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8/2/2019 Column Cast Iron Radiators
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Choosing column cast iron radiators to match your heating requirements
Radiators as part of central heating systems transfer heat or thermal energy, usually from heated
water or gas to air, for the purposes of heating living spaces. The term radiator is not strictly
accurate as they do not transfer energy by thermal radiation but rather by convection. No matter
what we call them though their importance to us is based on how well they can heat the spaces we
live in. Radiators circulate fluid through sections or pipes and have columns to increase their surface
area to allow for the diffusion of heat.
Cast iron radiators are made up of sections joined by threaded nipples and each section in turn is
divided into columns. These columns can vary in number and include 4 and 9 column cast iron
radiators. The manufacture of the 4 column cast iron radiators as an Ideal Standard occurred in the
United Kingdom until the 1970s and is therefore the most likely to be found in older buildings. They
are often preferred by architects and clients wanting to use traditional cast iron radiators since they
provide the retro feel but are also economical. The period preceding the 1970s also saw the use of 9
column cast iron radiators in spaces where height restriction was a factor. For those of you
renovating a period house these radiators add just the right touch.
Radiator heat output is measured in Watts or British Thermal Units (BTUs) and they represent the
same thing although they use different scales. To convert an output measurement in BTUs to Watts
you should divide by 3.412. Retailers will usually specify the output of the radiators they sell and you
will have to determine what your heating needs are prior to making a purchase or consult an expert.
Usually there is a discrepancy between the heating requirement and the radiator output so one
would need to purchase a radiator or radiators that exceed the heating requirement and use
thermostatic valves to regulate the temperature.
When purchasing a radiator you would also come across the term delta T. The delta () T value
indicates the difference in temperature between the water circulating in the central heating system
and the temperature of the surroundings also known as the ambient temperature. The temperature
of the central heating system running in your house is usually around 80C, while you would
generally like to heat your house to around 20C. Calculation of the Delta T value would therefore be
80-20 = 60. In the United Kingdom outputs are usually shown at operating temperatures using delta
T60.
Knowing the various specifications and terminology associated with column cast iron radiators is a
quick way to match your radiator to your heating requirements.
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