Radiator components - how to choose the right one

Components for heating system radiators must be selected correctly.You cannot buy the first ones you come across, install them, and then complain that the heating network is not working correctly.

Modern radiators are very different in technical characteristics from their cast iron counterparts. Accordingly, their configuration must be approached differently.

Why do we need components for radiators?

Components for heating radiators include a large number of instruments, devices and parts with different purposes. Each has its own functionality and is responsible for certain requirements.

Let's look at each component and indicate its purpose. All devices and instruments are divided into two groups:

1. Responsible for the correct operation of radiators.
2. Installation and decorative products.

Components of the first group

This group mainly includes shut-off and control valves, with the help of which the flow of coolant inside the radiators is regulated. Devices that cut off batteries from the heating circuit are also added here - shut-off valves.

The first component element is thermal valves, also known as thermal valves. Their purpose is to control and regulate the supply of coolant to the heating radiator. They are presented in two modifications:

• manual;
• automatic.

The first ones are similar in design to ordinary water valves. By rotating the rod, you can increase or decrease the cross-section of the passage through which the coolant moves into the battery.

Automatic components are better in this regard.It is usually mounted together with a thermal head. Both devices independently control the temperature in the room, regulating the supply of coolant. It turns out that depending on the air temperature, the amount of coolant entering the radiator is adjusted.

Accordingly, the temperature of the heating batteries is adjusted. The less coolant enters, and its speed is lower, the less heat the heating network releases into the room. Automatic devices do not require human intervention.

Both options are installed at the radiator inlet: on a pipe or at the end of the heating device. The manual accessory can be mounted regardless of location. Automatic only so that it is not exposed to warm air flows coming from the battery.

Thermal head

This is the second most important component. Its design includes:

• shut-off valve;
• bellows filled with liquid that reacts to temperature changes;
• the actuating mechanism is a rod and a return spring.

The operating principle of the thermal head is not complicated. The liquid inside the bellows reacts to changes in temperature, such as an increase. It expands in volume and begins to put pressure on the rod. The latter puts pressure on the valve, which partially or completely blocks the cross-section of the pipe through which the coolant moves into the radiator. This is how the temperature in the heating system decreases.

Manufacturers offer three types of components of this type:

1. With built-in temperature sensor.They are mounted directly on the heating device in a horizontal position.
2. With remote temperature sensor. These models are used in three cases: it is not possible to install the sensor horizontally, the radiators are covered with thick curtains, and an additional heat source is located nearby. Structurally, it looks like this - the head is installed on the radiator, the sensor is moved to the side. Both components are connected by a cable for signal transmission.
3. Electronic models.

Statistics on the use of thermal heads indicate that their installation saves fuel. And this figure is 20%. Even if the price of the component is quite expensive, everything is compensated fuel economy for heating.

Valves

This is the third type of components from the first group. They are usually called cut-off valves, because the valve has one purpose - to shut off the coolant supply. Installation is carried out in front of the thermal head on the supply circuit.

They are used in one case - there is a need to replace the radiator with a new one or repair it.

Air vents

The coolant is usually water, which always contains air. As the water temperature increases, its speed decreases and the pressure decreases, an indicator such as the solubility of air in water decreases. This leads to the release of air and its collection in the form of plugs in U-shaped sections of the pipeline, heating radiators and collectors.

Such a plug becomes an insurmountable area for the movement of coolant. In addition, air has a negative effect on metal components, which begin to corrode.

To remove air from radiators, air vents are used, which are divided into two groups:

1. Manual, they are also Mayevsky cranes.Installed at the top points of radiators and heated towel rails.
2. Automatic.

The first components last twice as long as the second - up to 20 years. The reason for this service life is the absence of moving parts. The first is mounted horizontally, the second - only vertically.

What components are needed to install heating radiators?

The second group of components includes:

• Radiator mounts;
• reflective screens;
• decorative panels, also known as grilles.

With the latest components it’s clear. Their task is to cover the radiator and make the place where it is installed presentable in terms of appearance. They also cover the pipes of the heating system and shut-off valves, protecting them from mechanical stress, which sometimes happens. The only drawback is that by covering the radiator, the grille reduces the heat transfer of the heating device.

Manufacturers offer various options for decorative panels in terms of their appearance. Therefore, attention should be paid to the material from which the gratings are made. There are four varieties:

• metal;
• wooden, this also includes products made from MDF;
• plastic;
• glass.

The latter are a beautiful specimen, but not entirely safe. Plus - expensive.

The main component of the choice is operational safety. When exposed to temperature, the material should not emit substances harmful to the body.

In terms of design, the component panels also differ:

• flat gratings;
• wall mounted with an upper shelf covering the radiator, they are also open type;
• closed hinged;
• box

If the task is to close the radiator battery, but its heat transfer should not be affected, then it is better to buy the first option. The rest will reduce this parameter in any case, especially the box.

Fastenings

This component has one purpose - fixing the radiator. It can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted. In the first case, the mounting is carried out on the wall, in the second - on the floor base.

To choose the right type of fastening, you need to consider:

• dimensions of the radiator, its weight;
• the material from which the heating battery is made;
• the material from which the wall is built;
• room design;
• window opening dimensions.

The wall-mounted version is a metal strip with two hooks. This is what is often used. There is a modern version, similar to the previous one. These are hooks that are not installed on a long bar, but are a separate component installed at the top and bottom of the radiator.

You can find pin fastener components on sale. This is a steel rod with a thread on one side and a hook on the opposite end. To install the radiator, you need to drill a hole in the wall into which the hook is screwed.

To determine the amount of fasteners required, the size of the radiator is usually taken as a basis:

• up to 8 sections – two components;
• from 10 to 14 – three;
• then, every 4-7 sections, one fastening is added.

In the latter case, the number of sections depends on the material of the radiator. For example, for cast iron - every four, for aluminum - every seven, for steel - every five or six.

Floor-standing components are also widely represented on the market. They are mainly used for installing cast iron or steel batteries.

Classification by shape:

1. Fork. The heating battery is placed on two half-frames with a recess. They are no longer secured by anything. Everything rests on the weight of the heating device itself.
2. A fork with a U-shaped clamp that fits over the top. The two parts form a pipe. They are connected to each other with bolts.
3. Fork with chain. Here, instead of a clamp, a chain similar to a bicycle chain is used.

Reflective screen

The purpose of this component is to reflect the heat emanating from the radiator, which, without a screen, passes through the wall to the street.

Therefore, it consists of two layers:

• thermal insulation material;
• aluminium foil.

The latter serves as a reflective element, so the screen itself is laid with foil towards the radiator battery.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing this material:

1. Thickness – 3-5 mm.
2. Thermal insulation material: penofol, tepofol, porylex and isolon. The manufacturer must indicate this in the labeling.
3. The area of ​​the component should be 10% larger than the area of ​​the heating device.

It is necessary that a gap of 4-6 cm wide remains between the radiator and the screen. The reason is to reduce the heat exchange between them.

The heat-reflecting screen is attached to the wall in different ways: small nails, liquid nails, wallpaper glue.

How to choose the right components

There is no set of components for radiators. Each element will have to be purchased separately. Some manufacturers complete heating devices with several components, but nothing more. Therefore, it is important to choose the right elements.

There are three criteria to pay attention to:

1. Temperature and pressure of the coolant in the heating system. Not all components are selected according to this parameter.But the main ones (shut-off and control valves) are a must.
2. The flow area inside the radiators must remain unchanged. Therefore, components are selected according to the diameter of the passage. We installed it with a smaller diameter and ended up with an incorrectly functioning network.
3. The price of components for cast iron and other types of heating radiators determines the quality. You can't save money on them.

Components for heating devices increase quality and performance heating systems, especially if it works in a natural way - without the participation of a circulation pump. But even in a compulsory system they should not be abandoned. Therefore, you need to choose the right components and components.

Radiator components: video.

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