The development of technology for the mass production of heating devices has opened up great opportunities for manufacturers. Traditional cast iron batteries are not the only option for arranging heating. But a special place among aluminum and bimetallic sectional models is occupied by tubular radiators and heating batteries: steel, vertical, reviews of which speak of their reliability.
Features of tubular heating radiators
Why did steel tubular radiators become so popular? The primary reason for this is their design. The production uses the same technologies as in the production of automotive equipment. It was this idea that Robert Zendre took advantage of, who introduced the first tubular heating radiator back in 1930.
A feature of these heating devices is the inability to disassemble them. The classic design consists of an upper and a lower branch pipe connected to each other. This makes it possible to fill the battery with a coolant as much as possible, which is reflected in the heat transfer in a positive direction. In addition, the following positive performance indicators of a steel tubular heating radiator can be distinguished:
- Resistant to water hammer. The welded structure is capable of withstanding a short-term load up to 6 atm;
- Smooth inner surface reduces hydraulic resistance during heating operation;
- Possibility to purchase batteries of traditional shape, as well as designer models
- The absence of right angles not only makes cleaning easier, but also reduces the risk of injury.
Why are tubular radiators not as common as sectional ones? The main factor is the relatively high cost. This is due to more labor-intensive production and the use of high-alloy steel grades. Therefore, there are practically no reviews about rusting tubular radiators. The only exceptions are homemade "handicraft" products.
Externally, tubular radiators are similar to cast iron batteries. The difference lies in the material of manufacture, the thickness of the tubes and the distance between them.
The choice of tubular heating batteries
What you need to focus on in order to choose high-quality steel tubular heating radiators. Reviews do not always give an unambiguous idea of the specifics of work and service. The best way to analyze is to combine specifications and actual user opinions.
The first thing to pay attention to is the thermal capacity of the battery. Tubular heating boilers can serve as an analogue. Their heat transfer also depends on the number and diameter of the air pipes. Each steel tube heating radiator has the following characteristics:
- Row... The more rows, the higher the heat output. Currently, you can choose models with the number of vertical tubes from 2 to 6. But with their number, the depth of the battery increases, which is not always acceptable;
- Geometric parameters... The length of the radiator can be different - from 45 cm to several meters. The height depends on its design. For horizontal types, it varies from 30 to 50cm. The height of vertical models can be up to 2 meters. But this applies more to designer radiators;
- Metal thickness and pipe diameter... Reliable tubular radiators have a wall thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm with a diameter of 25 mm.
An important indicator of choice is the manufacturer. Traditionally, preference is given to foreign brands. But recently, reviews about domestic steel tubular heating radiators have mostly positive character. It should be borne in mind that when developing them, the features of the operation of central heating were taken into account.
Cost is an important factor for the consumer. Among the steel tubular radiators for heating of a traditional form, the sales leader is the products of the Kermi and Zehnder brands. Stylish solutions can surprise the products of the Accuro-Korle company. Its vertical steel tubular radiators can be used not only for heating the room, but also as a heated towel rail.
| Name | Power, W | Cost, rub. |
| Kermi Décor-S | 131 | 11680 |
| Zehnder Charleston | 157 | 2250 |
| Accuro-Korle Escape | 484 | 34750 |
The best recommended radiators made by laser welding. This technology is also used to produce tubular boilers for heating.
Installation of tubular radiators
The installation of steel tubular batteries is practically no different from classic radiators. However, for them, certain subtleties must be taken into account. First of all - the shape of the structure and the way it is connected.
It is important to remember that you cannot change the number of sections yourself - steel radiators are non-separable. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to measure the future installation site and select the appropriate model. In addition, you need to consider the following factors:
- Diameter of inlet pipes... Typically this size is ½ ”, but it is best to check in advance to avoid installing reducing sleeves;
- Weight... A steel tubular radiator for heating has a fairly large mass. For him, you need to choose fasteners with an optimal load capacity;
- Installation of a Mayevsky crane and a thermostatic valve... These heating elements will contribute to stable operation and also help provide emergency situations.
For many vertical models, manufacturers have provided the possibility of both side and top (bottom) connection to the system. This allows the same model to be installed with both bottom and top piping. After installation, pressure testing of steel tubular heating radiators is mandatory. Without it, the probability of leakage of connecting elements increases significantly.
How relevant is the installation of tubular radiators and heating batteries. Steel structures are often the only alternative to create a unique design. Coma of a unique appearance, they do not reduce the efficiency of the system for maintaining a comfortable temperature in the house. Often this factor is decisive when choosing.
You can verify the reliability of tubular radiators by watching a video about the features of Zehnder battery manufacturing:
