The comfort of a home depends on many factors: the presence of a constant and stable electrical network, cold and hot water supply, as well as high-quality heating. Heat supply of private houses and apartments can be carried out using various types of batteries. Heating elements for liquid systems include tubular radiators. They have their own characteristics of work that distinguish them from classic batteries, as well as a number of positive qualities.
Tubular radiator design
The main function of radiators, regardless of their type, is to ensure the optimal temperature regime in the room in which they are located. The appearance of tubular products practically does not differ from classic batteries. They are a little thinner and look sleeker.
The design of tubular radiators has the following details:
- upper and lower collectors;
- steel tubes for connecting the collectors to each other;
- fittings providing connection to the heating system.
The number of pipes depends on the type of model. Usually in one section there are from 2 to 60. With an increase in the number of tubes, the depth of the battery increases and its width decreases, while maintaining all the heat transfer indicators. The dimension parameter is especially important for rooms with a small area.
All elements are usually made of steel. This material has high performance in strength, ductility, stability, weldability and corrosion resistance. There are also cast iron and copper devices on the Russian market. All parts are connected to each other by laser welding. This method provides the smallest joint width and high structural strength.
Features of tubular radiators
Products of this type are characterized by the following features:
- Connection variability. The connection to the heat supply system is made in a lateral or bottom way. This is possible thanks to the side and bottom fittings.
- Installation variability. Some models have feet that allow the battery to be fixed to the floor without being attached to the wall.
- Low flow resistance for high flow rates.
Specifications will vary within the following ranges depending on the model:
- Product height from 150 mm to 3000 mm.
- Radiator widths from 200 mm to 2000 mm.
- Depth from 50 mm to 300 mm.
- Wall thickness 1.2-2 mm.
- Working pressure reaches 10 atm.
- The number of sections, which depends on the width.
- The maximum temperature of the radiator is 110 ° C.
- The number of tubes in the section. Determines the depth.
- Section of tubes. Most often, products with a round or rectangular cross section are used.
The heat transfer rate does not depend on the shape of the tubes. The effectiveness depends on the diameter of each tube and their number. The form has a decorative function.
Advantages and disadvantages
Tubular heating radiators are a relatively new source of heat for country houses and apartments. They have a number of positive features that distinguish them favorably from classic heaters:
- Ease of installation. Self-installation is possible without the help of a wizard.
- The heat is distributed evenly compared to conventional radiators.
- Safety.
- Long service life.High build quality ensures durability.
- No sharp corners to minimize injury.
- Simplicity of service and maintenance.
- A wide range of models. It is possible to select a radiator for a specific interior of the heated room.
Minuses:
- Low heat dissipation. Inherent in cheap models with a small number of pipes in the section.
- Cost. Tubular radiators are more expensive than classic radiators.
- A breakthrough may occur at the weld in the event of a sudden pressure surge.
- Limiting the area of effective and safe use.
Pressure surges are characteristic of heating systems in apartment buildings. For this reason, experts advise installing tubular radiators in private houses where there is an autonomous heating system.
Radiator design
Steel tubular radiators can be made to order. The client can choose the dimensions of the device, its appearance, colors, technical characteristics and other important parameters.
On sale you can find products of various designs. Such models are both a heating device and a stylish decorative item. They can be built into furniture, benches, bar counters.
According to the location of the tubes, vertical and horizontal radiators are distinguished. Vertical models are characterized by a height of up to 3 meters and a small width. Tubes are most often also stacked vertically in sections. Such tubular bimetallic radiators are actively used in places with limited space - flights of stairs, near balconies, in rooms with stained glass. Horizontal appliances are low in height and wide. The tubes can be placed horizontally and vertically. Connection to the heating system is made laterally.
Installation features
Self-installation of steel pipe radiators is similar to the installation algorithm for classic models. With minimal skills and abilities, even a home craftsman will be able to do the installation with his own hands without the help of professionals.
To work, you will need the following tools, which should be in every home:
- screwdriver;
- puncher;
- pliers;
- key;
- roulette;
- level;
- simple pencil.
An impact drill can be used instead of a hammer drill.
The installation algorithm depends on the mounting method - wall or floor. Wall mounted is considered the most convenient way to install any radiators. In the case of tall models, no other method is allowed. Fixation is carried out on the wall with special fasteners. For floor mounting, the product is placed on special feet on the floor. This method is suitable for mounting wide and low models of tubular steel radiators.
Installation consists of the following steps:
- Removing the old battery. Dismantling must be done carefully so as not to damage the heating system.
- Fasteners marking and installation. It is important to choose the right brackets, since steel radiators are heavy. The load for which the clamps are designed must be appropriate.
- Radiator canopy to fasteners.
- Assembling the mounting kit.
- Installation of taps and valves.
- Connection to the heating system.
- Pressure testing.
Next, the assembled system is tested.
Choosing a connection method
Tubular batteries are connected in two ways - bottom or side. The choice is influenced by the design of the particular model purchased, the individual features of the piping and the state of the heat supply system.
In the lower method, the falling and return parts of the pipes are connected to the radiator from the bottom. In the case of lateral connection, the supply and return pipes can be switched on from the left or right side, depending on the characteristics of the product.
Recommendations for correct installation
Regardless of the type of tubular heating battery and its characteristics, effective functioning can be achieved by following the following tips:
- The distance between the upper edge and the window sill for horizontal radiators should be 5-10 cm.
- There should be 9-12 cm between the bottom and the floor.
- The distance from the wall to the radiator should be 2-5 cm. When installing the reflective heat-insulating layer, longer brackets are required.
Steel tubular radiators are an effective and safe way to heat rooms and small buildings. A wide range of shapes and colors allows you to choose a model for any interior, and physical features make it possible to install in rooms with children.
You should buy the product in a professional verified store. It is also recommended to take devices from well-known Russian or European manufacturers. These include the German firms Arbonia and Zehnder, which offer excellent quality products. Also popular are the Russian devices "Harmony", produced in KZTO (Kirmsky plant of thermal equipment).
When buying, you need to check the integrity of the device, the availability of the necessary documentation, as well as the warranty card.
