The current market for space heating appliances is very saturated. You are offered just a huge number of different devices that have different qualities and perform a different set of functions. In this article, you will learn what steel panel radiators are, how they work, and why they are good. You will also have the opportunity to understand how to connect such equipment to your heating system.
What is the product?
Steel panel radiators are special heating devices that have an average degree of thermal conductivity compared to units made of other materials.
These devices are made of very high quality steel, which is pre-protected with special means against corrosion. Such radiators may or may not have fins. Such devices are used in closed and autonomous heating systems, in which there is a low oxygen content in the coolant.
Design and principle of operation of the apparatus
Panel steel radiators havea fairly simple device. The first layer is stamped steel sheets. They have a small thickness, are strong enough, resistant to corrosion even in case of contact with liquid. Small channels are made in these sheets, through which the coolant circulates.
Next comes the crate, which is designed to increase heat transfer. These panels have a certain relief in the form of the letter "P". The very last layer is represented by decorative panels that ennoble the appearance of the unit.
There is a coolant inside the radiator, which circulates through channels connected to each other. It should be said that the coolant is presented in a relatively small amount. This principle of operation allows you to quickly heat the room.
Device Advantages
Panel steel radiators have the following advantages:
1. Attractive appearance. Modern designers offer a lot of solutions that will help you organically fit these appliances into your interior.
2. High degree of heat transfer. The fact is that steel is an excellent conductor of heat.
3. Integrity. It should be noted that after purchasing the device in the store, it should not be additionally assembled. It is already completely ready for installation.
4. Profitability. The fact is that the radiator does not require a large amount of coolant, so it heats up much faster than other devices. In addition, the device is equippedthermostat.
5. Light weight. Thanks to this, the walls, the heating system do not experience too much stress.
6. Availability.
7. Great variety.
Panel steel heating radiators are quite efficient devices that can provide good performance in autonomous systems.
Flaws
Unfortunately, these products also have certain disadvantages:
- Poor corrosion resistance, especially if the steel is scratched.
- Since pipes that have been installed for a long time contain certain debris and dirt inside, the channels inside the radiator can quickly become clogged.
- Do not install such equipment on central heating systems, where the water pressure is very high. It can simply "break" the device.
- Panel steel radiators must be transported with great care.
- Low water hammer resistance.
Damaged steel heating radiators you throw away entirely. You won’t be able to replace anything in them.
Specifications
You should consider the quality of the device manufacturers claim.
So, these devices have the following specifications:
1. Dimensions: height - 30-90 cm, width - 40-300 cm.
2. The coolant temperature is up to 110 degrees.
3. Working pressure - no more than 10 bar.
4. Test pressure - about 13 bar.
Classificationdevices
If you need steel panel radiators (you already know the characteristics), then you also need to understand their types.
| Type | Characteristic |
| 10 |
Consisting of heating panel only. There are no ribs and gratings in this type of device. There is no convection in the apparatus, and, therefore, dust. Such a device is used where cleanliness is very important (hospitals, children's institutions). The radiator is also very easy to clean. |
| 11 | This product is characterized by one row of panels. However, it has ribs on the back. The top grille is completely missing. The advantage of such a device is fast heating. However, it needs to be carefully monitored for cleanliness. |
| 20 | This unit has two panels. There are no ribs on it. A grille is provided for air outlet. Two-row models have more power, so they work more efficiently. |
| 21 | In this case, there are two panels, between which there is a convector fin. A distinctive feature of such a device is the presence of a casing with which the radiator is closed from above. |
| 22 | This product is characterized by two panels, to each of which a convector is welded. This type of radiator is considered the most popular. |
| 30 | Here there are three panels without convectors. Such a radiator is closed from above with a grate. |
| 33 | Such steel panel radiators RSV2 1 are the most powerful. There are 3 rows of panels, as well as three convectors. From above the device is closed by a casing. Naturally, the device is very demanding in terms of maintenance and cleaning. |
These types of steel panel radiators are the most common.
Features of the choice of the unit
The presented products will work effectively if you choose them correctly. First of all, you should pay attention to the power that must be correctly calculated. For example, single-row steel panel radiators should be used in small rooms. The fact is that they have minimal power.
Naturally, you must also consider the quality of the product. To do this, focus on the reputation of the manufacturer and reviews of other buyers. Kermi steel panel radiators are considered very popular today. In addition, there are such manufacturers: Corado, Demrad. Here's what to consider when choosing a steel panel radiator. Russia is not yet actively producing such devices.
You should also pay attention to the dimensions of the device. It all depends on the capabilities and dimensions of your room. Naturally, an important selection criterion is the type of connection. It is already necessaryconsider the structural features of your heating system.
And the last thing: do not buy heaters in those stores that refuse to provide you with a certificate of quality and other accompanying documents. Otherwise, you will simply waste your money.
Methods for connecting the machine
There are only two of them. There is a side connection of steel panel radiators or bottom. It all depends on your heating system, as well as the model of the heater itself. If you have a device with a side connection, then you will connect it to the pipe on the left or right. Such an installation can be done independently, as it does not cause any difficulties.
As for the bottom connection method, it is more preferable if it is necessary to manually adjust the space heating. In addition, this type of connection makes it possible to hide the supply pipes. Naturally, the price of a device with a lower connection is higher.
Instructions for connection
It consists of several stages:
1. Unpack the steel panel radiator, but do not remove the protective film from it.
2. Make sure that the fasteners are installed at the manufacturer's specified distance from the floor (10 cm), wall (4 cm), window sill (minimum 6 cm). Only in this case it is possible to achieve maximum work efficiency.
3. Install the device by screwing it to the supply pipes. To do this, use dowels, nuts with washers, fasteners,plug and keys for screwing the latch and for bleeding air.
4. Open the center radiator valve.
5. Turn on the heating system and check if the product warms up. If it remains cold, then you need to bleed all the air out of it so that the radiator fills with coolant.
Apparatus manufacturing technology
The production of steel panel radiators consists of several stages:
- Pressing of sheet steel and further stamping of panels. Their thickness should not exceed 1.25 mm.
- Manufacture of convectors in the shape of the letter "P". Steel is also used for this.
- Joining sheets in a panel by roller welding.
- Fixing convectors.
- Application of paints and varnishes (first the surface is primed and then painted). And here it is necessary to use such substances that will be safe for humans and will not react to temperature changes.
Features of device operation
It should be noted that panel steel heating radiators are relatively fragile and tender. Therefore, there are some operating rules that must be followed in order for the product to be effective and work as long as possible. So, follow these requirements:
1. Do not allow the presented devices to hit something, especially during transportation.
2. You should not unpack the brought device before you finish painting the room.
3. Try not to drain fluid from the radiator. To do this, do not open the taps on the product. This will help you avoid rapid metal corrosion.
4. The operating temperature of the device must not fall below 0 degrees.
5. You should also not cover the device, as this makes it less effective. The fact is that in this case, air circulation worsens.
6. Do not use hard sponges to clean the panels. It is best to use soft cloths and detergent. Scouring powders can damage paint and contribute to metal rusting.
In principle, following this instruction will give you the opportunity not to worry about the integrity and safety of your heater. Naturally, it is additionally worth reading the instructions for use, which is included with the unit. That's all the features of panel steel radiators. Good luck!
