The main differences between an aluminum radiator and a bimetallic one

In apartments and houses, outdated cast-iron batteries are replaced with products made of aluminum or bimetal. The consumer needs to compare devices according to several criteria, determine their thermal efficiency and cost. The main difference between bimetallic and aluminum radiators is the material of manufacture, but there are other factors for finding the difference.

Comparison criteria for batteries made of aluminum and bimetal

To determine the best device, you need to understand the design and material features:

• Aluminum models are manufactured from an aluminum-silicon alloy for increased strength. Casting is carried out in sections or in blocks. To connect the elements, a thread with a sealing layer at the joints is used. The sections are designed according to the principle of forming "petals" in the assembly. In order to increase efficiency, convection holes are made between the petals.
• It is problematic to distinguish bimetallic radiators from aluminum ones. The sections are made in the form of a steel pipe in an aluminum jacket that increases heat transfer. To connect the elements, nipples or threaded connections are used. The sections are equipped with separate branch pipes of the collector system through which water flows.

Bimetal is stronger than aluminum, so the structure can withstand pressure drops and water shocks.

Heating area

Aluminum appliances with 11 sections can heat a room of 14 m2. The power of each section will be 160 watts. Bimetallic devices of 11 sections are suitable for a room of 20 m2. The power of one element will be 180 watts.

SNiP indicates that one bimetallic section heats 1.8 m2, aluminum - 1.9 m2.

Durability

Service life is another criterion by which aluminum devices differ from a bimetallic radiator. The first ones will work up to 15 years, as they are sensitive to the pH level. If it is more than 7-8, the products may leak. The second modifications are designed for 20 years of use, as they are equipped with an inner steel pipe.

The cost

Depending on the manufacturer, bimetal batteries cost from 370 to 5750 rubles. per section, made of aluminum - from 319 to 4080 rubles. per section. The difference is not so significant, so you need to compare other points.

Coolant compatibility

Aluminum batteries are exposed to chemical additives, bimetallic ones are suitable for central heating with service water - this is also a difference.

Heat dissipation

The characteristic of the coolant temperature also allows you to compare the materials of radiator devices. At a temperature of 70 degrees, the heat transfer rate of aluminum is 200 W. Bimetal gives off less heat - from 160 to 180 W.

Number of sectional elements

According to this criterion, there is no difference - you can install models from 6 to 12 sections.

Installation features

Bimetallic and aluminum heating batteries have differences in the connection procedure. The former are characterized by low weight, so the sections are added on the spot.

Aluminum is a fragile material, therefore it is connected to the heating main with aluminum pipes. During the installation process, the radiator may break.

Pros and cons of radiators made of different materials

Metal batteries can be connected to the heating system of a private house or apartment. Before connecting, you need to understand the pros and cons of the devices.

Aluminum radiators

Due to the lightness of the material, they are easy to transport, as well as a number of advantages:

• compactness - the width of sectional elements is less than that of cast iron;
• high heat transfer;
• ability to withstand high pressure;
• convenience of temperature control using a thermostat;
• selection for the design of any room.

The disadvantages of aluminum batteries include:

• compatibility only with a neutral acid-base composition of water;
• the need to install air drains to prevent traffic jams;
• risks of leaks at the joints;
• uneven heat transfer.

The bulk of the heat energy is concentrated on the fins of the aluminum sections.

Bimetallic radiators

The complexity of the production technology (injection molding, spot welding) affects the cost of the device. Bimetallic products have a number of advantages:

• economical flow rate of the coolant due to the small internal volume;
• compatibility with any composition of the coolant;
• the ability to withstand pressure with operating indicators up to 40 atm .;
• the minimum temperature of the liquid in the pipes is 130 degrees;
• high heat transfer achieved with aluminum fins;
• coating durability - painted in two stages with surface polymerization.

The disadvantages of bimetal include:

• small heat transfer due to the steel core;
• operating costs - due to the high hydraulic resistance, more energy is needed to pump the coolant;
• risks of steel corrosion due to improper operation.

Paronite seals are used to connect the bimetallic sections.

Application for various heating purposes

After considering the main characteristics, pros and cons of the devices, you can decide on the option for the heating system.

Apartment heating main

Bimetallic models were created for use in urban environments. The water poured into the pipes has a corrosive chemical composition that does not affect the quality of the steel core. The element also provides resistance to hydrodynamic shocks and pressure fluctuations. The small section of the water channels allows the batteries to quickly fill with water from a centralized boiler room.

A private house

The best option is aluminum appliances that require a high-quality coolant. The batteries are easy to operate under conditions of a minimum pressure of 2 to 3 atm., And to adjust the temperature, equip them with a thermostat.

Country cottage

For heating in winter, it is better to use aluminum modifications. They will give maximum heat transfer, unlike bimetallic ones, which are expensive and quickly break.

How to distinguish devices visually

The external factor often misleads buyers. Batteries have a similar appearance - rectangles of metal with flat edges and the same number of sections. To distinguish appliances with an identical number of elements, you can pick them up right in the store. Aluminum ones will be lighter.

The second way to check is with a magnet, ordinary or neodymium. The product must be moved from the edge to the center. The steel surface will create a slight attraction.

When choosing radiators made of aluminum and bimetal, several factors need to be compared - cost, installation features, heated area. Owners of private houses can choose aluminum options, bimetallic ones are justified in apartments.