A good solution for increasing the productivity of multi-section radiators is to install a flow extension. This is a valve with one-way connection, which allows you to evenly distribute heat among sections of heating equipment. How to make a stream extension for the radiator will be discussed later.
Radiator design
When choosing radiators, the main focus is on efficiency and product quality. It is also worth considering the types of construction and manufacturing material. To date, the range of radiators is quite extensive. It is worth taking into account in what conditions the equipment will be used.
But no matter how well the radiator has been selected, if its length has 10 sections or more, then when connected, it will heat up unevenly. Its productivity will be reduced, since the further the heating element is from the feed pipe, the more uneven the water circulates. Therefore, they either make an inclined connection, or implement a more efficient way. This is the use of a flow extension for the radiator, which is well suited for bimetal, aluminum and steel products.
But before deciding such issues, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the differences in radiators. Modern heating devices of this type can be made of various alloys. For example, it can be cast iron, steel, aluminum, bimetallic, copper radiator , etc. They also have a different appearance:
- The aluminum panel radiator is great for your own heating. Inside are steel heating panels connected by converter fins. This gives a high rate of efficiency.
- Tubular steel radiators through which hot water passes. This is a simple design.
- Aluminum radiators. There are two types: molding and extrusion. They are recommended to be used only for autonomous heating. Due to the nature of the material and the low atmospheric pressure inside the system, they cannot be used for central heating.
- Cast iron radiators. The very first type of radiators. The heater gains heat for a long time, but it has good heat dissipation. Ideal for central heating.
- Bimetal heating radiators. This design combines materials from steel (of which the core is made) and aluminum (by which the shell is coated). They have a sectional design. Such radiators are suitable for both autonomous heating and centralized.
A large selection of designs allows you to create a high-quality system under any conditions.
The purpose of the extension cord
The direct purpose of a flow extension for a radiator is to increase the productivity of the heating system.
After installing the device, the circulation of hot water in the heater becomes more uniform. Water begins to pass at the same speed, thereby contributing to uniform heating.
Design
This design is a common fixture in the form of an aluminum or copper tube and fitting with an external thread. Thanks to it, the heat transfer of the radiator is significantly increased.
This method of increasing efficiency is cost-effective for radiators that have a length of more than 80 cm.
Features of work
The flow extension is used for radiators connected to the system through simple taps with an American. On the supply and return pipes must be shutoff valves. In its absence, the connection of a flow extension will be impossible. You will have to reconnect the radiator, which will require more effort.
The main feature of the work is that it does not cause great difficulties, does not require a change in the visual appearance of the structure. This is often done by unknowing plumbers, making a diagonal connection. This type of heater installation will increase heat transfer, but will not be as effective as using a flow extension.
Connection options
Connection can be two-pipe and single-pipe. The first option is more expensive and difficult to install. To create such a system, you will need to first develop a detailed plan. When creating it, a careful calculation is needed, in which many technical nuances should be taken into account.
The one-pipe radiator connection system is simpler. When conducting self-installation, this option is preferable. It is advisable to install a heating radiator flow extension in a one-pipe system.
Purchased Extension Cords
The flow extension for Valtec bimetal radiator serves for uniform heating of convectors with a large number of sections. This product is manufactured in the form of a brass nickel-plated fitting that has an external thread of 1 inch. There is also a nozzle with internal thread for a copper tube with a size of 16 mm or 18 mm.
Valtec radiator flow extension manufacturers produce right and left-hand thread products. Also available in the product range are 1/2 and 3/4 inches. If desired, the device can be made without much effort on their own.
Homemade extension cord
To carry out such work, it is necessary to have valves in the installation on the supply and return pipes, where the American is screwed. Also, before you start creating a flow extension for a bimetallic radiator, you should have the necessary tools with you:
- Pipe cutter for trimming a copper or metal pipe.
- Chamfer to remove the burr after cutting.
- Flare Maker.
- Steel brush for cleaning before soldering.
- Brush for cleaning the treated surfaces from dirt.
- Gas burner with nozzle.
- Solder.
To carry out work, it is necessary to shut off both cranes. Then you need to unscrew the upper foot. Depending on the connection, it can be on either the left or the right side. After this action, it is better to replace the silicone gasket, so you should buy it in advance. For convenience, it is recommended to remove the batteries completely, this will ensure the comfort of work.
After disassembling the radiator, you should make an extension cord. This is often a piece of copper water pipe whose outer diameter is 18 mm.
The wall thickness is 1 mm. A clutch (diameter 20 mm) for soldering is also needed.
Next, hide the sleeve with the pipe. Before that, you need to cut it off exactly. For this procedure, a pipe cutter is used. The workpiece must be kept perpendicular. After trimming, the burrs are brushed off with a brush. Brush remove dirt from the surface inside the pipe. After this procedure, a flux is applied uniformly to the surface of a smaller diameter with a brush. Further details are inserted one into another. Gently, the excess flux is cleaned with a napkin and warms up evenly until it acquires a silver color.
Then a solder is applied to the joint, which becomes soft from the temperature of the pipes in the absence of additional heating. This reaction occurs due to the capillary effect. Solder spreads and fills the void. After that, you will need to wait about a minute until completely solidified.
As for the length of the pipe, it is mainly done up to the middle of the convector. But it is better to take it with a margin, since the excess can always be removed. And now the flow extension for the radiator is ready. You can insert it into the hole and twist.
Recommendations
It should be noted that when installing the presented system for a bimetallic or aluminum radiator, you can not use a copper extension cord. These materials, reacting with each other, are destroyed. Therefore, you should carefully consider the choice of material for installation.
Having considered what a stream extension for a radiator is, as well as the features of its installation, you can independently select and mount this element in the heating system.