The choice of radiator heating systems is very important. After all weather forced to heat houses for about 6 months. Unlike the Soviet past, when there was no alternative to heavy cast-iron batteries, modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of types of radiators. One of them is bimetallic batteries. Which ones are better, how to make a choice, what installation features, etc. - this will be discussed further.
Bimetallic radiators: what they are made of, advantages and disadvantages
The structure of bimetallic batteries meets all the requirements for this type of heating equipment. This is due to the combination of two metals - aluminum and steel. Inside them there is a steel rod, which comes into contact with the coolant. Steel is known to be corrosion resistant and durable. The shell is made of aluminum - a light metal that promotes the rapid transfer of heat to the atmosphere.
These design features of bimetallic radiators also determine their significant advantages over other varieties, namely:
- Reliability. They are much stronger than aluminum. This is especially true for resistance to high pressure and power surges, which are typical for most domestic homes. And in terms of chemical resistance, they have excellent characteristics.
- A variety of models, visual appeal and compliance with any, even the most sophisticated interior design.
- High heat transfer and low inertia of the heating system, corrosion resistance.
- Compact, light weight, easy to install and transport.
Bimetallic devices also have disadvantages, but there are very few of them compared to the advantages:
- high price;
- low bandwidth.
Types of bimetallic batteries
When choosing a radiator, you need to make a choice in favor of one or another type:
- Conventional bimetallic ones, in which only the shell is aluminum, and all the pipes are made of steel (that is, aluminum does not come into contact with water). The main advantage of such batteries is their highest durability and almost complete absence of leaks. But the price for such devices is appropriate.
- Semi-bimetallic - in them, steel is used only to strengthen the vertical tubes (that is, contact of aluminum with water is allowed). The main advantages of this variety: better heat dissipation(even compared to completely bimetallic ones) and affordable cost.
Experts say that the choice of semi- and bimetallic radiators depends on the type of heating system to which the batteries will be connected. So, for houses with centralized heating it is better to choose bimetallic models. Only they will allow you to cope with 2 significant problems inherent in such systems - low-quality coolant and high pressure with sudden changes. In a private house, you can also install semi-bimetallic radiators.
Also, when choosing bimetallic equipment, it is worth deciding on the design of the battery. There are 2 options: sectional or monolithic.
Their comparative characteristics are presented in the following table.
According to performance characteristics sectional structures inferior to monolithic ones. In addition, the joints between sections are a potentially dangerous place for leaks to form. The main disadvantage of monolithic radiators is their cost, which significantly exceeds the prices of sectional models.
The purchase of monolithic radiators is mandatory when installing them in multi-story (over 16 floors) buildings. This is due to the high operating pressure of the coolant.
Technical characteristics of bimetallic radiators
When choosing a radiator, you should also pay attention to the technical characteristics. Typically, the following indicators can be found on the packaging:
- Maximum operating pressure. In most models it varies from 16 to 35 atmospheres. In centralized heating it does not exceed 14 atm, and in autonomous heating it does not exceed 10. All manufacturers provide a sufficient reserve, so it makes no sense to overpay for excessive working pressure.
- Thermal power. The heat transfer indicated by the manufacturer is calculated for a coolant temperature of 70 degrees. Naturally, during operation, deviations from this value constantly occur. Therefore, when purchasing a battery, you must take this fact into account.
- Maximum coolant temperature. If it is indicated that it is more than 95 degrees, then the manufacturer is somewhat disingenuous, since no one really makes it more than 90 degrees. But if no more than 90 degrees is specified, then you should think about it, because a device operating at the limit of its capabilities is hardly a good choice.
- Center distance. To a greater extent, this factor is important for product labeling (most often there are models with 350 and 500 mm between the axes).
- Weight and dimensions of equipment. Naturally, before purchasing a battery, you should measure the space into which the battery should fit (taking into account that there should be a small gap between the radiator and adjacent surfaces). Lightweight designs are more popular among the population who are tired of heavy cast-iron batteries.
Selection of bimetallic radiators depending on the manufacturer
When purchasing a product, the most important thing is who and in what country it was manufactured. This also applies to batteries. The domestic market mainly presents samples from the following manufacturers:
- Italian. It was the specialists of the Italian company Sira who once invented bimetallic radiators. The market also offers products from companies such as Radena and Global Style. All Italian batteries are elegant, durable, compact, with high-quality finishing and interesting design. The cost of one section is up to 1500 rubles.
- Russian. The most famous brand is Rifar. The quality is not inferior to Italian manufacturers, but the cost of these products is much lower (for 1 section - 500-900 rubles).
- South Korea. Manufacturer: MARS. The core in these batteries is made of copper rather than steel. Price for 1 section - 400 rubles.
- Poland. Trademark: REGULUS-system. The core is also made of copper. The company guarantees up to 25 years of normal operation of radiators.
- China. Chinese bimetallic radiators are not neat appearance, elegant design and decor. But their cost is much less than other samples.
It is worth buying Chinese batteries only if you have a limited budget and expect that they can withstand lower operating pressure.
The following table presents the technical characteristics of bimetallic radiators from various manufacturers.
| A country | Model | Maximum operating pressure, bar | Maximum coolant temperature | Thermal power, watt | Weight, kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | STYLE 500 Gladiator 350 | 35 | 110 | 168 | 1,97 |
| Germany | TENRAD 500 | 24 | 120 | 161 | 1,44 |
| Russia | RIFAR Forza 500 RIFAR MONOLIT 350 | 20 | 135 | 202 | 1,84 |
| China | Gordi 500 | 30 | 110 | 181 | 1,7 |
Installation of bimetallic batteries
As a rule, installing bimetallic batteries does not cause any particular difficulties. The main thing is not to miss the point that during installation both right-hand and left-hand threads are used. If you tighten the nuts in the wrong direction, leaks may occur. Typically, the battery kit includes nuts with both types of threads.
Step-by-step instructions for installing bimetallic batteries:
- Assembly. As a rule, it is performed at the place where the radiator is sold or at the production site itself. If you purchased a disassembled battery, it is better to invite experienced plumbers to assemble it.
- Connection diagram. When thinking through it, it is necessary to take into account the location of the pipes, the need to connect new taps, etc. As practice shows, the best option for the connection diagram is diagonal.
- Selection of material for installation. When connecting plumbing fittings, flax with sealant or special tapes can be used. Performance threaded connections must be carried out with precisely measured force - that is, it is important to tighten them firmly, but not overtighten (to avoid stripping the threads).
- Direct installation of batteries. It should be noted that certain indentations are required: from the wall - 3-4 cm, from the window sill - 8-12 cm, from the floor -11-20 cm. Radiators are usually sold in a protective polyethylene film. It is best to remove it after installation is complete, so as not to cause damage to the surface.
- Opening taps. This must be done as smoothly as possible to prevent clogging of the flow pipes. You should also bleed air from the radiator through the vents. No leaks - perfect option, although usually few people manage to avoid them the first time they are turned on. If a leak is detected, it should be repaired and the system restarted.
For safe and proper operation of bimetallic radiators:
- It is not recommended to block them with screens;
- be sure to put a jumper on the pipes, and between them and the battery - two taps and a regulator;
- Keep in mind that leaks rarely appear, but if this suddenly happens, then most likely the problem is in the fitting connection to the battery.
Bimetallic batteries Today they occupy one of the leading places in popularity. They are inferior in this position, probably, only to the usual cast-iron radiators, and even then, most likely, only due to the extreme prevalence of the latter, the adherence of many consumers to established traditions, and a kind of “inertia of thinking.”
Bimetallic radiators are increasingly being chosen for installation in the heating circuit of both a private house and a city apartment, since they, unlike aluminum and steel, have a pronounced resistance to increased pressure loads and temperatures. However, when choosing these heating devices, it is very important not to run into low-quality fakes or purchase products from a manufacturer that has not yet passed the test of time. Therefore, let's consider the question formulated in this way: “bimetallic rating of manufacturers” - since this selection criterion plays far from a secondary role.
It is very difficult to give an accurate assessment of all bimetallic radiators on sale. Therefore, the publication will consider only a few companies, but they have already gained indisputable authority with the quality of their products.
General information about bimetallic radiators
Before moving on to considering the products of various manufacturers, a few minutes of attention should be paid to the design of these heating devices. It’s worth figuring it out, if only so as not to purchase aluminum batteries at the cost of bimetallic ones, since they look very similar in appearance, but performance– is already at a completely different level, and the difference in price is considerable.
Their outer heat exchange casing has almost the same shape and is made of the same material - aluminum. But that's where the main similarities end.
Bimetallic battery models can be divided into two parts - internal, made of steel, and external, heat-exchange, made of aluminum - hence the name. The steel vertical channels of each section consist of pipes that are connected by welding in the lower and upper parts with horizontal sections larger diameter, which form collectors when assembling the battery. This entire tubular steel structure is intended for coolant circulation.
Sections can be assembled into a single battery using a threaded coupling connection; factory welding is less commonly used. Depending on the type of this connection, the battery can be sectional, collapsible, or a block one-piece design. A single block may include several (for example, 3÷4) sections, but if necessary, it is quite possible to add the required number of sections to it or assemble a battery from several such blocks.
Steel channels are much more resistant to aggressive components of the central heating system coolant than all-aluminum batteries. Therefore, the permissible acid-base indicator (pH) of the coolant can lie in an extended range, from 5 to 11 units - aluminum batteries have never even dreamed of such indicators.
The internal steel tubes are a kind of “skeleton” of the bimetallic radiator, which makes the entire structure more rigid and durable. Steel, especially if it has protective covering, or if high-quality stainless steel is used for the manufacture of channels, it is inert to corrosive processes, and the connection of such pipes is able to withstand increased pressure.
This type of battery has excellent heat transfer, and this is due to the fact that steel is capable of accumulating and retaining heat when warming up, and an aluminum outer casing with a sufficiently large area, due to the high thermal conductivity of this metal, effectively transfers thermal energy to the premises.
You might be interested in information on how it is calculated
Almost everything modern designs bimetallic devices are equipped with additional ribs - “petals”, which form convection channels. And the more there are, the larger the heat exchange area and the higher the heat transfer from the heating device. Moreover, these elements are configured in such a way that convection currents of warm air are directed towards the room.
High-quality bimetallic radiators must be designed for a pressure of at least 40 bar, therefore, when choosing them, you must pay attention to this parameter Special attention. It is usually indicated as used when testing products. You shouldn’t be surprised at such a high figure - such pressure may well be caused by water hammer in the central heating system.
By the way, bimetallic radiators fully reveal their operational capabilities precisely in conditions high pressure and heating temperatures, therefore they are preferable for central heating systems. And if this type of battery is planned for an autonomous system, then you will have to install a powerful water pump in it, which will create the necessary coolant circulation pressure.
You might be interested in information about what
Popular manufacturers of bimetallic radiators
The Russian market offers products from various manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, and their products differ in their characteristics and price levels. To give an idea of these parameters, a number of models of bimetallic radiators manufactured by different companies will be considered below.
And it’s worth starting with the most affordable option.
Company "WARMA"
"WARMA" is a Russian-Chinese company that produces sectional cast bimetallic radiators. Production facilities are located in China, but they are equipped with high-quality European equipment, and technical control of manufactured products is carried out by Russian specialists.
These products fully comply with GOST 31311-2005 and all other standards of the Russian central heating system.
Bimetallic batteries “WARMA” are designed for installation in autonomous circuits of private houses and high-rise apartments connected to heating plants.
WARMA BIMETALL models are produced in two versions - WB350 and WB500. They differ in the center distance and, accordingly, in some other operational parameters. The main characteristics of these batteries are summarized in the table below.
The steel core of these radiators is made of carbon steel - its vertical channel has a wall thickness of 2 mm and an internal diameter of 20 mm, and the thickness of the steel of the horizontal collector sections of the sections is 4 mm.
The manufacturer declares the following technical and operational characteristics of its products:
| Name of parameters | Radiator model “WARMA BIMETALL”, numerical parameters | |
|---|---|---|
| WB350 | WB500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 25 | 25 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 40 | 40 |
| 130 | 180 | |
| 110 | 110 | |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 6-10,5 | 6-10,5 |
| Section volume, l | 0.17 | 0.23 |
| Section weight, kg | 1.45 | 1.64 |
| Center distance, mm | 350 | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 410 | 560 |
| Section depth, mm | 80 | 80 |
| Section width, mm | 80 | 80 |
| 1 | 1 | |
| Radiator color | White | White |
| Guarantee | 10 years | 10 years |
To make it easier for the consumer to decide on the number of WARMA radiator sections required to heat a room of a certain area, the manufacturer provides tables indicating the recommended solution.
Model WB350 with a height of 410 mm, a depth of 80 mm and a center distance of 350 mm, made up of batteries from different quantities sections and are assembled with the following heating capabilities:
| Number of sections in the battery, pcs | Radiator width, mm | Heat dissipation from battery, W. | Room area, m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 320 | 520 | 5÷6 |
| 5 | 400 | 650 | 6÷7 |
| 6 | 480 | 780 | 8 |
| 7 | 560 | 910 | 9 |
| 8 | 640 | 1040 | 10 |
| 9 | 720 | 1170 | 11÷12 |
| 10 | 800 | 1300 | 13 |
| 11 | 880 | 1430 | 14 |
| 12 | 960 | 1560 | 15÷16 |
The WB500 model, having a height of 560 mm, a depth of 80 mm and an interaxial distance of 500 mm, composed of a one-piece structure, also of a different number of sections, has greater heat transfer, which is:
| Number of sections in the battery, pcs. | Radiator width, mm | Heat dissipation from battery, W. | Room area, m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 320 | 720 | 7 |
| 5 | 400 | 900 | 9 |
| 6 | 480 | 1080 | 10÷11 |
| 7 | 560 | 1260 | 12÷13 |
| 8 | 640 | 1440 | 14 |
| 9 | 720 | 1620 | 16 |
| 10 | 800 | 1800 | 18 |
| 11 | 880 | 1980 | 19÷20 |
| 12 | 960 | 2160 | 21÷22 |
In order not to return to this issue again, it should immediately be noted that this approach to determining the number of radiator sections based only on the area of the room is very approximate. It does not take into account many other features of the room and the way the batteries are installed. Therefore, in the appendix to this article a convenient universal calculator, which allows you to calculate the number of radiator sections of any brand with high accuracy.
The cost of one section of the “WARMA” radiator is approximately 450÷500 rubles for the WB300 model, 600÷630 rubles. for model WB500. The price level, naturally, may vary somewhat in different regions of the country.
Radiators "Könner"
“Könner” - despite the clearly German-language name, it is registered under this trademark Russian company. Its products (again, completely Russian-made) are in no way inferior in quality to other European analogues, since they are designed on the basis modern technologies and taking into account the characteristics of the regions of Russia. Könner's main production facilities are located in China.
The company began its work producing cast iron batteries about 25 years ago, but responded sensitively to market demands and launched the development and production of more modern heating devices. Thus, already in the early 2000s, aluminum and bimetallic radiators began to arrive in Russian construction stores. own design. In this short period of time, the product managed to become quite popular, thanks to its affordable prices and high quality.
The company's engineers, knowing the special specific conditions of the Russian central heating system, improved and adapted the technical characteristics of the devices, the design of which was taken as a basis. That is why these radiator models compare favorably with other foreign analogues. Due to their reliability, Könner radiators are suitable for installation in both central and autonomous heating systems.
Heating devices of this brand have high anti-corrosion characteristics, have good resistance to baric loads, and can easily withstand water hammer. Radiators owe their reliability to durable pipes vertical pipes and a horizontal collector, which are made of high-alloy steel and are the backbone of the structure. Die-cast aluminum housing with a large contact area provides excellent heat dissipation.
The high quality of Könner products is confirmed by international ISO certificates and full compliance with domestic GOST 31311-2005, section “Heating Appliances”. Products from this manufacturer have repeatedly taken first place in the Russian Federation in terms of consumer demand.
The technical characteristics of these products are presented in the table:
| Name of parameters | “Könner” radiator model, numerical parameters | |
|---|---|---|
| 350 | 500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 30 | 30 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 44÷45 | 44÷45 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 140 | 190 |
| Maximum coolant temperature, ˚С | 110 | 110 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 7-9,5 | 7-9,5 |
| Section volume, l | 0.14 | 0.18 |
| Section weight, kg | 1.35 | 1.75 |
| Center distance, mm | 350 | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 413 | 560 |
| Section depth, mm | 80 | 80 |
| Section width, mm | 80 | 80 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1" | G 1" |
| Radiator color | White | White |
| Guarantee | 15 years | 15 years |
Bimetallic radiators "Könner" go on sale in sectional and block versions. The block can include from 4 to 12 sections. The price for one section averages from 400 to 500 rubles. It is more profitable to purchase a block version - prices for a block decrease as the number of sections increases, and can even be less than 400 rubles per section.
Radiators "TENRAD"
"TENRAD" - a company producing radiators, was established in 2005 in Germany in the city of Dresden. The enterprise was organized by young talented engineers working in the design of heating systems.
Like many other companies, the production of these heating devices, due to favorable conditions on the labor market, was located in China. The TENRAD radiator manufacturing plant is equipped with its own chemical-technological laboratory, state-of-the-art metal casting complexes "Farm New Brass", robotic manipulators developed by the German company "Kuka" and body painting lines made in Switzerland. All this equipment turned a small factory into a high-tech enterprise, in no way inferior to leading European factories. The production of radiators is carried out under the watchful supervision of German technologists from the parent company TENRAD.
The walls of the TENRAD VM radiator collector on horizontal channels have a thickness of 3.6 mm, and on vertical channels - 1.8 mm. The fins, installed in three rows, create two convection gaps in the upper part of the radiator, through which heated air enters the room. Radiators are covered with high-quality paint and varnish compositions in two layers, and the outer one consists of sprayed epoxy polyester, which meets the requirements of SanPiN 2.1.2.729-99 and standards RD 52.04.186-89, establishing the hygienic safety of materials. In addition, TENRAD VM products comply with GOST 31311-2005, which confirms their adaptation to Russian systems heating.
Prices for bimetallic radiators TENRAD
bimetallic radiators TENARD
The technical characteristics of these devices are as follows:
| Name of parameters | Radiator model “TENRAD VM”, numerical parameters | |
|---|---|---|
| VM350 | VM500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 24 | 24 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 36 | 36 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 120 | 161 |
| Maximum coolant temperature, ˚С | 120 | 120 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 5÷11 | 5÷11 |
| Section volume, l | 0.15 | 0.22 |
| Section weight, kg | 1.22 | 1.45 |
| Center distance, mm | 350 | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 400 | 550 |
| Section depth, mm | 77 | 77 |
| Section width, mm | 80 | 80 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1" | G 1" |
| Radiator color | White | White |
| Guarantee | 50 years | 50 years |
The average cost of TENRAD VM radiators is from 620 to 720 rubles per section, but can vary up or down, depending on the region of the country. You can purchase batteries already assembled into blocks of 4÷12 sections.
Bimetallic radiators “Radena”
Radena is an Italian company whose office, design bureau and testing laboratories are located in Italy, but the products themselves are manufactured again in China, at the WANGDA Group plant, under the close supervision of Italian specialists.
This brand of radiators has decent quality and good adaptation to Russian heating networks, so it’s difficult to find negative reviews about them. The products have been presented on our market since 2010, and during this time they have gained wide popularity, despite the relatively high price. This is explained by the fact that buyers are attracted by the quality and reliability of these radiators.
The model range is presented in three names - with different center distances: 150, 350 and 500 mm.
The design features of these radiators include the following:
- Self-aligning gaskets installed between sections are made of graphite, so there will be no distortions when assembling and disassembling the battery. Thanks to this it is achieved high degree sealing, and there are no leaks at the connections.
- The threads on the section connections are absolutely straight and never filled with paint.
- The ends of the radiators are perfectly cleaned and ready for installation.
- High-quality original packaging reliably protects products from damage during transportation.
This brand of radiators is one of those products that are characterized by increased thermal conductivity and durability. All manufacturing materials fully comply with European environmental standards.
This table presents the technical characteristics of different-sized Radena models:
| Name of parameters | Radena radiator model, numerical parameters | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimetall CS 150 | Bimetall CS 350 | Bimetall CS 500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 120 | 135 | 185 |
| Maximum coolant temperature,˚ C | 110 | 110 | 110 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 6.0 ÷ 10.5 | 6.0 ÷ 10.5 | 6.0 ÷ 10.5 |
| Section volume, l | 0,1/0,13 | 0.16 | 0.22 |
| Section weight, kg | 0,88/1,19 | 1.43 | 1.85 |
| Center distance, mm | 150 | 350 | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 241 | 403 | 552 |
| Section depth, mm | 120 | 85 | 85 |
| Section width, mm | 74 | 80 | 80 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1" | G 1" | G 1" |
| Radiator color | white | white | white |
| Guarantee | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years |
All surfaces of these radiators, both internal and external, undergo special anti-corrosion treatment before painting. After this, they are dipped into a bath with a colorful composition, and then dried well and subjected to a second stage, during which they are sprayed upper layer high strength epoxy coating.
The price of Radena radiators with different center distances may vary not only depending on this parameter, but also on the region where they are purchased. So, “CS150” - 420÷500 rubles; “CS350” - 600÷800 rubles; “CS500” - 645÷ 850 rubles.
Radiators "Rifar"
"Rifar" is a widely known domestic manufacturer, specializing in the production of aluminum and bimetallic batteries. Bimetallic heating devices are equipped with an internal monolithic collector made of steel and housed in an aluminum housing. Batteries are produced with bottom and side connections, in three sizes.
Production facilities are located in Russia, in the city of Gai, Orenburg region. The equipment of automated lines, from beginning to end of the entire technological chain, is at an ultra-modern level.
Heating appliances of this brand comply with European quality and Russian regulatory documents GOST 31311-2005, TU 4935-004-41807387-10. This version of radiators is primarily intended for installation in multi-storey residential and administrative buildings, as they have high strength and performance characteristics suitable for domestic heating systems.
- "Rifar Monolit" is produced in two dimensional versions - with an interaxle distance of 500 and 350 mm. Thanks to the fact that this the lineup“Rifar” is clearly resistant to corrosion processes; housing management companies often recommend it for installation in apartments of multi-storey buildings.
Technical and operational characteristics of Rifar Monolit radiators look like this:
| Name of parameters | Radiator model “Rifar Monolit”, numerical parameters | |
|---|---|---|
| 350 | 500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 98 | 98 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 148 | 148 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 134 | 196 |
| Maximum coolant temperature, ˚С | 135 | 135 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 7÷9 | 7÷9 |
| Section volume, l | 0.18 | 0.21 |
| Section weight, kg | 1.5 | 2 |
| Center distance, mm | 350 | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 415 | 577 |
| Section depth, mm | 100 | 100 |
| Section width, mm | 80 | 80 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1", optional 1/2" and 3/4" | G 1", optional 1/2" and 3/4" |
| Radiator color | White | White |
| Guarantee | 50 years | 50 years |
The average price for domestic Rifar Monolit radiators is quite high and is approximately 715 - 850 rubles, but it can also vary and be different for individual regions.
- Another model line of bimetallic batteries from this company is “Rifar Base Venti”. It, in turn, is divided into three options, which have an interaxle distance of 200, 350 and 500 mm.
In terms of color quality and design, the models in this series are more aesthetically pleasing than those of the Rifar Monolit, however, they are significantly inferior to them in their technical and operational characteristics. Therefore, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for these products for only 10 years, and estimates the operating period at 25 years.
Prices for bimetallic radiators Radena
Radena bimetallic radiators
It should be noted here that the manufacturer clearly warns that this battery option is more suitable for autonomous heating systems, since all indicators are designed specifically for it. For example, “Rifar Base Venti” radiators require a clean coolant, which can only be provided in an autonomous system. In addition, the test and operating pressure of these heating devices is several times lower than that of Rifar Monolit.
So, the main technical and operational characteristics of this line are as follows:
| Name of parameters | Radiator model “Rifar Base Venti, numerical parameters | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 350 | 500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 104 | 136 | 204 |
| Maximum coolant temperature, ˚С | 135 | 135 | 135 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 7÷8.5 | 7÷8.5 | 7÷8.5 |
| Section volume, l | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.2 |
| Section weight, kg | 1.02 | 1.36 | 1.92 |
| Center distance, mm | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 261 | 415 | 570 |
| Section depth, mm | 100 | 90 | 100 |
| Section width, mm | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1" | G 1" | G 1" |
| Radiator color | White | White | White |
| Guarantee | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
The cost of radiators in this line is quite high, ranging from 725 to 900 rubles per section, but can also vary.
Bimetallic radiators "Fondital"
The Fondital company was founded in 1970 in the city of Weston in the Italian province of Brescia, and since its inception it has been engaged in the design and production of heating systems. Over the years of work and constant development, the small enterprise has turned into large company with several large production facilities. Today Fondital is one of the world leaders in the development and manufacture of devices and components for heating systems. This manufacturer mainly produces aluminum radiators as heat exchange devices, but its product range also includes a bimetallic model, which is quite popular among consumers.
The bimetallic model “Fondital” has a name that speaks for itself - “Alustal”, and is intended for installation in central system heating of multi-storey buildings.
"Fondital-Alustal" is characterized by the following technical and operational indicators:
| Indicator name | Numeric parameter values |
|---|---|
| Working pressure, atm. | 40 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 60 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 190 |
| Maximum coolant temperature, ˚С | 110 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 7-10 |
| Section volume, l | 0.14 |
| Section weight, kg | 1.23 |
| Center distance, mm | 500 |
| Section height, mm | 559 |
| Section depth, mm | 80 |
| Section width, mm | 97 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1" |
| Radiator color | White |
| Warranty from installation | 20 years |
Radiators “Fondital-Alustal” can be block-based, and the batteries offered for sale can include from 4 to 14 sections, to which additional blocks or individual sections can be added. The devices are quite expensive: the average cost of one section in different regions of the country is 740–950 rubles.
The manufacturer provides a guarantee for free elimination of all types of defects in production for a period of 20 years from the date of installation. However, such a guarantee only applies if the installation is carried out by a qualified technician in compliance with all installation conditions specified by the manufacturer in the product passport.
Bimetallic radiators from the Global company
The Italian company “Global” was created in 1971 and, we can say that it was at the very origins of the development and production of aluminum radiators. Having come a long way from a small workshop where assembly was done by hand to industrial automated workshops, today the Global company produces not only aluminum versions of heating devices, but also four models of bimetallic radiators of different sizes.
The company has its own testing laboratory, in which all raw materials entering the enterprise are subject to strict quality control. We are constantly developing new models and improving the technical and operational characteristics of existing product samples. The Global company received certification for the production of radiators according to the European standards ISO 9002 and ISO 9001-2000, and in 1996, the products of this manufacturer were certified in the GOST system of the Russian Federation. Year after year, the demand for heating appliances from this company is growing, which indicates high consumer confidence in products bearing the “Global” logo.
The main characteristics of bimetallic radiators produced by the company are shown in the table:
| Name of parameters | “Global” radiator model, numerical parameters | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Style" 350/500 | "Style Extra" 350/500 | "Style Plus" 350/500 | "Sfera" 350/500 | |
| Working pressure, atm. | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Test pressure, atm. | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| Heat transfer of one section, W. | 125/168 | 120/171 | 140/185 | 119/165 |
| Maximum coolant temperature, ˚С | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 |
| Hydrogen index, pH | 6.5 ÷ 8 | 6.5 ÷ 8 | 6.5 ÷ 8 | 6.5 ÷ 8 |
| Section volume, l | 0,16/0,18 | 0,17/0,21 | 0,17/0,19 | 0.16÷0.20 |
| Section weight, kg | 1,50/1,87 | 1,42/1,87 | 1,50/1,94 | 1,40/1,87 |
| Center distance, mm | 500/350 | 500/350 | 500/350 | 500/350 |
| Section height, mm | 425/575 | 418/568 | 425/575 | 418/568 |
| Section depth, mm | 80 | 80 | 95 | 80 |
| Section width, mm | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Inlet diameter, inch | G 1" | G 1" | G 1" | G 1" |
| Radiator color | 8 colors | 8 colors | 8 colors | 8 colors |
| Guarantee | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years |
The color range of GLOBAL bimetallic radiators is wider, but the coloring of released models is often carried out at the request of consumers, and the standard color for batteries remains glossy white.
Bimetallic radiator “GLOBAL STYLE PLUS” 500 - 7 sections in basic color
All radiators undergo a two-stage painting process. The first stage involves immersing the products in a special bath and is called anaphoresis. The second stage involves spraying a dye based on the prepared surfaces. epoxy resins with the addition of coloring pigment.
As you can see from the table above, GLOBAL produces four models of bimetallic radiators, named “Style”, “Style Extra”, “Style Plus” and “Sfera”. Each of the models is available in two versions - with center distances of 350 and 500 mm. The table also shows the difference in some parameters of radiators from this manufacturer - this makes it easier to navigate when choosing batteries for specific conditions.
Please note the warranty period is 20 years. This once again indicates that the manufacturer is completely confident in the quality of its products.
The price of GLOBAL radiators is quite high (the highest of all those discussed in this publication), but they are justified by the reliability, durability and efficiency of the devices. Thus, the average cost of one section of a heating device starts from 800 and reaches 1200 rubles. More information about the price can be found at this link
Appendix: How to independently calculate the number of sections of a bimetallic radiator
The often practiced method of calculation, based on 100 W of thermal energy per square meter of area, is not accurate - each of the rooms has its own characteristics, which also need to be taken into account. Therefore, we will take the liberty of offering the reader a more accurate algorithm, which is implemented in the program of the calculator located below.
Necessary comments on the calculation program
Some brief explanations for carrying out calculations:
- The total amount of heat loss is affected by the presence and number of walls in contact with the street, as well as their location on the cardinal points and in relation to the prevailing winter winds. The program provides appropriate fields for entering this data.
- The climatic features of the region will be taken into account when indicating minimum winter temperatures. In this case, you should indicate not abnormal, but quite normal frosts for your region in the coldest decade of winter.
- The wall insulation parameter may raise questions. Here it is better to approach from the position that a wall is considered fully insulated if its thermal insulation was carried out in full on the basis of completed thermal calculations. There should be no uninsulated walls in residential buildings at all - no heating with this approach simply will not help: the room will still be cold, and the walls will be damp.
- The characteristics of the room, that is, its height and proximity below and above, directly affect the required amount of thermal energy to warm up the volume of the room and replenish heat loss through the ceilings.
- After entering the window parameters, the program will calculate the percentage of glazing (from the area of the room) and enter the appropriate correction factor. A similar approach is used if there are regularly opened doors to the street or an unheated balcony.
- Finally, the overall heat transfer from heating radiators is significantly influenced by the scheme of their connection to the circuit and the features of their location on the wall. All this is taken into account by the calculation algorithm.
- Attention! The program is capable of producing two total values.
— If a calculation is selected for a non-separable radiator model, then the result should be taken into account "A"- this is the required total radiator power for a given room, expressed in kilowatts.
You may be interested in information about what to consider when choosing
Prices for popular bimetallic heating radiators
— If the goal is to calculate the number of sections of a collapsible radiator, then after selecting this path an additional field will appear in which you must enter the nameplate power of one section of the selected model (in watts). The result is taken from the point "B"- this is the required number of sections, rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Bimetallic radiators appeared on our market not so long ago, but are steadily gaining popularity. They are called so because they consist of two metals - steel pipes and air duct ribs made of silumin aluminum alloy welded onto them. Their price is about 30% higher than aluminum ones. Why then do they buy them? Because they are more durable and better tolerate the coolants that our boiler houses supply to the network.
From what has been said, it is easy to understand where they are most often installed: in high-rise buildings connected to centralized heating. This does not mean that they do not work in individual heating systems. They work very well, but at the same time they have lower heat transfer (a steel frame is not the best heat conductor) and a higher price. There is no point: the coolant is normal (you control its quality yourself), the pressure is far from critical, so there is simply no point in paying more, it is better to supply it.
Types of bimetallic batteries
First of all, it must be said that not all bimetallic heating devices are made of steel and aluminum. Copper is sometimes used instead of steel. But then they are made not in sectional form, but in panel form. And they cost quite a lot, but they have excellent heat dissipation.
There are also models in which the collector is made of of stainless steel. They are suitable for networks with high pH levels, as well as for those who like to take all system components with a large margin of safety.
In a fully bimetallic radiator, the entire frame is made of steel, in some - stainless steel
The “steel + aluminum” option is the most common, and when they talk about bimetal, they usually mean it. But radiators made of these metals can be of two types: full or partial.
If inside the sections both horizontal and vertical collectors are made of steel, they speak of “full bimetal”, sometimes the name “reinforced bimetallic radiator” is also found. This is also about him. To increase the heat transfer of the section, two vertical tubes can be placed in it. This is usually done in models with great depth.
If only the vertical tube is made of steel, this option is called "partial" or "semi" bimetallic.
Which ones are better
Manifolds made of steel completely eliminate contact of the coolant with aluminum. This is the moment that interferes with normal operation aluminum batteries in our high-rise buildings. The second point is the pressure drops that may occur when the system is started and during emergency situations. In general, in normal conditions this indicator in any network is within 6-9 atm. But they try to install heating devices with multiple reserves: water hammer can be very strong. According to these parameters, batteries made from full bimetal are better:
- their operating pressure is approximately 5 atm higher than that of partial (on average 30-40 atm depending on the manufacturer),
- 100% exclusion of contact with coolant.
What is the disadvantage of such radiators? They are expensive. The manufacturing technology is complex: first you need to weld the structure, ensuring the tightness and reliability of the connection, then fuse aluminum onto the frame, giving it a certain form. It is also necessary to ensure a reliable connection between two different metals, which is not easy. All this affects the price.
Another negative point: the lower thermal power of the section. The difference is approximately 10% compared to partial bimetal, and 15-20% with a similar aluminum section.
Partial bimetal has lower strength characteristics. Its horizontal collectors are made of aluminum, that is, they are destroyed by the coolant. But the practice of using aluminum radiators has shown that in most cases it is vertical collectors that are destroyed. So aluminum in horizontal ones does not greatly affect the durability of heating devices. However, the main task and idea - to exclude the contract between aluminum and coolant - have not been completed. In any case, they are more demanding on the quality of the coolant (pH should be in the region of 6-9, and preferably 7-8) and have lower burst pressure (and operating pressure too).
Now about the positives. These batteries are priced between fully bimetallic and aluminum. They have higher heat transfer. Some models can catch up with aluminum. For example, Rifar Base 500 allows you to shoot more than 200 W from one section (at a temperature delta of 70 o C).
This is the only fully bimetallic radiator from the Russian manufacturer Rifar
So, which bimetallic radiators are better? I will express my own point of view: if we install bimetal, then complete it. It may be expensive, but it is reliable. And the manufacturer must be chosen wisely. It is quite possible to find high-quality full bimetal, which will be only slightly more expensive in price than partial. But I emphasize once again - this is a personal opinion.
In general, you need to approach it from the point of view of operating conditions. You will need to know the following parameters of your heating network:
- Maximum temperature;
- working and maximum pressure;
- hydrogen index of the coolant (the same pH).
Having this data in hand, you can already decide exactly what is better: a bimetallic radiator with a partially steel manifold, or do you need a frame entirely made of steel.
When asking about network parameters, do not ask for an official answer. You will be given “protocol” values, which, to put it mildly, do not always correspond to reality. It is better to find out this from plumbers who know the real picture, and not the official one.
Manufacturers and prices
Looking through the information on official websites, you can notice one pattern. The description of some models clearly states: all the tubes through which the coolant flows are made of steel. There are even drawings and photographs demonstrating this. In others, there is not a word about what metals the collectors are made of. And these are models from the same manufacturer.
So here it is. Those modifications where there is no mention of materials are partial bimetal. It's just that the manufacturers are silent about it. For what reasons, one can only guess.
Now about the prices. Let's give them in dollars (the exchange rate is not stable, so...) and approximately. We all know that people have different appetites, but we have derived the approximate cost. They are taken from online stores; offline they may differ noticeably. More information about how the companies were selected (if indicated): these are the most popular ones in stores or on forums. And about standard sizes: prices are given for models with an interaxial distance of 500 mm.
| Bimetallic radiators | Aluminum radiators | Notes | ||
| Full bimetal | Partial bimeta ll | |||
| "Clean" China | 7-10$ | 6-7$ | It is possible to determine what material the collectors are made of only visually | |
| Rifar (Russia) | 12$-14$ | 12$ | "Rifar" produces sectional only partial bimetal. Only the “Monolith” is complete, but it is not type-set, but welded. And one at a timesections are not for sale | |
| Radena (Italy+China) | 12-14$ | 10-11$ | ||
| Sira (Italy+China) | 16-18$ | 14-15$ | 10-11$ | Full bimetal only one model Ali Metal |
| Ferroli | 18-19$ | 16$ | 10-11$ | |
| Global | 19$ | 10-11$ | Only fully bimetallic batteries are produced | |
As you can see, prices for aluminum radiators (at least from these manufacturers) are not much different. There is a difference, of course, but it amounts to tens of rubles per section. But the spread in bimetallic ones is more than respectable.
If you go by the reviews, there are very few negative reviews about Global bimetallic radiators; the modestly priced Radena has none at all. Moreover, these companies produce only with an all-metal manifold. But one has production located in Italy (), and the other in China ().
All the rest have approximately the same picture: negative reviews occur. But it is difficult to determine whether the problem is due to an installation error or a manufacturing defect. And one more nuance: the prices of Russian Rifar from the manufacturer are lower. The table contains intermediary prices.
Technical characteristics of bimetallic heating radiators
This question is no easier than with prices. Manufacturers - dozens, if not hundreds, models and even more. But we can say about the average indicators (for models with an interaxle distance of 500 mm):
- thermal power of one section (at a temperature delta of 70 o C)
- full bimetal 160-180 W;
- partial 170-200 W.
- operating pressure:
- full bimetal 35-40 atm;
- partial 25-30 atm.
- maximum coolant temperature:
- full bimetal 110 o C;
- partial 100 o C.
- volume of water in sections (capacity):
- full bimetal 0.18 -0.22 l;
- partial 0.18-0.24 l.
It is worth considering that thermal characteristics some models may differ both up and down. This is due not only to different compositions of materials and technologies, but also to different sizes. For example, the width of the section is standard: 80 mm almost always, and the depth can vary from 70 mm to 95 mm. It is clear that the heat transfer from a deeper one will be greater; in addition, they have a larger number of ribs, which further increases thermal power.
The height of the sections also changes. The center distance is strictly maintained, but the height of the extended ribs can vary. So, with an interaxial distance of 500 mm, the section height is 552 mm and 575 mm.
The pressure will also differ: different thicknesses tubes are used as frames, metal of different quality, manifolds of different sections and even different shapes. What remains more or less stable is the temperature. All other characteristics strongly depend on the manufacturer and the parameters of the model.
Calculation of bimetallic radiators
All you need to know to calculate the number of radiators per room is its thermal power. Here are several calculation methods:
- by area;
- by volume;
- on heat losses.
The most accurate is based on heat losses. This parameter is calculated by a heating engineer. In principle, the operating organization should have door-to-door data. You can find out heat losses your premises with them. For owners of private houses, everything is not so simple: you need to order thermal engineering calculations from specialists.
But having this data, everything is considered simple: you divide it by the power of the section of the model you have chosen and get the number of sections that need to be installed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
For example, a room loses 1600 W of heat, the radiator power is 180 W. 1600/180=8.8 pcs, round up, we get 9 pcs.
Volume calculation method
When calculating bimetallic radiators by volume, SNiP standards are used. According to them, to provide heat to one cubic meter of air in panel houses, 41 W of heat is required, in brick houses - 34 W. To determine the number of sections, you will need to calculate the volume of the room (multiply the width, length of the room and the height of the ceilings), and then multiply the found figure by the appropriate norm. Let's get the amount of heat needed to heat this room. Dividing it by the thermal power of the radiator, we get the number of sections.
For example, a room has the following parameters: width 3 m, length 4 m, ceiling height 2.5 m. 180 W radiators will be installed. Let's calculate in order:
- We get the volume of the room: 3*4*2.5=30 m3.
- If the room is located in a brick house, you will need 30 m 3 * 34 W = 1020 W.
- Now we count the number of sections 1020 W / 180 W = 5.66 pcs.
- Round up, we get 6 sections.
How to calculate sections by area
The easiest way is to calculate the number of sections by area. But it gives the biggest error. It is assumed that, on average, 100 W of heat is needed to heat one meter of room area. In this case, neither the region, nor the height of the ceilings, nor the material of the walls, etc. are taken into account.
To understand how big the error is, let’s calculate the number of sections for the same room:
- The area turns out to be 3*4=12 m2.
- One radiator section with a power of 180 W can heat (based on the norm) 1.8 m 2.
- To find the number of sections, divide the area of the room by this indicator: 12 m2 / 1.8 m2 = 6.66 pieces, round up, we get 7 pieces.
There is an error, and a considerable one. This method is only suitable for approximately determining the number of sections for average insulation in central Russia.
Moreover, both calculations are valid only for those cases when the system parameters are as follows: the coolant temperature in the supply is 90 o C, in the “return” 70 o C, in the room there should be 20 o C. Data on the thermal power of bimetallic radiators (and others too) are given precisely for such values (this is established by the standards). With other parameters, the power will be different. In some cases, the manufacturer indicates heat transfer for other common temperatures.
In addition, the last two methods only give more or less correct results. Considering this, you can supply either more radiators than required, or fewer. Both options are not the best. And all because the calculations do not take into account either the area of the windows or the degree of their insulation. The presence and number of external walls is also not taken into account. After all, the larger the area occupied by the wall facing the street, the more heat is required to maintain normal temperature. To take into account all these and other factors, you need to use correction factors.
Results
Bimetallic radiators are good when low-quality coolant circulates in the network, and strong water hammer is possible. In this case, the steel frame guarantees the integrity of the heating device. Use in individual heating is only advisable if antifreeze is used. There is simply no point in paying more when using water.