the likelihood that the radiators will work with high efficiency small, because The operational period of a quality product is 20-30 years.

Specifications

The technical characteristics of batteries include dimensions. The height of radiators ranges from 20 to 80 cm. To select a radiator the right size, you need to take into account the distance between the base of the window and the floor and subtract 20 cm from this number. The width is directly dependent on the location where the device will be installed.

Another important indicator is the working pressure, which varies between 15-35 atm. For centralized heating systems, it is better to choose the maximum values; for autonomous ones, the minimum values ​​are also possible.

One of the most important and significant criteria affecting the efficiency of radiators is power. This indicator is determined based on the power of one section (it is indicated in the data sheet).

Calculation of sections of bimetallic heating radiators

In order to effectively heat 1 m² of area, you need 100 W of thermal energy. To calculate the area of ​​a room, you need to multiply the width by the length.

N= S*100/P N - quantity radiator sections, S—room area, m², P—specific thermal power of one section.

Use the calculator to calculate the required number of sections of a bimetallic radiator.

Installation of heating radiators made of bimetal

Bimetal batteries must be installed in accordance with the instructions specified in the device passport.

In order to connect a radiator with your own hands, you need to take into account a number of factors:

  • It is better to choose the middle of the window as a location for the battery;
  • installation is carried out exclusively in a horizontal position;
  • You need to maintain a distance of 3-5 cm from the wall to the battery. If you place the radiator too close to the wall, the result will be uneven distribution of heat;
  • the distance to the window sill should be 8-12 cm, if it is less, it will negatively affect the heat transfer of the batteries;
  • distance from the floor to the battery is 10 cm.

Installation of all system elements is carried out in a plastic radiator package. This packaging must not be removed until the entire installation process has been completed.
The procedure for installing bimetallic heating radiators:

  • Initially, you need to mark the proposed area on the wall where the brackets will be attached;
  • then the brackets are fixed;
  • batteries are installed on them;
  • Next, the radiator must be connected to the pipes;
  • then a thermostatic valve or faucet is installed;
  • An air valve is installed at the top of the battery.

Manufacturers

Currently on the market heating equipment you can find a large number different models bimetallic radiators produced by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. Let's look at the main characteristics of the most popular models.

Model Distance between axles, mm Section size: width*height*depth (mm) Maximum working pressure, Bar Thermal power of the section, W
Rifar (Russia)
Rifar Forza 350 350 415*90*80 20 136
Rifar Forza 500 500 570*100*80 20 202
Rifar MONOLIT 350 350 415*100*80 100 136
Rifar MONOLIT 500 500 577*100*80 100 194
Global Radiatori (Italy)
Style 350 350 425*80*80 35 125
Style 500 500 575*80*80 35 168
Style Plus 350 350 425*80*95 35 140
Style Plus 500 500 575*80*95 35 185
Royal Thermo (Italy)
BiLiner Inox 500 500 574*80*87 20 171
BiLiner 500 500 574*80*87 20 171
Tenrad (Germany)
Tenrad 350 350 400*80*77 24 120
Tenrad 500 500 550*80*77 24 161
Gordi (China)
Gordi 350 350 412*80*80 30 460
Gordi 500 500 572*80*80 30 181
Sira Industrie (Italy)
Gladiator 200 200 275*80*80 30 90
Gladiator 350 350 275*80*80 30 140
Gladiator 500 500 423*80*80 30 185
LLC Litiz (Ukraine)
Altermo LRB 500 575*82*80 18 169
Altermo RIO 500 500 570*82*80 18 166
Grandini (Italy)
Grandini 350 350 430*80*82 16 130
Grandini 500 500 580*80*80 16 167

Thus, high-quality bimetallic heating radiators are able to operate effectively for a long period of time.

Bimetallic radiators, which, as the name suggests, are made from a composition of two metals, began to be produced more than fifty years ago in European countries. They quickly gained wide popularity due to their reliability and operational efficiency when installed in any heating system.

Which bimetallic batteries are better to choose, and what should you pay attention to? Special attention? This question always arises among all those who decide to replace old heating devices with more modern ones. modern options, characterized by both high performance characteristics and respectable appearance.

Today, the production of bimetallic radiators has also been established in Russia. Domestic products are quite popular and have fully justified themselves when installed in central heating systems.

General design principles

This type of radiator consists of two main parts made of different metals.

The internal channels are made of stainless steel, the external heat exchange housing is made of aluminum

Their internal part is made of stainless steel or, less commonly, copper, since these metals are highly resistant to the aggressive environment of a heated coolant. Pipes made of these materials are arranged vertically and horizontally, and it is through them that the coolant circulates.

The outer part of the radiators is, in fact, a casing equipped with fins, which is made of. This metal has excellent thermal conductivity and quickly warms up, releasing heat into the premises, which is why it was chosen for the external part of the structure.

The internal and external parts of each radiator section are connected to each other by injection molding or spot welding. The sections are assembled into a battery using steel nipples and heat-resistant rubber gaskets designed for temperatures reaching up to 200 degrees. However, in addition to such batteries, there are also monolithic radiators made of the same materials.

Crimping rating pressure of bimetallic batteries different manufacturers may vary - this indicator depends on the material of manufacture internal pipelines and dimensional parameters. If, when testing certain models, a test pressure of 35 atmospheres was created, then they will be able to withstand water hammer, pressure drops during which reach 25 ÷ 30. This allows such radiators to be used in central systems heating systems, which sometimes do not differ in the stability of the coolant pressure.

Due to their high thermal conductivity, bimetallic devices turned out to be even more efficient than the familiar cast-iron batteries.

On appearance bimetallic radiators are practically no different from aluminum models. However, they can be distinguished by weight, since due to the steel pipe “core”, bimetallic batteries heavier than aluminum, about 50%. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you should definitely study the certificate of conformity and other accompanying technical documentation, which must be attached to the product batches and is available from the seller of a specialized store.

Bimetallic and semi-bimetallic radiators

In addition to bimetallic ones, semi-bimetallic radiators are also produced. You need to know how they differ from each other and which ones are better.

  • Bimetallic devices

In real bimetallic radiators, only the outer casing of the device is made of aluminum.

Their production process consists in the fact that ready-made all-steel cores, placed in special molds, are filled under pressure with aluminum, which conducts heat well, but is not resistant to aggressive environments and high coolant temperatures. In bimetallic versions, aluminum does not come into contact with the liquid medium and serves only as a heat exchanger. A design made according to this principle is ideal for installation in both central and autonomous heating systems.

In some models, the core is made of copper rather than stainless steel - such batteries are usually used for installation only in an autonomous heating system, where special antifreeze is used as a coolant. Steel pipes, even stainless ones, do not behave as adequately with some similar antifreezes.

Water is not the only possible type of coolant

To dust the circuits of an autonomous heating system, in addition to water, other liquids are used - this may be due to the operating characteristics of the system or the requirements of the boiler equipment. Read more about it in a special publication on our portal.

  • Semi-bimetallic batteries

For semi-bimetallic radiators, the internal channels are made of different metals. Thus, vertical pipes can be stainless steel, and horizontal pipes can be aluminum, as in conventional aluminum radiators. The opposite also happens. In a word, they are in no way suitable for full-fledged bimetallic ones.

Be careful - instead of full-fledged bimetallic ones, there is a chance to purchase lower-quality and reliable semi-bimetallic radiators

This type of battery is not suitable for central heating, since the coolant there is often not of high quality and it is fashionable to contain a fairly high concentration of alkali. When in contact with aluminum, such a composition can cause corrosive processes, which will also “capture” steel elements installed in combination with aluminum. In addition, the different thermal expansion of these metals can even cause elements to shift when exposed to extremely high temperatures, which can lead to leaks and even more serious accidents.

Such radiators are often confused with bimetallic ones - outwardly they are generally indistinguishable. Without particularly understanding the intricacies, they are often preferred due to their more affordable cost. However, as can be seen from the description, they differ quite significantly in their reliability.

As a last resort, a semi-bimetallic type of radiator can be installed in an autonomous system. But still, if you decide to make the heating of your house or apartment as reliable as possible, then it is better to abandon semi-bimetallic radiators and opt for real bimetallic samples. Be sure to take this into account when purchasing.

Monolithic or sectional bimetallic radiators

As already noted, collapsible bimetallic radiators are produced, which consist of sections fastened together with nipples, and monolithic non-dismountable ones.

In the sectional version, each section inside the horizontal pipe sections on both sides has multidirectional threads designed for screwing in connecting nipples with sealing gaskets.

This design is the main significant drawback of sectional batteries, since these joints can be damaged by, for example, low-quality coolant, which significantly reduces their service life until the next preventive intervention. In addition, leaks most often occur at the connections of elements under the influence of high temperatures and high pressure in the system.

To avoid these unpleasant moments, another technology for the production of bimetallic radiators was thought out. It consists in the fact that first a solid welded copper or steel manifold is made, which is placed in a special mold and filled with aluminum under pressure. These bimetallic batteries are called monolithic.

And this bimetallic radiator is a monolithic assembly

Both types have their own advantages and “vulnerabilities”.

About the disadvantage collapsible circuit has already been said. And the main advantage of such batteries is that if one of the sections is damaged, you will not have to replace the entire one, since it is quite enough to reassemble it - replace or simply remove only the failed element.

In the event of any leak in a monolithic radiator, the only thing left is that they have practically no repairability.

Selective comparative characteristics radiators of both types are shown in the table:

Cost is often the deciding factor. The fact is that the monolithic type of radiators has a higher price than the sectional one, and this difference can be up to 20%.

When using monolithic bimetallic batteries, it is not possible to vary the total thermal power - to reduce or increase the number of sections. Therefore, before purchasing them, it is necessary to carefully calculate how much power is needed to heat a particular room. Selecting the right option will not be difficult, since monolithic bimetallic radiators are produced in different sizes, both in length and height.

When choosing between sectional and monolithic batteries, you should also take into account the features of the heating system. For example, if you plan to install them in an apartment in a high-rise building, then it is better to choose a monolithic type of device, since the pressure in the heating system of high-rise buildings is often quite high, and water hammer cannot be ruled out. and the connecting nodes of sectional batteries may not withstand it and leak.

Criteria for choosing bimetallic radiators

When choosing a specific model, in addition to the characteristics already mentioned above, there are other points that will directly affect the quality of operation of heat exchange devices and the duration of their operation.

  • The radiator design must withstand water hammer and high pressure. This is especially important to consider when installing them in a central heating system. Be sure to pay attention to the test pressure indicator.
  • The battery material must be inert to the aggressive environment of low-quality coolant with a high level of alkali or acidity. This factor also mainly concerns batteries installed in multi-storey buildings.
  • The manufacturing material must also resist electrochemical corrosion.

  • Radiators must be resistant to mechanical impact, that is, their outer casing must have sufficient strength. To check the quality of the aluminum (aluminum alloy) used, you need to try to bend the rib with your fingers. In a low-quality product, the ribs bend easily, and sometimes they can even crack or break.

  • The internal ribbed channels must be made of one metal, and it is better if it is high-quality stainless steel.
  • The wall thickness of the inner pipe must be at least 3÷3.5 mm.
  • An important element in the sectional design of a battery is the gaskets, since the reliability of the connections will depend on their quality and elasticity, so most often they are made of rubber or silicone. You can check the quality of the O-ring by bending it several times with your fingers. If the gasket is hard and inelastic, then it will clearly not last long.

Particular attention to the quality of the nipples - they must be made of durable steel

  • The sectional radiator must be equipped with high-quality steel nipples, in which the internal “antennae” will not break off when twisting the sections and the threads will not be “gobbled up”. You can tell that the nipple is of poor quality by the softness of the metal it is made of.

If this element is of poor quality, then when unscrewing or twisting the battery, the hooks for the key will definitely break off, and then the nipple will have to be sawed with a grinder, and then its parts removed from the holes of the sections.

  • The width of the front part of the radiator fin should not be less than 70 mm, since if this parameter is smaller, the heat transfer from the device is significantly reduced. It is best if the cross-sectional size of the section is 80×80 mm - such parameters are guaranteed to provide high heat transfer.

The optimal depth and width of sections is about 80 mm

Some manufacturers use a marketing ploy - they reduce the price of their products by reducing the size of the sections, which significantly reduces the overall thermal power of the device. Therefore, when choosing a radiator, it is advisable to have a tape measure or ruler in your pocket so that you can check the optimal dimensions.

  • For a high-quality battery, the thickness of the protruding ribs should be at least 1 mm.

If the thickness of the fins is less than 1 mm, then this most likely indicates insufficient quality of the product, since the strength of the radiator casing is reduced in it, and the heat transfer is also not so high - due to the low heat capacity of too thin heat exchange plates.

But on this model the thickness of the ribs is clearly underestimated - it’s worth thinking about...

  • You also need to know that if a manufacturer skimps on high-quality nipples and gaskets, this means that the entire product, with a probability close to 100%, is not of high quality, and it is better to discard it immediately.
  • You should not buy devices for which the manufacturer provides a warranty period of only 1–2 years, despite the fact that the service life of bimetallic sectional batteries is 25-30 years, and monolithic ones – even about 50. Such a small guarantee indicates that the manufacturer himself is not confident in his products.

Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic radiators

Positive Their qualities can be called the following:

  • Bimetallic radiators fit perfectly into modern interiors both residential and office premises.

  • This type of radiator is often available with different color design. If not found desired color, then self-coloring is allowed. For this process, special heat-resistant paint compositions are used that can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees.
  • Smooth surfaces and rounded corners make these radiators quite safe from the point of view of the possibility of injury, and therefore suitable for installation in children's rooms.
  • The advantage is a fairly long guaranteed service life, provided that high-quality radiators are selected and used correctly.
  • Bimetallic radiators can be installed in any heating system, even with low-quality coolant.
  • This type of device, unlike other modern radiators, is capable of withstanding high intra-system pressure and temperatures of up to 130 degrees.
  • One of key advantages Such batteries have a very high heat dissipation.
  • Such devices are usually equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to install desired temperature heating them. Its correction occurs almost immediately, due to the small cross-section of the channels.
  • The number of radiator sections for each specific room can be easily calculated independently using mathematical formula which will be given below. Correct calculation will help avoid extra costs when purchasing radiators, their installation and further operation.

A bimetallic heating device is a heating device whose design uses two metals simultaneously: steel and aluminum. At the same time, a bimetallic radiator combines all the advantages of both metals: it has the high heat transfer of aluminum, as well as the strength, reliability and corrosion resistance characteristic of heating devices made of steel.

How does a bimetallic heating radiator work?

Externally, it is not even easy to distinguish a bimetallic radiator from a conventional aluminum heating device. to an experienced master, who established a lot heating devices. At first glance, they look absolutely the same: however, a bimetallic radiator is a little heavier, but this does not mean that a more massive and heavier radiator is necessarily made of two metals.

The main difference lies under the outer shell, or more precisely under the outer plates of the heating device, made of aluminum and attached to a radiator core made of steel pipes. Thanks to this design, the coolant moves only along steel pipes and does not come into contact with aluminum. At the same time, the outer shell of the heating device, made of aluminum, quickly heats up upon contact with hot steel and effectively transfers heat to the surrounding space. The predominant one (same as with aluminum radiators) is convective heat transfer.

The result of this design is unique performance characteristics bimetallic heating radiators, namely:

    Ability to withstand operating pressure in the heating system up to 20 atm and pressure testing up to 60 atm

    Ability to operate at coolant temperatures up to 130 C.

Of course, in a conventional autonomous heating system, such parameters are hardly achievable, and there is simply no need for them, but such performance characteristics can safely be called a “real godsend” for those who decide to install real steam heating in their home. Bimetallic radiators are also useful for those who want to be absolutely confident in the reliability and durability of their heating system and are afraid of leaks.

IN heating systems with bimetallic radiators about possible emergency situations and the associated risk of flooding neighbors with lower floors you can forget.

How to choose a bimetallic heating radiator?

When choosing bimetallic heating radiators, you need to know that not all heating devices whose labels indicate two metals used in their construction are equally good and reliable.

The fact is that today there are 2 types of bimetallic radiators on the heating equipment market:

    Devices whose core is made entirely of steel. They can be conventionally called “100% bimetallic” or completely bimetallic

    Devices reinforced with steel, which can be safely called “semi-bimetallic”, in them aluminum is in contact with the coolant, and, therefore, there is simply no point in talking about any kind of corrosion resistance, reliability and strength.

It should be noted that semi-bimetallic radiators are often passed off as full-bimetallic, selling them at almost the same price. By purchasing such a heating device, the consumer is purchasing a low-quality product whose service life is unlikely to be long.

How to avoid being scammed?

Semi-metallic radiators are heating devices in which steel is used only to strengthen the structure. Typically, vertical channels are made from it, connecting the upper and lower collectors. In this case, the radiator housing and horizontal channels for the movement of coolant are made of aluminum. A reliable connection of these two metals is impossible: the vertical channel is simply installed in the radiator housing and is not fixed in anything.

It is clear that during installation or simply due to careless handling, the vertical channel may shift, which will lead to the formation of a leak.

There are often cases when unscrupulous manufacturers make only nipples from steel, calling radiators bimetallic heating devices.

You can recognize deception using simple magnet. It is enough to bring it to the radiator and, by the level of attraction, determine where in the heating device there is steel and where it is not. You can only buy heating radiators in which horizontal collectors and channels for the movement of coolant connecting them are made of steel, which is only possible in fully bimetallic radiators.

The choice is made: we take full bimetallic radiators!

In turn, fully bimetallic radiators are monolithic and sectional.

Sectional bimetallic heating radiators consist of separate sections, which are then connected into a single heating device. Each section is made from a steel billet, which consists of two horizontal pipes (cores), connected to each other by a vertical pipe of smaller diameter, filled under pressure with molten aluminum. The result is a durable and reliable design made of a steel base designed for the movement of coolant, and an outer aluminum casing that effectively transfers heat to the surrounding space.

When connecting sections, various sealing gaskets are used to ensure the tightness of the heating device.

The distance between the cores can vary from 20 cm to 120 cm or more, which makes it possible to produce radiators of various heights and thermal power, suitable for heating almost any room.

If desired, you can assemble a heating device of almost any thermal power from separate sections.

Among the disadvantages of sectional bimetallic radiators is the vulnerability of connecting individual sections to each other, which makes it impossible to use them in heating systems filled with antifreeze, as well as in autonomous systems with steam heating. (a leak may form at the junction of sections)

Sectional bimetallic radiators can work with coolant heated to a temperature of 95 C and operate for a short time when the coolant is heated to 115 C, withstanding pressure in the heating system up to 3.5 MPa.

Monolithic bimetallic radiators

More reliable and durable are monolithic bimetallic radiators, the design of which does not have separate sections. Inside them, the steel channels through which the coolant moves are connected by welding into a single structure, which is then filled under pressure with an aluminum alloy.

Thanks to this device, there is no individual elements or gaskets, which means there is no room for leaks.

At the same time, the heating device has a high thermal output, has low thermal inertia and can withstand truly extreme loads. In particular, monolithic bimetallic radiators can withstand pressure testing up to 150 atm and heating the coolant up to 135 C.

The height of monolithic bimetallic radiators can also be different, and their thermal power depends on the geometric dimensions of the heating device and is a constant value.

Advantages and disadvantages of bimetallic heating radiators

    Bimetallic radiators are characterized by high heat transfer. On average, one section has a power of 170-190 W (more precise characteristics are indicated in the device passport)

    Bimetallic radiators can be installed in any heating system (autonomous, central, with plastic or steel pipes)

    Heating devices can have any geometric dimensions, which allows them to be matched to any interior design and installed even in limited space

    Bimetallic radiators are durable. Monolithic heating devices are designed for a service life of at least 25 years

    Bimetallic radiators have low thermal inertia, which allows them to be used in controlled heating systems

The only disadvantage of bimetallic monolithic heating radiators is their relatively high cost, and also the fact that it is not possible to change the power of the radiator or reduce its size.

They are the most modern radiators among those currently existing. They can be installed without problems, provide a lot of heat, look attractive, and are not capable of spoiling the interior design. However, stores today sell different radiators, which differ in technical and design characteristics. You can find out which ones are better to choose by reading the ratings by manufacturer and features.

The difference between a semi-bimetal and a bimetal

Russian bimetallic radiators

When considering the rating of bimetallic heating radiators for the home, one cannot fail to mention Russian products. One of the most famous is the company Rifar. It is located in the Orenburg region and manufactures devices, the price of which for one section varies from 500 to 900 rubles. Thermal power can vary from 100 to 200 watts, operating pressure does not exceed 20 bar. Temperature circulating inside hot water can reach 135 °C. If you are interested in patented radiators, then you can consider RIFAR MONOLIT, which is quite often called by consumers a company that produces some of the best devices on the domestic market. They are able to withstand pressure up to 150 bar, and the sectional thermal power varies from 134 to 196 watts. Operating pressure can reach 100 bar, and the hot water temperature limit is 135 °C.

Information about bimetallic radiators of the Forza brand

These devices are popular for installation in central heating systems. In them, the manufacturer took into account the requirements and operating features of domestic heating systems. On sale you can find models whose center distance is 200 and 350 mm, this allows you to maintain style in rooms with different height restrictions at installation points. A special feature of these radiators is the closed rear surface, which allows the radiator to be used in combination with French windows. The coolant in such batteries can be specially prepared water according to the rules technical operation stations and networks. The company provides a 25-year warranty on its products, promising trouble-free operation for 15 years. In this case, it is necessary to comply with the rules of operation, transportation and installation.

Other countries

Before purchasing the devices described, you can consider the rating of bimetallic heating radiators. It is important to pay attention to the manufacturer. For example, the South Korean company MARS manufactures equipment based on a copper core. The price for one section will be 400 rubles, and the limit hot temperature equal to 130 °C. The sectional heat transfer is 167 watts; as for the operating pressure, the maximum can be 20 bar.

It would be fair to mention the Japanese company REGULUS-system, which produces radiators with a copper core. By purchasing this product, you can count on a 25-year warranty. The operating pressure of these devices is 15 bar, and the temperature of the circulating water can reach 110 °C. Chinese manufacturers also supply their heating products to the market. Their radiators are cheaper compared to the products famous brands, however they have attractive design And good finish. With a modest budget you can purchase radiators Chinese manufacturer However, as practice shows, they are able to endure less impressive pressure.

Features of bimetallic radiators of the MARS brand

Bimetallic heating radiators, the ratings of manufacturers of which are presented in the article, are offered for sale and South Korea, which operates under the Mars brand. These products are distinguished from competitors by their specific consumer characteristics, which are focused on the use of heating devices in Russian systems. In this case, the equipment may be exposed to unstable high pressure and low quality coolant.

The option described is perfect solution, which is characterized by high wear resistance, efficiency and energy efficiency. The rating of bimetallic heating radiators for an apartment would not be complete without this company, which manufactures radiators with a copper collector; it completely eliminates corrosion.



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