Steel radiators (batteries) for heating: types, selection guidelines

Steel radiators (batteries) for heating

The issue of heating is one of the most burning. And you do not need extra words – everyone understands that the feeling of comfort in the room (and it doesn’t matter whether this is an apartment, house, office or cultural institution) “comes” along with the optimal temperature environment. The heating system is “functional” similar to the human circulatory system – every “organ”, every detail is also important here. Let’s talk today about the irreplaceable elements of the heating system – radiators, namely about their steel variety. Steel heating radiators popular all over the world. But even two or three decades ago, “decorating the interior” was allowed only cast-iron samples! Today, the choice of metal devices is so great that my eyes run wide. Accordingly, a competent analysis is required to make the right decision..

Content

• Characteristics of steel heating appliances

• Steel radiator design
• Working pressure
• Hygiene, easy care
• Unlimited installation options
• Elegant appearance

Advantages and disadvantages of steel batteries

Steel tubular heating radiators

 

Characteristics of steel heating appliances

What is good about steel heating batteries? What characteristics distinguish them among analogues in the market?

Steel radiator design

They are easy to manufacture – accordingly, the retail price is more than satisfactory. The simple design allows you to choose a radiator of a size satisfactory for each specific room. Their different heights and widths are an opportunity to harmoniously “integrate” the device into any interior.

Working pressure

Thanks to the use of stainless steel, radiators are able to withstand a fairly high working pressure. Although they, unlike cast-iron, do not need one. This makes steel samples ideal for individual buildings with local heating..

The local system does not give out critically high internal pressure, therefore, the equipment will effectively and smoothly fulfill the tasks assigned to it for many years.

Hygiene, easy care

A smooth surface is easily washed, tons of dust do not accumulate on it, and washing it is a pleasure. Radiators cannot be “taken – pushed back – washed (wiped) – put in place.” Therefore, the ability to easily clean such a device is a rather important characteristic..

The vast majority of modern heating steel elements are coated with a special dirt-repellent layer with antibacterial protection..

Unlimited installation options

Several connection options (in particular the lower, side) allow the use of steel radiators in extravagant hard-to-reach places, where the “competitors” in the market often do not even get into.

Standard communication and mounting elements make installation of equipment fast, reliable, and standardly robust..

Elegant appearance

Not to mention this advantage is simply impossible. Today you can find a steel radiator of almost any color, and even in a bold construction solution. A correctly selected device can not only warm the room, but also emphasize its design. Arrange them horizontally, vertically or even at an angle. There are even curved radiators, repeating the shape of non-standard walls. With steel radiators you can not limit your imagination – equipment can be placed not only on the walls, but also on the floor, ceiling.

There are two types of steel radiators – panel and tubular. Their main difference, naturally, is structural.

Advantages and disadvantages of steel batteries

Panel radiators attract customers, primarily due to the restrained, but at the same time, stylish design; good “heating ability” and reasonable price. Such devices successfully combine the properties of sectional and convection radiators. Equipment is usually carried out according to a single structural scheme. Each of the panels is welded from two steel plates. The thickness of the plates is 1.2-1.5 mm. They are connected to each other by electric welding (spot); contain stamped channels with coolant circulating through them.

One of the most important advantages of panel radiators is the ability to select their various dimensions based on their needs. There are many configurations of these batteries: the height of the equipment can vary between 200-900 mm, length – between 400-3000 mm.

Most models are endowed with a “traditional” side eyeliner, some have a lower.

Steel heating radiators are also produced with two or three panels combined in parallel – such devices have higher heat transfer. True, with such a design, the equipment transfers heat exclusively to the external planes – therefore, U-shaped plates are welded to all its internal surfaces. Thus, the heat transfer surface increases: the inner planes function as a convector. The proportion of convection heat is 70-75%.

But there are also disadvantages. The weight of such a radiator is almost equal to the weight of a cast-iron battery of the same size. The amount of water in the device is very impressive – the efficiency of temperature control is reduced. It’s pretty expensive to clean the inside of the “stacked” radiator.

Panel radiators are prone to rust even under satisfactory operating conditions..

Yes, corrosion is a significant drawback of steel appliances. Plates with a thickness of 1.2 mm are theoretically able to withstand 12 years, but in practice this figure is clearly less. As already noted, the plates are welded using the spot method – the weld points are destroyed first.

Rarely visited rooms and this heating equipment are incompatible things. If you flush the water, for weeks through two air entering the system will give a powerful impetus to corrosion. In order to avoid such an unpleasant incident, steel radiators are not recommended to be installed in the central heating system.

The panel batteries are characterized by increased hydraulic resistance (the reason is the small cross-section of the circulation channels) – their weak point is the welds. At pressures above 13 atm, they can weaken or even instantly collapse. And the device itself can swell, break through. That is why steel radiators are the best choice for closed systems (cottages, houses with autonomous thermal stations) with the provided protection against water hammer and high-quality coolant.

Steel tubular heating radiators

Tubular radiators are allocated in a separate class of heating appliances. Interest in them is “fueled” by a variety of dimensions and a host of design solutions. These devices are relatively resistant to pressure drops. Externally, tubular batteries slightly resemble cast-iron. They consist of an upper and lower collector interconnected by vertical steel tubes.

They are divided in turn into sectional and non-sectional. A wide range of models will allow the heating tube device to become an excellent addition to the interior. The equipment is characterized by a high level of safety – it does not have sharp corners and edges.

Some modern samples of tubular radiators are coated with polymer inside – this is a kind of insurance against the appearance of corrosion.

A significant drawback of these devices is the low heat transfer. Spot welding sites tend to leak over time.

Tubular batteries, as well as panel ones, should not be used in buildings with central heating.

If in doubt, is it worth buying steel heating radiators – user reviews can help you in this matter. After all, the opinion of people who have tested a certain type of equipment is usually fairly objective: it is impossible to read all the most veiled operational nuances in the texts from the manufacturer – as a rule, only outstanding advantages.

When choosing heating appliances for your home or apartment, focus on how much they are specifically adapted to your operating conditions, what restrictions exist for them. Steel heating radiators will be a good choice for the monastery in the event that you will be able to create an optimal “environment” for them and will not allow risk situations. Remember: a competent approach will help to overcome any controversial issues.