A correctly selected heating radiator connection scheme ensures an efficient water supply while minimizing power losses. For each situation, you need to select a separate scheme, taking into account the features of the interior, the type of room and other nuances. Modern radiators with bottom connection can fit into any high-tech interior, since during their installation, hidden pipe routing is provided. This is the best option for those who are planning renovations in a house or apartment.
What is the bottom connection of the radiator
This method of connection makes it possible to remove pipes from prominent places according to the standard scheme, which is more often used in private houses than in apartments. They are connected to the radiator and tucked away inside the floor, which allows you to free up additional space and make the interior more neat. Since the supply of the heat carrier from below is unnatural, since directed against the force of gravity, it is impossible to supply radiators in this way in open-type systems with standard circulation.
The one-way method is considered more complicated, since in such a situation the local resistance of the radiator will increase additionally due to the passage of two opposing channels through one outlet. The best option for connecting central heating batteries from below would be two-pipe systems or radial interconnections. This method is not recommended for single-pipe circuits, since problems may arise with balancing the system and ensuring its full operation.
The bottom connection can be two-way or one-way; in the first case, it is necessary to additionally use circulation pumps with intensive pressure and revise the hydraulics calculation system.
Pros and cons of lower eyeliner
The bottom connection has many advantages, hiding the pipes makes it easy to integrate them into interiors with complex design solutions and select good options taking into account the layout of the room. It must be remembered that the radiator will heat up faster and stronger in the lower part due to the accelerated passage of the coolant current. Despite uneven heating and a slight decrease in efficiency due to blockages or air accumulations, such radiators perform their basic functions in the same way as with a standard connection. There are several types of eyeliner:
- from top to bottom;
- with one-way connection;
- with versatile connection;
- with center connection.
The list of disadvantages includes difficulties with connection, it will also be difficult to create an optimal climate in the room if there is not enough space to connect heat transfer units. There is little space at the bottom to place the armature In this area, a tap is installed, a valve that allows you to regulate the temperature - they also require additional space. If you develop a rational wiring diagram and plan all the details, these problems can be easily compensated for with the most thoughtful installation.
When installing from below and from the sides, regardless of the layout, always follow the installation requirements. It is very important to consider the proportions between the width of the battery itself and the window opening.
Types by materials
The diagonal connection scheme is considered the most practical, due to which a good level of thermal volume is achieved, the heat carriers are evenly calculated, and the desired temperature gradient is also provided and due to it convection becomes more intense. When piping from the bottom, the water flow should go diagonally, starting from the top edge and reaching the bottom.
Not all types of radiators are suitable for installation, modern models differ depending on the material of manufacture and have their own characteristics.
Bimetallic
Bimetallic batteries occupy one of the first places in the rating in terms of installation frequency and consist of two types of metals, most often copper and stainless steel. Bimetallic radiators with a lower standard connection are easy to install in any type of heating system and do not cause any difficulties during the installation process. Copper and steel are highly resistant to the most aggressive environment. The pipes of such radiators can be located horizontally or occupy a vertical position, which ensures free circulation of the coolant. The disadvantages of such batteries are usually noted for their high cost. Models of the brands Global, Kermi and Rifar are available for sale.
Aluminum
Thin aluminum batteries have many advantages over their counterparts. They warm up the premises well due to their high thermal conductivity, are distinguished by an optimal level of strength and are able to withstand pressure up to 16 atmospheres. In such radiators, you can independently adjust the temperature, their low weight greatly facilitates the installation process, transportation and general maintenance. Various designs of aluminum radiators are available on the market, including modern options that can fit favorably into the interior. The brands Hygiene, Plan, Purmo, Sira and Ventil 350 are available.
Steel
Steel batteries can be connected diagonal and one-sided mounting options. They are convenient and practical, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 110-120 degrees. Like aluminum, these batteries are quite cheap and do not cause problems during the process of maintenance and installation. They have only one significant drawback - after a while they are exposed to rust, due to which they can fail, therefore they are considered not the most reliable. Tubular and panel models with antifreeze are widespread, which are still in demand among customers.
Cast iron
Cast iron models of radiators are gradually being replaced by batteries made of more practical metals, since they do not meet modern installation requirements. They are quite durable and practical, a bottom connection is also available for them, but the low level of reliability of the material forces them to increasingly be replaced by more affordable models made of steel or aluminum.
Cast iron radiators are rarely found on sale and are becoming less in demand.
Varieties of bottom connection
There are only two options for lower piping: one-sided and versatile. In the first version, the pipes are connected only on one side; in this version, the hot coolant penetrates through the plug from above, and the cold one is removed through the lower one. A versatile connection implies the location of the entrance and exit from different sides; this type of connection is ideal for individual type heating structures. Its main advantage is that hot water can flow in any direction, also with this option, there is less length of supply and the opposite effect.
Versatile connection
With the lower versatile connection, the connection is carried out due to the supply and return flows in the end radiator pipes located at the bottom in opposite ends. Such a connection scheme is less profitable compared to the lateral one, since in this case the heat loss will be 20-25%. Nevertheless, it suits most of the owners of premises, since when choosing it, the radiators are easy to connect to the main pipes hidden under the floor.
One-way connection
One-sided connection of the lateral type, in which the inlet and outlet of the coolant are located on the side, is most popular among apartment owners in multi-storey buildings, since its main advantage is the most convenient installation, during which the heating risers are installed vertically. The optimal level of heat transfer is achieved when hot water enters the upper pipe and the cooled liquid is removed from the lower pipe.
Installation features
Mounting radiators with bottom connection will not be difficult, if you approach this issue responsibly, take into account the design of such batteries and safety precautions. You can connect them yourself if you have all the necessary tools or contact specialists if you do not have the skills to work with such equipment. It is best to connect radiators in the early stages of renovating a house or apartment, because with this installation, pipes are laid inside the wall or floor. This factor must be taken into account if a concrete floor screed is planned.
Usually, each radiator kit contains a personal mounting kit or a unit with which the device can be easily fixed to the wall. The installation process itself will depend on the chosen pipeline laying scheme, it can be located in the wall or in the floor, as well as between the floor and the radiator, taking into account the characteristics of the room.
The efficiency of heating radiators with a standard bottom connection does not depend on the location of the pipes, since they are always hidden so as not to spoil the overall appearance of the interior.
