How to select polypropylene pipes for heating

Polypropylene tubes are used for mounting sanitary and heating systems

Features polypropylene pipes and restrictions imposed on them

Polypropylene, as well as many other polymers, is thermoplastic, i.e. material which is quite widely changes its physical characteristics depending on the temperature. In particular, when the polypropylene is 140 degrees it becomes much softer and simply melted at 175. For this reason, it is important to remember that the most that can survive in the conditions of long-term use of any product this material - 120 degrees, although the manufacturers in order to indicate the safe side temperature not exceeding 95 degrees.

Polypropylene with its very high rate of thermal expansion poses a problem that when heated to 80 - 90 degrees three-meter length of tubes becomes longer as much as 3 cm.

The structure of polypropylene pipes reinforcing the aluminum layer

Useful advice!When installing the conduits heating polypropylene must take into account the thermal expansion of the material. It lies in the fact that the pipe must not rest against the wall. You must leave a gap of a few centimeters.

At extremely low temperatures in the north, the coolant may heat exceeding 100 degrees, which in combination with the pressure of 6-7 kg / cm² can lead to mechanical rupture of pipes and serious accident. For those regions where the climate is temperate or warm, the use of polypropylene pipes has no limitations.

The structure of the polypropylene tubes, glass fiber reinforced

How to select polypropylene pipes for heating

Today, for mounting the heating systems are mainly used glass fiber-reinforced or aluminum tube. With these materials reduces the thermal expansion coefficient. Furthermore, installation of such tubes is more convenient because it does not require trimming using shaver. Fiberglass fiber fused to the polypropylene, and any layers are absent. This circumstance does not allow the material to delaminate pipes.

Useful advice!Reinforcement significantly reduces thermal expansion, but does not remove it completely. Therefore, the long straight sections of the pipeline is recommended to supply the U-shaped or bellows pipe coils.

Choosing a pipe for heating, pay attention to the marking - it contains the maximum allowable pressure and temperature indicators

By what criteria to choose

In order to make the right choice the pipe for installation of the heating system, we need a good deal in their marking and the corresponding parameters. One of the main indicators is the operating pressure. It is usually reported in the tube directly after labeling alphabetic combination PN. For example, PN20 indicates that this tube is designed for use at an operating pressure of 20 atmospheres and a temperature of 20 degrees. In this case meaning not the peak pressure readings, which may at times exceed specified, and the maximum long term operating pressure indicators.

The fittings are used to mount polypropylene tubes

If we talk about how to choose the Polypropylene pipes for heating, it is preferable to be used for these purposes PN25 pipe. Indeed by increasing the maximum temperature coolant strength values ​​polypropylene pipes rupture are significantly reduced. This leads to the fact that when 900ºS tolerable limit pressure for marking articles with PN20 - is not 20, and about 6.5 kg / cm². This is acceptable, but less desirable because the sudden increase in pressure in the heating system can lead to accidents.

Temperature readings must be in the marking of the pipe explicitly or in the form of instructions on the use of heating systems (hot & cold). As previously mentioned, pipes for heating should be armored. How it is done: with fiberglass or foil - does not matter.

Long stretches of polypropylene strapping must complement compensators or pipe coils

The diameter of the pipes and their manufacturers

It is also necessary to know what diameter should be selected polypropylene pipes for heating. Usually, inside the apartment polypropylene tube section shall not be less than the cross section of the downcomer. In both cases we are talking about the inner section. Therefore it is necessary to consider that the wall thickness of pipes made of polypropylene is somewhat greater than that of similar steel water pipes. Based on the foregoing, it is proposed in Khrushchevki and newer homes use 26-mm pipes in Stalin homes - 32. When assembling the heating system in a private home with any type wiring using pipes of 32 to 40 mm in diameter, and the radiators (radiators) Therein crashed through the tube 20 or 26 mm.

In most cases, for the heating system installation using polypropylene tube diameter 20, 26, 32 and 40 mm

The importance of the choice of polypropylene pipes is their manufacturer. There remains the undisputed leader of the German companies: Akwatherm, Banninger, Rehau, Wefatherm. Not far behind them in the ranking of some Czech brands: FV-Plast, Ekoplastik. Cheaper products from Turkish producers with pretty good quality. Turn our eyes, perhaps, is the products Pilsa, Kalde, TEBO, Firat, Vesbo and Jakko. Among the manufacturers from China can stay for Dizayn and Blue Ocean. Russian versions are inexpensive, but also quite noteworthy: Politek, PRO AQUA, Heisskraft, RVC, Santrade.

When choosing polypropylene pipes need to watch out for and the issue of acquisition of the instrument for the heating installation of them. Perhaps the main point here is the soldering iron.

Stages for connecting pipes of polypropylene

How to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes

The assembly of any pipeline using polypropylene by means of welding. All segments of the desired length of pipes connected in the required configuration using special fittings. They are selected in accordance with the size of the selected tubes.

Useful advice!Buy connectors and pipes should be one of the firm. In this case no problems with connection parts, and the melting point will be identical. After all, as superheat and subcooling of the various elements negatively affects the compound that threatens to break at this point system.

Structure soldering polypropylene tubes

For a tight and sealing engagement with a pipe fitting and these parts are heated to the melting point of polypropylene. It makes special soldering irons. Sometimes they are called iron or welding machines. About how to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, should be discussed separately.

What are the soldering

Delivered these welders can be separately or bundled with the necessary attachments, scissors for cutting tubes, gloves, building level and a tape measure. All this is placed in convenient bags of plastic or metal. Equipped with such kits in metal or plastic bags.

Tool for cutting tubes of polypropylene

An important characteristic of irons for welding polypropylene is their capacity. There is no need to chase the expensive heavy-duty machines, because you just do not need them if you design inside apartment heating, where there are no pipes with a diameter greater than 50 mm. For domestic purposes will be enough to get a soldering iron with power from 600 to 800W. Guided when buying a can of reaching complete with instrument tips. Their diameter corresponds to the pipes, which can weld the device.

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The importance of the choice of the soldering iron should be paid to the thermostat. The accuracy of its calibration and the ability to "hold" even temperature depends on the quality of the resulting weld. This is especially important for beginners as well as the experienced masters do not need the instrument tips, guided by their feelings and intuition. Besides, who is just learning to solder, it is necessary to adhere to all regulations. For this reason, it is better to buy a soldering iron with continuously variable temperature control.

Nozzles of different diameters for soldering

If you are a beginner and you are concerned about how to choose the Polypropylene pipes for heating, it is necessary to buy branded time-tested products with the accompanying documents. They have all the characteristics of the pipe, and most importantly, the melting temperature. This information will help you to correctly set the thermostat on the soldering iron, depending on the diameter of pipes and fittings that make the seam quality and absolutely safe to use.

How to select polypropylene pipes for heating (video)