RADIATOR

Abstract

A radiator comprising two or more radiator sections (1). Adjacent radiator sections (1) are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling (2). The coupling (2) comprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections (1), a liquid sealing gasket (8) for providing a liquid-tight seal around the fluid channel, and a separate gas sealing gasket (9) for providing a gas-tight seal around the liquid sealing gasket (8).

Description

The present invention relates to a radiator, and more particularly to a radiator formed from sections.

In this connection, some people are very sensitive to certain chemical emissions including those given off from paint and plastics coatings and/or to frequencies that are naturally or artificially produced. Such people find that prolonged exposure to these can cause a wide variety of negative symptoms, such as headaches, irritated eyes, blotchy skin, itchiness, asthma, flu symptoms, hypertension, insomnia and fatigue.

Radiators generally, including hot water radiators currently on the market, contribute to this problem since they all produce chemical emissions by way of outgassing. Such emissions are largely caused by the effect of the heat provided through the radiators heating the synthetic paints and other surface coatings that have been applied to them, such as epoxy-polyester or polyurethane based coatings. Further emissions are also caused by the heating of synthetic material and bonding agents in the joints and gaskets which are both used during the manufacture of the radiators and used in the connection of fittings to the radiator during installation of a heating system. The outgassing chemical emissions produced not only cause sensitivity type reactions, as discussed above, but may also be carcinogenic.

During the winter months when central heating systems are used for longer periods and fresh air circulation is substantially reduced due to the tendency for doors and windows to be kept closed, the harmful effects of outgassing are further compounded. Accordingly, being able to reduce or prevent these emissions from radiators would significantly attenuate the overall emission levels in a typical household.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which alleviates such problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling; and wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, a liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separate gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tight seal around said liquid sealing gasket.

In this way, the present invention provides a radiator in which the coupling between adjacent sections employs a dual gasket system in which the gas sealing gasket prevents the escape of any outgassed emissions from the liquid sealing gasket. This permits a rubber, or similar material, to be used as the liquid sealing gasket to provide an effective water tight seal adjacent to the hot heating fluid, without emitting high levels of outgassed chemicals commonly associated with such materials. As such, the overall emissions signature produced by of the radiator of the present invention is significantly reduced, thereby potentially offering considerable indoor air quality and environmental benefits.

Conveniently, the liquid sealing gasket and gas sealing gasket are coaxial.

The liquid sealing gasket may be made of a polymer material and, in a preferred embodiment, rubber. The gas sealing gasket may be made of metal and, in a preferred embodiment, copper.

Conveniently, the radiator sections have a vitreous enamel coating. This coating has been found to provide particularly low levels of outgassing emissions, as well as acting to seal in any gasses produced from the heated sections. In addition, the coating provides a hard, scratch resistant surface, together with a high level of thermal output. In this respect, it has been found that an enamel coated radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention has about a 5% higher thermal output during a DIN EN442 thermal output test compared to a conventional cast iron radiator.

In this connection, it is advantageous to use a soft material such as polymer (e.g. rubber) for the liquid sealing gasket because excessive pressure is not required to create a liquid-tight seal between the radiator sections and between the end radiator sections and the fittings when these are brought together. This means that distortion of the radiator sections can be avoided, which could otherwise cause the vitreous enamel coating to crack and split. Further, the radiator has a much greater capacity to expand and contract when heating and cooling, providing a radiator which is substantially more secure against leaks.

Moreover, if only a single soft metal sealing gasket were to be used to seal between radiator sections and between the end radiator sections and the fittings, excessive pressure would be required to form a seal. This would lead to distortion of the radiator sections causing cracking and splitting of the enamel coating. Further, a single soft metal sealing gasket is unreliable for creating a tight liquid seal. Also, it has been found that a radiator constructed with single soft metal sealing gaskets will have little capacity to withstand contraction and expansion, since the soft metal gaskets form an integral part of the radiator and are too rigid to allow the prevention of leaks from the radiator.

At least one radiator section may include an annular groove into which the gas sealing gasket can be seated. In which case, the gas sealing gasket is compressible between the annular groove and the surface of an adjacent radiator section, adjacent radiator sections being held apart once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed. This arrangement, in which a groove is provided on one side of the gas sealing gasket and the other side is provided with a smooth surface, allows the maximum stability and sealing capabilities of the gas sealing gasket as it slides and compresses to adjust for any minute machining and alignment differences when assembling the radiator.

Conveniently, a spacing member is provided between adjacent radiator sections for ensuring that the radiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed. This ensures that the radiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance after the gas sealing gasket compresses. The spacing member may support the liquid sealing gasket. Conveniently, the radiator sections are provided with a non-coated area at the coupling between adjacent radiator sections, said non-coated area not having a vitreous enamel coating. These features prevent the enamel coating being damaged when the sections of the radiator are machined and subsequently joined together.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacing member supports said liquid sealing gasket. In such a case, the spacing member and liquid sealing gasket provides allowance for the expansion and contraction of the radiator elements during the cooling and heating cycles.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiator comprising: at least two radiator sections, wherein adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with each other; a joining member for joining the radiator sections together; end fittings for connection to the ends of the joining member, the end fittings for contacting the outermost radiator sections and drawing all the radiator sections together; a plurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing a liquid-tight seal between adjacent radiator sections; and a plurality of gas sealing gaskets for providing a gas-tight seal around each of the plurality of liquid sealing gaskets.

The joining member may be elongate, and the end fittings may be moveable in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the joining member. Preferably, the end portions of the joining member are externally threaded and the end fittings are internally threaded. This allows the movement of the end fittings to be brought about by the screwing of the end fittings onto the joining member. Preferably the joining member comprises an internal fluid channel for distributing liquid to each of the radiator sections.

In an embodiment, the joining member comprises a plurality of joining elements assembled together. Preferably, each of said joining elements comprises an engagement portion for engagement with a radiator section for joining it to an adjacent radiator section. Preferably, each of said joining elements comprises a threaded section for connection to a corresponding threaded section on an adjacent joining element. In this way, each joining element can be used to attach and secure an individual radiator section, allowing sections to be added as required. This allows different lengths of radiators to be easily provided.

The gas sealing gasket may be compressed between adjacent surfaces of the radiator sections, and the radiator sections may be held apart once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed. In this connection, the radiator may further comprise a spacing member provided between adjacent radiator sections. This allows the radiator sections to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed. The spacing member may support the liquid sealing gasket.

Preferably, the spacing member is located around the joining member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a radiator, the method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of radiator sections; providing a joining member for joining the radiator sections together; positioning end fittings onto the ends of the joining member, and moving the end fittings relative to the radiator sections to contact the outermost radiator sections and draw the radiator sections together; providing a plurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing a liquid-tight seal between adjacent radiator sections; and providing a plurality of gas sealing gaskets for providing a gas-tight seal around each of the plurality of liquid sealing gaskets.

The end fittings may be threaded onto the end portions of the joining member.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of compressing the gas sealing gasket between adjacent surfaces of adjacent radiator sections to provide the gas-tight seal.

Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of positioning a spacing member between adjacent radiator sections for ensuring that the radiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, said sections being vitreous enameled, and where adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling and fittings system; wherein said coupling and fittings system comprises spacing collars, joining members, end fittings, and a fluid channel through which fluid can flow; and wherein, for each spacing collar and/or end fitting, there is provided at least one non-metallic liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separate metallic gas sealing gasket for providing a tight gas seal around each said liquid sealing gasket.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling; and wherein the radiator sections have a vitreous enamel coating; and wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, a non-metallic liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separate metallic gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tight seal around said liquid sealing gasket for preventing chemical emissions from said liquid sealing gasket.

In this way, the present invention provides a radiator in which the coupling between adjacent sections employs a dual gasket system in which the metallic gas sealing gasket (e.g. copper) prevents the escape of any outgassed emissions from the non-metallic liquid sealing gasket (e.g. rubber). Furthermore, this dual gasket system allows the vitreous enamel coating to be used. That is, the non-metallic liquid sealing gasket allows the creation of a liquid-tight seal between the radiator sections and between the end radiator sections and the fittings without requiring excessive pressure. This means that distortion of the radiator sections can be avoided, which could otherwise cause damage to the vitreous enamel coating. Further, the expansion and contraction of the radiator during the heating cycle is also allowed for. Overall this allows a radiator having the smallest possible chemical signature, thereby potentially offering considerable indoor air quality and environmental benefits.

Illustrative examples of a radiator of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a single cast iron section according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the single cast iron section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a radiator comprising a number of sections joined together in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section through a joint between the top of two adjacent sections shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the spacer of FIG. 4 in greater detail;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial section through a joint showing a soft metal gasket;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section through an end fitting according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section though a joint between an end section and an end fitting according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a joining element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the joining element shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-section through a joint between the top of two adjacent sections employing a plurality of the joining elements shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively show a front and side elevation of a single section 1 of a hot water radiator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A number of such sections 1, typically between four and fifteen depending on the size of the sections and the required radiator size, are connected together side-by-side to form a hot water radiator.

Each section 1 includes joining bosses 2 on each side at the top and bottom, which not only serve to help space adjacent sections 1 from one another, but also provide the channels between adjacent sections 1 through which fluid inside the radiator can pass. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment each section 1 also includes air flow passages 3. These air flow passages 3, along with the external surfaces of each of the spaced sections 1, provide a large surface area over which air can be heated by the radiator. It should be noted however that sections which do not include air flow passages could alternatively be used.

Each section 1 is formed from cast iron. Cast iron is particularly suitable since it allows a strong bonding surface for the enamel coating which is subsequently applied, although it will be understood that alternative materials can be used. This process is discussed in more detail below. Although cast iron is a heavy material, the sectional, modular design used in the present embodiment allows for easy construction. Furthermore, cast iron, since being relatively heavy, provides vibrational damping which not only reduces radiator noise, but also alleviates emissions caused by the vibration of the radiator against other materials in contact with the radiator, such as wall fixtures or flooring. Moreover, cast iron also advantageously retains heat for relatively long periods of time, making it suitable for heating applications.

Substantially the entire outer surface of each cast iron section 1 is coated with vitreous enamel. However, a small portion of the joint ends of the joining bosses 2 is not enamelled. That is, a portion in the axial direction at the end of joining boss 2 is not coated with enamel powder during the enamelling process.

To achieve the required vitreous enamel surface, each cast iron section is processed which includes coating it in a vitreous enamelling powder or fluid FRIT mixture, which comprises a glassy substance, and is then heated in a furnace in the range of 750° C. and 850° C.

The enamel coating provides a hard surface which is resistant to chemicals, fire and scratches, and also allows for easy cleaning. Importantly, since the radiator sections are coated in vitreous enamel, there is no need for paint coatings, which would otherwise cause outgassing. Furthermore, as discussed above, since sections 1 are formed of cast iron, a strong bonding surface for the enamel coating is provided, thereby increasing the lifespan of the enamelled sections.

After heating the sections 1, the un-enamelled joining faces of the joining bosses 2 in each section 1 are machined to ensure that they are perfectly flat and thereby ensure that a good liquid-tight seal and a tight gas seal can be formed between them. This machining step firstly removes any distortion of the cast iron sections caused by the processing of the enamel coating. By having an un-enamelled portion at the joining bosses 2 in this way, the machining step does not effect the integrity of the enamel coating.

The machining step also includes the machining of an annular groove of trapezoidal cross-section into one of the joining faces of opposing joining bosses 2. This annular groove is involved in ensuring correct seating of a soft metal sealing gasket for forming a seal, as discussed below.

Once a number of sections 1 have been enameled and machined, they can be connected together. In this regard, FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a radiator comprising a number of sections 1 joined together. The sections 1 are held in place relative to one another by rods 4 which pass through internal apertures in the sections 1 and bosses 2. The rods 4 are of a particular length so as to allow the required number of sections 1 to be held in place, thus creating a radiator of a required length. In this connection, different lengths of rod 4 may be provided in order to allow the creation of radiators of different lengths. The rods 4 are hollow and have a series of holes 5 formed in their outer surface. The holes 5 are located so as to align with a particular section 1 when the sections 1 are in situ on the rods 4. The two sections 1 forming the ends of the radiator do not have holes 5 associated therewith, and so the rods 4 require two less sets of holes 5 than the number of sections 1 to be provided thereon. The end portions of the rods 4 are externally threaded to enable the sections 1 of the radiator to be fixed in place by screwing end fittings 11 onto each end of the rods 4.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of two adjacent sections 1 connected together at joining bosses 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, adjacent sections 1 are held in place relative to one another by a rod 4 which passes through internal apertures in the sections 1 and bosses 2. The end portions of the rod 4 are externally threaded to enable the sections 1 of the radiator to be fixed in place, as described above.

A spacing collar 6 is provided between each adjacent section 1. The collars 6 are sized to fit coaxially around the rod 4 and when in place are situated in a cut-away portion formed in each of the bosses 2.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, two substantially parallel circumferential grooves 7 are formed in the outer surface of the collars 6, located such that when a collar 6 is in place between two adjacent sections 1 a cavity is formed between the collar 6 and each of the bosses 2, as can be seen in FIG. 4. These grooves receive respective rubber sealing gaskets 8, as shown in FIG. 4, thereby forming a liquid-tight seal between the collar 6 and each of the bosses 2.

The sealing gaskets 8, such as those shown in FIG. 4, are formed of rubber so as to provide a liquid-tight seal, and thereby prevent hot water/radiator fluid contained in the sections 1 leaking to the outside of the radiator.

In addition to the rubber sealing gaskets 8, a secondary soft metal sealing gasket 9, as shown in FIG. 6, is located between the flat surface of one boss 2 and an annular groove 10 formed in an end face of an adjacent boss 2 so that, as the end faces of the bosses 2 of adjacent sections 1 come together, they compress the soft metal sealing gasket 9 to form a tight gas seal between the adjacent sections 1, as shown in FIG. 4. In this way, the escape of any chemical emissions, caused by the heating of the rubber sealing gaskets 8, is minimised, thus minimising the problems discussed above.

As the end fittings 11 are screwed onto the ends of the rods 4 to fix the sections 1 in place, the soft metal sealing gaskets 9 are compressed. If required, the bosses 2 of adjacent sections 1 are then prevented from abutting each other by the spacing collar 6, which limits the distance between the sections 1. This helps to avoid any likelihood of the enamel coating of the sections 1 cracking, which could occur if end fittings 11 were over tightened after the soft metal sealing gasket 9 has been compressed.

In this preferred embodiment, the soft metal sealing gasket 9 is formed as an annulus having a hexagonal cross-section. The cross-section of the soft metal sealing gasket is shown more clearly in FIG. 6. The gasket 9 is formed of copper, and preferably pure copper that is preheated to minimize outgassing. The gasket 9 is inserted into the groove 10 where it remains in the correct position during assembly of the radiator. The flat end face of boss 2 of an adjacent section 1 may then be brought together with the grooved end face of the boss 2 such that a flat surface of the gasket 9 abuts flush with the flat end face of the adjacent boss 2. The gasket 9 is compressed as the sections 1 are pulled together during assembly. This partially deforms the gasket itself to ensure a gas-tight seal.

FIG. 7 shows a right-hand end fitting 11 with its components separated, and FIG. 8 shows this end fitting in place on an end section 1. The end fitting 11 comprises a sleeve 12, a end cap 17, and a connecting member 13 for connecting the end cap 17 to the sleeve 12.

In this respect, connecting member 13 is annular and passes over sleeve 12 until it abuts with a shoulder provided at the far right side of sleeve 12. Connecting member 13 has an internally threaded ring member 14 into which end cap 17 can be screwed into, as is described in further detail below. The sleeve 12 is provided with out-turned ends which create an abutment surface 15.

A circumferential groove 16 is formed in the outer surface of the sleeve 12, located such that when the end fitting 11 is fixed in place a cavity is formed between the end fitting 11 and the outermost boss 2 of end section 1. This cavity receives a rubber sealing gasket 8, thereby forming a liquid-tight seal between the end fitting 11 and the boss 2. An annular groove 20 is formed in the abutment surface 15, and a soft metal sealing gasket 9 is received in the groove 20. The soft metal sealing gasket 9 is thus compressed as the outermost boss 2 and the end fitting 11 come together, thereby forming a tight gas seal between the end section 1 and the end fitting 11. In this way, the escape of any chemical emissions, caused by the heating of the rubber sealing gasket 8, is minimised, thus minimising the problems of outgassing discussed above.

A left-hand end fitting (not shown) is similar to the right-hand end fitting of FIG. 7, except that the abutment surface 15 does not contain an annular groove 20. Instead, the soft metal sealing gasket 9 is received in an annular groove 10 in the outermost boss 2, like that shown in FIG. 6. The soft metal sealing gasket is thus compressed as the outermost boss 2 and the left hand end fitting come together.

The reason the right-hand and left-hand end fittings are slightly different relates to the assembly method used in assembling the present embodiment. That is, the sections 1 are stacked during assembly, with the right-hand end fitting 11 being placed at the start of the stack. As such the annular groove 20 ensures that the soft metal sealing gasket 9 does not move as the subsequent sections 1 are stacked thereon. As the left-hand end fitting is fixed in place at the end of the stack, there is no need for an annular groove 20, and as such the left-hand end fitting is manufactured without the additional step of machining an annular groove 20 into the abutment surface 15.

When an end fitting 11 is screwed onto a rod 4 for fixing the radiator sections together, as shown in FIG. 8 (again a right-hand end fitting 11 is shown), the sleeve 12 is located within the internal aperture in the end section 1. The sleeve 12 is sized so as to fit coaxially around the rod 4 and is internally threaded, thus allowing the rod 4 to be screwed onto the end fittings 11. In doing so, the soft metal sealing gasket 9 in located in the groove 20 in the abutment surface 15 is brought into contact with the surface of the outermost boss 2, and the soft metal sealing gasket 9 is compressed when the sections 1 of the radiator are pulled together as the end fittings 11 are screwed onto the rod 4.

As mentioned above, the cap 17 is externally threaded such that it can be screwed into place by co-operation with the thread 14 of the connecting member 13. An annular rubber sealing gasket 18 is located between the cap 17 and the sleeve 12 to provide a water-tight seal there between. Further, an annular soft metal sealing gasket 19, with a diameter larger than that of the rubber sealing gasket 18, is located between the cap 17 and the sleeve 12 and around the rubber sealing gasket 18 so as to provide a tight gas seal. The soft metal sealing gasket 19 comprises a U-shaped protrusion extending towards the sleeve 12. As the cap 17 is screwed into place, the soft metal sealing gasket 19 is compressed between the cap 17 and the sleeve 12 to form a tight gas seal between them. Further, the U-shaped protrusion acts like a spring to ensure that the cap 17 is correctly seated and a tight seal is maintained.

The end cap 17 is provided with cavities shaped so as to receive a key for tightening the end cap 17.

As the end fittings 11 are tightened onto the rods 4, and the end cap 17 onto sleeve 12, the rubber sealing gaskets 8 and 18 form a liquid-tight seal between adjacent sections 1 and also between the components of the end fitting 11 and the respective end section 1. Further, the soft metal sealing gaskets 9 and 19 form a gas-tight seal between adjacent sections 1 and also between each end fitting 11 and the respective end section 1.

In the above example, the end cap 17 is a blank end fitting for plugging the end of the radiator. However, it will be understood that other end fittings are also provided for allowing the radiator to be connected to a hot water heating system and to provide an air vent/bleed valve. For example, in the case of a hot water inlet or outlet, the end cap 17 is further provided with an aperture through which a inlet/outlet pipe is fitted to communicate with the internal bore of sleeve 12. In such a case, a compression nut and then a copper olive are slid over the inlet/outlet pipe and then inserted and tightened into the end cap 17.

In use, hot water or other suitable radiator fluid passes through the cap of the end fitting 11 configured as a hot water inlet and into the rod 4. The end fitting 11 is provided with a hole to allow water to flow into the end sections 1, and the holes 5 in the rod 4 allow the water to flow into each of the remaining sections 1, thereby heating the radiator.

As will be clear from the above, with the above described construction, the present invention provides a radiator having the smallest possible chemical signature, thereby potentially offering considerable indoor air quality and environmental benefits. In this respect, importantly, the dual gasket system allows an effective water tight seal to be formed, without requiring excessive compression between elements which could distort the radiator sections. This allows the radiator sections to be coated with a low emission, high thermal output vitreous enamel coating, without risk of damage to this coating. At the same time the metallic gas sealing gasket prevents the escape of any outgassed emissions from the non-metallic liquid sealing gasket.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a joining element 21 of a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially the same as the above described first embodiment, except that the rods 4 are replaced by a plurality of joining elements 21 which are connected together to form a rod-like member, as shown in FIG. 11.

In this connection, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of joining element 21. The joining element 21 is formed of a tubular body with an external threaded section 24 provided at one end and an internal threaded section 22 provided at the other.

On the exterior of the joining element 21, a spacing collar formation 6 is provided. This spacing collar formation 6 performs substantially the same function as the spacing collar described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, parallel circumferential grooves 7 are formed in the spacing collar formation 6 for receiving rubber sealing gaskets 8.

The interior of the joining element 21 provides a channel there through. Apertures 5 are provided around the circumference of the joining element 21 and allow fluid communication between its interior and exterior. The internal surface 23 of the joining element 21 is formed with an Allen key formation, as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of two adjacent radiator sections 1 connected together at joining bosses 2 using joining elements 21. As can be seen, a joining element 21 is positioned such that its spacing collar formation 6 fits between the bosses 2 of two adjacent sections 1. Rubber sealing gaskets 8 are provided in the circumferential grooves 7 for forming the liquid seal.

The external threaded section 24 of a joining element 21 is screwed into the internal threaded section 22 of the adjacent joining element 21 on the left using Allen key formation 23. This acts to press the left hand section 1 into its adjacent section (not shown) through the engagement between spacing collar formation 6 and boss 2. This allows adjacent sections 1 to be pulled together, thereby compressing gas sealing gasket 9. Once a particular joining element 21 has been fitted and tightened to the required pressure, the next joining element 21, and hence the next section 1, can be attached in the same manner by screwing the external threaded section 24 into the internal threaded section 22 of the previously attached joining element 21. This process is repeated until the desired number of sections 1 are attached. End fittings can then be attached to the end collars of the assembly to secure and seal the unit. In this connection, it will be understood that with this embodiment, the end fittings are adapted for connection to the internal or external threaded sections 22 and 24.

Once assembled, the plurality of connected joining elements 21 form a rod-like member which functions in a similar way to the rod 4 described in the first embodiment. As such, the apertures 5 provided on each of the joining elements 21 allow the water to flow into or out of each of the sections 1, as with the first embodiment.

As will be understood, the joining elements 21 of this second embodiment permit on site modification of the number of radiator sections 1 connected to together, by simply allowing additional joining elements 21 to be connected. This allows longer radiator assemblies to be provided, if required.

It will be understood that the illustrated embodiments described herein show applications of the invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward to those skilled in the art to implement.

Claims

1. A radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling; and

wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, a liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separate gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tight seal around said liquid sealing gasket.

2. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sealing gasket and gas sealing gasket are coaxial.

3. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sealing gasket is made of a polymer.

4. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sealing gasket is made of rubber.

5. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the gas sealing gasket is made of metal.

6. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the gas sealing gasket is made of copper.

7. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein at least one radiator section includes an annular groove into which the gas sealing gasket can be seated.

8. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the gas sealing gasket is compressed between adjacent surfaces of adjacent radiator sections.

9. A radiator according to claim 8, wherein adjacent radiator sections are held apart once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed.

10. A radiator according to claim 9, further comprising a spacing member provided between adjacent radiator sections for ensuring that the radiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed.

11. A radiator according to claim 10, wherein said spacing member supports said liquid sealing gasket.

12. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the radiator sections have a vitreous enamel coating.

13. A radiator according to claim 12 wherein the radiator sections are provided with a non-coated area at the coupling between adjacent radiator sections, said non-coated area not having a vitreous enamel coating.

14. A radiator comprising:

at least two radiator sections, wherein adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with each other;

a joining member for joining the radiator sections together;

end fittings for connection to the ends of the joining member, the end fittings for contacting the outermost radiator sections and drawing the radiator sections together;

a plurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing a liquid-tight seal between adjacent radiator sections; and

a plurality of gas sealing gaskets for providing a gas-tight seal around each of the plurality of liquid sealing gaskets.

15. A radiator according to claim 14, wherein the joining member is elongate.

16. A radiator according to claim 15, wherein the end fittings are moveable in a direction along the longitudinal axis of each joining member.

17. A radiator according to claim 14, wherein end portions of the joining member are externally threaded and the end fittings are internally threaded, such that the radiator sections are drawn together by screwing the end fittings onto the respective end portions of the joining member.

18. A radiator according to claim 14, wherein the joining member comprises an internal fluid channel for distributing liquid to each of the radiator sections.

19. A radiator according to any claim 14, wherein said joining member comprises a plurality joining elements assembled together.

20. A radiator according to claim 19 wherein each of said joining elements comprises an engagement portion for engagement with a radiator section for joining it to an adjacent radiator section.

21. A radiator according to claim 20 wherein each of said joining elements comprises a threaded section for connection to a corresponding threaded section on an adjacent joining element.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. A method of forming a radiator, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a plurality of radiator sections;

providing a joining member for joining the radiator sections together;

positioning end fittings onto the ends of the joining member, and moving the end fittings relative to the radiator sections to contact the outermost radiator sections and draw the radiator sections together;

providing a plurality of liquid sealing gaskets for providing a liquid-tight seal between adjacent radiator sections;

and providing a plurality of gas sealing gaskets for providing a gas-tight seal around each of the plurality of liquid sealing gaskets.

28. A method of forming a radiator according to claim 27, wherein the end fittings are threaded onto the end portions of the joining member.

29. A method of forming a radiator according to claim 28, and further comprising the step of compressing the gas sealing gasket between adjacent surfaces of adjacent radiator sections to provide the gas-tight seal.

30. A method of forming a radiator according to claim 29, and further comprising the step of positioning a spacing member between adjacent radiator sections to ensure that the radiator sections are spaced apart by a predetermined distance once the gas sealing gasket has been compressed as the radiator sections are drawn together.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. A radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, said sections being vitreous enameled, and where adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling and fittings system;

wherein said coupling and fittings system comprises spacing collars, joining members, end fittings, and a fluid channel through which fluid can flow; and

wherein, for each spacing collar and/or end fitting, there is provided at least one non-metallic liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separate metallic gas sealing gasket for providing a tight gas seal around each said liquid sealing gasket.

34. A radiator comprising two or more radiator sections, where adjacent radiator sections are in fluid communication with one another via a coupling; and

wherein the radiator sections have a vitreous enamel coating; and

wherein said coupling comprises a fluid channel through which fluid is flowable between adjacent radiator sections, a non-metallic liquid sealing gasket for providing a liquid-tight seal around said fluid channel, and a separate metallic gas sealing gasket for providing a gas-tight seal around said liquid sealing gasket for preventing chemical emissions from said liquid sealing gasket.