Traditionally, for decades, the only source of heat in the winter in high-rise buildings is the Central heating system. Its operation carries with it both positive and negative sides.
The advantage is the fact that the Central heating system completely removes from tenants the problem of installing Autonomous instrument of heat, configuration and maintenance in working condition.
The disadvantages include some limitations that are associated with the control of heating living space and the most important is the problem of choice of radiators. The selected heating device should combine high technical performance even at very low temperatures behind the window.
Features Central heating ↑
In order to understand what radiators are better suited for use in the apartment, provided that the house installed Central heating system, need more details to understand the peculiarities of such type of heating. It necessarily takes into account a number of existing problems that inevitably arise when heating of apartment houses, and technical parameters that must withstand the selected radiators.
Traditionally the Central heating system in an apartment building has the following technical characteristics:
- working pressure 10 bar, 10 ATM., 1MPa;
- the average temperature of the coolant is 90°C.
It is also very important to take into account the volume of consumed water, the pressure in the water pipe and the radiator.
The consumer always wants to choose and install in your home the best radiator that would be best suited to existing conditions, was durable and effective in operation. Unfortunately, the Central heating system, in contrast to Autonomous is characterized by the horrible conditions and poor quality of the coolant.
Popular types of radiators ↑
Consider in more detail what are the different types of radiators, and which are better suited for Central heating.
Cast iron radiators ↑
This species does not lose its relevance for more than a dozen years. Of the main advantages of cast iron radiators it is worth noting a very high heat capacity. They retain heat very long, even in the event of termination of the hot water supply system, can withstand pressure surges of the coolant and is highly resistant to low water quality. Cast iron is a strong material that retains its integrity and original appearance for a very long time. Cast iron radiators consist of individual sections which are connected by special seals. Because of this, the battery can used to assemble any size and power.
Technical parameters of cast iron radiators:
- pressure below 10 bar. The maximum pressure value of the coolant that can withstand heating devices of this type – 30бар;
- working water temperature – 150°C;
- the average capacity of one section -130W;
- the average volume of one section 1.1-1.3 l;
- weight of one section is about 8-9kg.
As practice shows the main disadvantage of cast iron radiators is their very great weight. Standard battery in five sections, will weigh about 50 kg. This creates difficulties in transportation, delivery to the apartment, installation. You should carefully choose fasteners for cast iron radiators, because the slightest miscalculation can lead to the fact that it just slips off the wall.
Another disadvantage of cast iron radiators is the fact that inside the device has a slightly rough surface on which the scale is deposited and other calcareous particles in the water. Such heating devices require periodic cleaning, as if this is not done, then after five years from radiators to decline sharply the work efficiency and the heating rate.
Today cast iron radiators are best for apartments with a Central heating system. Even they are not very attractive appearance, does not reduce the popularity. A bit awkward and bulky battery well hidden screens and decorative designs.
Aluminum radiators ↑
Material of this type the heating element itself has a very high conductivity. It is also worth noting that aluminum radiators are the best of all available types thanks to its light weight. As a result of these factors, aluminum radiators have two clear advantages: low weight and high efficiency. Maximum heat radiator is provided by a large number of ribs, which provide a large useful heating area and good convection. Also worth noting is that the batteries are covered with a special powder colored enamel, have a very attractive appearance. It blends well with almost any decor.
Section aluminum radiators are made with the technique of casting.
Battery specifications of aluminium:
- the pressure inside of the section – not more than 18 bar. The average value of this parameter varies within 7-13бар;
- coolant temperature -115°C;
- power of one section of about 160-210Вт;
- the volume of the section does not exceed 0.5 l;
- the average weight per item is 1.5 kg.
You can also purchase aluminum battery-molded. The difference is that due to the absence of individual elements of the maximum internal pressure, which is capable of withstanding the design, is increased to 30 bar.
The battery weight of aluminum is much lower than all other types of heating devices. Aluminum radiators have the disadvantage of a high probability of deformation and ruptures when excessive pressure in the system.
Also worth noting is another drawback of batteries of this type. Aluminum is able to enter into active contact with water, releasing hydrogen. Even despite the fact that most models of aluminum radiator is covered with the inner side of the oxide film, and sometimes a ceramic coating, this does not reduce the probability of rapid destruction of the walls of the sections under the influence of various impurities in the water. Because, unfortunately, the Central heating system of an apartment building the water is very far from the standard of purity and quality.
In addition to all the shortcomings of aluminum can rapidly decompose due to stray currents in the system. Very often, the radiators careless neighbors connect the ground or even throw up phase. To do this is strictly forbidden and even dangerous to life. As a result aluminum battery subjected to such tests is very quickly destroyed.
Aluminum heating appliances is not the best option for apartment with Central heating. Such pumps are best used in a private house, where installed independent heating system.
Copper radiators ↑
The material of manufacture of this type of battery has the highest thermal conductivity. Traditionally, a copper radiator is a coil of pipe is often arranged ribs. Copper is highly resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage, has minor surface roughness that minimizes the risk of clogging the internal space of the radiator.
Copper heating appliance – is the best option for any heating system. Batteries most often welded, so they can easily withstand a working pressure up to 40 bar. The internal coolant temperature can reach 210°C.
The only but serious disadvantage of this type of radiators is their high price. Mount copper radiators in a standard apartment high-rise buildings is very expensive. What to speak of private house.
Steel radiators ↑
Steel tubular radiators are characterized by less heat dissipation and efficiency, but, nevertheless, this option is often considered for installation in homes with a Central heating system. This type of heating appliance is very well protected from corrosion processes, has good conductivity and capacity. Make these heaters for a very simple technology. Two corrugated sheets of steel are brazed together so as to form a single panel with channels for water inside.
Specifications steel radiator:
- the pressure inside bar-8bar. The maximum rate varies between 13-15bar;
- coolant temperature – 110°C;
- power, volume, and weight of the device heating is greatly different depending on the size of the steel panels.
Bimetallic radiators ↑
Bimetal radiators have combined the best qualities of all heating devices. The structure consists of steel pipes inside the cooling section with an external aluminum coating. This way you can achieve very high heat transfer of heat sinks with a minimum of destructive processes that take place inside the element.
The cost of such heating devices is quite high but quality, performance and ease of use more than pays for itself in the first heating season.
Specifications:
- withstands pressure of about 15 bar. The maximum value of this figure may reach 50 bar;
- coolant temperature – 115 °C;
- the volume of one section -0,6 l;
- the weight of one element is about 1.8 kg.
Conclusion ↑
Knowing the specifications and features of operation of each type of radiators you can always choose the best option for specific operating conditions. You should always consider not only quality products, but also how suitable a particular type of radiator to work in the Central heating system of an apartment building.
Also, if the heating of the apartment is less popular but not less effective way of heating the apartment with electric heating devices. What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric radiators, find out in the next video
