Polypropylene pipes, their maximum pressure and temperature
Undoubtedly, anyone who installs a polypropylene pipeline in their home thinks about its reliability and characteristics. After all, everyone understands that steel pipes will be able to withstand high temperatures, but how very few people know what polypropylene is predisposed to.
Let's start with the fact that polypropylene by its nature is a polymer, and therefore not designed for high temperatures. In this regard, starting from 140 degrees Celsius, it loses its structure and becomes soft. When this temperature reaches 175 degrees and begins to exceed this figure, polypropylene melts, which means that the product is completely destroyed.
Fortunately or sadness, but our heating systems are not designed for such a temperature, which means that polypropylene pipes can be installed safely in a house or apartment. Be aware that the maximum temperature at which polypropylene does not lose its characteristics and can be exploited is 95 degrees. Naturally, the higher the temperature, the lower the service life of the pipeline.
Alternative solution - reinforced polypropylene pipes
It's no secret that any substance changes its size when exposed to a certain temperature. Polypropylene is no exception. It is also peculiar for it to expand or contract. To eliminate the effect of sagging and swelling of the pipeline, manufacturers have created another type of polypropylene pipes - a reinforced pipeline. Their structure is slightly different in that an additional layer of fiberglass or aluminum foil is located between the layers of polypropylene, which prevents expansion. It is this pipeline that is recommended for modern heating systems.
Remember that not all polypropylene pipes are suitable for heating. At pipelines with PN20 marking, the operating temperature can reach up to 60 degrees and not higher, but the PN25 is easily operated at 95 degrees.
Secrets and nuances of mounting the polypropylene pipeline
As we said above, this pipeline has the property to expand. This means that you do not need to make a rigid fixation when it is attached to the wall. It is necessary to provide the possibility of a small movement of the pipe when the temperature regime is increased or lowered. The same rule applies to a concrete screed, where the pipe is installed in a diverted channel. It also needs to be done a bit wider.
When it comes to supplying cold water, a rigid mount is only welcome. You do not need to worry about the temperature regime, and the cost of the polypropylene pipe is much lower than the reinforced one.
In addition, do not bend strongly the polypropylene pipeline. In spite of its plasticity, for reliability and efficiency, install special fittings and couplings. If you want to bend the product at an angle of 90 degrees, expect at least a significant reduction in the internal diameter of the pipe, or even its fracture.
Pressure that is capable of withstanding the polypropylene pipeline
The polypropylene pipeline, if properly installed and maintained, can be serviced within 50 years. This indicator, in addition to observing the temperature regime, is also affected by the pressure, which is able to reach a value of 30kg / cm.
Of course, the higher the temperature, the lower the pressure. In simpler terms, the optimum pressure level is 10bar.
As you can see, pipes made of polypropylene are in demand, but they have a number of limitations. Therefore, before making a purchase, set exactly the pressure that will affect the pipe, as well as the operating temperature.
