Some heating schemes provide for sections of the main line that are complex in configuration. In fact, making them using steel or plastic pipes is problematic, and most often impossible. An alternative is stainless steel for heating: corrugation, corrugated pipe, corrugated pipe. What are its advantages, and what performance properties should be considered before installation?
Features of stainless steel corrugation for heating
It should be noted right away that not every stainless steel corrugation for heating is able to withstand the maximum allowable pressure in the system. This is due to the peculiarity of its design. SUS304 steel sheet is used for manufacturing. After shaping using a special welding mode, the pipe is formed. In the future, it is subjected to additional firing, which gives it the required degree of reliability, mechanical strength, elasticity.
The main advantage that a corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating should have is the ability to bend to the minimum radius. It can be 1-1.5 times the product diameter. Also, when choosing, you need to take into account the following parameters:
- A high-quality corrugation stainless steel pipe for heating must withstand an average pressure of up to 15 atm., The maximum - up to 50 atm;
- Temperature range - from -50 to 110 ° С;
- The degree of elongation is small - up to 2-3% of the total length;
- The presence of connecting components at the ends.
The latter is relevant if the length of the section of the line section where the pipe will be installed is precisely known. If this parameter is not accurate, corrugated stainless steel is best suited for heating in coils. Their maximum length is 50 m.
A significant disadvantage of corrugated stainless steel for heating is its cost. Therefore, it is not recommended to make the entire system out of it - it is enough to install it in complex areas of the system.
Corrugated pipe application
The main criterion for choosing a stainless steel corrugation for heating is its quality and properties of the original material of manufacture. The presence of external signs of deformation, creases or traces of corrosion is not allowed. But it is more difficult to check the quality of welding - the durability of operation depends on it. On average, subject to the installation rules, a corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating can last up to 20 years.
It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the certificates of conformity that sellers must have. Their presence will confirm the quality and manufacturer. Additional criteria are determined by the type of corrugation:
- With numbered length... Fittings must be complete;
- Arbitrary length... It is necessary to check the quality of the cut. The edges of the pipe cannot be damaged.
Each stainless steel corrugated pipe for heating has a certain diameter. It has a standard size so that additional hydraulic resistance does not arise in a specific section of the line. To calculate the volume of the coolant that a stainless steel pipe can accommodate for heating in 1 lm. you can use the data from the table.
| Inner diameter, mm | Volume, l./m. p. | Area (m²) 1 m. |
| 15 | 0,219 | 0,0646 |
| 20 | 0,447 | 0,095 |
| 25 | 0,71 | 0,12 |
| 32 | 0,982 | 0,15 |
The area of application of corrugated stainless steel pipes for heating is diverse. In addition to complex sections of the line, it can be installed in other heating elements.
During installation, there is no need to stretch the pipe to its maximum length. This can lead to its premature destruction due to excessive surface loading.
Underfloor heating made of stainless steel
The main property of stainless steel is its high corrosion resistance. Given the flexibility, high temperature conditions and maximum pressure indicators, most often a corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating is used to organize a warm floor.
The advantage of this scheme is the high thermal conductivity of the pipe. It is able to evenly warm up the concrete surface of 10 cm screed. For installation, it is best to use special mats with guide grooves.
Basic installation rules:
- The distance between the turns at which the maximum efficiency is achieved is 20 cm;
- It is not allowed to twist the stainless steel corrugated pipe for heating in certain areas. This creates surface tension that can lead to damage;
- Installation with additional plastic covers is not recommended. They will not increase strength, but will reduce heat transfer.
Cutting a stainless steel pipe for heating can be done using a "grinder". To do this, you need to fix the product with clamps or bench vices.
For stainless steel corrugated pipes for heating, you need to purchase special fittings. They are designed to be mounted on an uneven external surface.
Corrugated pipe connection to heating devices
Due to its flexibility, the stainless steel corrugated pipe for heating can also be used to connect radiators. With its help, you can minimize the complexity of installation and reduce the length of the entire highway.
One of the disadvantages of such a connection is the complexity of manufacturing the bypass assembly. Installing valves will be problematic.
In contrast to the underfloor heating system, corrugated stainless steel must be carefully insulated before being installed in the heating system. Large heat losses will reduce work efficiency and lead to uneven distribution of heat energy throughout the house.
Installation technology consists in observing the following steps:
- With the help of a grinder or a special pipe cutter, a corrugated stainless steel pipe is cut for subsequent installation in the heating;
- Installation of a previously selected fitting. Tighten the nut to fix it to the surface. It is important to control the force - damage or deformation of the pipe is possible;
- After the final installation, the tightness of the assembly is checked.
To select a high-quality stainless steel corrugated pipe for a heating system, it is recommended to purchase products from trusted manufacturers. Currently they are Kofulso, Lavita and EasyFlex. The average cost of their products ranges from 160 to 270 rubles / r.m.
What else needs to be considered when choosing and installing stainless steel for heating: corrugations, corrugated pipes, corrugated? Due to the properties of the material of manufacture, limescale will practically not form on the inner surface. This will significantly increase the time between mandatory cleaning of the heating system.
The video material shows a comparison of a corrugated metal pipe with its counterparts:
