Steel radiators are perfect solution, if you are building a country house or want to change the heating system in your cottage or private house. This type of heating device is the most common for owners of private houses. This can be explained by the fact that they are relatively inexpensive, and in comparison with aluminum radiators, they have higher heat transfer parameters. In the photo you can see the options for steel batteries.
Steel radiators
General information
Some people ask such a question, what first of all it is necessary to pay attention when choosing steel radiators ? The assortment of steel heaters is very diverse today. On the one hand, there is plenty to choose from, and on the other hand a large selection can cause a feeling of confusion. Steel radiators, in the first place, can differ by the manufacturer. They can also vary in color, size, price, size or design. Steel radiators today are quite a worthy replacement cast iron radiators, which is not so long ago in the lead in popularity.
A steel radiator is a heating device that is a single rectangular panel made of two steel sheets. These sheets are welded together and have water channels.
Heating radiators made of steel are not recommended for installation in rooms where there is an increased level of humidity, so for a bathroom they do not fit. To date, steel heating appliances can be seen not only in private homes, but also in shops, offices, country cottages. This is due to their low cost, and at the same time, a beautiful and stylish design.
Before deciding on the choice of the manufacturer of the device, it is necessary to find out which manufacturing method was used. The correct method of manufacturing involves the production of the device itself, its coloring, collection in blocks and packaging.
Cost steel radiators heating, in the first place, depends on their power and dimensions. Sometimes some steel radiators with similar parameters are more expensive than others, only because of the more popular brand. So think about whether you should overpay extra money. Of course, that domestic devices will cost a little cheaper than those produced in Europe. But in terms of size and performance, they may not differ or differ, but not significantly.
In order to choose the most suitable radiator, it is necessary to take into account the following nuances:
- On how deep and low the heater will be located, more even heating of the entire room depends.
- It is necessary that the radiator should be equipped with such an element as the Mayevsky crane, as this will make it possible to bleed excess air from the system. It is also desirable that the radiator be equipped with cranes to interrupt the water. Unexpected emergency situations may occur, and such cranes will be very handy.
- If the radiator is installed under the window, then its width should be no less than 50-70% of the width of the window opening.
- In order to make the heating radiator more practical, you can choose a model that is equipped with a thermostat. Such an element can be either manual or automatic.
Types of radiators made of steel, based on their structural features
Steel heating batteries can be of two types:
- Tubular radiators;
- Panel radiators.
Panel steel radiators are a kind of panel that is installed on the floor or fixed to the wall. Such metal radiators have a more aesthetic appearance and have higher heat transfer rates.
Panel radiators are manufactured according to the following scheme: the panel of such devices is welded from two plates, the coolant circulates between these plates. Typically, the plates have a thickness of 1.2 to 1.5 mm. Spot welding is used to connect these plates.
Among the advantages of panel steel radiators, you can identify the choice of the device with the most suitable for you.
Panel radiators, in turn, can differ in the way they connect to the heating system. There are three ways to connect steel panel heating devices:
- Side connection;
- Lower connection;
- Universal connection.
In the case of a lower connection, the heater must be equipped with a thermostatic valve of the built-in type. The thermostat can be mounted on this valve. Thanks to such a device as a thermostat, you can maintain the most convenient temperature for you.
Cheaper metal heating batteries with side connection type are considered. In this case, you can use and natural circulation coolant in the heating system. In addition, this connection is not as noticeable as the lower one.
Radiators made from several panels have higher heat transfer. This design allows the transfer of heat only to external planes, therefore, it is possible to weld U-shaped plates to their internal surfaces. Due to this, it is possible to increase the surface that will give off heat.
However, three panel radiators there are some disadvantages. First of all, it concerns their weight. By weight category, such devices can catch up cast-iron batteries, which are quite heavy. In addition, such a device will require a greater volume of water, so the efficiency of thermal regulation will significantly decrease. By the thickness of such radiators bypass even cast-iron appliances, because in thickness they can have up to 160 mm. Another drawback is the fact that the internal area of the panel radiator is a little more difficult to clean from dirt.
Tubular heating radiators are steel in appearance something like cast-iron batteries.
Tubular radiators are most suitable for administrative buildings or houses with one or more floors. Tubular radiators are capable of withstanding working pressure no more than 8-10 atmospheres. The thickness of their walls varies from 1.3 to 1.5 mm. In height, such devices can reach 300 cm. Tubular steel radiators, in turn, can be of such types as sectional or non-sectional.
Performance characteristics of steel radiators
The founder of the tubular radiator is Robert Zender, and it's not surprising that the first company that produced such radiators was called Zehnder. Initially, a tubular type radiator was not used at all for the heating system, but for cooling the motor of a motorcycle. After a while such radiators found their application in the industrial sphere.
Among the operating parameters and characteristics of steel radiators, we can distinguish the following:
- Since high-quality metal is used to make such heaters, they are able to withstand a rather high operating pressure. Such heating radiators made of stainless steel are best suited for buildings of an individual character. In an individual heating system, there is no such high pressure as in multi-storey buildings, so steel radiators can last a long time. In addition, such radiators can work without any interruptions.
- To manufacture such radiators, simple technologies are used, so their retail price is relatively low. Based on this indicator, you can choose the radiator most suitable for a particular room.
- Steel radiators have quite good resistance to hydraulic shocks. The sections of such radiators are welded without the use of different gaskets, so they have such a high resistance to mechanical damage.
- The external appearance is the most important advantage of such radiators. Iron heating batteries can be painted in any color that you like most. They can be placed horizontally, at an angle or vertically. It is also possible to supplement the number of sections to such radiators. By means of steel radiators you can heat a room with any area.
- Steel radiators are rather universal devices. They can be used with almost any fastening material. Steel radiators are usually sold complete with fasteners. Thanks to this, their installation can be carried out quite accurately and quickly.
Steel radiators for heating. Pros and cons
Arguments for"
- Due to the fact that they have a fairly simple design, such radiators will last for a long time. They have rather high strength, and the thickness of the walls is from 1.2 to 1.5 mm.
- Installation of steel radiators can be carried out independently. For this, you do not need to have special knowledge or a reduction. If you need instructions on how to install them, you can easily find it on the manufacturer's web page. This manual will help you install the heater based on your existing heating system.
- Iron radiators have excellent design features. Such a device will fit into almost any interior.
Arguments against"
- The most important drawback of such radiators is their low resistance to corrosion. Such radiators can fail because of the effects of moisture. For this reason, it is not recommended to install them in a room where there is an increased level of humidity. In addition, you can not leave without water a system in which steel radiators are installed. If left without water for only a few weeks, they can fail.
- Such devices have a high sensitivity to hydraulic shocks in those places where welded seams are located.
- Some radiators are covered in factories with a not too high-quality paint and varnish coating. If the paint is of low quality, the radiator will lose its original appearance after a few years, as the coating will begin to peel off.
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The topic of heating their homes is always among Russians always in winter and in summer. In winter we look at our radiators with the hope of a good heat return, in the summer we start thinking about preparing for the winter of next year. Steel radiators are important devices of the heating system.
A coolant heated to a certain temperature circulates along the radiator. The installation of radiators ensures the transfer of heat from the coolant to the room. There is no doubt that our customers have heard about heating radiators steel.
Computer literacy expands and allows you to know that among the known to all there are also steel radiators. If the first three types of radiators in their design features are sectional, the steel radiators are divided into two types:
- Panel radiators
- Tubular radiators
Heating radiators steel in Russia in the markets for the sale of heating appliances have an interest among buyers. Many models have already proven themselves. Heating radiators steel are sold by Russian manufacturers and come to the market from abroad. Buyers like the quality, affordable price and thermal capacity.
Installation of steel panel radiators
The design of steel panel radiators consists of a double stamped sheet with vertical and horizontal inside the collectors. On the contour of the panel are welded with a continuous seam. Models can be with side and bottom line:
The panels are painted in a pleasant white color with the use of foreign technologies.
According to the design features, lateral or end panels may or may not be. An air outlet grill is mounted on top of the radiator. In some models it is not mounted, it depends on the manufacturer.
The picture shows corrugated sheets through the grid. The heat transfer of the steel radiator is increased due to finning from the steel corrugated sheet. Corrugated sheets by welding are welded to vertical channels along which the coolant moves.
The picture on the left clearly shows the corrugations, the opening for the coolant inlet, which continues its movement along the horizontal collectors of each panel to the lower collector along vertical channels inside the panels.
Steel radiators of this type can be equipped with: a Mayevsky crane, a thermostatic valve, metal plugs, wall mounting brackets with screws and a passport.
The panels are made of high-quality steel. The thickness of the sheet can vary from 1.15 mm to 1.4 mm. Working pressure from 9 atm to 10 atm. Temperature of coolant 120 deg. FROM.
On structural features steel panel radiators are divided into types, where the first digit means the number of panels, the second number of convective plates (corrugation):
Consider the design of all types of steel panel radiators:
Type 10 - one row of panels, in depth without finning;
Type 11 - one row of panels, one row of fins from the back of the panel, with side walls and an air outlet grate;
Type 20 - two rows of panels, without fins, with side walls and an air outlet grate;
Type 21 - two rows of panels with internal fins, with side walls and an air outlet grate;
A type 22 - two rows of panels, two rows of internal fins, with side walls and an air outlet grate;
Type 33 - three rows of panels, three rows of internal fins, side walls and an air outlet grille.
Overview of steel panel radiators (video)
Radiators, heating, steel panel type are produced and sold in trade both domestic and foreign.
Review of worthy brands of panel radiators:
- RosTerm (Russia)
- PRADO (Russia, Izhevsk), PRADO CLASSIC, PRADO UNIVERSAL
- Conrad (Russia)
- Lidey (Belarus)
- TEPLOVER (Ukraine, Chernigov)
- KAZTHERM (Kazakhstan)
- SOLE (Italy / Kazakhstan)
- KERMI (Germany)
- KORADO (Czech Republic)
- PURMO (Finland), PURMO COMPACT, PURMO VENTIL COMPAKT
- BUDERUS (Germany)
- BJORNE (Germany)
- HEATON (Turkey)
- BRAINERSTAR (Turkey)
Steel panel radiators are convenient for use in urban systems and with individual boiler equipment. Service life is up to 10 years. Do not forget about the vulnerability to corrosion. The system must be closed to protect the batteries from air.
Installation of radiators of heating panel
Steel radiators are easy to install, they can be installed even in the package. Since they have high heat dissipation, the distance to the wall and from the floor is taken individually for each model:
If the steel radiator is hinged, then it is attached to brackets with screws and dowels. If the floor, it is installed on the floor on the racks and attached to the pipes in the usual way (see the passport of the device). Constructively the radiators can be connected to the heat carrier on the left, right or bottom.
Steel panel radiators in the interior of living quarters (video)
The device of steel radiators tubular
Tubular radiators are an interesting type of heating devices. In contrast to the panel, they better tolerate sharp differential pressure of the coolant. But the presence of welded joints and the thickness of the pipe wall from 1.5 mm to 2 mm warns to be still cautious and use tubular radiators Only for low-rise buildings with closed-type systems.
Famous brands of steel tubular radiators (there are not that many of them):
- RadStal (Russia)
- КЗТО Radiator (Russia, Kimry): RS, RSK, Harmony, Effect
- Esthete (Russia)
- Israp Tesi (Italy)
- Zehnder (Germany), Zehnder Bank Radiator
- Arbania (Switzerland and Germany): Karotherm, Creatherm, Heizwand, Entreetherm, Arbotherm, Grealux, Flagtherm, Plantherm, Optotherm
On the first two pictures the steel radiators of the company RadStal. The vertical structure of flat pipes attracts, so the planned architectural decision is executed. On the third and fourth picture steel radiators of the RS and DSC of the KZTO Radiator plant. Consider the features constructive solutions several brands.
RadStal Steel Radiators
Radiators have only a side connection. Thickness of flat vertical pipes = 1.5 mm. A section is formed from the tubes, this is clearly seen in the drawings.
Flat tubes in a section can be two, three, four. Depth of the radiator depends on them: 64 mm, 103 mm, 142 mm.
The height can be from 304 mm to 1004 mm.
The length - from 460 mm to 1380 mm.
Operating pressure = 12 bar, coolant temperature = 120 deg. FROM.
Colored radiators can in any colors.
Steel radiators are intended for use in closed water heating systems.
2. KZTO Radiator (Russia, the city of Kimry)
The device of heating radiators tubular enterprise KZTO Radiator is presented in a wide range:
Series of PC.These are tubular column radiators with the number of tubes of each column from 1 to 5 pieces, combined at the top and bottom by collectors. It can be seen that the horizontal ones are made of a square profile. The square profile is 40 x 40 mm with a wall thickness of 2 mm. Vertical pipe-columns made of pipes 1.5 mm thick are welded to collectors.
The radiators at the top and bottom can have one, two and three horizontal collectors, depending on the series: PC-1, PC-2, PC-3, PC-4, PC-5.
Working pressure = 15 atm, temperature = 130 degrees. FROM.
The height of the instruments: 300, 500, 750, 900, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1750, 2000 mm.
The length of the instruments is from 170 mm to 2056 mm. The depth of the instruments: 40, 100, 160, 226, 292 mm.
In the first 3 photos, a series of PCs with square horizontal collectors. On the 4th photo the steel radiator series of DGCsnot unlike the PC series, except that the horizontal manifolds here are round steel pipes.
The service life of these radiators is up to 25 years. Radiators RS and RSK are recommended for use in institutions with high hygienic requirements: medical and sports buildings, in residential buildings with single-tube and two-pipe heating systems. It is convenient to wipe the dust in such radiators.
Series Harmony.This is also steel tubular radiators with the embodiment of the ideal solution of heating problems, both in terms of aesthetics and efficiency.
It is used in single-tube and two-pipe heating systems for residential and public buildings. Lower connection only for two-pipe heating systems. Complete with: brackets, plugs, air vent. To regulate the heat flow, valves from companies such as Danfos, Oventrop, Haimeyer are used. Honevel. The device is interesting and worth a look:
Steel radiators have an upper and a lower collector of circular cross section, connected by vertical pipe-columns. The column consists of two pipes of different diameters, which are inserted into each other and connected together.
The heat carrier moves inside the column along the resulting annular volume. And, naturally, on horizontal collectors.
The internal cavity of the column provides additional convective circulation of the heated air.
Radiators can be single row and double row. A decorative ring element is mounted on the top of the columns.
Center distance: from 155 to 2000 mm. Curvilinear walls produce radiators in the radius version (on request).
The figure shows the collector and the pipe-column. Pipes are made with a diameter of 25 mm, 40 mm, 51 mm.
Still the enterprise lets out radiators of this series with pipes columns with the closed butts of hemispherical form.
Zavalinka Series. On the basis of steel radiators for heating pipes from the series RS and Harmony, a series of Zavalinka was created. The seat is made of wood, you can sit and relax, The radiator itself stands on the floor on special stands.
Parallel series. Developers have found it necessary to combine the design of the pipe round and rectangular sections.
Radiators can be with a mirror insert.
Heatsink height: from 334 mm to 2034 mm.
The length of the radiator: from 76 mm to 2254 mm.
Number of radiator sections: from 3 pcs. up to 90 pcs.
Working pressure 9 atm, temperature = 130 deg. FROM.
Radiators are convenient to install in the high vestibules of cottages.
3. Esthete (Russia)
Steel heating radiators tubular companies Esthete look with the help of copyright video:
Design radiators of domestic and foreign production are widely offered to consumers for choice:
Overview of steel radiators with design solutions in video:
Always install and operate radiators according to passport data and you will be warm and cozy in your home.
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Heat in the house is the most important component of comfort and coziness. A mistake would be to think that the comfort temperature in the room depends entirely on the heating system. The type of radiators installed in the apartment is also very important. Among the developers, the steel radiators that have appeared not so long ago are very popular. They are recognized as the most widespread heating system in the world, which is confidently superseding from the market traditional cast-iron batteries. Steel appliances are diverse and have many advantages. How to choose the right system? Let's understand.
Where can I install such a battery?
Steel radiators can be installed in different systems, but for each there are certain nuances. Now we will consider them.
Autonomous heating systems
Steel appliances are great for stand-alone structures. Owners of houses need only monitor the pressure of the liquid in the system, it should not exceed 10-15 bars. In addition, attention should be paid to the quality of the coolant. Despite the fact that the steel is relatively resistant to corrosion, it is not recommended to expose the radiators to prolonged exposure to corrosive media. The manufacturer guarantees that, if filters are used and the pressure is regulated in a timely manner, the devices will last at least 20 years.
Steel devices can be used both in autonomous and in centralized heating systems. In the first they will last much longer
Central heating
For buildings connected to central heating, steel radiators are also suitable. The working pressure of the devices is 10-15 bar. Given that the system usually has a pressure of no more than 6 bar, a certain margin of safety remains. The quality of the coolant in such a system is far from the recommended one. Water is often too hard with the addition of solid suspensions. All this leads to a gradual accumulation of deposits inside the instruments and abrasive destruction of steel devices. In the centralized heating system they will be able to work for about 10 years.
Steel equipment can be installed in commercial pavilions, industrial premises, warehouses and other facilities with a closed heating system. Low cost of devices allows to equip spacious buildings with minimum expenses. Steel devices can be installed in almost any room, but best of all they show their qualities in autonomous systems heating.
We suggest you also listen to the opinion of specialists:
Features of the construction of steel radiators
Two types of steel radiators are available, differing in construction. Let's consider each of them in detail.
Option # 1 - panel devices
Devices are a kind of panel that is attached to the wall or directly to the floor. The design of such devices is quite simple. The panel is welded from two plates, between which the coolant circulates. The width of the elements is 1.2-1.5 mm, there are stamped channels, the connection of parts is carried out by spot welding. Steel panel heating batteries are characterized by a high ability to transmit heat and an attractive view. Such equipment successfully combines the characteristics of sectional and convection radiators.
The panel radiator consists of two plates with stamped channels, connected to each other by spot welding
Among the advantages panel instruments you can include their wide range. On sale you can find devices of different configurations and sizes. In addition, the equipment differs by the type of connection to the piping:
- Lower. Assumes the possibility of installing a thermostatic valve, on which a thermostat is installed, which controls the room temperature.
- Lateral. The most affordable option, which makes it possible to use the natural circulation of the coolant.
In addition, on sale you can find steel radiators, equipped with two types of connections.
To increase heat dissipation radiators are equipped with several panels. Since the design transmits heat only to external planes, additional plates in the shape of the letter P are welded to the inner planes. Thus, it is possible to increase the heat transfer surface. The internal elements function according to the principle. Thus, the share of convection heat is 75%. Among the minuses of such devices is a large weight. For example, a three-panel radiator weighs almost as much as a cast-iron radiator. The large amount that is inside the device reduces the efficiency of the temperature control performed. In addition, it is rather difficult to clean such a device of pollution.
Option # 2 - tubular devices
Instruments are a system of lower and upper collectors, connected by vertically arranged tubes. The last can be a maximum of six rows. Such devices are recommended for use in houses of small number of storeys. The working pressure in tubular steel radiators is 8-10 atm. The thickness of the walls of the devices is 1.3-1.5 mm. Such batteries are produced sectional and non-sectional, the maximum length is 3 m. The equipment is hygienic, well-cleaned and has a high level of safety. Some models from the inside are covered with a polymer coating, which prolongs their service life.
Steel tubular radiators are distinguished by the presence of an upper and lower system of collectors that are interconnected by tubes. Can be produced in sectional and non-sectional versions
Advantages of tubular devices include:
- High working pressure, calculated for possible water hammers. However, it is best to use tubular appliances in autonomous heating systems where the coolant head is relatively small.
- The simplicity of the design, which implies the absence of complications in the manufacture of the device and, accordingly, their low cost.
- The design features of the devices, such as welding sections without gaskets, provide high resistance to mechanical damage.
- Ease of installation. Various ways of making it possible to use steel tubular devices almost anywhere. Most models are equipped with fasteners and communication components, which allows them to be installed quickly and reliably.
- Versatility. The devices are compatible, practically, with any materials used for fastening.
- The possibility of sectional addition for sectional models, which implies a reduction or increase in the number of sections at the request of the owner.
- A variety of accommodation options. The instruments can be installed horizontally, at an angle or vertically.
A number of models, so-called design radiators, offer special opportunities for interior planning. These are devices produced in the form of a rail for stairs, frames for mirrors, interior partitions, etc.
Sectional tubular radiators can have a different number of sections. Their number is determined by the owner of the dwelling
Why would you not want such a radiator?
It should be noted that of all types of heating equipment, it is steel structures that are most prone to corrosion, which significantly affects the life of their equipment. Laboratory studies have shown that within a year the battery of steel loses about 0.1 mm of its thickness due to the flow of corrosive processes. Thus, a sheet of steel with a thickness of 1.2 mm, even under the most favorable conditions, can withstand no more than ten years of operation, which can not be considered a high index.
In addition, the joints are made by spot welding, which makes these areas even more susceptible to corrosion. The air entering the system significantly accelerates this process. This is another reason why it is not recommended to install steel radiators in apartment buildings with a centralized heating system, where the water after the end of the heating season is lowered. It should be taken into account that panel-type devices are least resistant to. This is because the channels have a small passage size. When high pressure such a device swells and may burst, especially on the joints and seams.
Steel appliances can be produced in the form of so-called design radiators. Such devices perfectly fit into the interior and attract an unusual appearance
Example of the strength test:
How to choose the right option for you?
What are the characteristics of steel radiators besides their power should be guided when choosing?
The size of the device should be chosen based on the parameters and area of the heated room. Devices differ in depth (type 33, 22, 11), along the length (from 3000 to 400 mm) and in height (from 900 to 300 mm). For each size, the intrinsic heat transfer parameters are inherent. The larger it is, the correspondingly larger area of such a radiator can be heated. Figures 33, 22 and 11, denoting the type of radiator, speak of the number of so-called "accordions" or U-shaped plates fixed on the equipment. One plate is designated 11, two - 22 and three - 33.
These radiators are usually available in two versions: with side or bottom connection. The first option is considered standard. He is also the most common. This is due to the fact that devices with a lower connection cost significantly more, which is associated with structural features equipment. Such devices are conventional side-mounted heat sinks equipped with terminals lowered to the bottom of the device. This addition complicates the design and requires additional components, which is reflected in the cost of the equipment. 
It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer. It should be noted that the methods of manufacturing devices from all companies are almost identical. But the cost of devices seriously varies. It is determined by the design, brand and size of the device. Often, you can buy a quality domestic device and do not overpay for a foreign brand. When selecting the best option are taken into account and such nuances:
- The device must be equipped with a Mayevsky crane, so that it can be used if necessary. It is also good that the device has a faucet that blocks the flow of coolant, which is necessary in the event of emergency situations.
- The deeper and lower it is supposed to have a radiator, the more evenly the room will warm up.
- The most practical batteries are thermoregulators, manual or automatic.
- The device installed under the window should occupy not less than 50-75% of the width of the window opening.
Steel radiators are among the most demanded heating appliances. They are distinguished by modern stylish appearance, high heat output, affordable cost and have found wide application in country houses, apartments, offices and shops. Experts do not recommend installing devices in rooms with high humidity and with careful installation in apartments with centralized heating. But in autonomous heating systems, steel appliances serve for a long time and flawlessly.