With the onset of cold weather, the heating system maintains a comfortable temperature in the house. Its effectiveness largely depends on the choice of radiators. When choosing devices, their heat transfer, design and durability of operation are assessed. Copper radiators have excellent performance, but they are rarely used when installing heating. Low popularity is associated with the high cost of equipment. Otherwise, copper batteries outperform cheap aluminum or steel counterparts.
Design features of copper radiators
The use of copper with a minimum amount of impurity allows you to reveal all the advantages of the material. Non-ferrous metal is not afraid of corrosion, it is strong and soft at the same time. The attractive appearance of copper batteries does not require painting. Heating devices are manufactured in various versions. Their design features affect the level of heat transfer.
Radiators are made of copper pipes of various diameters. To increase the area of heat transfer, row plates of non-ferrous metal are welded to them. Tubular elements come in horizontal and vertical directions. The devices consist of several sections. The number of pipes and plates depends on the model. There are options on the market with a protective cover made of metal or wood. Decorative cladding is matched to the interior of the home owners.
Advantages and disadvantages
Despite the high cost, copper batteries are installed in private houses and apartments. The popularity of the devices is justified by the advantages of the material:
- high level of heat transfer;
- long-term operation;
- pressure resistance up to 16 atmospheres;
- no deposits form on the inside of the pipes;
- coolant temperature up to 150 ° C;
- resistance to impurities in the coolant.
The soft metal does not leak when the pressure rises briefly. Copper batteries are lightweight and versatile.
Disadvantages:
- The devices are sensitive to abrasive particles. Their presence in the fluid flow accelerates the wear of the products.
- Ferrous metal fittings must not be used during installation. This leads to oxidation of copper.
- The high cost of copper radiators is a major drawback for most buyers.
Non-ferrous metal is not afraid of corrosion that occurs in contact with water and air. But copper products are susceptible to oxidation due to a chemical reaction on contact with aluminum or steel.
Principle of operation
Radiators are the part of the heating system that is responsible for transferring heat. The liquid circulating in the circuit is heated in the boiler. It is piped to the batteries. The high temperature of the water will heat up the metal. Copper has a high thermal conductivity, the indicator exceeds the characteristics of steel several times. The work of radiators is based on physical processes:
- Thermal conductivity is the transfer of energy from heated bodies to colder ones. Pure copper, which is used in the manufacture of batteries, has a value of 401 W / (m * K). This is one of the highest values among metals.
- Thermal radiation - hot metal spreads infrared waves.
- Convection is the transfer of heat by a stream of air. Cold air masses pass through the radiator and their temperature rises. The heated stream rises to the ceiling. Heavy cold air takes its place, making the process continuous.
The copper radiator is highly efficient. Its characteristics ensure that the room temperature rises quickly.
Which battery to choose
The cost of radiators is not the last criterion when buying a device. Aluminum batteries are sensitive to the composition of the coolant, have a low operating pressure, and are sensitive to water hammer. They are not recommended for installation in apartments with central heating. Aluminum appliances will be the best budget solution for a private house. Copper batteries do not have the above disadvantages. They are effective, resistant to aggressive influences.
When choosing between copper and aluminum radiators for cooling, take into account related factors. The non-ferrous metal structure has a small diameter and corrodes faster. Aluminum tubes with a cross section 2 times larger are less likely to clog and last longer.
Methods for mounting copper radiators
To make efficient heating and not spoil the interior, choose one of two methods of installing batteries.
Wall mount
Brackets are used for wall mounting the batteries. They are fixed to the supporting structure and serve as the basis for the installation of heating devices. The best option for placing radiators is under the window. According to building codes, the length of the device should be 50-75% of the size of the window structure. The rules require batteries to be installed at a distance of 60-100 mm from the floor and 30-50 mm from the wall.
On legs
Floor placement has its advantages: the load on the wall is eliminated, and installation is simplified. Such models are popular in interiors with panoramic windows. They are installed in cottages, country houses, offices. The disadvantage of the batteries on the legs is the limited connection, only floor piping is suitable.
Equipment for the installation of copper radiators
One of the factors for the safe operation of the heating system is the installation of shut-off valves.
Mayevsky crane
For normal operation of the water heating system, the batteries must be equipped with a Mayevsky crane. This device serves to remove the air accumulated in the pipes. It is installed at the top of the battery. The shut-off valve is opened after starting the system to bleed trapped air and prevent plugs from forming. After turning the valve one turn, a hiss characteristic of air outlet appears. The tap is kept open until a trickle of water appears.
Shut-off valves
Taps and valves are needed to adjust the amount of coolant in the batteries, as well as forced draining. Shut-off valves allow you to shut off the water flow in the event of a radiator breakdown. It is made of brass, the connection with the branch pipe is threaded. Thermostatic expansion valves, depending on the model, require manual override or are automatic.
Bypass
A bypass pipe is installed between the inlet and outlet lines. Its diameter is less than the cross-section of the pipes to be connected. The jumper allows the coolant to move around the battery. The element is typical for a one-pipe heating system. A tap can be installed on the bypass, then the movement of water is controlled.
When installing copper radiators, ferrous metal fittings must not be used. To avoid chemical reaction, all fittings must be made of brass.
Variety of copper radiators
When choosing a suitable option for radiators, it is worth evaluating their appearance and technical characteristics.The main one is the heat transfer of the device, it shows what area the device can heat. The batteries can be installed in rooms with high humidity. Various models of heated towel rails are available for bathrooms. In stores, there are copper radiators of domestic and imported production. Products from China are not recommended, they are cheaper due to the use of thin sheets of copper. Radiators are of limited service life. An alternative to buying an expensive radiator will be a bimetallic model. The heat carrier in them is made of copper, and the outer panels are made of aluminum.
Among the variety of heating devices, copper radiators stand out with a minimum of disadvantages. They are versatile in use and have high heat dissipation. The significant cost is the only minus of the devices.
