vertical radiator orientation

[simon kennedy]

I fitted a vertical radiator recently - it doesn't work properly. A representation (the solid black is the baffles):




There were no instructions with it. The baffles at one end suggested to me that this is the bottom end. But the result was cold central panels:



Clearly I'm doing it wrong. Is the solution as simple as hanging it the other way around? I have the impression that the second baffle might be the issue -- not sure how to take it out though.

Can anyone point me to the ideal configuration?

 

[wv62]

If it was hung the other way up how would you bleed the air out of the centre section?

 

[simon kennedy]

You're completely right.

Which leaves me without a solution I think.

 

[gasbusters]

What type of valves have you used? lockshields on both sides or TRV on one end? It may be a case of balancing the radiators. Silly question but where is the bleed point?

 

[simon kennedy]

Lockshields both sides. I don't think it's a question of balancing as the central panels are stone cold, not even vaguely warm - the hot water is by-passing them. Bleed point top left.

More detail:



I think it would work if the second baffle were not in place. But I am reluctant to start hitting internals with a punch 'til I am a bit more certain.

Simon

 

[Roger928]

What make is the rad?

 

[just pumps]

Wondering if the current back of the rad should be the front, some will only work with water entering the correct side or as it came with no instructions it is a cheap import and there is a problem internally.

 

[Agile]

The baffle on the left in your drawing needs to be removed!

Amazing to come without instructions or anyone to ask for tech help!

But just remove the baffle and it will work.

Tony

 

[simon kennedy]

Thanks Tony - that makes perfect sense.

The baffle looks like a big silver coin kept in place by paste. It's about 10cm inside the radiator. To remove.... hit it with a punch? And after I whack it, how do I get it out, or does it stay inside?

Simon

 

[Roger928]

My vertical rads have one baffle at the bottom in the centre. So it circulates as a reverse return configuration and heats uniformly.
What make is your rad?

 

[simon kennedy]

I have no idea as to make - it was a bargain though!

I would really like to know how to go about removing the baffle.

 

[Nige F]

Thanks Tony - that makes perfect sense.

The baffle looks like a big silver coin kept in place by paste. It's about 10cm inside the radiator. To remove.... hit it with a punch? And after I whack it, how do I get it out, or does it stay inside?

Simon

I'd be inclined to drill holes in the baffle - that paste could be epoxy resin as strong as the steel of the rad. Google Long Shank HSS drill bits

 

[gasmanstu72]

vertical radiators can be a pain to balance,
what works sometimes is shutting down the lockshield almost fully, this then slows the water down and lets it circulate better

 

[simon kennedy]

Good point, but I am worrying about the slivers of steel circulate around the system forever more.

The rad is big and heavy - not easy to manipulate in order to repeatedly rinse out.

 

[dilalio]

Most of the tall vertical rads I hang (from best heating is where they all seem to come from) are directional and need the flow and return correctly oriented to work properly. Oh, and the brackets they come with are absolutely shyte - with 8 rubber buffers that won't stay in place

Why not just try reversing the rad first and see if that helps? Then you can get into destructive mode