Water heating must necessarily assume the presence of batteries, they heat the air inside the building and radiate heat. For the manufacture of radiators , steel, cast iron, copper and aluminum are used. Copper radiators are not the sales leaders, however, they act as the most efficient, durable and practical devices among competitors.
Characteristics of copper radiators
Copper radiators are devices made of amazing metal. It does not corrode, excludes the reproduction of microorganisms, and also does not fear chemical reactions. Over time, a thin protective layer forms on the surface of the inner walls, which prevents damage to the material, but it is not able to reduce the thermal conductivity and diameter of the product. The surface of the heat exchangers remains smooth, no scale is formed on them and no deposits remain.
If we compare copper radiators with products from other materials, then the former are superior to the others in terms of efficiency and thermal conductivity. The latter parameter is 5 times higher compared to steel and cast iron, but it surpasses the performance of popular aluminum by 4 times.
Copper appliances have unique performance characteristics, so they can be installed in not only central, but also autonomous heating systems. The coolant that circulates inside the system can reach a maximum temperature of 150 ° C. With regard to operating pressure, it can reach up to 16 atmospheres. It is noteworthy that the radiators described in the article can be used in steam and liquid heating.
Positive features
Copper radiators are resistant to water hammer, the loads are evenly distributed due to the softness of the metal, which has qualities that prevent depressurization. The surface of the devices is quite attractive, they do not imply the need for staining, which simplifies maintenance of equipment and increases heat transfer.
Copper radiators, the price of which may seem impressive, have another additional advantage, expressed in light weight, which facilitates installation work and allows you to fix elements even on a partition made of materials that are not able to undergo high loads.
Minus radiators
With undeniable advantages, such batteries still have one drawback, which is expressed in the high cost of the product. This offer is the most expensive in the heating equipment market. However, the expenses are justified, because it is better to pay once than to return to a major overhaul or replacement of elements.
The main types of radiators made of copper
Copper radiators are available in several varieties. Some of them use thermal radiation for heating , while the second work, causing air masses to circulate. If we are talking about the latest developments, then such radiators almost always work on the principle of convection. This increases not only the heating rate, but also efficiency, which reduces the temperature of the coolant and reduces fuel costs.
Copper radiators in a casing
The most popular copper batteries are those that consist of heat exchanger plates and tubes. The principle of operation of such devices is quite simple. It consists in the fact that the pipes heated by the heat carrier increase the temperature of the plates, the latter warm the surrounding air. A similar design allows you to make a battery of any length, and the device itself heats the room due to convection and radiation.
In the decorative casing is a copper heat exchanger, the first of which helps to improve air circulation. For the manufacture of casings, steel or aluminum is usually used, but recently you can find non-standard solutions when wood is used. Such models are common in country houses. Plinth heating is arranged according to the same principle , where copper pipes and plates are used, sometimes you can find elements from cheaper materials.
Overview of features of copper tubular radiators
Copper radiator is better than aluminum. So consider not only consumers, but also experts. Such devices have a higher degree of heat transfer and are offered for sale in several varieties.
One of them is tubular copper devices, which can consist of vertically or horizontally located tubes, they are interconnected by collectors. The design distributes heat, simplifies cleaning, eliminates leaks and reduces the likelihood of injury. It is these batteries that are most often represented by original solutions in which it is difficult to recognize heating appliances.
Such a radiator consists of one or more sections. The more of them, the higher the work efficiency. If we compare with other modern devices, those described are now able to support the bottom, side and diagonal connection. If your house has panoramic glazing, then you can prefer special floor models that do not take up much space on the walls. Some consumers who want to find the price of such devices on the Internet find a copper heater radiator, which is designed for a car, we will talk about it below.
Reviews of copper-aluminum convectors
If you want to purchase a heating device that will combine the best properties of two metals, then consumers are advised to pay attention to copper-aluminum convectors, which consist of copper heating tubes, inside which the coolant moves.
The device also contains vertical aluminum plates, as well as a housing that consists of practical lightweight aluminum. As buyers emphasize, in this case the water contacts exclusively with copper, therefore, such convectors are characterized by the advantages of copper radiators, namely:
- durability;
- resistance to high pressure;
- resistance to corrosion;
- strength.
Consumers like the fact that a small amount of water is involved in such devices, which allows for low weight and modern design. The heat exchanger area of such radiators increases due to vertical aluminum plates, this creates a fairly powerful draft, due to which air enters the device body. According to customers, such a copper heating radiator eliminates air overheating and contributes to the formation of positive ions.
Comparison of aluminum and copper radiators
A modern consumer quite often wonders which radiator is better - copper or aluminum. The latest version of the device has a strong position in the market. Sectional designs provide the buyer with the ability to dial an element with the required heating efficiency. Such devices are universal, they are suitable for heating homes and apartments. Radiators are characterized by high heat dissipation, low weight and attractive appearance. Installing such equipment is easy enough. These qualities make aluminum appliances in demand for the arrangement of individual heating systems.
The aluminum battery is not inertial. This allows you to use it in conjunction with temperature controllers. The devices do not imply the need to use a coolant in a large volume. However, these radiators also have disadvantages, which are expressed in the susceptibility to corrosion at a high concentration of alkali. Between sections, a leak may form, and inside the heating element the tendency to gas formation increases.
If we compare these devices with copper, then the latter have a higher thermal conductivity, which is higher than that of aluminum twice. These devices have a low inertia, due to this, the heating of the room occurs quite quickly. They can also be used in conjunction with thermostats. The equipment will warm up in about 3 minutes, because there is not enough water inside. When using these devices, there is no need to heat and drive a huge mass of coolant through the pipeline, as is the case with cast-iron batteries.
Cost
If you want to buy the best copper radiator, then you should pay attention to manufacturers whose products have established themselves on the market. For example, heating equipment of the ClassicStyle brand can be bought for 12,180 rubles. The dimensions of the device will be 830 x 110 x 420 mm. It does not have a casing, the mass is 9.3 kg, the center-to-center distance is 130 mm. When a consumer searches for a price on the Internet, search results may show other queries. This may include, for example, a copper radiator of a VAZ stove. You can buy it for 870 rubles.
Technical characteristics of copper-aluminum radiators
Such devices are slightly cheaper compared to copper, but they have many advantages over other models. The manufacturer excluded the risk of electromechanical corrosion. Such devices have low weight, so you can even install them on drywall walls. The standard model can work with a coolant, the volume of which is less than a liter. If we compare with cast-iron radiators, then the latter use more than 6 liters of water.
Copper-aluminum radiators are able to quickly warm the room, they have low thermal inertia. Almost all models tolerate water shocks well, so you can even use them to equip a heating system in apartment buildings. In this case, the operating pressure can reach 1.6 MPa. Such batteries can be combined with any adapters that are made of metal or steel. However, experts recommend the use of appliances with copper pipes, then the apartment will be able to equip the system for centuries.
Copper and aluminum structures can be connected on both sides, as they have a symmetrical design. Any model can be supplemented with a temperature regulator. During the manufacturing process, the devices are painted with powder paints, which provide corrosion, hygiene and mechanical protection.
If you want to be comfortable not only in the house, but also in the car, you may need a copper radiator stove, the price of which sometimes reaches 1500 rubles. The cost will depend on the manufacturer, the most popular are: DAAZ, LUZAR, as well as the Orenburg Radiator.
Conclusion
As practice shows, copper-based heating radiators are the most durable. This positive feature compensates for some of the shortcomings, which are expressed in the softness of the metal, as well as its high cost.
If you are interested in heating batteries, and you were looking for their cost on the Internet, then on the results page you can also find a copper radiator for a car, its price is 2800 rubles. This may interest motorists.