Aluminum heating radiators: types, characteristics and installation recommendations

In the second half of the last century, heating devices appeared on the European market, in the manufacturing process of which aluminum was used. In a short period of time, they were able to gain popularity and relevance, proving their reliability and practicality.

A distinctive feature of aluminum batteries is their low weight, impressive heat dissipation, as well as an attractive appearance.

Despite the huge popularity and demand for aluminum radiators, today there are only 2 technological methods for their manufacture. Cast options are monolithic structures, which are obtained by casting aluminum alloy under high pressure.

In addition, extruded products are very popular. Their distinctive feature is that the profile is obtained by the press, after which it is divided into several parts. Each of them is welded together, resulting in a section.

Aluminum batteries are distinguished by the following performance properties:

• Maximum pressure can vary from 5 to 16 atmospheres. Sometimes you can see industrial models that can handle pressure up to 24 atmospheres.
• Aluminum radiators are available in an impressive variation of power, ranging from 80 to 212 watts.
• The weight of one section is about one and a half kilograms.
• Batteries can be used in combination with coolants, the temperature of which is not more than 110 degrees Celsius.
• The service life is determined by each manufacturer individually, but in most cases it is at least 20 years. European manufacturers usually offer at least 15 years of warranty service.

The enormous popularity and demand in the market for these types of heaters is dictated by their advantages, among which are the following:

• Excellent level of heat transfer. The main advantage of aluminum is that it heats up quickly, due to which it quickly removes heat to the room. Most of the energy is provided by radiation, and the rest is due to convection. These sections can boast of additional edges between each other.
• The simple principle of operation and low weight, which greatly simplifies the process of transportation and installation of aluminum radiators.
• Affordable cost. In comparison with bimetallic and other analogues, aluminum devices are more affordable cost, which has virtually no effect on efficiency.

• The ability to control temperature. Aluminum radiators can be equipped with special valves, so you can not only save energy, but also set the optimum temperature in the room.
• Attractiveness, which is extremely important, especially when carrying out repairs. Designers of this kind often use heaters for the repair and decoration of rooms in a modern style.
• High level of durability. If necessary, you can buy a radiator that can cope with a pressure of 16 atmospheres.

It should be noted that prefabricated models are equipped with rubber seals. That is why they cannot be used for systems where the role of the coolant is performed not by water, but by antifreeze or some chemical compound. However, this disadvantage is not the only one.

Other negative points include the following:

• Exposure to rust. The unique technical properties of aluminum make it impossible to use it for a long time in the conditions of domestic heat supply.Increase the life of the heater can only be with the help of gentle heat carriers. The ideal option is considered if water does not include solid particles that can destroy the integrity of a special film located inside.
• Due to the chemical reactions in the system, excess air may form, which will need to be removed before the start of each heating season.

• The presence of weaknesses. One of the weakest points of such equipment are threaded connections, which are obtained by extrusion. If the pressure in the heating system increases sharply, it can break the tightness of the radiator and lead to leakage.

Sometimes in the process of buying an aluminum radiator, customers are surprised at the high cost and discard this idea. It should be noted that most likely they are offered bimetallic models that are practically impossible to distinguish from aluminum. Their main difference is that the inside is made of steel or copper. This design does not include any polymeric materials in its composition, so nothing here enters into chemical reactions with water.Such models are recommended to be installed in systems where propylene glycol is used as the main coolant.

It should be noted that the technology of production of radiators for each manufacturer may vary depending on the availability of certain patents and the use of advanced technologies. In this case, it is imperative to take into account the rate of cooling of the aluminum alloy, especially the shrinkage of the alloys during its crystallization, and so on.

Also important is the fact that the type of aluminum used for manufacturing: primary or secondary. A device made from primary materials is considered to be more durable, reliable and durable. European manufacturers usually give preference to the injection molding method, since it can be used to guarantee higher strength and durability of the entire structure.

Companies that use a hybrid manufacturing method are also represented on the construction market. A distinctive feature of this technique is that initially several sections of a block radiator are molded at once, which in the future will be joined using electrochemical welding. The presence of special pads allows you to control the size of the structure and increase them depending on the size of the room, which will need to be heated.

Innovative are also considered two-channel aluminum heaters that cope with tremendous pressure to break and boast impressive heat transfer. In the process of manufacturing such a radiator, a hot aluminum alloy is used, as well as special knives of circular cross-section, due to which it is possible to guarantee the strength and impressive thermal conductivity of the material. According to GOST, the tensile pressure of such a device should be 3 times greater than the operating pressure of the device. In other words, if the company claims that the working pressure is 16 atmospheres, the burst pressure should be at least 48 atmospheres.

If you pay attention to the appearance, the aluminum radiators seem the same, regardless of what country is their manufacturer. However, the selection process must be paid close attention, because only the durability of devices and its ability to cope with its functions depend on it.

First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to its overall dimensions. It should be understood that the larger the size of the radiator, the better the device will be able to give off heat. Some manufacturers indicate the affordable cost of the heating system due to the fact that they have less sections. The standard is a depth of 100 mm, but you can find a series from the budget collection, the depth of which does not exceed 80 mm. In other words, the underestimated cost of this radiator is due to the fact that its production uses a smaller amount of raw materials.

Close attention must also be paid to the mass of the heating system. The greater the weight of one section, the more aluminum is used to produce it. Accordingly, the heater can boast high quality, long service life and impressive heat dissipation.Before buying, be sure to carefully examine the mass of the radiator sections, which is prescribed in the passport of the device. Visually notice will not work, so you need to examine the relevant documentation. The period of use and durability of the device are directly dependent on its mass, section thickness and the amount of aluminum used in the process.

After the documentation is carefully studied, you can pay attention to the external characteristics of the device. We are talking about the number of layers of painting and its quality. It is best to choose aluminum radiators, which have a perfectly smooth surface. But from the rough surface must be abandoned. You can feel the difference if you put several radiators next to each other, after which you can assess their external differences.

On the modern market there are a huge number of manufacturers of aluminum radiators, which are distinguished by their color solutions, production materials, size and cost. It is best to choose products made in Europe, including Italian and French companies.

If you need to buy aluminum radiators at a more affordable price without compromising quality, then you can pay attention to the Russian and Ukrainian manufacturers who produce aluminum radiators based on European licenses. Chinese products are a bit cheaper, but their quality and ability to cope with domestic conditions is largely inferior.

The fact that the affordable cost was possible due to the fact that the device in the production process did not pass the preliminary crimping. Of course, this affects the reliability and durability of the product. It is impossible to check whether the requirements have been complied with, but a too affordable price should serve as an alarm bell. It is better to overpay and purchase a reliable device.

It is best to refuse to buy radiators made by unknown companies. Such companies offer fairly cheap heating equipment, but the quality of such products is appropriate.

You can also buy batteries if they do not have a label on which you can understand the power of the deviceconditions of use and other characteristics.Most likely, such radiators will not be able to serve for a long time and will fail in a few years as a result of depressurization of the system or permanent leaks. When buying such equipment, it is recommended to stop your choice only on high-quality models that will be able to fully perform the functions assigned to them.

The assembly of aluminum radiators is a rather complicated and demanding process, for which it is necessary to carefully prepare and carefully study the capacity table. Before starting installation, it is necessary to thoroughly and correctly study the heating system of an apartment or a private house.

The method of connection depends on the characteristics of this system, which can be one-pipe or two-pipe, horizontal or vertical. In addition, systems usually differ in the method of supplying a coolant, which may be normal or circulating.

After the features of the heating system are studied, it is time to choose the method of connection.

Today there are three types of them:

• For aluminum batteries, a diagonal connection is considered optimal,a feature of which is that the carrier is fed from the top, and output from the bottom of the battery. The main advantage of such a system is that it can be used in both two-pipe and single-pipe heating systems.
• Side connection method, the essence of which is that the tap is connected on one side.
• Bottom connection. It should be noted that this is quite an old method, which is characterized by minimal efficiency. It should be resorted to if all the pipes in the room rest on the floor. Such a connection spoils the appearance of the room visually, and also has a low efficiency.

Now it's time to deal with the mounting features of aluminum radiators. They can be attached to the wall or floor. It should be noted that the majority of models on the market are not produced on legs, if they are not made for an individual order. That is why special floor devices are used for their installation. In order to secure the aluminum radiator as securely as possible, experts advise using clamping rings, as well as special wall brackets.

When mounting the battery, it should be taken into account that the distance between it and the floor should be at least 10 cm, and the gap under the sill should be more than 5 cm. In addition, attention should be paid to the distance between the wall and the rear panel of the heater, which should be more than 5 cm. These parameters are extremely important to consider, since the quality of heat transfer and the level of efficiency depend on them.

The documentation of each aluminum radiator indicates the pressure of normal operation and the amount of pressure testing. It is on these indicators that it is necessary to pay close attention in the process of choosing a device, since the durability of the entire system and the ability of the radiator to warm the room depend on it. In the process of choosing a heating device should pay attention to the area of ​​the room, which depends on the type of selected device.

For modern apartments, you can use sectional options.which can be collected depending on how well the room is insulated, the climatic conditions in the region, and also the area. If the apartment has a non-standard layout, or you plan to hide radiators to improve the attractiveness of the interior, you can choose options with a lower connection.

Recently, a ribbed or cast thin radiator is also very popular, which will be the ideal solution for small rooms.

Floor options can be chosen in cases where it is necessary to create a floor heating system, which is today in great demand in sleeping and bathing rooms. A distinctive feature of this technology is that it allows you to ensure the most complete return temperature in the room.

In addition, choosing aluminum batteries must pay attention to the pressure in a centralized network. Usually it does not exceed 15 atmospheres, however, in the main heating plants this indicator can increase by 2 times. Aluminum radiators are considered the best option for an individual heating system in which the pressure does not exceed the established norms.When buying is also best to buy devices that have an impressive margin of pressure. Because of this, they can cope with any system that has a direct impact on the durability of the device.

In addition, more modern models of aluminum radiators are on the market. We are talking about bimetallic analogues, which combine the advantages of two types at once: aluminum and steel.

A distinctive feature of aluminum radiators is their steel cores, which ensure the strength and durability of the heater. As for the presence of aluminum, it guarantees excellent thermal conductivity. Bimetallic batteries are more durable, durable, reliable in use and boast resistance to hydraulic shocks and pressure drops.

In the process of choosing aluminum radiators, it is necessary to pay attention also to their sizes, on which depends not only the durability of the system, but also its ability to cope with the heating of the room. One of the most important parameters is the distance between the axes of the batteries. In most cases, the construction market presents aluminum devices, the distance of which between the collectors is no more than 350 or 500 mm.

True, you can find products with characteristics of 8, 200, 600 700 and so on. In this case, it all depends on the model range of the manufacturer, as well as the characteristics of the region where the products are sold.

Along the length of aluminum batteries there are practically no restrictions. It should be understood that the longer the battery, the higher its capacity. In order to get a certain power, you need to purchase a certain number of heating sections.

The length of the battery is selected based on the power of the device, which is formed based on the size of the room, as well as the required temperature in it. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the sizes of the radiator from the sections are represented.The larger the section size, the less will be needed to create a heating system in the room.

Regardless of the size of the device, aluminum radiators are supplied complete with mounting hardware, which includes special hanging brackets, radiator plugs, keys for the tap and dowel. Before buying an aluminum radiator, calculate the exact number of sections you need. To do this, you need to know the size of the room and the required power. If the ceilings are not higher than 2.5 m, then about 100 W are needed to heat one outer wall.

If, however, with the same ceiling height, it is necessary to heat two external walls., then this will require the power of the entire system of 120 watts. If there are two exterior walls and 2 windows, the radiator capacity must be at least 130 watts. Before accepting calculations, it is necessary to see the power of one section in the documentation for the heater. After that, the power should be multiplied by the size of the room, and then divided by the power section.

Aluminum radiators are considered one of the most popular and sought after in the modern market. That is why you can find a huge number of manufacturers who specialize in the production of such heating systems. The market leader is Italian companies that have come up with this type of radiator.

Many Italian companies are represented in the segment.among which are rated first - Global, Sira, Ferroli. Their models can boast an attractive appearance, elegance of form and a wonderful finish. The cost of one section is about 500-700 rubles.

Among the distinctive features of Italian products are the following:

• The presence of a unique coating that does not crack even under the influence of high temperatures. That is why it is possible to use even boiling water as a heat carrier, which cannot damage the coating of the aluminum radiator.
• Manufacturers pay close attention to the creation of the inner surface, which is characterized by incredible strength and reliability. Basically, it boasts a polymer coating, so that aluminum radiators do not corrode.
• The ability to cope with high pressure, which shows a direct effect on the tightness and durability of the heating system.

In the Russian market are also represented manufacturers that specialize in the manufacture of aluminum batteries. First of all, it is necessary to allocate the company Rifar. A distinctive feature of this manufacturer is that under the Italian license it produces copies of models of Italian manufacturers. Russian-made aluminum radiators are distinguished by their attractive appearance, impressive working pressure and the ability to cope with the domestic heat network.

It should be noted that the Russian conditions are quite tough and often European aluminum radiators are unable to cope with them, so it is best to give preference to products from Russia. The cost of the aluminum section is about 400 rubles.

Of course, the market has not been without Chinese products. Today you can see many famous Chinese companies that specialize in the production of low-cost aluminum radiators. Among the most well-known companies can be noted such as Konner and Bilux.The cost of such sections is cheaper not only European, but also Russian versions. They are sold at a price of 350 rubles per section.

It should be noted that today many well-known brands sell their licenses in China, so you can buy high-quality aluminum radiators at an affordable price.

If they are not there or the passport is completely absent, then the purchase should be abandoned. In addition, it is best to buy aluminum radiators in specialized stores. A distinctive feature of them is that they provide a guarantee that can be useful in case of violation of the tightness of the system or its premature failure.

When buying this type of heater, it must be remembered that the aluminum radiator, regardless of its manufacturer and quality, quickly deteriorates from water with a high level of PH. That is why such heating devices can be used only if the coolant fully complies with the requirements put forward by manufacturers.

Connect such heaters should be, paying attention to several important details. And it is necessary to choose models based on such characteristics as the level of heat transfer and the ability to withstand shocks. Be sure to pay attention to the technical data sheet of the device, which indicates not only its weight and dimensions, but also the ability to cope with a certain working pressure.

And there are cases when products can be used only for individual heating systems. Even if the manufacturer indicates that the aluminum radiator can be used in systems of 20 atmospheres, it is still necessary to install them in centralized heating with extreme caution. And for a modern apartment is best to choose options that have a more durable and reliable design.

The inter-compartment aluminum battery is unable to cope with all types of coolant. The fact is that these metals are subject to corrosion, therefore, it is necessary to approach its choice extremely carefully, otherwise it will not last even 10 years. It should be noted that innovative aluminum batteries are on the Russian market, which easily cope with the load and coolant with a high PH level.

If the installation of the heating system will take place in a house with centralized heating, then it is best to choose such models, despite their high cost.

Thus, aluminum radiators are an ideal device for creating a modern heating system. Their low cost, ease of installation and high level of heat transfer high-quality similar batteries against other analogues.

In the process of selecting aluminum radiators, close attention should be paid to the dimensions and weight of the product, as well as the area of ​​the room. It is best to choose aluminum radiators from European and domestic manufacturers, which are more reliable and durable than Chinese models.

In this video we show how to install an aluminum or bimetal radiator correctly.