In apartments of the housing stock created several decades ago, and in many private houses, there are batteries manufactured in the same years. Over such a period of operation, their characteristics have deteriorated and one should not expect complete heat transfer from them. While it is easy to update the appearance of radiators, restoring normal operation is sometimes impossible. When planning repairs, it is worth understanding whether the old heating batteries will continue to serve or whether it is better to replace them.
You can try to restore old heating batteries
What are plate radiators
Such accordion-type batteries are one of the types of convector devices. The device is distinguished by a significant size of the heat exchange part and a small number of pipes. The equipment works as follows:
- The coolant is passed through the radiator pipes, while the high pressure in the system ensures the transfer of thermal energy to the device;
- The metal plates on the pipes quickly heat up under the influence of the resulting heat;
- The hot plates, in turn, heat the air that is between them;
- The heated air becomes lighter and rises to the upper part of the room;
- The displaced cold air falls down, where it is gradually heated by the radiator.
Wall with a battery Source uborka.com.ua
The main feature of accordion batteries is their operation as a convector. The devices influence air circulation and heat it, but at the same time their temperature is insufficient to be exposed to thermal radiation.
Efficient operation of the radiator is achieved through a combination of high coolant temperature, high pressure in the system and narrow pipes. As a result, the plates quickly heat up and circulate air in the room.
If you need to increase heat transfer in the battery, you can use metal corrugation. This design is attached in the form of a protective panel and increases the size of the heating device. The amount of air passing through the device also increases, and convection becomes more efficient.
The old-style accordion battery heated the room using natural air convection. This was the disadvantage of the product, which was especially evident in large apartments. The temperature difference reached high values, it was hot at the top, but the floor remained cold. To get rid of this problem, over time they began to use a built-in fan. New plate-type radiators operate on electricity, performing artificial air circulation. As a result, the room warms up more evenly and cold areas disappear.
White radiator on the wall Source prom-stanki.ru
Main types of heating devices
The following types of batteries are most often used in everyday life:
- Sectional. They are made from aluminum or several different metals. These structures consist of parts connected to each other using steel nipples. They look attractive and provide good air circulation. Such devices may include several sections in one battery.
Sectional battery Source eurosantehnik.ru
- Tubular. These designs are not widely used. Among their advantages are a long heat transfer time and an aesthetic appearance of the device.
Tubular battery Source stroy-podskazka.ru
- Panel. One of the most effective devices for home use. Pros: large working area, good level of convection, varied design and wide range of equipment. Such a battery can be selected for almost any room; the sizes of radiators differ markedly from each other. Among the disadvantages are high prices for products, as well as low operating pressure.
Panel battery Source gopb.ru
- Lamellar. They are characterized by a high level of pressure, have good heat transfer and provide effective air circulation. These devices can be used as in-floor convectors; they are available in a variety of shapes and designs.
Plate battery Source gidroguru.com
Order in
All prices for cast iron heating radiators are presented on the website. The technical characteristics are indicated separately for each modification in the product cards:
- Heat dissipation.
- Indicators of test and working pressure.
- Coolant temperature.
- Dimensions, weight and volume of the 1st section.
- Center distance.
We are dealers of major brands and supply high-quality heating equipment at affordable prices. At the client's request, we provide painting services for batteries in any RAL colors.
If you are in doubt about your choice, call us - we will advise you on all your questions. To buy a cast iron radiator, you can contact our managers by phone or fill out an application on the website.
Battery materials
Plate radiators can be made of various materials, which affects the rate of heat transfer and other performance characteristics. Modern devices are most often made on the basis of:
- Become. The plates and pipes of the device are made from this material. The radiator turns out to be very durable, it can easily withstand even strong water hammer. The disadvantage is the slow rate of heat exchange.
Steel radiator Source utepleniedoma.com
- Copper. The all-copper accordion battery has good power and heat transfer rate. Excellent characteristics are overshadowed by the high price of the finished product, so a combination of materials is most often used. Copper tubes are equipped with cheaper steel or other metal plates. As a result, the final cost of the device can be significantly reduced.
- Aluminum. This is a relatively cheap solution that has a high heat transfer rate. The disadvantage of this option is insufficient strength, so it is not used in central heating systems. It makes sense to combine aluminum plates with copper pipes to obtain stable equipment.
Aluminum radiator Source gidroguru.com
Accordion radiators of different generations differ in the number of working circuits and panels for convection. If there is a single circuit and a set of plates, the battery is designated class 11. There is also a class 22, which indicates double the number of these parts. If two sets of plates are combined with a common coil, such a product will belong to class 21.
The dimensions of plate batteries can vary significantly, which makes it easy to select a device for a specific room. The appliances come in a variety of designs in the market, so users can purchase a suitable option for each style.
What are radiator screens made of?
Grids and boxes are made from almost any material. The main condition is their resistance to high temperatures. The exception is plastic products, since to increase strength the box will have to be made too wide. As a result, the radiator will dissipate heat worse and its efficiency will decrease. Other types of materials are quite suitable for making screens. The most common among them:
- Wood. Its appearance and environmental friendliness make wood products one of the best options for casings.
Wooden screen Source bykdyb.ru
- MDF boards. They are resistant to temperature fluctuations and tolerate changes in humidity levels in the house.
Battery screen made of MDF board Source craftsman.in.ua
- Glass. Heat passes through it well, and the product also gets a beautiful exterior that fits perfectly into almost any room style.
Glass screen Source otoplenie-expert.com
- Metal. Its high thermal conductivity promotes better distribution of air flows and increases the working surface of the device. Steel and copper casings can be used for a long time; they do not deform or deteriorate under the influence of temperature changes. For this reason, such materials are especially often used in combination with cast iron radiators.
Metal screen Source craftsman.in.ua
Steel plate batteries
During the Soviet Union, cast iron radiators were common, which had the appearance of an accordion. Many people confuse such devices with the plate type, which was made primarily of steel. It can still be found in the hallways of old houses and in old government buildings.
The basis of the devices is a tube with plates located on it. The latter perform the function of heat exchange due to the large total surface area. Modern products have increased efficiency due to improved design.
The advantage that distinguishes the steel accordion battery from other types is its ability to withstand pressure of 20 atmospheres. The coolant is passed through the pipes under high pressure, which causes their surface to quickly heat up and transfer thermal energy to the plates. The surface of the latter comes into contact with the air, as a result of which it also becomes warmer.
Such devices have become popular due to their low cost. A modest exterior and rapid surface contamination are considered disadvantages that can be eliminated with the help of special screens. When open, such products are often installed in public places and enterprises, and in residential buildings protective covers are installed on them.
Steel radiator: accordion or plate does not go out of use in our country, since its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. There are many options for such devices, some of them are quite suitable even for use in central heating systems. If necessary, you can purchase exactly the variety that is most effective in a particular room.
Heating convectors or registers
A heating convector is a pipe on which thin steel plates are attached.
The design is simple and rather primitive. They were often used in Soviet-built houses. But now, having undergone some evolution, they have somewhat changed their appearance and functionality. There is a very large selection of them on the market. Along with the cheap ones, quite expensive, elite, imported models are also offered. Electric convectors are becoming increasingly popular. They are used when installing heated floors. Plinth convectors, popular in Western countries, are considered a new product.
These seemingly modest, relatively cheap products have many advantages. The simplicity of the design provides the convectors with good reliability. Small dimensions do not interfere with the implementation of design ideas.
Another big plus is the affordable price. A significant drawback is the low heat transfer with the convection heating method. Simply put, the air is heated unevenly due to a kind of thermal draft.
Heating convectors on the left are wall-mounted, on the right are floor-mounted.
How do accordion batteries work?
Modern radiators still resemble traditional Soviet batteries in their structure. They have changed in appearance, but have retained the same simple and reliable design that was used for older generation devices. The accordion battery received the following details:
- A curved pipe in the shape of the letter U, which has a pair of ball valves at the ends;
- Plates placed on a pipe. Often all parts are made of the same material, but there may also be combined devices.
- Protective cover. It is a kind of box with an open top and bottom. The internal size of the box allows you to place several pipes in it at once.
Advantages and disadvantages of plate radiators
The advantages of accordion batteries include their strength and durability. The coolant moves inside the device under high pressure, so the stability of the entire system is extremely important. The absence of internal seams prevents leakage of the device. Low prices for radiators and compatibility with common heat regulators make these products a fairly profitable option for housing.
Batteries are not without some disadvantages, which are determined by their design. The devices lack a variety of shapes, as their appearance depends on the contours of the casing. The plates also create problems - they tend to become clogged with dust over time, which reduces the ability to transfer heat.
Such shortcomings can be completely avoided if you find an approach to batteries. To improve the exterior, the body of the device is connected to the floor covering. It can also be made in the form of a plinth. To prevent radiator power from being lost through the plates, a vacuum cleaner is regularly used to clean them.
pros
- Reliability and durability. Cast iron is unpretentious to the coolant; it will not be damaged even by large fractions or aggressive chemical impurities, often contained in water from Russian thermal power plants. The maximum permissible coolant temperature reaches 130-150 degrees. With regular cleaning, the service life of such a battery can be decades.
- High heat capacity and thermal inertia. Such batteries give off heat for a long time, which after switching off can remain in them up to one third of the original volume. However, this same feature of the material is also its disadvantage - more about this in the corresponding section.
Types of heating devices
Accordion radiators are often classified according to the following criteria:
- The material from which pipes and plates are made;
- Number of “threads” in the casing;
- Connection diagram of the device to the coolant;
- Type of fastening of the casing to the support.
The first two types of device separation were described above. The third type of sorting of devices distinguishes the following varieties:
- With side connection. In this situation, the radiator fittings are located on the side of the casing. If the wiring in the room is installed horizontally, then the consumer will need to purchase special fittings. With their help, you can ensure the connection of the pipes of the device and the fittings to which it will be attached. In the case where the distribution pipes are located in a horizontal plane, angles are not used.
Side connection Source stroy-podskazka.ru
- With connection from below. In such products, the fittings are located on the bottom, which simplifies the connection with horizontal pipes, but complicates attachment to a vertically located system.
Connection from below Source fixmaster74.ru
The type of fastening to the supporting surface distinguishes the following devices:
- Mounted – mounted using special brackets;
Mounted radiator Source gipsokarton-blog.ru
- Built-in - their body is located below the floor level, installed directly on the floor slab.
Built-in radiator Source otoplenie-gid.ru
The first option has gained popularity due to its ease of installation and easy access to the structure. For floor products, you need to create a special niche and perform hidden wiring installation.
Restoration of plate radiators
Batteries can be restored to an attractive appearance after restoration work has been carried out on them. This will require thorough cleaning of the heating devices, painting their surfaces and, if desired, adding a decorative component. You can decorate the surface of the device with drawings or install a screen of a suitable size and design on it.
Cleaning the radiator fins is quite a painstaking job. Due to the dense arrangement of the plates, it is difficult to wash them of dirt and remove all the dust that has accumulated during operation. All this looks very unaesthetic and harms the efficiency of the device. Also, large accumulations of dust threaten the health of the occupants of the premises.
The thing is that this type of heating devices works using the convection method. Thus, air currents rush from the battery to the ceiling, spreading dust from the uncleaned corners of the radiator throughout the room. Frequent inhalation of these particles can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to very carefully monitor the condition of the surface of the equipment.
Also, do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the radiator. The location of the pipes and plates does not allow all cleaning products to be completely washed out of them, therefore, during operation of the device, all this will spread throughout the home and enter the respiratory tract of the residents of the house or apartment.
The safest and most effective solution for cleaning the battery remains the traditional mechanical method. To do this, you will need a stiff brush, a container of clean water and a rag. Another cloth should be placed on the floor under the device. All surfaces around the device must be protected from moisture and detergents, since the brush produces a lot of splashes during operation.
After thorough cleaning, the plate batteries should be painted. To do this you need to do the following:
- Old paint must be removed from all surfaces. It is best to use a wash for this purpose. This substance is sold in many hardware stores and is relatively cheap.
- For smooth application and good adhesion of the paint to the surface, use a primer.
- Actually painting. This process is best performed during warm periods when the heating in the house is not working.
It is necessary to paint only visible areas of the device. Typically these include the ends and casing. The plates themselves cannot be painted, as they have low heat transfer. As a result, under a layer of paint this indicator will decrease even more, significantly reducing the efficiency of the device.
Which color warms better?
People often ask: What color radiator heats best? According to theory, black color (although it absorbs a lot) emits heat waves better, but they account for only a small share of the effectiveness. Much more important is the thermal conductivity of the paint coating and stable convection. Therefore, we paint in small layers and do not clutter the radiator. In addition, silver paints will conduct heat well due to the large amount of metals they contain. Bright, yellow-red tones perfectly “warm” the soul.
Often an old battery is decorated with a design of a certain complexity, ranging from a simple “roll” to airbrushing.
Types of screens for heating devices
In modern interior styles, the appearance of an accordion battery is not always suitable. For this reason, special casings are often used that fit over the device and provide the required design. You can use a sheet of steel to cover the facade of the device, but in most cases this is not enough. The best solution in terms of aesthetics and functionality is special screens for radiators. Such products completely cover the surface of the battery, but do not interfere with heat transfer. Air circulation is not disrupted and the device still effectively heats the room.
Screen designs are very diverse. The main ones include:
- Box It completely covers the radiator, but its surface is not flush with the wall. There are many ready-made solutions available on the market; each type of heating device has its own type of protective casing. The floor screen is simply attached to the wall, and the wall-mounted version is attached to a vertical surface with dowels. To regulate the temperature in the room, special devices with a remote sensor are used. Such equipment can be used for completely closed heating radiators.
Screen for the battery in the form of a box Source rusolymp.ru
- Screen. This product does not have end walls, which is the main difference from the previous version. The screen is located on top of the battery; it is quite light, since it is made of tin. Materials based on fabric, plastic and wood are also sometimes used. Such screens are combined with a radiator in cases of constructing a false wall. As a result of its construction, the device ends up in a niche, which is closed using a flat screen.
Screen for a radiator in the form of a screen Source peskiadmin.ru
Despite many advantages, screens also have certain disadvantages. They disrupt the circulation of heated air, which reduces the efficiency of the devices. The heat mainly heats the walls, since it stagnates in the area of the heat exchanger. In this case, it is better to insulate the wall with polystyrene foam, otherwise you will not heat the room, but part of the street.
Possible problems when painting
When implementing each stage of work, unexpected difficulties may arise - the paint does not apply evenly or the old coating is not removed. In order not to spoil the materials, you can pause work, wait for complete drying and start again by cleaning and degreasing the surface.
You can find out what paint to paint heating radiators from consultants in a specialized store; they will help you decide on a specific brand that is most popular among customers.
To avoid additional difficulties, pay attention to the video instructions, where experts will help you study the painting algorithm in detail and follow the detailed steps
Date: September 25, 2021
Installation and use of plate radiators
Accordion batteries can only operate in heating systems in which forced circulation of coolant occurs. A pump must be used to create high pressure in the circuit. In gravity systems, thin component radiators can be installed.
To install devices of this type, a water heating system is created. It is closed and equipped with an expansion tank. The use of open systems may result in a shorter battery life.
Frequent draining of water is not recommended, since fresh liquid contains a large amount of oxygen. As a result of the impact of this element on structural parts, corrosion of metals occurs, which leads to rapid wear of equipment.
It is also undesirable to install thin batteries in rooms with high humidity, for example, in bathrooms. In this way, the likelihood of corrosion in devices can be reduced.
Pipes for plate radiators can be used either plastic or metal. To protect equipment from the destructive effects of oxygen, an anti-diffusion barrier must be installed.
What is the price
The cost of cast iron radiators will depend on the overall dimensions of the product, manufacturer and brand. The oldest model of domestic production is considered to be MC 140. A separate section of such a battery costs an average of 340 rubles per piece, the price depends on the markup of resellers and the region.
Also, cast iron batteries from foreign manufacturers (Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey) are supplied to the domestic market. Such devices differ from domestic ones in various respects. For example, the capacity of the section of the Czech Termo battery is almost two times smaller - 800 milliliters, while the domestic MS 140 holds 1.4 liters of water.
Radiator Nostalgia (retro) in the interior
The price of one section of foreign cast iron radiators in rubles is as follows:
- Brand Kiran 92/500 – from 335 rubles;
- Manufacturer Viadrus termo 500/95 – no less than 450 rubles;
- Company Nostalgia (retro) 500/180 – from 2120 rubles;
- Demrad 350 brand – no less than 400 rubles per section.
How to connect a radiator correctly
To connect the battery to the heating system, follow these recommendations:
- Determine the type of device you are using. Plate devices are produced together with a tap and a valve insert with a thermostat. Using these parts, you can automatically regulate the temperature of the water in the system, as well as the heating of the air in the room.
- Some versions of radiators are produced with mechanisms for connecting to the system under the floor surface or installed in the walls of the home.
- Connect the equipment according to the appropriate diagram. There are two main connection options - side or bottom. In the first case, it is more convenient to connect the device to a vertical riser, whereas in the case of horizontal wiring, you will have to use special fittings. The lower location of the fittings suggests the reverse connection method - to a horizontal riser or to a vertical one through fittings.
- Since steel has high inertia, there must be forced circulation of water in the system using a pump. Thus, heat transfer will occur more efficiently and quickly.
- It is not advisable to install steel heating devices in open systems due to the saturation of water with oxygen. Such installation can lead to the development of corrosion processes, which will lead to rapid wear of the equipment. The increased acidity of the coolant gradually destroys the coil, so unscheduled repairs of the device may be required.
- If there are no alternatives for installing the circuit in an open system, it is necessary to protect the elements with an anti-diffusion barrier. It will prevent air from entering the pipes, therefore, the acidity of the water will remain low.
Elimination of fistula
For any breakdown there are a number of reasons accompanying it. A fistula on heating system pipes or on a radiator is no exception. If a small brown spot appears on the elements of the heating network, you should not think that it is paint coming off. In fact, this is the beginning of an often irreversible process, but knowing how to repair a fistula in a cast iron battery, you can stop the destruction and extend its service life. Causes of corrosion:
- Taking into account the frequent increases in the cost of utilities, some craftsmen are cunning and, in order to save energy, connect a neutral cable to the heating circuit. The currents that begin their “journey” through the pipes through the coolant are what cause the formation of corrosion. You can identify a dishonest neighbor if there are several fistulas and they appear with a certain regularity. Calling the appropriate service to identify the intruder and repairing cast iron batteries yourself will help save the situation.
- Too much acidity of water can harm even corrosion-tolerant cast iron.
- The batteries have expired or deposits on the battery walls have damaged the metal. In this case, even a small fistula or crack under the influence of water pressure can cause the battery to burst and a stream of hot water to flow from it.
Any of the options requires urgent intervention. If the cast iron battery leaks only slightly, then you can do without disconnecting the circuit and dismantling it. A clamp can save the situation. If the water only drips, then a one-sided clamp will do, but if it runs in a thin string, then it is better not to risk it and use a double-sided clamp.
In the event that the coolant ruptures the place where the fistula was located, the question immediately arises whether it is possible to weld a cast iron battery . As a rule, cold welding becomes an emergency solution, but even if it has restored the tightness, it is necessary to call specialists from the heating network to check the condition of the heating system.
Selecting a heating device
Plate radiators operate on the principle of convectors - the temperature in the room increases due to the flow of heated air from the surface of the radiator upward to the ceiling level. If you are planning to purchase a device of this type, consider some points:
- To work in a centralized heating system, it is better to choose steel batteries, which are highly durable and reliable. Such devices can easily withstand significant levels of water pressure and temperature.
- Copper radiators are characterized by high durability and good corrosion protection. However, it is not advisable to install them in systems with high water pressure. The cost of such products is quite significant for the average consumer.
- Aluminum batteries are inexpensive, have good heat transfer and are easy to install. Their disadvantage is that the housing is too weak, which is prone to corrosion in open systems.
Depending on the type of wiring, choose a device with a bottom or side connection. There are both floor-standing and wall-mounted models on sale. To improve the appearance of the product, you can purchase a protective screen, which comes in various designs.
Procedure for calculating thermal power
Knowing the thermal power of one section will allow you to find out the required number, but how to calculate this parameter.
This article will look at several options on how to make the necessary calculations depending on different variables:
Power calculation by area
It is based on sanitary standards, according to which 1 kilowatt of thermal energy (100 watts per m²) should be available per 10 “squares” of space. When making calculations, it is necessary to take into account the correction factor corresponding to a certain region of Russia. For example, for Yakutia and Chukotka it is 2, for the Far East it is 1.6, and for the southern regions and republics it ranges from 0.7 to 0.9 (about
