Aluminum radiators

Aluminum radiators whose technical characteristics can differ significantly from different manufacturers, are becoming more popular among owners of private housing. These heat exchangers are manufactured in our time using the most modern technologies and materials. They have high performance indicators, they are small in weight, compact, perfectly fit in any interior.

Aluminum radiators technical specifications

Interest in aluminum radiators is constantly growing, but you should know that they are by no means universal. In order not to make mistakes in the choice of batteries for specific installation and operation conditions, it is necessary to undergo a small "education" on these devices, to become acquainted with the features of their device, with the models offered on the market.

What is primarily considered when choosing aluminum batteries?

Each of the manufacturers, advertising their products,necessarily asserts its reliability and durability. However, in fact, experts in one voice do not recommend installing aluminum radiators in the heating circuits connected to the central system. Its operation is often characterized by instability - possible water hammers or simply sharp pressure drops with a large amplitude can damage internal channels and connectors of this heating device. In addition, the coolant in the central heating may well be of low purity and quality, with an acid or alkaline environment, which also does not benefit the aluminum surfaces, since this metal is difficult to classify as chemically inert.

Therefore, it can be rightly stated that aluminum radiators are suitable for autonomous systems of private houses and apartments, where the owner is able to independently control the pressure and temperature levels in the circuits, pressure, as well as the chemical composition and quality of the coolant.

What do I need to know about coolants for heating systems?

Water is distinguished by excellent heat capacity, but not always its use in heating circuits is completely permissible or justified. In some cases it is necessary to resort to the use of special coolants for heating systems - this is described in detail in the special publication of our portal.

You should always keep in mind the information about the extremely large number of fakes that are on sale in the spontaneous markets and even in some stores. In the manufacture of counterfeit, the trademark of well-known brands is usually used, in "pure form" or with imperceptible, at first glance, changes in the name or logo, but the quality of such radiators does not correspond to the original products of the leading manufacturers. There is a regularity - the more authoritative the manufacturer, the more fakes are made for its products.

When buying radiators, choose only the original products of well-known manufacturers!

Therefore, it only makes sense to purchase aluminum radiators in specialized stores, where the seller can show, and the buyer - carefully examine the quality certificates and accompanying technical documentation for the purchased product with the manufacturer's guarantee.

Types of aluminum radiators and technology for their manufacture

Alloys are used for the production of aluminum radiators, in which special silicon additives are introduced. Such a metal becomes a raw material for manufacturing both separate sections and integral collectors of future heating batteries. To date, two main technologies for the production of aluminum batteries are used: extrusion and casting.

Production of extrusion radiators

Extrusion( from the Latin "push") is the process of pushing the softened metal melt through a special molding extruder, in order to obtain the detail of the desired profile.

This method of manufacturing does not allow the immediate receipt of elements of radiators with a closed volume, so when they are produced, first, separate parts are formed - the front and rear parts, which are then connected together by thermal pressing.

extrusion aluminum heating radiator production line The extrusion method is used for the production of both individual sections and integral collectors, which also initially represent individual blanks, and are fastened together according to the already mentioned technique. Collectors are made immediately according to the preset size of the future battery, so it will not be possible to shorten or lengthen it during the installation or operation.

Non-woven aluminum radiator model

A similar technology is used in the production of radiators of such brands as Swing, Olimp and domestic ones - RS-500.

The performance characteristics of aluminum extrusion batteries are significantly lower than other radiator types, since they have a smaller surface area and, accordingly, have lower heat transfer.

The weakest point of aluminum extruded radiators is the pressing seams, which often do not withstand the pressures from increased pressure, first of all they are corroded from the aggressive medium of the coolant.

The second obvious drawback of extrusion aluminum radiators is considered to be susceptibility to corrosion. The fact is that for their production, secondary aluminum is most often used, and the raw material for extrusion can contain a lot of impurities that activate the oxidation processes in the alloy.

However, this is not always the case. Some manufacturers, such as, for example, ROVALL, make extrusion radiators from an alloy consisting of 98% pure aluminum, which significantly reduces the risk of gas generation inside the devices. Well, the subsequent chemical treatment of products makes the internal surfaces almost invulnerable to corrosion processes.

Production of aluminum radiators for casting technology

Aluminum radiators manufactured using casting technology are manufactured from an aluminum alloy with silicon additives, with a total silicon content of no more than 12% of the total composition. This is quite enough to give the products strength and preserve the unique heat-conducting qualities of aluminum.

Quality cast aluminum radiators - much higher

The manufacturing process looks something like this:

• The mold for radiator section molding consists of two parts. Before pouring the melt, the parts are joined under pressure in the casting unit.
• Then, the alloy is channeled into the finished mold by means of a plunger.
• The molten mass fills all channels of the mold, and in it, when cooled, crystallizes.
• Next, the mold is opened and the workpiece is left until the final cooling.
• Castings are extracted from the mold and their processing is performed - stubbing.
• The neck is then welded to the workpieces of the sections.
• The sections are then sent for leaks, which are carried out in a special bath under high pressure.
• The next step is to etch anti-corrosion compounds of aluminum walls from inside and outside.
• After anti-corrosion treatment, the sections are cooled and dried.
• Further, the sections are supplied for painting using epoxy-polymeric powder enamel.
• The next stage of the section is assembled into radiators and sent for testing - for strength and tightness.

Of course, the manufacturing process in this case is outlined only in general terms, as the technological nuances of different manufacturers may differ slightly.

Foreign, mainly European manufacturers, produce aluminum radiators mainly by injection molding, because such products in practice show better results in terms of safety and durability.

Three-piece nondedible module

Some companies, for example, the same Italian firm "ROVALL", use the hybrid technology in the manufacture of aluminum radiators, molding not one, but two or three block sections that later join the collector with electrochemical welding. After that, blocks consisting of several sections are connected with nipples with silicone seals, which allows, if necessary, to adjust the dimensions of the structure. For example, if one of the battery packs is damaged, you do not have to replace it completely - just remove the damaged part and install a new one.

Other manufacturers have developed and launched two-channel sections for radiators. Similar batteries are presented, for example, in the model range of the company "Faral Trio".They are distinguished by their high resistance to pressure loads( pressure to atmospheres) and have an enviable heat transfer of about 210 watts from the section. For the production of such radiators a special alloy is used, casting blanks according to a special technology and milling channels using special knives having a circular cross-section.

Two-channel radiators of heating

have high heat emission. It is necessary to say about the fins of the radiators, too, since the heat transfer depends directly on the number of heat exchange ribs. So, the company "Alterplast" produces batteries "Radena" with sections equipped with six ribs.

All six heat exchange ribs of the

are clearly visible. This device design contributes to the intensive heat exchange resulting from not only high heat transfer from the ribs themselves, but also to the emerging directed convection flow of heated air. In addition, in the multi-ribbed model of the radiator, the convection component predominates over direct radiation, and the directed flow of heated air ensures the creation of a peculiar curtain for window openings, thereby blocking the path of penetration of cold air into the rooms.

Video: the process of manufacturing aluminum radiators "Global"

Anodized aluminum radiators

Anodized batteries, as mentioned above, are made of an alloy in which the high purity aluminum occupies about 98% of the total composition. Such products undergo anodic oxidation of all surfaces, both internal and external.

Anodizing is anodic or electrochemical oxidation. It is one of several existing technologies for creating an oxide protective or decorative film. A similar process is carried out in solid or liquid electrolytes, and upon its completion, aluminum surfaces acquire high resistance to corrosion and other destructive chemical effects.

The standard process for anodizing aluminum radiators is as follows:

• Preparing the products for the main process is called rinsing. This technological operation is carried out by placing radiators or their sections in a bath with an alkaline solution, where oil stains and other contaminants are removed from the surface of the metal.
• The next step is "chemical milling" or etching. This stage consists in removing from the surface of aluminum a natural oxide film and the thinnest upper metal layer. Usually, for this operation, compounds based on caustic soda-NaOH are used.
• Neutralization or clarification is the removal from the surface of aluminum present in the heavy metal alloy.
• Anodizing is done by immersing radiators in a bath with electrolyte. Aluminum is in this case a positively charged electrode-anode, and an electrolyte-negative, and under its influence an electrochemical reaction occurs, as a result of which a protective oxide film Al2O3 is formed.
• Further, if it was supposed, an adsorption staining occurs, that is, penetration of the pigment of the paint into the pores of the protective film formed earlier.
• The final stage is the sealing of layers - clogging pores.

For the connection of the anodized radiator elements instead of nipples the outer dry couplings are used, therefore the inner surface at the joints has no narrowing and remains smooth. Thanks to such a connection, no stagnant processes are formed inside the batteries, and the heat carrier circulates with minimal hydraulic resistance.

Aluminum anodized radiator model line "Mandarin"

Anodized radiators have a high heat dissipation, greater than that of conventional aluminum batteries, and are able to withstand pressures up to 50 ÷ 70 atmospheres. Of all aluminum batteries, only they can fully meet the requirements of central heating systems.

Today, the Russian market presents the anodized radiators of the Italian company "Aluwork", which have different sizes and rich color gamut.

The only significant "minus" of this type of aluminum radiators is their rather high price.

Nuances of selection and installation of aluminum radiators

General characteristics of all aluminum radiators, with the exception of anodized, have approximately the same parameters, except operating pressure.

General parameters of aluminum batteries

General parameters of aluminum heaters are as follows:

• Operating pressure - 6 ÷ 16 at.
• Heat dissipation( section power) - 80 ÷ 212 W.
• The weight of one section is 0,8 ÷ 1,47 kg.
• The capacity of one section varies from 250 to 450 ml.
• The maximum temperature of the heat carrier is 110 degrees.
• Service life under conditions of use - up to 25 years.
• Warranty from the manufacturer - from 10 to 15 years.

The standard interaxial distance of the batteries( the distance between the upper and lower horizontal channel) is usually 200, 350 and 500 mm. However, if you want, you can find or order radiators with this parameter, reaching up to 900 and even 2000 mm.

There are models that differ in the high height of the sections

In order not to be mistaken with the size of the purchased device, it is necessary to measure the place where the battery will be mounted. It should be borne in mind that the radiator should not rest on the sill if it is installed under a window opening, since it is necessary to allow free convection, that is, warm air rising upwards must freely rise, preventing the penetration of cold air from the window.

The recommended distances from the surrounding radiator surfaces are:

• Above the radiator, the free space must be at least 100 mm from the sill or shelf( recess).
• Between the floor and the radiator you need to observe a distance of 100 ÷ 120 mm.
• The distance between the wall and the rear surface of the radiator is at least 30 mm.
• It is desirable, in order to save heat energy and its additional directionality towards the room, to fix the reflecting screen, for example, from foamed polyethylene foam to the wall surface behind the radiator.

Reflective foil foamed polyethylene screen

The connection to the aluminum radiators of the heating medium can be lower or side, right or left, which greatly simplifies the connection and makes it possible to hide the contour pipeline in the walls or under the "clean" floor.

Different connection schemes for aluminum radiators

It should be noted that the highest heat dissipation from the radiator can be obtained by applying a diagonal connection scheme with an upper feed direction and a lower one on the opposite side - "return flow".

Permissible pressure in aluminum radiators

In the passports attached to the devices, two pressure values ​​are indicated - this is the test pressure( test) and the working pressure.

Pressure testing is the pressure at which the test and test measures were carried out, that is, it can be called the maximum permissible that this model can withstand. It sometimes reaches 30 ÷ 35 atmospheres, and in some products - even much higher and higher. However, we should not forget that this maximum load can not be constant, otherwise the devices can not stand. Therefore, when you purchase, you should focus more on working pressure.

For aluminum heaters, the working pressure varies usually between 10 and 16 atmospheres, therefore, before choosing one of the radiator models, it is worth asking the management company in advance which maximum head is observed in the central heating system.

And yet, as already mentioned, it is better not to take risks, and not to choose aluminum radiator versions for installation in an apartment with central heating. They are more suitable for an autonomous system in which the pressure under no circumstances can exceed 10 atmospheres.

For whatever heating system aluminum radiators are purchased, it is recommended to choose models whose working pressure rating is higher than the planned load in order to be sure that there is not even a theoretical probability of a breakthrough.

In the technical descriptions and product data sheets, radiator manufacturers can indicate the pressure in different units of measurement - this may be "bar", "atmosphere" or "megapascals"( MPa).To avoid this complication, remember the following relationships( with a small, completely permissible error):

1 bar = 0.1 MPa ≈ 1 at ( technical atmosphere)

Thermal parameters

Heat transfer from aluminum radiators can be divided into thermal radiation andconvection air heating. Each of these factors is approximately ½ of the total amount of heat transferred, complementing each other.

Two principles of heat transfer from aluminum radiators

Radiant heat emanates from the surface of the battery sections, and convection heat from the heated air flows from the inside, through the upper part of the structure, blocking the access of cold air from the window aperture. Due to internal ribbed surfaces, convective heat transfer from the radiator is quite large.

The total heat transfer from one section of the aluminum radiator is indicated in the passport in watts. This parameter depends on the size, volume flowing through the coolant section, surface area of ​​active heat exchange and the number of internal ribs. Knowing the power of one section, it is not difficult to determine the total heat transfer of the entire radiator. Or, conversely, having data on the necessary amount of heat to heat a particular room, it is not difficult to calculate how many sections a battery should have.

It is accepted to be guided by the ratio that for every square meter of the room area there should be about 100 W of thermal energy. However, such a calculation can result in a very significant error, both in the direction of surplus power and its shortage. The fact is that each room is unique in its own way, and besides the square always has a number of other important features - from the number of external walls and their orientation to the sides of the world, to the glazing area and the presence of entrance doors to the street or a cold balcony.

To accurately determine the number of sections of the aluminum radiator to provide heat to a particular room, we suggest using a special calculator, which already takes into account possible corrections for the specifics of the room and even for the proposed scheme of tapping the batteries in the heating circuit.as already noted above, the useful heat transfer of the radiators also depends to a large extent on the type of installation.

Calculator for calculating the required number of sections of the aluminum radiator

If during the calculation some data is unknown to the user, then you can skip this point by immediately switching to the input of the following parameters. True, while the calculator will read the number section for the most unfavorable conditions.

The calculation is carried out for each room separately.
Enter the requested values ​​sequentially or mark the required options in the proposed lists

Indicate the area of ​​the room, m²

100 W per square meter.m

Number of external walls

no one two three

External walls look at:

North, Northeast, East South, Southwest, West

External wall position relative to winter "wind rose"

windward side leeward side parallel to wind direction

Level of negative air temperatures in the region in the coldest week of the year

- 35 ° C and below -30 ° C to -34 ° C -25 ° C to -29 ° C -20 ° C to -24 ° C -15 ° С to -19 ° С from -10 ° С to -14 ° С not colder - 10 ° С

What is the degree of insulation externaltheir walls?

External walls are not insulated Average degree of insulation External walls have high-quality insulation

Ceiling height in the room

up to 2.7 m 2.8 ÷ 3.0 m 3.1 ÷ 3.5 m 3.6 ÷ 4.0 m more than 4, 1 m

What is below?

Cold floor on the ground or above an unheated room Insulated floor on the ground or over an unheated room At the bottom is a heated room

What is located above?

Cold attic or unheated and unheated room Insulated attic or other room Heated room

Type of installed windows

Conventional wooden frames with double glazing Windows with single-chamber( 2 glass) double-glazed windows Windows with two-chamber( 3-glazed) double-glazed windows or with argon filling

Number of windowsin the room

Window height, m ​​

Window width, m

Doors facing the street or balcony:

no one two

The proposed scheme of the tie-ins of the heating radiators

Prospective features of the location of the radiators

The radiator on the wall is installed open The radiator is covered with a window sill or shelf on top The radiator is covered with a wall niche from the top The radiator on the front is covered with a decorative screen The radiator is completely covered with a decorative cover

Specify the power of one section of the selected radiator

The low thermal inertia of aluminum batteries ensures high heat transfer,which is a guarantee of a high degree of comfort, which is provided by such heating appliances. This parameter of aluminum radiators is superior to that of bimetallic, steel or cast iron products, so it helps to save on fuel in autonomous heating systems.

Design design of aluminum radiators

Aluminum radiators have very ergonomic shapes and therefore perfectly fit into various interior styles. Batteries can be made in different shade solutions. Often, specialized salons provide an original service - at the request of the client, they can be patterned, which partially conceals their presence in the interior or, conversely, makes the heating appliances even the central decorative element.

Aluminum radiator with graphic design of the front surface

	«RIFAR»( Russia)
«Alum 350»	350	415 × 80 × 90	20	139	0.19	1.2	135
«Alum 500»	500	565 × 80 × 90	20	183	0.27	1.45	135
	«Radiatori 2000 SpA»( Italy)
«Radiatori 350R»	350	430 × 80 × 95	16	166	0.53	1.4	110
« Radiatori 500R »	500	577 × 80 × 95	16	199	0.98	1.6	110
	« ROVALL »(« SIRA Group »)( Italy)
« ALUX 200 »	200	245 × 80 × 100	20	92	0.11	20	92	0.83	110
«ALUX 350»	350	395 × 80 × 100	20	155	0.11	0.82	110
«ALUX 500»	500	545 × 80 × 100	20	179	0.23	1.31	110
	«FONDITAL»( Italy)
«Calidor Super 350 × 100»	350	407 × 80 × 97	16	144	0.24	1.3	120
"Calidor Super 500 × 100"	500	557 × 80 × 97	16	193	0.3	1.32	120
	"FARAL(Italy)
"GREEN HP 350"	350	430 × 80 × 80	16	136	0.26	1.12	110
"GREEN HP 500"	500	580 × 80 × 80	16	180	0.33	1.48	110
"TRIO HP 350"	350	430 × 80 × 95	16	152	0.4	1.23	110
"TRIO HP 500"	500	580 × 80 × 95	16	212	0.5	1.58	110
	"TENRAD"( Germany)
"AL 500 × 100"	500	563 × 80 × 96	16	190	0.38	1.3	120
"AL 500 × 80"	500	563 × 75 × 75	16	142	0.35	0.83	120
"AL 350 × 100"	350	413 × 80 × 96	16	138	0.25	1	120
	"ALLTERMO"( Italy)
"ALL-termo Delux 500/100"	500	582 × 80 × 100	16	204	0.4	1.5	130
"ALL-termo 500/100"	500	582 × 80 × 100	16	196	0.41	1.35	130
" ALL-termo Termolux 350/85 "	350	432 × 80 × 85	16	147	0.28	1.15	130
" ALL-termo Termolux 500/85 "	500	582 × 80 × 85	16	196	0.41	1.35	130
	«RADENA»( Italy)
«Radena 350»	350	431 × 85 × 80	16	165	0.28	1.05	90
«Radena I 500»	500	581 × 85 × 80	16	192	0.33	1.35	90
	«GLOBAL»( Italy)
«VOX 350»	350	440 × 80 × 95	16	145	0.35	1.1	110
« VOX 500 »	500	590 × 80 × 95	16	176	0.46	1.5	110
Model name	Distance between axles	Section dimensions( height, width, depth), mm	Max.operating pressure, bar	Thermal power section, W	Volume of coolant in the section, l.	Section weight, kg	Maximum temperature of coolant, ° C

Most aluminum radiators are not distinguished by a variety of shapes, but still, if you want, you can find options that stand out against the general background in their design. For example, they produce floor batteries or have various additions in the form of brackets for drying towels. The latter are perfect for kitchen facilities, and floor batteries with a flat surface can be installed in the hallway and used for drying shoes.

Original floor model of aluminum radiator

Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum radiators

Summarizing all of the above, it is worth mentioning the advantages and "weak points" of aluminum heating devices, as they need to be known for the organization of proper operation and prevention of emergencies.

The "pluses" of these products include the following qualities:

• Excellent heat dissipation, which allows you to quickly heat the room.
• Light weight, greatly simplifying the installation process. It will not be difficult even to hang them alone on the brackets and connect them to the pipe circuit.
• Dimensional diversity allows you to install batteries in any location chosen for them.
• Ergonomic and aesthetic appearance allows you to fit them into any living space, regardless of the style of interior decoration of the room.

Aluminum radiators perfectly fit into any interior decoration of the premises

• The softness of the metal alloy ensures that there is no serious injury when the battery is struck - this quality is first of all invaluable when installing the products in the children's room.
• The possibility of installing a thermostat provides heat transfer from the radiator, which is very important for creating a comfortable microclimate in the premises and for considerable energy savings.

Clearly the "minuses" of aluminum radiators can be considered the following:

• Low resistance to high pressure and sharp changes in it, all the more - to hydraulic shock.
• Features of the chemical activity of aluminum can cause increased gassing in the internal channels of the radiator, and this, in turn, can lead to various damages at the seams and joints of the structure, to the appearance of air plugs and the "closing" of the heating circuits.
• In case of incorrect installation, the heat can be concentrated in one area of ​​the radiator sections.

For the sake of justice, it should be noted that some of the problems that can arise when operating these heating devices can be bypassed. So, to avoid the consequences of excessive gas generation, air coolers are often installed on each radiator.

Automatic air damper on aluminum radiator

If it is still decided to install aluminum batteries in an apartment with central heating, then it is worth choosing an anodized version with the highest resistance to sudden pressure drops and, due to the presence of a protective film, to an aggressive environmentcoolant.

Video: an example of installation and connection of an aluminum radiator "Radena"

Famous manufacturers of aluminum radiators

The Russian market presents many companies - manufacturers of aluminum radiators made of aluminum. The table below lists the most authoritative brands whose models have gained wide popularity and well-deserved good reputation:

The owner of the housing who owns basic information about aluminum radiators of heating, it will be much easier to deal with the offered assortment, to exclude the error in the choice, to find exactly that option in terms of parameters andThe design, which ideally fits into the specific conditions and ensures efficient heating of the room.