Speaking about domestic heating devices, it is necessary to note the Prado radiators, which are produced in Izhevsk. These are steel panels of panel type with horizontal collectors, between which there are vertical channels for the coolant. The panels are welded together with a continuous seam, and spot welding is used between the channels. The manufacturer made sure that such an indicator as injury safety is reduced to a minimum. Therefore, panel corners and grille corners are rounded.
Design
Prado batteries are panel heating devices. They consist of two stamped blanks, which are formed under pressure from a steel sheet. The standard sheet thickness is 1.2 mm, modifications are made of 1.4 mm thick steel on request (the model name contains the letter "T"). When stamping, two horizontal channels are formed - above and below, and vertical - 3 pieces per 10 cm of length.
Panel radiators look good
Along the vertical channels, two workpieces are connected by spot welding (welding is performed from the back side and is not visible on the front panel). Then they are welded around the perimeter with a continuous seam. To increase heat transfer to the rear side of such a panel, ribs molded from a steel sheet with a thickness of 0.4-0.5 mm can be welded. The shape of the ribs resembles the letter "P".
Depending on the number of panels and the presence or absence of additional ribbed plates between them, panel radiators of the same size have different heat output, as well as depth and weight. The number of panels and additional convective fins is shown in the name of the heater. Type 10 means that there is only one panel with the heating medium, type 20 - two panels, 11 and 21 - one and two panels with one row of ribs. The maximum number of both panels and ribs is 3.
The height of Prado steel radiators is 300 mm and 500 mm, the width is from 400 mm to 3000 mm, the depth depends on the type and varies from 72 mm to 174 mm.
Types of steel panel radiators and their brief description (Click on the picture to enlarge it)
Range
Three lines of heating devices are produced:
- Prado Classic (Prado Classic) - radiators with side walls and upper grilles for the release of heated air. Connection - lateral, thread diameter G ½.
- Prado Universal (Prado Universal) have two connection options. Each battery has four side inputs, and a bottom connection. All connections are ½ ”. The bottom connection can be in the right or left version. Also, radiators of this line are supplied complete with a built-in thermostat.
- Prado Classic Z and Prado Universal Z are variants without covers and additional ribs, side and top covers. They are also called sanitary, since they meet the sanitary standards for medical institutions (there are no ribs and lids, so they are easy to wash).
In the standard version, all radiators are made of steel with a thickness of 1.2 mm, in versions from 1.4 mm, the letter "T" is added to the name. For example, Prado Classic T, Prado Universal Z T.
This is the • Prado Universal model with thermostatic expansion valve
Prado Classic can be used in systems with any type of wiring, "Prado Universal" are designed for use in two-pipe systems. They are equipped with a thermostat with a high flow resistance. For installation in one-pipe systems, a special thermostat with low hydraulic resistance is required. If you plan to install a device of this type in a one-pipe system, purchase the Classic version and install a thermostat with a large flow area.
Scope and technical characteristics
Panel radiators "Prado" are made of steel, and it is subject to corrosion. Therefore, they can be installed only in closed systems. In such systems, steel batteries perform well and serve for a long time.
When planning the replacement of heating in multi-storey buildings, it is first of all necessary to clarify with the operating organization the parameters of the system for your home. The type of heating devices that you can put in your apartment depends on its condition.
Today high-rise buildings are heated according to several schemes. If the house is connected according to an independent scheme or has its own water treatment system, then you can install radiators made of any material, including steel. If the system is dependent, and the house is connected directly, then it is necessary to clarify the parameters of the coolant and its quality.
View from above
Steel radiators Prado can be installed in systems with the following characteristics:
- coolant temperature not higher than + 120oC;
- working pressure: with a sheet thickness of 1.2 mm - 0.9 MPa;
- sheet 1.4 mm - 1.0 MPa;
- with a sheet thickness of 1.2 mm - 1.25 MPa;
- with a sheet thickness of 1.2 mm - 2.25 MPa;
If at least for some reason panel radiators are not suitable, you need to install a different type - either cast iron or bimetallic.
The amount of contamination in the coolant is also very important. If mud traps and filters are installed on the riser, their number is most likely small. But if the connection to the centralized network is direct, then the use of panel radiators is not recommended. The fact is that vertical collectors for the passage of the coolant have a small cross section. The presence of a large amount of suspended particles can cause them to clog. Since this type of heating devices is a non-separable design, if the circulation is disturbed, it will be difficult to do anything.
In general, to prevent siltation when connecting to centralized networks, it is recommended to put additional filters and mud collectors on the supply in front of the radiator entrance.
Advantages and disadvantages of Prado batteries
To understand how relevant the installation of Prado radiators is, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Of course, you are unlikely to be disappointed in such a purchase, but it will be interesting to learn about its advantages and disadvantages.
Radiators, although they seem to be something for granted, greatly change the interior. Therefore, it is not in vain that many designers hide batteries behind various interesting buildings.
First of all, we propose to discuss the benefits of Prado batteries:
- For the manufacture of such structures, steel coated with a special composition is used. It prevents the product from rusting and significantly increases its service life.
- The elements of such batteries are connected by spot welding. It looks neater than the usual connection option.
- Prado radiators have a large selection of different shapes and sizes. They can also vary in design.
- Such batteries can be connected both from the top and from the bottom.
- Not a bad price that will definitely not upset you.
In addition to the obvious advantages, Prado radiators also have disadvantages. There are not many of them, but they are worth voicing.
Disadvantages of Prado battery:
- The upper limit of the pressure of such batteries is only 0.9 MPa. In some cases, this indicator is not enough.
- If there is no water in such a battery for more than two weeks, then the equipment will begin to rust.
It is because of the latter drawback that such systems are not recommended for use in centralized heating systems. Indeed, in this case, it is possible to turn off the water independent of you.
Features of installation and operation
The side pipes for connecting pipes are ½ ”internal thread, they are located in two on both sides. Any connection type.But with a length of more than 1400 mm, a one-way side or bottom saddle connection becomes ineffective. For extended lengths, a diagonal line is recommended (supply from one side from above, outlet from the opposite, from below). Read how to connect radiators here.
When installing a radiator with a bottom connection, you cannot confuse the flow with the return - it will not heat
In versions with a bottom connection (bottom) of the coolant, it is necessary to take into account that the supply is the second input from the side edge, the "return" is always at the edge. It is impossible to change places: a tube is welded to the supply inlet, which transports the hot coolant to the upper collector, and from there it spreads along all vertical channels.
For the installation of Prado panel radiators, the manufacturer recommends using the brackets included in the kit: they are specially designed for these heating devices. They are inserted into special grooves on the back of the panel. There can be 2 or 3 brackets depending on the length of the battery. There is a possibility of installation on the legs, not on the wall. But branded legs are ordered separately.
The installation sequence is as follows:
- on a flat prepared wall, the places for installing the brackets are marked;
- the brackets are unpacked;
- reinforced with dowels or mortar on the wall;
- a "Mayevsky" tap (required) or an automatic air vent, if any, a thermostat or plugs, if necessary, adapters are installed on the radiator;
- in the places where they are hung on the brackets, the packaging of radiators is torn, they are installed in place;
- the pipelines for supplying and removing the coolant are connected;
- completely plastic packaging is removed after finishing work.
Recommended distances for mounting panel radiators of different depths
If radiators with a bottom connection are installed, so that air locks do not form when filling the system, you need to fill it through the "return", while opening the thermostats.
When used as a heat carrier water, it must meet the following parameters:
- oxygen not more than 0.02 mg / kg;
- iron up to 0.5 mg / l;
- other impurities no more than 7 mg / l;
- total hardness up to 7 mg-eq / l.
Like most radiators (except for cast iron), steel ones are negatively affected by "dry" downtime without a coolant. Frequent short-term drains are especially bad, for example during system repairs. The total duration of the presence of heating devices without water should not exceed 15 days per year.
Steel radiators are compatible with all types of pipes, only with copper they must be connected through brass or bronze fittings and adapters.
These heaters are good with a shallow depth
Reviews of "Prado" radiators
Radiators "Prado", reviews of which are recommended to read before buying a product, are steel appliances that have many advantages. According to buyers, the heat transfer of these devices is quite high, it is carried out by heating the air, and during operation, the devices use the convection method. All consumers who have already enjoyed the quality of this product note that it has a long service life.
Installing such devices will be quite simple, because their weight is not so impressive. In addition, the wizard will always have several mounting options, in addition, the process is simplified, because the kit includes wall mounts and brackets. Radiators "Prado", the technical characteristics of which were presented above, are much cheaper than their aluminum counterparts, and their appearance is very attractive, so they can become a real decoration of the interior.
How to choose the power of a panel radiator and its type
The power of any radiator depends on the heat loss of the room.In general, it is pleasant to assume that heating 1 m2 of area requires 100 W of heat. Something like that can be calculated. If a radiator is needed for a room of 16 m2, then 1600 watts will be required to heat it.
Next, you need to find possible options according to the tables: look for a power close to the required power. For example, for our option, the following is suitable:
- type 11-300-2200 - power 1682 W;
- type 20-300-1900 - 1608 W;
- type 21-300-1400 - 1616 W;
- type 22-300-1200 - 1674 W;
- type 33-300-900 - 1762 W;
- type 10-500-2000 - 1613 W;
- type 11-500-1400 - 1704 W;
- type 20-500-1300 - 1699 W;
- type 21-500-1100 - 1760 W;
- type 22-500-800 - 1734 W;
- type 33-500-600 - 1823 W.
What do these numbers mean:
- the first - type - the number of panels and fins;
- the second is the height of the radiator;
- the third is its length.
The radiator must occupy at least 70-75% of the width of the window opening
From the entire list, now you need to choose the most suitable size for your conditions. It should be remembered that for normal air circulation, it is necessary to observe certain distances to the floor and window sill. It is on them and it is desirable to select. It is also desirable to take into account that the battery should cover 70-75% of the window width. Then the window will not "sweat" and condensation will not form on the wall.
But the rate of 100 W per square meter is the average rate for houses with average heat loss, in the middle climatic zone. In general, the amount of required heat is influenced by the climate, the area and type of glazing of windows, the material and thickness of walls, roofs, floors, the degree of recessed doors, etc. To account for all these factors, correction factors are used. Read more about the calculation of heat loss and the choice of panel radiators here.
Testimonials
“There have been seven Prado units in a four-room apartment for six years now. There is nothing to find fault with. There are 17 more in the country house and 4 in the bathhouse. No complaints. "
One of the photos of the leaking Prado radiator
Anatoly, Chelyabinsk
“These are not radiators, but a complete misunderstanding. In addition to the fact that they cannot be washed with a brush or a rag, they also do not heat well. They only look slightly better than old cast iron. Their only pluses are narrow and cheap. In all other respects - sheer disappointment. For two years there is already rust, and the sharp corners are sticking out. "
Natalia, Yekaterinburg
“There have been 26 Prado batteries for over a year now. Everything is good". The only complaint about this is the paintwork. The rest is normal. "
Ruban
“Of the advantages they have is the price. The minus got out during operation: when they cool down, they crack. It is very audible in the bedroom. "
Boris
“For two seasons, all 4 Prado radiators, which were installed in my apartment, started to flow. They changed it all over the house, so once every one or two weeks someone must flow. Already worn out to live like on a powder keg. The quality is disgusting. "
Stepan
“We have three years of Prado in our office. They heat well, the valves are half-screwed. I heard that in 2010 there was a defective batch, but we were apparently lucky. They are okay. "
Nazar
The optimal choice
As an example of such devices, we can consider Prado batteries, which have been known on the market since 1959. The dealer network of the products of this company is quite developed today, so the described products are available to almost everyone. However, before purchasing such equipment, you need to understand the technical characteristics and read the reviews. Perhaps this information will allow you to make the right choice.
