Radiator sink: hydro-pneumatic, hydrodynamic, air-impulse,

08-04-2018

Heating

The comfort of living in a house and apartment largely depends on the functioning of the heating system. Therefore, when problems begin with radiators, it is necessary to solve them as quickly as possible, because over time they will become even more aggravated and it will be much more difficult to cope with them. We will consider what ways you can wash the radiators from the inside and how to clean and process them outside.

In the photo: this is what you can see when removing the plug, it is better not to bring your radiators to such a state.

How to determine if flushing is required

Of course, when the system is not disassembled, it is impossible to see that the radiator requires flushing, but several characteristic signs may indicate this:

Batteries are colder than pipes and risers	This is most often observed in urban apartments, when the difference between the temperature of the riser and the radiator is very noticeable, it will also be visible through the pipes, but they can also be with sediments, so the difference will not be so obvious. But anyway, if you notice such a situation, then you need to get ready for work when the summer period ends
The difference in temperature by room	This case is also not rare - it is hot in one room and cool in the second. Most often, the reason lies precisely in the sediments inside the structure, so it is necessary to carry out washing, while we recommend removing all radiators, even those that are still working well.
Top and bottom unevenly heated	This is the most obvious sign of deposition within the system, as is well known, impurities accumulate differently throughout the structure, it depends on the direction of circulation and the type of connection
Separate sections are almost cold.	Most often this happens when the sediments almost fill the channels, so the liquid does not circulate through them. The ideal option is to flush the structure immediately, but during the heating season this is possible only when taps are installed on each battery that block the circulation of the coolant

Note! In private homes, you may notice a deterioration in the operation of radiators and an increase in heating costs; this is also a direct evidence that deposits have formed inside the system.

Specialists use special equipment, but when clogged, you will notice the difference and with the help of touches

As for the appearance, everything is much simpler here, because all the problems are visible right away, the paintwork may crack over time or corrosion may form, and deposits of dirt and dust can form over time, especially inside the ribs, which are very difficult to reach.

Over time, dust eats into the surface, chips are also formed on it.

Workflow features

As for the removal of deposits inside and cleaning of the elements outside, the work should be done in a certain sequence, the list of necessary operations depends on the chosen cleaning method, it is important to follow the technological process.

There are many options, and we consider the most common and effective ones.

Hydropneumatic flushing

The first method is hydropneumatic flushing, it is carried out without removing the radiators and has the following features:

Works should be carried out by utility organizations., who supply heat energy, so you should find out how often this procedure is carried out, it is possible that you will not have to solve the problem yourself, as the procedure will be carried out at the end of the heating season.
The procedure is performed as follows: a mixture of air and water is pumped into the risers of the system under high pressure, it is supplied by powerful compressors with a certain rhythm, which allows to destroy the plaque and remove it from the system.

Note! The cost of the procedure is considerable, but in case of problems with heating, public utilities should conduct it for free, especially if a collective statement is received, to which the results of the examination will be attached, which confirm the uneven heating of radiators.

Such work is carried out in one day using a special compressor that can wash the riser even in a nine-story building.

Hydrodynamic method

This option differs from the above according to a number of criteria, we consider their most important differences:

To carry out the work, you first need to remove the radiators and deliver them to the workshop., providing this type of service.
First, the system is washed to remove all removable particles., here can be used and the usual hose.
Further, the system introduces the composition, which softens the scale and facilitates further work..
Final processing is performed in a special chamber., a special nozzle with a spray is inserted into the structure, which supplies water under a pressure of 200 atmospheres, this is enough to remove almost any deposit.

Special tip destroys even the most resistant plaque

Pneumatic impulse cleaning

Another interesting option, which involves the presence of a special tool - pneumogun, with which you can effectively clean not only radiators, but also pipes and sewers. But for the greatest efficiency it is necessary to have a compressor, it is inexpedient to acquire it, it is much easier to rent this type of equipment for one day.

Instructions for the work is as follows:

Unscrew one of the plugs radiator, at the same time, do not forget to substitute the container, since even a certain amount of liquid will flow out of the empty system.
Next, turn on the compressor to inflate the pressure in the system, hose joins the gun.
After that, the tip of the device tightly leans against the battery, and the so-called shot is made, which destroys even persistent blockages., The procedure is repeated several times.
After work, the system must be flushed to remove all contaminants.

Note! You can do without the compressor, the radiator is small, so the necessary pressure can be created by manual pumping.

The air gun is a simple but effective device.

Chemical method

In itself, it resembles a hydropneumatic flushing, but mobile equipment is used for operation, and the process itself has differences:

The work station is small and can be easily moved to the right place..
During operation, a standard mains voltage of 220 volts is used.. The process can be done with your own hands, if you have the necessary device.
Special chemical washing is used to remove plaque., which is fed into the system at a pressure of 7 bar and aggressively acts on deposits.

It looks like a device for chemical washing

Manual flush

If there is no equipment at hand, you can do the work yourself, the price of this option is the minimum, because you only need to buy means to remove the plaque, and this is where the costs end.

The process itself is carried out as follows:

First of all, it is necessary to free up space around to ensure access to all structural elements., it is also better to cover the floor with some material so that the rusty hearth will not spoil the flooring.
Next, drain the radiator., if there are taps in front of it, then this will not be a problem - you need to close them and slightly unscrew the cap, the liquid will flow out into the substituted bucket. But, if there are no taps, it is necessary to drain the water from the entire system, and there is simply no other way out.

It is best to drain the water first from the top and then from the bottom axis.

Further, with the help of a plumbing key, clamps or cap nuts are twisted and the battery is disconnected from the communications.. You just have to carefully remove it from the brackets.

All connections need to be unscrewed carefully so as not to damage the thread.

The radiator must be carefully carried to the bathroom or to the street. (if you live in a private house), then you need to unscrew all plugs and futorki, if they still exist.
Next is the washing of the internal cavities. in order to remove rust and easily detachable particles from the system.
After that, a solution of vinegar essence is poured into the system., the structure is plugged and left for about an hour, at which time the battery can be turned over and shaken from time to time.
After an hour on the surface, you need to knock a wooden mallet to peel off the raid and shake it several times, the liquid is drained and the system is thoroughly washed several times.

Acetic acid is an effective means of combating deposits in radiators

Exterior cleaning

Now consider how to wash the radiator outside, the work is done as follows: the surface is washed with a solution of detergent, you should not use aggressive compounds with abrasive particles.

Sometimes, steaming is required to remove stubborn dirt, and if you find signs of corrosion and cracked paint, it is necessary to repaint the structure, works are done like this:

All rust centers need to be cleaned with metal using sandpaper or a special wire brush., installed on a drill or grinder.
You can use a chemical remover, if the radiator has several layers of paint.

Chemical remover loosens paint on the radiator and can be simply removed with a spatula

After processing the surface is degreased..
Coloring should be made only with special radiator paint..

Conclusion

Remember that even a 1 mm plaque reduces the heating efficiency by 15%, so do not delay the system with flushing, the sooner you do this, the smaller the scale of the problem. The video in this article will explain some of the important features of the process.