Which polypropylene is better for a water pipe. Types, advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene pipes

Popularity polypropylene pipes  (the material is referred to as PPR) is explained by their considerable durability (service life under normal conditions up to 50 years), not a very high price. At the same time, pipes look good even for outdoor installation, although they can be "pinned" in a wall or floor.

Advantages and disadvantages of PPR pipes

A variety of fittings make it possible to easily assemble any pipeline that can work with almost any medium, since the material is chemically neutral. Connect all together with help welding machine, you can master the welding technique in a few tens of minutes - everything is simple and affordable. It is very important that polypropylene is not afraid of defrosting - when it freezes it expands slightly, thawing - takes its dimensions. It does not suffer bad loads, but for long-term operation, the pipeline is better protected from mechanical influences and ultraviolet radiation (it becomes brittle when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time). The internal surface of the pipes is disgusting, deposits and sediments do not accumulate on it, so that normal patency is maintained for many years, which makes it possible to use pipes of smaller diameter and pay less for them. It is also important that the cost of such a pipeline is lower than that of a similar metal-plastic pipeline.

There are two serious shortcomings. The first: a large temperature expansion (5 cm per 1 meter of pipe), so that compensators (of any shape) are required to level the change in linear dimensions. The second is high oxygen permeability. For water supply systems this is not very bad, but for normal operation of the heating system it is desirable to take pipes with solid aluminum reinforcement, which also have a coefficient of thermal expansion of almost 75% less and conductivity of oxygen significantly reduces, and high temperatures withstand well (up to 95 ° FROM).

Types of pipes made of polypropylene

On the market there are products of different colors: white, gray, green and black. Color almost does not affect the properties and quality indicators. Exception - black pipes - they have increased resistance to ultraviolet. There are no other differences.

Depending on the field of application and characteristics, the following categories of polypropylene pipes are distinguished:

• PN10 - pipes with a small wall thickness, are used in systems with temperatures not higher than 45 ° C and pressure up to 1 MPa. Can be used for summing cold water  in systems with low pressure, for the device of warm floors.
• PN16 - temperature of working media up to 65 ° С, pressure - up to 1,6 MPa. Used for cold water supply systems with increased pressure.
• PN20 - can withstand temperatures up to 80 ° C, pressure - up to 2 MPa. Can be used for wiring cold or hot water, centralized heating.
• PN25 - medium temperatures up to 95 ° C and a pressure of 2.5 MPa. In order to withstand such conditions the pipes are reinforced - with foil or glass fiber, because they often have a smaller wall thickness than PN20 products. Used for the system individual heating  and hot water supply.

For heating systems, boiler connections with heating elements, hot water distribution, most often it is products of class PN20 and PN25. From conventional pipes, they are distinguished by the presence of a reinforcing layer: foil in PN25 and fiberglass in PN20. About what is best to use.

Pipes are produced in different diameters: from 16 mm to 110 mm (generally there are up to 600 mm, but they are used only for utilities and large pipelines). For the wiring of any household system, a pipe of 20 mm is sufficient, for risers or high-performance systems, another 40 mm elements are used. Large diameters, even in apartment buildings  apply very rarely.

Selecting the diameter of the pipes, you will receive fittings under it. We remind: the manufacturer and the marking are the same. So you will be guaranteed the coincidence of the sizes and the normal docking of the elements.

Types of fittings

For the normal quality of the compound, polypropylene can only be welded. Neither glued, nor threaded, nor compression joints do not give the necessary tightness and strength of joints. Why? Because compression fittings for polypropylene pipes are undesirable, since they change the geometry of the pipe, impairing the capacity. When using pressurized connections with gaskets, the proper degree of tightness is ensured, but at the slightest deformations such connections are destroyed. Therefore, the most common method is welding with a special soldering iron or welding machine. The joining of the elements can be done in butt or a socket. Butt joint is unreliable - under deformation or high pressure (which is not uncommon for heating systems), the tightness of the seams can be disturbed. That's why fittings are used for joining pipe sections. Their inner diameter should correspond to the outer diameter of the pipes you have selected, and there are quite a few of them.

Couplings and adapters

The coupling is a small hollow element that serves to weld two pipe sections of the same diameter. It looks like a barrel. Pipe is inserted into it from both sides.

Adapter. Similar to the coupling element for connecting sections of different diameters. On the one hand, a pipe of a larger cross-section is inserted, on the other hand, a smaller one. In this group there are fittings for connecting with metal pipes or heating elements - they have a metal thread on one end.

Corners

Despite the fact that polypropylene is a plastic material, it is undesirable to bend it. It is easy to do this - warm up to the plasticity temperature and bend, but at the bend points on the outside the pipe wall becomes thinner, which leads to a rupture at a pressure jump. On the other side of the bend, there are "wrinkles" that impair the capacity, which is also not good. Because in places where you need turns, use corners. They are of different sizes: 90 о, 45 о. The ends of the corner can have the same or different diameter (aligned with the adapters) or have a metal thread on the other end - for connecting the dhw with a mixer, for example.

Tees, crossings

These elements are required at the outlet / connection points of several branches of the pipeline. They have different angles and configuration. To create a heating system suitable welded fittings - they have a smooth internal surface without thread. Sometimes it may be necessary to switch to another kind of material, then there are tees or crossings with a thread in one or more taps. In general, both the diameters and geometry of these elements can be very different.

Outlines

In some cases, it becomes necessary to bypass a pipe. Since bending polypropylene is undesirable, there are special contours - curved sections that are welded into the contour in the right place. Lifting height and bending length can also be different.

Compensators

Compensator can be assembled from the same corners and pipes, or you can put a ready loop. In principle, the effect will be almost identical.

Taps and valves

In a polypropylene pipeline, brass valves or valves can be used, but then on both sides for each such element a metal adapter is required, and such fittings are much more expensive. Moreover, the whole assembly is not any better than the polypropylene one, but it is easier and faster to weld the fittings than to join the carving. So the use of polypropylene valves and cranes is much more convenient and expedient.

Caps

In some places it is required to finish the pipeline line. Then the stubs are used.

Fasteners and fasteners

Pipes to the walls need to be fastened. To this end, there are various devices of different kinds.

American women

Disassembled fittings, which consist of a coupling and union nut. Installed in those places where during the operation, periodic cleaning or removal of the elements of the system (counters for verification, for example) is required.

Welding of polypropylene pipes

A special soldering iron (manual welding machine) is used for connecting pipes with fittings with a set of nozzles for pipes of different diameters. A conventional apparatus is used to connect elements no more than 49 mm in diameter, for large dimensions, a centering device is required. Since 20-30 mm of the pipeline is sufficient for household needs, a normal soldering iron is required for operation.

How to work with the soldering iron

Nozzles are selected for the diameter used. Their two different types: one - mandrel, for heating the inner surface of the fitting; the second - a sleeve, which melts the outer surface of the pipe to be welded. The nozzles are installed on the cold device disconnected from the network with the help of special keys that come with the equipment.

Then the desired heating temperature is reached - around +260 ° C, the soldering iron is connected to the network. When the device is ready for operation, the signal LED lights up (some models go out). Approximately set temperature is reached after 10-15 minutes. You can start welding.

Work with polypropylene is possible only at plus temperatures: above +5 ° С. And the time of the first heating of the device, and the heating time of the elements depends on the ambient temperature: if cool, the heating time is increased, if hot - reduce. The exact heating time is indicated in the accompanying documents to the pipes. The heating times should be adhered to as accurately as possible: the overheated pipe will not fit into the fitting, and underheating will result in poor adhesion and the seam will turn out to be leaky and fragile.

It must be remembered that the machine remains on during the entire welding process. Every time you remove the elements and connect them, you need to clean the mandrel and sleeve from the plastic debris. You need to do this with a cloth. Use abrasive substances or metal wools can not: nozzles are coated with Teflon, which is easily scratched. With several scratches on the nozzle it is impossible to work.

The outside diameter of the pipe usually slightly exceeds the inside diameter of the fitting. This is done so that when welding a small material roller is formed - a bead that guarantees tightness of the joint and integrity welded seam. By this principle, it is even possible to reject unsuitable fittings: if the pipe freely enters it - it is unfit. There is one more way of checking the validity: when putting the fitting on the mandrel (the corresponding nozzle on the soldering iron), a decent effort is required. If the element hoped freely - it is also not good.

The order of welding polypropylene pipes with fittings is as follows:

With the following connection, the entire procedure is repeated. If after the connection, it is seen that the alignment of the elements is broken, the connection is cut out and welded to the other fitting again. All the charm polypropylene pipelines  in that they can be done and remade: they resemble a designer and there are always several options for solving the same problem. You simply choose the most convenient for you.

Even if you have never used such instruments before, you will be able to weld the pipeline yourself. It is only necessary to correctly withstand the heating time, since both overheating and underheating result in insufficient tightness and strength of the joint.

Manufacturers and specifications

Italian polypropylene pipes and fittingsValtec  ("Valtek")  They are produced in three categories: ordinary thin-walled, fiberglass reinforced and foil. At the same time, the manufacturer claims that the foil contains 99.4% aluminum. The layers are glued together with glue compositions from Japan and the USA, which give the strength of the interlayer in 70 N / 10 mm at a norm of 15 N / 10 mm. Fittings the company makes of PP-R 100, which is the guarantor of its durability. There are some design features  Valtec fittings: their sockets are conical, and when welding, a roller of molten material is not formed. Another nuance: combined fittings (with metal thread) have an octagonal outer shape, which allows them to use standard keys when working with them.

German company BanningerKunststoff-Produkte GmbH also manufactures polypropylene pipes and fittings from the Random-Copolymer brand. This raw material is chemically neutral, it allows the use of pipelines of this company for supply drinking water. At the same time, it is worth remembering that the most stringent safety standards for building materials in the European Union have been adopted in Germany. So, if the Germans are ready to use them for supplying drinking water, then there is no doubt that they will not be safe. The only shortcoming of polypropylene pipes and Banninger fittings can be their far-too-big price.

Impeccable reputation has the products of a Czech company Wavin Ecoplastic. This is exactly the "eco-plastic", which is of excellent quality, not falsification. Before buying what sellers call you "eco-plastic", specify the country of origin of the product. If this is not the Czech Republic, then before you one of the crafts, for the quality of which it is difficult to guarantee. What is so good about polypropylene pipes and fittings "Ecoplastics"? The fact that the manufacturer guarantees that they will withstand 20 atmospheres, and for manufacturing only high-quality materials are used. Ecoplastik Stabi - Fiber-reinforced pipes, Ecoplastics Fiber and Basalt + are reinforced with basalt fiber. The rest for hot water or heating are unsuitable, but for cold water are very good.

Enough good feedback  on the forums have polypropylene fittings and pipes turkish companyKalde (Calde).  They have good quality and low prices. Issued by:

• Simple pipe PN10 and PN16.
• With fiberglass reinforcement (fiber) Kalde PN16.
• Superpipe Kalde - pipes with aluminum reinforcement, but the foil is not solid, but perforated. Therefore, when welding does not require stripping and trimming. The manufacturer says that at a medium temperature of no more than 70 о С, the life of the pipeline from such elements will be 50 years. For more hot environments, the period is shortened.

Naturally, for each type of pipe a set of fittings is produced.

Another Turkish manufacturer - the firm Tebo.  Polypropylene pipes and fittings of this brand are made of a resistant new polymer Polypropylene Random Copolymer ("Random copolymer" PPR type 3). This firm pays much attention to certification: there are documents of conformity of GOST, DIN and TSE. The diameter of the products is from 20 to 160mm, the products are PN10, PN20, PN25. For the reinforcement, one-piece foil is used, so the stripping during welding of PN25 pipes is mandatory.

There is one more turkish companySPK. Its products have high enough quality, and the prices for some products are 50% lower than those of European manufacturers. At the same time raw materials are used from Holland, and equipment at the plants is German. The quality of SPK pipes and fittings is high: they endure exploitation in Siberia, which is a strong enough argument in favor of this campaign.

This is not all manufacturers, but they are the most used and have a decent quality.

Polypropylene pipes have gained a high popularity due to the fact that they have a lot of advantages, if you compare them, for example, with pipes made of metals. The advantages are as follows:

• high elasticity, which facilitates simple and easy installation;
• ease, facilitating convenient loading, unloading and transportation;
• strength and durability - the most important qualities for elements of engineering systems;
• absolute resistance to corrosion. Polypropylene is not a material for which oxidation processes are characteristic.

There are also small disadvantages of polypropylene pipes:

• polypropylene pipes do not like the effects of ultraviolet;
• many of these pipes expand quite strongly under the influence of high temperatures;
• polypropylene is a combustible material.

Therefore, using pipes made of polypropylene, you need to consider the conditions in which they will be used. For example, under the open sun systems from such pipes it is better not to install.
  Polypropylene pipes - modern constructionswhich, due to their special properties, can be used in various branches of the national economy. The raw material used is a copolymer of polypropylene. It is a thermoplastic. The copolymer is obtained by adding ethylene molecules to the molecular lattice of polypropylene. This is done in order to improve the mechanical properties several times.

The pipes are connected by means of:

1. low-temperature welding;
2. connecting elements - fittings, couplings.

Polypropylene pipes and fittings

By the criterion of the directions of application, the pipes can be divided into three types:

1. PN10 is a pipe with thin walls. It is used, mainly for transportation of the water environment, the temperature of which does not reach +20 degrees Celsius. However, such pipes are quite successfully used to create warm floors, in this case, the maximum temperature can be + 45 degrees Celsius. The nominal pressure is 1 mPa;
2. PN20 - more versatile pipes, which can be used for the organization of hot water supply. The temperature of the medium should not exceed +80 degrees Celsius;
3. PN25 - thick-walled pipes that withstand the temperature of the medium to +95 degrees Celsius. The nominal pressure is 2.5 mPa. A feature of this category of pipes is that they are reinforced. As a reinforcement, a thin sheet of aluminum or glass fiber can be used. There are not only smooth reinforced pipes, but also perforated. In them the armature has a large number of small holes that are filled with plastic in the manufacture of the product.

Separately it is necessary to tell about modern pipes, marked by Latin letters PPs. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that they have a special coating that is resistant to ultraviolet and ignition.

Polypropylene fittings and couplings, as a rule, are made with orientation to the technical characteristics of the pipes themselves.

It should be added that both fittings and polypropylene pipes are characterized by a long service life: from 50 to 1 century, as well as low thermal conductivity, are not susceptible to corrosion and limestone deposition, resistance to pressure drops.

Spheres of application of polypropylene pipes

Partially this issue has already been raised above. It should be noted that polypropylene pipes are now used universally. But in each sphere of use different types of pipes are used, depending on the tasks assigned. The main thing is that the product in its technical specifications fully suitable for use in specific conditions.

The main directions of using polypropylene pipes:

• in construction. Are applied most widely: at a lining of electroconducting, the organization of water supply and heating, systems of the water drain. The possibility of using polypropylene pipes to create power grids is real in view of the fact that the material of the products does not pass through electricity. Therefore, in the event of cable damage, safety is guaranteed. For sewerage systems and cold water supply, the main thing is to pick up pipe brands that will be as strong as possible. The environment in such elements of the system, as a rule, does not come under high pressure  or with a high temperature, therefore, the main thing is that the pipes serve long enough without damage. For hot water and heating systems, pipes are required that can cope well with high temperatures and high pressures, they can not expand very much when heated;
• in agriculture, the pipes in question are used to create irrigation systems, flood pastures;
• with the use of the described pipes in the water sector, the swamps are drained.

Development trends

At present, the number of types of polypropylene pipes is constantly increasing. There are pipes with a variety of diameters. A separate direction is the development of new special compounds that significantly improve and improve the quality of polypropylene pipes.

It is obvious that the pipes described in the very near future will replace metal pipes in industrial production, housing and communal services and in many other branches. And private individuals are increasingly choosing to plastic pipes  and, as practice shows, absolutely do not regret about it.

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Where can I use polypropylene pipes?

Description and advantages of the application

The advantages of using polypropylene pipes for the installation of hot and cold water pipes are determined by the characteristics of this material. Polypropylene pipes are stronger and lighter than metal, do not corrode, do not rust and are not clogged during operation, they do not conduct wandering currents. Resistently tolerate the effect of alkalis and most of today's known aggressive and toxic gases and liquids, they are not required for painting, they are easily installed, they are connected for several seconds using a welding machine.

Ecologically safe pipes made of polypropylene are successfully used in the device of cold and hot water supply, heating and sewerage, and also their use in technological piping systems having working pressure of 25 atm is allowed. They can easily be attached to metal pipes  thanks to fittings with chrome-plated brass inserts. Applying polypropylene pipes for the installation of heating systems, painting them is optional.

Pipes made of polypropylene are economically advantageous for the installation of water pipes, the costs of their operation are low, labor and waste are minimal, the service life is more than 50 years. Cost of the system a polypropylene water pipe is 40% lower than the cost of similar metal systems. Polypropylene pipes have high resistance to reusable bends and to abrasion, it is a frost-resistant material that is widely used in systems of external and internal sewerage. In this case, they do not need to be painted.

The use of polypropylene pipes is very beneficial and convenient.

Basic installation features

Options for connecting polypropylene pipes for hot water supply with steel pipes with a welded collar sleeve and a free flange, where 1 - steel pipe; 2,3 - steel flange in accordance with GOST 12820-80; 4 - collar bushing; 5 - a lining; 6.7 - fastening elements; 8 - coupling.

In comparison with other types of pipes, polypropylene have some features that must be taken into account when working with them. Laying of the pipeline of water supply from polypropylene can be carried out under plaster, in the ground, in channels, mines or be open. Welding in joints does not reduce the reliability of the water supply system, so the number of connectors is irrelevant if the welding technology is observed. There is no need to paint welding spots. Wiring of water supply systems should be carried out in accordance with the rule of maintaining the diameter, you can not use elements that reduce pipes. The wiring must be carried out taking into account that the pipes will not be subjected to any mechanical influence, with the possibility of their thermal elongation. Wiring to sanitary equipment is possible in the open.

It is allowed to distribute polypropylene pipes for the installation of a water pipe under the ground. When passing through the wall, it is necessary to protect them from friction against rough surfaces and from squeezing, the distance between them and the construction structures should be at least 20 mm. In places where the distribution of water or sewage passes through walls, partitions or ceilings, they must be laid in sleeves or cases, the diameter of which should be 30 mm larger than the diameter of the pipe used. To join them in the sleeve it is impossible, if the joint falls on it, then it is necessary to reduce the length and weld the joints to it.

During soldering, the fixation must be maintained without turning and shifting

With water supply in the stem, the gap between them must be at least 70% of their diameter and be symmetrical on both sides. This is achieved by laying pipes in a special insulation, the shtroby can be covered with an overhead plate. It is possible to lay a water supply system inside a corrugated PVC pipe and plaster the stem carefully flush with the wall. in stroba is not necessary.

Installation of polypropylene pipes

First of all, you need to have the following materials and tools for their laying:

Necessary materials:

• pipes;
• couplings;
• fitting;
• angles;
• tees;
• valves;
• fixing to the wall with dowels.

Necessary tools and equipment:

• welding machine for polyfusion welding with nozzles on pipes of the required diameter;
• scissors for, hacksaw;
• perforator, drill bit;
• roulette.

This is the most reliable and practical scheme that minimizes pressure drops, and also fits nicely with a hidden gasket

The plumbing of water pipes and other water supply or sewage systems is carried out into the socket by polyfusion welding, during which a homogeneous seam of high quality is formed. First of all, it is necessary to cut a piece of pipe of the required length. If it is foil, it is necessary to remove the middle and upper layers of the metal to the full depth of its entrance to the coupling of the fitting, then to peel its end from the burrs left after cutting. It is necessary to mark the depth of the pipe inlet in the fitting with the marker, taking into account that the end can not be pushed to the stop in the coupling of the fitting, but it is necessary to leave a gap of 1-2 mm to the reciprocal protrusion of the connecting fitting, so as not to narrow the passage in this place.

The nozzle of the welding machine is heated, and the pipe and fitting are pushed onto it, heating both parts simultaneously, but if any element has a large wall thickness, it must be heated longer. It is necessary to check how tightly the heated elements are laid, the time for heating is determined depending on: if it is from 16 to 20 mm, the heating time will be 5 s, 25 mm - 7 s, 32 mm - 8 s, 40 mm - 12 s.

After heating, the pipe and fitting are connected, it is necessary to be guided by the made mark and make sure that the connection does not warp in the radial direction. The deposition of one heated piece in the other is carried out with a constant gain, without scrolling. The time of hardening of the welded joint is from 10 to 30 seconds, which depends on the diameter of the pipeline, so a small correction of the slope must be done in that time.

In a similar way, all other parts of the water supply are connected, the wiring and the connection order are determined depending on the design and installation conditions of the system. The use of water supply with polypropylene pipes has a significant economic effect.

Testing of pipeline systems

Pipelines of internal hot or cold water supply shall be tested by manometric or hydrostatic method in accordance with the requirements set forth in GOST 24054-80 and GOST 25136-82. Pipes should withstand a pressure of more than 0.05 MPa for 10 minutes. If no drops are found at the welding seams, threaded connections, on the valve and in other places, the test is considered successful. The water supply system must pass the manometric tests in the following sequence: the pipeline is filled with test air pressure up to 0.15 MPa; if an air leak is detected, it is necessary to remove the defects, then fill it with a pressure of 0.1 MPa and hold for 5 minutes.

Application for the device of pipelines of various purposes with the use of modern tools and equipment is first of all high quality, innovative technologies and affordable affordable prices.