Characteristics and advantages of aluminum heating radiators

Aluminum radiators are an excellent solution for heating rooms connected to autonomous heating systems. The battery has a long service life, excellent heat dissipation, and affordability. The lightweight and durable alloy provides the structure with resistance to corrosion and high pressure. To increase resistance to external negative factors, the surface is covered with protective polymers.

Application area

Aluminum batteries are mainly used in private housing construction with autonomous heating, since in this case it is possible to provide the required water quality, adjust pressure indicators and control the supply of coolant. The places of installation can be:

• Living spaces;
• outbuildings;
• industrial enterprises;
• garages, hangars, warehouses.

Aluminum radiators are installed in buildings with their own, non-centralized heating system.

Specifications

The main technical characteristics of aluminum batteries include:

• the weight of one section does not exceed 1.5 kg;
• working pressure indicators are from 6 to 24 atmospheres;
• filling each section with water up to 0.46 liters;
• heat transfer up to 205 W;
• the common width of the sections is 80 mm;
• the maximum temperature of the coolant is 110 ° С (the maximum limit of some specimens of Rifar is 135 ° С);
• service life up to 20 years.

The number of sections for pre-assembled structures varies from 4 to 12. All segments are fixed to each other with a nipple connection. Serial production produces models with a center distance:

• 200 mm;
• 300 mm;
• 350 mm;
• 500 mm (the most popular representative);
• 600 mm;
• 800 mm

Structures with a center distance from 900 to 2000 mm are included in the Global range.

Pros and cons

An aluminum heating radiator has a number of advantages:

• a light weight;
• attractive external characteristics that harmoniously fit into any interior, design solution;
• optimal heat dissipation, which allows you to reduce the size of the battery and save space;
• maintainability, the material is easily soldered in case of cracks;
• ease of installation, maintenance;

  

• budget.

There are also some disadvantages:

• restrictions on the quality of the coolant;
• low resistance to aggressive environments;
• lack of protection against water hammer;
• tendency to gas formation.

Aluminum batteries are not used for buildings with a centralized heating system, apartment buildings, multi-storey buildings. When installing such models, special devices should be provided for regular air release.

Varieties of aluminum radiators

Cast

Models of this type are produced by casting using an aluminum-silicon alloy. The liquid composition under high pressure is poured into a special mold, in which it cools down, after which it undergoes the necessary processing and preparatory pre-sale procedures:

1. removal of excess parts, sagging;
2. neck soldering;
3. tightness check;
4. applying anti-corrosion coating on the outside and inside;
5. drying-painting-drying;
6. additional check for tightness;
7. assembly to a certain size;
8. packaging.

The presence of at least 12% silicon in the melt helps to increase the strength of the material. The section consists of the following fundamental elements:

• finning plates required to increase the heat transfer area;
• vertical duct with the smallest diameter in comparison with a similar horizontal part;
• outer covering;
• threaded through channels at the top and bottom.

The sections are connected by means of steel nipples.

Extrusion

The second method of producing batteries from aluminum-silicon alloy is called extrusion and consists of the following steps:

1. with the help of stamping, sheet blanks are transformed into separate parts of the specimen;
2. the edges of the structure are processed and polished;
3. the resulting elements are placed in a mold and connected to each other by high pressure;
4. seams are additionally soldered;
5. tightness check is carried out;
6. painting;
7. assembly of the model from the required number of sections;
8. packaging.

Products obtained by extrusion are slightly inferior in technical and operational characteristics to cast radiators.

Anodized

Anodized radiators are produced from an alloy, where the main 98% is aluminum, which has undergone a high level of purification. In this case, all internal and external parts of the structure undergo anodic / electrochemical oxidation, covering the surfaces with a special film. The process improves the anti-corrosion properties of the battery and increases the resistance to destructive chemical influences.

Steps for creating an anodized section:

1. rinsing with an alkaline solution to remove various contaminants from the surface;
2. etching / chemical milling;
3. neutralization - removal of heavy metals;
4. anodizing by immersing the product in a container with electrolyte;
   
5. adsorption staining (if necessary);
6. clogging of pores.

The anodized sections are joined using dry outer couplings, so the inside of the joints remains smooth and does not taper. These factors allow eliminating stagnant processes and ensuring the movement of the coolant with a small hydraulic resistance.

Radiators created using this technology are distinguished by high heat transfer rates, the ability to withstand a maximum pressure level of up to 70 atmospheres.

If we consider all types of aluminum batteries, only anodized specimens have the necessary qualities for use in a centralized heating system. Such designs have only one drawback - high cost.

Features of the coolant

Heating aluminum batteries require a high quality coolant. Most often, water is poured into the system, but over time it can lead to some negative consequences:

• the formation of scale, sludge;
• the occurrence of corrosion.

All this leads to the need for regular flushing, which is not always possible during the heating season.

Experts recommend, if possible, to use non-freezing and non-chemically reacting liquids as a coolant.

Antifreeze

This composition includes special additives, additives that minimize the appearance of mineral deposits and the development of corrosion. Despite its many advantages, antifreeze has the following disadvantages:

• reduced thermal capacity;
• a circulation pump is required to start the system;
• increased expansion of the liquid when heated;
• high level of fluidity, which requires special attention to the integrity of seams and threaded connections.

When using ethylene glycol compounds, it is not possible to connect a hot water supply.

DIY coolant

You can prepare antifreeze yourself, for this you need 40% ethyl alcohol and distilled water. The resulting consistency is sometimes much better than the factory one, this is due to the lower viscosity. The advantages of a self-made coolant include:

• maintaining the integrity of rubber seals;
• resistance to scale formation;
• lack of alcohol fumes;
• easy removal of solid sediment by ordinary washing with running water.

The boiling point of the liquid is similar to that of water, which makes it possible to avoid abundant vapor formation when heated to 90 °. Ethanol tends to reduce the expansion of water that occurs when heated, which reduces the risk of pipe / radiator rupture during defrosting.

To obtain an optimal 33% solution, 2.9 liters are needed. distilled water and 1 liter. ethyl alcohol. Such a coolant does not freeze down to -23 ° C.

Factory and self-prepared antifreezes are strictly prohibited to use in the following cases:

• open heating system;
• temperature below -20 ° С;
• in the area of ​​the joints, linseed tow was used, planted on paint, which is easily corroded by alcohol, which causes depressurization;
• the system contains galvanized elements: pipes, fittings, branch pipes.

Since aluminum radiators are demanding on the coolant, it is important to take this issue as seriously as possible.

Rules for choosing an aluminum battery

When purchasing a radiator, it is important to consider the following factors:

• pressure - for an aluminum battery, the limit is 4 atm, which is the optimal indicator for low-rise construction;
• external characteristics;
• manufacturer;
• cost - when choosing parts of the heating system, it is not worth saving critically;
• the number of sections - with their number, the volume of heat transfer increases;
• power - must be 20 times more than the power of the boiler.

Before buying, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the available information, consult with experts, and read reviews. The purchase of an aluminum radiator is a responsible procedure that cannot be taken carelessly, since the performance of the entire heating system depends on it.