Features of metal heating elements: batteries, pipes, radiators, screens

For the arrangement of heating, elements made of modern materials - polymers, aluminum are increasingly used. And it seems that over time they will finally replace all other components. But in many cases, without the latter, it is impossible to make high-quality and efficient heating of a house or apartment. What functions are performed by metal heating elements: batteries, pipes, radiators, screens? First, you need to consider their unique properties.

General characteristics of metal elements

Steel alloys were used in the very first heating systems. This is due to their increased thermal stability, good heat transfer and relative cheapness. Subject to the rules of operation, metal heating batteries can last up to 40-50 years. The same applies to radiators.

Their main advantage is their mechanical strength. Depending on the steel grade, the ultimate tensile strength can reach 300 MPa. Modern metal panel heating radiators are efficient due to their high thermal conductivity. Its average value is 70 W / m * K. Together with the possibility of hot and cold working of workpieces (stamping, welding, casting), these characteristics make it possible to produce reliable components of the heating system of various shapes and designs.

Consider the main consumer properties of metal elements:

• Ability to withstand high pressure without deformation - up to 50 atm;
• To install the rotary corners of the line, corrugated metal pipes for heating are used, connecting them with rigid ones. This allows you to reduce the number of joints in the pipeline;
• Painting. After a small surface treatment, a special paint (heat-resistant) can be applied to the metal. Thus, the heating will look harmoniously in the overall interior of the room.

The disadvantages include the complexity of the installation. The main pipes for heating are metal, with a diameter of 20 mm and above, it is recommended to be connected by a welded method. Smaller sections are joined using a thread.

When choosing metal components of a heating system, you need to carefully study their operational and technical properties.

If there is a high probability of water hammer or sudden pressure drops in centralized heating, it is best to install metal pipes.

Metal pipes for heating

For the manufacture of heating pipes, the so-called "black" metal is used. In it, iron is the main part. This directly affects the complexity of manufacturing and, as a result, the cost.

Most often, the installation of heating from metal pipes is performed from products with a diameter of 15 to 40 mm. In closed systems with forced circulation, pipelines with a cross section of 15 to 25 mm are used. In the open, the main line is equipped with pipes up to 40 mm. This is necessary to reduce the hydraulic resistance.

The choice of pipe sizes for heating metal depends on the preliminary calculations of the system. But in addition to this, the following features should be taken into account:

• If flat metal radiators are installed in the system, the diameter of the connection pipes must match the section of the pipeline;
• Roughness of the inner surface of the pipe. This creates additional resistance when the coolant moves. To reduce this indicator, it is recommended to install large diameter pipes. But this will increase the total volume of the coolant in the system;
• The metal has a high thermal resistance - up to 500 ° С;
• When installing heating from metal pipes in the presence of an electric boiler, the entire circuit must be grounded.

Until recently, only solid-drawn or welded pipes, characterized by high rigidity, were used in the arrangement of heating. But in addition to them, they began to use flexible models.

If polymer pipes are installed, it is imperative to make metal connections to the boiler. Their length should be at least 2 lm. everyone.

Corrugated pipes for heating

The metal corrugated pipe for heating appeared on the market relatively recently. Before that, there were models designed for cold water supply, the characteristics of which were not suitable for heating.

It is made of stainless steel. First, a cylindrical blank is made with the help of molding machines. Then, welding takes place in a special environment - this is the most difficult process, since it should not lead to burning out of alloying metals. To improve the strength characteristics, corrugated metal heating pipes are exposed to high temperatures and then cooled. This process is called annealing.

As a result, an elastic structure is obtained, the maximum bending radius of which can reach 3-4 diameters.

As a result, a metal corrugated pipe is obtained, which in the heating system will have the following features:

• Simple threaded mounting. You can use models with already installed threaded fittings, or install them yourself by cutting off the pipe to the desired size in advance;
• The properties of stainless steel prevent the appearance of limescale on the inner surface of the pipe;
• Possibility of installation in a copper pipe line, as well as with bimetallic radiators. Stainless steel does not form galvanic pairs with these materials, i.e. there will be no corrosion at the joints.

The main disadvantage of a corrugated metal pipe for heating is its high cost.

Most often, corrugated metal pipes for a heating system are installed to connect radiators or as elements of a warm floor.

For heating with a high temperature regime (90/70 or 95/80), an annealed corrugated pipe must be used.

Installation of metal heating pipes

When drawing up a scheme for installing metal pipes, one property must be taken into account - they have a high specific gravity, depending on the diameter and wall thickness. For solid-rolled or welded models, it is recommended to adhere to the following installation rules described in GOST 3262-75:

• Galvanized models can only be adopted with threaded connections. For this, it is best to use factory-made couplings and adapters;
• Thin-walled mains of "ferrous" metal are connected by gas welding. The use of an electric arc is impractical, since there is a high probability of burning;
• The distance between the fasteners must correspond to the data in the table
• For bending pipes of small diameter (up to 20 mm), you can use a special machine.

For corrugated lines, installation is even easier. Before connecting to a flat metal radiator, measure the required length.It is important to consider the dimensions of the fittings. Then, using cutting equipment (scissors), the pipe is cut, and fittings are installed at its ends.

After installing heating from corrugated metal pipes, you need to make sure that they are not twisted. This creates excess surface stress that can cause premature failure.

Metal radiators for heating

Along with bimetallic or aluminum radiators, metal batteries for heating have good performance characteristics. They differ from standard structures in solidity (non-separable), affordable cost and long service life.

A design feature is the heating of the room using the convection method. For this, metal panel radiators for heating must consist of 2 components - a body and a piping system through which the coolant flows. The transfer of heat energy occurs due to the tight fit of the pipes to the metal ribbed surface. For better convection of air currents, special channels are provided inside.

When choosing metal batteries for a heating system, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• The number of heating panels - from 1 to 3;
• The total area of ​​the batteries. Heat transfer and rated power depend on this;
• The thickness of the metal should not be less than 1.25 mm;
• The panels must be joined together by roller welding. Visually, the thickness of the seams does not exceed 2-3 mm, in contrast to the point or arc;
• With insufficient heating area, but acceptable radiator power, you can additionally install metal screens on heating radiators

The advantage of metal panel radiators in a heating system is a high maximum pressure threshold. It can reach 50 atm.

For the full operation of flat metal radiators in heating, it is recommended to install thermostats and Mayevsky taps.

Metal screens for radiators

The appearance of radiators is not always acceptable for a particular room interior. This can be corrected by installing metal screens for heating batteries. But apart from this, they perform other functions.

If the heating system provides for a high-temperature operating mode, there is a high probability of burns when touching the battery. In this case, the metal screen performs protective functions, since it touches only a small part of the radiator. As a result, the level of its heating is much lower.

When selecting the optimal model, it is recommended to pay attention to the following characteristics of metal screens on heating radiators:

• Installation method. Most often, the design provides for internal ribs on which the screen rests;
• Closing area. It can only be the front of the radiator. If necessary, you can choose a model with side screens;
• The size should exceed the dimensions of the radiator by 10-15 mm;
• There must be a ventilation mesh on the front. You can not install homemade solid screens for metal heating radiators. This will lead to a significant deterioration in air convection.

In some cases, it is necessary to close the outer metal pipes for heating. You can also use screens for this. Choosing the right size is important.

Regardless of whether metal screens for radiators or steel pipes are used in heating, they should be protected from corrosive processes. The best way is to apply a paint and varnish outer layer, use distilled water as a heat carrier (prevents the appearance of scale) and timely flush the system. Such an integrated approach will significantly increase the maintenance-free service time of the elements.

In the video, you can get acquainted with practical recommendations for installing steel pipes in heating: