Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass for heating systems. Reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating

For communication systems in a residential building, reliability and simplicity of design are always in the first place. In order for the cold and hot water supply system to function normally in an apartment, at home or in a country house, the heating equipment must work to the fullest, it is necessary to correctly and competently lay the pipeline. Here, pipes come to the fore - an engineering and technological element, on which the entire water and heat supply system is based in the future. When choosing pipes for a heating system, literally every little thing has to be taken into account, from technological parameters to the material used and the method of manufacture.

The complexity of the task lies in the fact that today the consumer has at his disposal pipes for heating of various types and types. , a new type of consumable, which is successfully used for laying household pipelines. for the installation of a heating system, with fiberglass or reinforced with aluminum - this is the "know-how" of recent years. Cheap, reliable, practical and easy-to-use consumables.

Do synthetic consumables meet the tasks set for the heating system? How reliable are fiberglass reinforced polypropylene pipes, how to make the right purchase? These questions need to be dealt with in more detail.

What is reinforced polypropylene pipes

Life support communications systems that use metal pipes are becoming a thing of the past. Despite the fact that metal consumables are highly durable and quite reliable in operation, the high cost of the material and complex installation have affected the fact that interest in such materials has noticeably weakened at the household level. As an alternative to metal pipes, the consumer today focuses on reinforced synthetic consumables.

In the process of manufacturing products, polypropylene is strengthened by the addition of special components to the structure. As a result, at the output we have a completely different, qualitatively new consumable material - reinforced polypropylene pipes. Reinforcement is a traditional way of mechanically strengthening communications. Due to the inclusion of synthetic fibers in the form of a braid in the composition of the polypropylene channel, it was possible to significantly increase the strength and rigidity of the material. Reinforcement is carried out both in the middle of the product itself and on the inside. Internal reinforcement is extremely rare, but the inclusion of an additional middle layer of fiberglass in the structure of the finished product is a fairly common technology.

On a note: reinforcement on the inner wall of the pipe is not advisable. There is a high probability of an early blockage due to the formation of salt deposits on the walls of the internal channel. The quality of water used for domestic purposes, including heating, is not always ideal.

Replacing metal pipes, reinforced polypropylene consumables have radically changed the entire technology of laying pipelines of the heat supply system. Synthetic material is not inferior to metal in strength, is resistant to corrosive processes and copes well with temperature changes.

We especially bribe the consumer with the fact that, reinforced and reinforced with fiberglass, they are suitable for heating any premises. Polypropylene consumables are able to effectively interact with almost any type of heating equipment and heating equipment.

The cost of such products is an order of magnitude less than the cost of metal, copper or metal-plastic pipelines. This aspect is especially important when it comes to organizing a heating system throughout the house. In houses and apartments of a large area, in two-story residential buildings, the use of synthetic reinforced channels makes it possible to literally entangle the entire building with a network of pipelines. The length of a pipeline made of synthetic materials in some cases reaches several hundred meters. With other products, you will not allow yourself such luxury, trying to save on every centimeter.

For reference: the length of the heat supply system in a private residential building with an area of 100 m 2 is about 100 meters, including the return. Compare the cost of reinforced polypropylene pipes required for laying a pipeline of this length and the price of metal products or metal-plastic.

Let's summarize. Reinforcement is carried out in order to give the polypropylene pipe the necessary strength. Why fiberglass is used for this purpose. The answer is simple. Fiberglass inserted in the middle is impregnated with an elastic plastic mass, creating a single whole with the surrounding outer and outer layers of polypropylene. As a result, the necessary integrity of the product is achieved. Due to the inclusion of a fiberglass layer in the pipe structure, it was possible to significantly reduce the thickness of the inner wall, while maintaining the main working diameter of the channel.

On a note: reinforced with aluminum, polypropylene pipes can delaminate over time. Frequent sudden changes in the temperature of the coolant cause such a negative phenomenon.

Features of Polypropylene Consumables Reinforced with Glass Fiber

For a home heating system, the most important parameter is ease of operation and long service life. The functionality of each component and element of the water heating system determines the level of comfort and the degree of reliability of the equipment. What is the main thing when installing a heating system in a house? Durability and convenient operation. Carrying out the installation of the heating system in the house, we want to make sure that the whole complex of equipment works autonomously, without our participation.

They can reassure you in this regard. , taking into account thermal calculations and operation features, will ensure long-term and uninterrupted operation of the home heating system. Reinforced synthetic consumables used in heating communications are designed for 20-25 years of service.

Resistance to corrosion processes, the ability to withstand high pressure and significant temperature changes, make synthetic pipelines and communications very convenient and practical to use. The permissible temperature range for such material is: -10 0 C +90 0 C, which is especially important when completing autonomous heating. Not afraid of polypropylene with fiberglass and freezing. When the coolant in the system freezes, synthetic lines, unlike metal products, retain their shape, structure and integrity.

Synthetic, fiberglass-reinforced pipes are an excellent dielectric, and when in contact with fire, polypropylene is non-toxic and decomposes into water vapor and carbon. Along with the listed features, fiberglass-based synthetic water channels have other advantages. For example:

simple, fast and convenient installation;
pipe laying does not require special skills and specialization;
the strength of the seams allows the use of even pieces of pipe in the installation, minimizing waste;
interchangeability of individual elements in case of damage to the pipeline;
affordable price of the material.

And the most important advantage that reinforced polypropylene pipes have is the absence of the effect of sagging of the pipeline.

Important! For conventional polypropylene pipes, the sagging effect is a significant disadvantage. Polymers tend to have a high coefficient of thermal expansion. Upon contact with a hot coolant, polymers acquire additional elasticity and begin to change their structure.

Fiberglass or aluminum give polypropylene pipes the necessary resistance when heated. Pipelines for hot water or heating systems withstand temperature loads without losing their main technological parameters. In addition, reinforced synthetics and fittings are perfectly combined with any interior decoration options. The pipeline of the heating system can be laid inside the walls, significantly increasing the usable volume of the interior.

Types of reinforced polypropylene pipes. Product marking

At the moment, the market for consumables for heating systems is rich in choice. The marking of products deserves attention, thanks to which we can get all the necessary information about the working parameters of the pipe and operational capabilities. For polypropylene reinforced pipes, marking plays a key role. Based on the information, we will be able to correctly and accurately select the required type, type of product.

Let's start with the classification of polypropylene pipes, which is based on the diversity of products. Synthetic consumables are divided into the following types:

The first type - products made from homopolypropylene, have a PPH index (H - homopolymer). This type is characterized by high strength. They are usually used in cold water supply systems.
The second type is pipes, which include a block copolymer (B - block copolymer). These consumables are marked with PPB indices and can be used in low-temperature heating systems (warm water floors).
The third type is the most common. Products are used for underfloor heating and hot water supply. PPR pipes are marked, where R is a random copolymer. Usually this type of product is made reinforced. The letter C is added to the existing PPR marking, which means overestimated requirements for temperature jumps (up to 95 0 С).

The European abbreviation PP corresponds to the Russian version of PP, which means polypropylene.

Further, after the designations that the product belongs to the type of material, there are designations characterizing the value of the nominal working pressure. For this purpose, PN indices are used. At the household level, reinforced pipes with indexes PN20, PN25 are usually used for water supply and heating systems. These two types are optimally suited for heating systems, both for centralized heating options and complete with individual heating devices. The difference is that products with the PN20 index are reinforced with fiberglass, and those with the PN25 index have an aluminum layer.

Important! Unlike conventional polypropylene consumables, both PN20 and PN25 have a low thermal expansion coefficient. For products reinforced with fiberglass, this figure is 5-7% higher than for foil-coated polypropylene pipes.

The required quality, compliance of the product with the declared parameters can be obtained by purchasing original, branded products. The price is an aspect on the basis of which it is possible to determine a fake from a branded consumable. Reinforcing component - fiberglass can be of different colors, orange, blue, red or green. The color scheme does not play any role. Some manufacturers, in addition to existing designations, apply strips along the surface of the pipe:

red stripe, scope of use - pipelines with hot water or coolant;
blue stripe, products are used for cold water supply;
two colors - the versatility of the highway.

This is what the standard marking on the product looks like.

Conclusion. Pipe laying and installation features

Having an idea about which components are best to take for the heating system, it is worth saying a few words about the features of laying polypropylene lines and the specifics of installing pipelines.

With the help of calculations, you can get an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat length pipes should be bought and in what quantity. Already in the process of laying the pipeline, the material is cut into fragments in accordance with the required dimensions. The cutting of consumables is carried out with special scissors.

Important! Polypropylene channels are cut quite easily, hence the conclusion can be drawn. Transportation and installation of finished products must be carried out with due care. Any significant mechanical force can lead to a violation of the integrity of the product.

Where there is a high probability of mechanical damage to the pipeline, it is better to install metal fragments.

It is believed that polypropylene pipes are environmentally friendly and safe, so the location of the pipeline can be chosen in accordance with the technological need. However, before installation, it is better to have at hand the calculated data on the flow rate of the coolant, the pressure force and the heating temperature. The calculated data should not exceed the permissible operating parameters for the selected brand of goods. Otherwise, a technological inconsistency may occur, resulting in an emergency.

The installation of the pipeline is carried out taking into account the coefficient of thermal expansion, which for consumables with fiberglass is slightly higher (by 5-6%) than for products with an aluminum insert. The cut fragments are connected into a single line by diffuse soldering, using fittings, couplings, angles, tees and adapters for connections and branches. Reinforced pipes are soldered in the same way as conventional polypropylene products. The material is easy to combine with metal elements that have a threaded connection.

At the moment, the price-quality ratio of polypropylene pipeline products is the best among other consumables. Strength, reliability and durability make it quite easy, without much skill and effort, to lay the pipeline of the heating system in the house.

Polypropylene pipes are environmentally friendly, in many properties they show themselves superior to steel pipes. They are more technologically advanced, their price is lower, they do not need to be protected from corrosion, the process of connecting them into a pipeline is much less laborious, and their service life is much longer.

Mainly used for heating fiberglass reinforced or aluminum polypropylene pipes. This is due to the fact that the temperature of the coolant in heating systems can reach 100 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, unreinforced pipes laid on clips will linearly lengthen and sag, which requires the introduction of compensators into the pipeline.Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass, have a coefficient of linear expansion five times less than unreinforced. Their sagging is much less, which allows you to install clips at a greater distance from each other.

Historically, the first reinforced polypropylene pipes were pipes reinforced not with fiberglass, but with a layer of aluminum deposited on the surface. Their price is slightly higher compared to non-reinforced ones. But they have one inconvenience - before installation, such pipes must be cleaned of aluminum, and this is quite painstaking work that increases the assembly time of the pipeline. For glass fiber reinforced pipes, the reinforcing layer is buried inside the structure, which does not require such stripping before connecting them.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes, price which are approximately the same as those coated with aluminum, have greater thermal resistance, since there is no metal in their design. In view of this, they can be insulated with energy flex or k-flex tubes with a slightly thinner wall thickness than aluminum tubes.

In the warehouse of the organization, polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass are available. External diameter from 20 to 110 mm.

Material. For the production of pipes PN 25, Random copolymer (type 3) Borealis RA 130-E is used - polypropylene, designed specifically for the manufacture of pipes intended for cold and hot water supply, heating. Pipes made from polypropylene of this brand have improved shock and heat resistance, tolerate pressure and temperature drops well, and do not collapse when water freezes in them. Resistant to most aggressive alkaline and acidic environments, not subject to corrosion, deposits do not form on the surface of the pipe in contact with water. Installation of polypropylene pipes is several times faster than steel pipes. The glass fiber PPR-GF-PPR used in PN 25 makes the pipes comparable in expansion coefficient to aluminum reinforced pipes. At the same time, the thermal conductivity (and, as a result, heat loss) of PN 25 pipes reinforced with fiberglass is lower.

Scope of use. Pipes PN 25 are intended for use in engineering systems of cold and hot water supply, for distributing heating systems with an operating temperature of up to +95 °C (short-term - up to 110 °C). They can also be used for distributing heating systems, when installing underfloor heating and air conditioning systems, as well as for transporting and storing compressed air or chemicals.

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general characteristics

Pipes reinforced with fiberglass create serious competition for analogues reinforced with aluminum foil. For such risers, a characteristic three-layer construction: polypropylene - fiberglass - polypropylene. The reinforcing layer is also made of propylene, reinforced with fiber fibers - glass fibers.
According to its technical parameters, the adhesion of plastic to fiberglass can be compared with the strength of a monolith.

For fiberglass-reinforced pipes, the following marking is typical: PPR-FB-PPR.

If we compare the risers with an aluminum and fiberglass frame, then the first option has one significant advantage: the products are more rigid. This means that when mounting systems with a length of 1.5 meters or more, such risers must be attached to the walls with special fasteners. Otherwise, sagging, deformation, failure of the structure is possible.

Regarding diameters, it should be noted that products can be produced with diameters from 20 mm to 110 mm. It is these risers that can be found on sale more often than others. Although, for example, elements with a diameter of 17 mm or less are used to equip underfloor heating.

Products of small diameters are fixed with plastic clips, and large ones with clamps.

Polypropylene products

Reinforced fiberglass depend on the polymer used to make them. All products are marked, which makes it possible to immediately determine the areas of use of tubular parts.

Let's find out. So, PPR - English, and PPR - Russian name means that this is a Polypropylene pipe from a Random copolymer.

Such polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass are used for heating, plumbing, ventilation systems, industrial pipelines.

When arranging engineering networks, PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass are increasingly being used. There is nothing strange in this, since they are reliable, light enough, and there are much fewer problems with their installation.

Another important factor is cost. For example, the price of PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass for heating is lower than metal counterparts, which helps to save the family budget. These, as well as other characteristics that a glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipe possesses, contributed to its popularization and use in various areas of the national economy.

Reading this article: The main characteristics and scope and what influences its choice. Classification by pressure and composition of raw materials. Polar questions and answers to them.

10 pluses

High-quality material with the use of modern production technologies, in combination, provide the communications in question with popularity.

What are the main positive characteristics of fiberglass reinforced pipes?

The advantages are definitely:

Corrosion resistance.
To be more precise, this material does not rust at all. Due to this, systems made of polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass, which are used for heating, plumbing, ventilation, do not require replacement for many years.
Long service life.
Subject to operational standards and regulations, products made of polymers last about 4 times longer than their metal counterparts.
Low thermal conductivity.
This property completely eliminates the appearance of condensate on pipelines during their operation.
Small noises and vibrations.
Due to the design, polypropylene pipes almost do not transmit sound, which occurs as a result of the movement of liquid media. Therefore, the appearance of uncomfortable conditions in the premises is completely excluded.
The complete absence of defrosting.
This means that even at sub-zero temperatures, only a slight expansion of polypropylene pipes reinforced with glass fiber is observed, which cannot be said about products made of steel, copper, metal-plastic. The last three options for water risers can simply burst under the influence of frost.
Ease of installation.
You do not need to have special knowledge and skills for laying the highway. It is enough just once with your own hands to try to lay the system, and then everything will go “like clockwork”. Engineering communications of the most complex configurations are performed very easily. This is facilitated by the presence of a large number of fittings.
Absolute tightness of joints.
, which means, in the future, the ideal functioning of the pipeline.
No minimum deposits, head loss, which is ensured by the smoothness of the inner surface.
Chemical inertness, which is expressed in increased resistance to aggressive environments.
Lightness, ease of maintenance.
Products do not need to be painted, and the reliability of the connections allows the lines to be operated without repair for more than a dozen years.

Some of the best fiberglass reinforced pipes today are considered to be the German piping systems aquatherm GmbH. You can buy from a representative of the plant of the Agpipe Group of Companies (https://agpipe.ru/trubi_armirovannie_steklovoloknom) - a detailed description of products, characteristics, assortment and much more.

4 cons

As evidenced by the reviews, polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass for heating or plumbing have some disadvantages.

Mandatory pre-treatment.
This means that there are PPR pipes that must be trimmed before welding. This procedure can be performed with a simple file or a special device. This, in some way, complicates the installation work.
Sensitivity to mechanical influences.
Although PPR pipes are not brittle, they are not as strong as metal parts, for example. Given this, when passing the highway under the roads, the risers are protected by special boxes.
Products are not recommended to bend, but only join using fittings or welding.

What are the types of pipes made of polymers

At present, 2 types of polymer products are known:

single layer;
multilayer.

What are the characteristics of each type of product?

Single layer

There are 4 modifications of one-piece polypropylene risers used for heating or water supply.

1st type: PPN pipes.
For their production homopolypropylene is used. They are used in engineering pipeline structures for supplying cold water, arranging ventilation, industrial highways.

2nd type: RRV pipes.
The basis for production is a block copolymer of polypropylene. Products are intended for installation of underfloor heating, cold water supply networks.

3rd type: PPR pipes.
The material for the production of parts is a random copolymer of polypropylene. The main property of the substance: promoting a uniform distribution of loads on the inner walls of pipelines.

Hot, cold water supply, underfloor heating systems, water radiator heating - this is a list of the use of risers of this type.

4th type: PPs pipes.
The main characteristic of the products: polypropylene with increased heat resistance is used for production.

The details of such a line are able to withstand the temperature of the transported media up to + 95⁰С. If necessary, during a short period of time it is possible to transport the medium with a temperature of up to +110⁰С.

The first three analogues are designed for operation at temperatures around +70⁰С. In short-term mode, operation is also allowed at slightly higher temperature values.

Products of the 3rd type are covered with a special sheath, which can completely eliminate the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Important! You should not often use the operation of the system in the mode of maximum permissible parameters.

About multilayer analogues

Polypropylene (pp) pipes consisting of several layers are reinforced with fiberglass, water supply. In comparison with one-piece cast structures, PP products practically do not change their linear dimensions at high temperatures of the transported media. Due to this property, the scope of application of solid-cast communications is significantly expanded.

The following modifications of multilayer risers can be distinguished.

1. Products reinforced with perforated aluminum foil.

They are characterized by the presence, on the outer or middle layer, of holes of small diameters in the form of a mesh. The strength of the bonding with the polymer is due to the viscosity, as well as the fluidity of the substance that penetrates into the holes of the aluminum layer.

Product advantages

Low coefficient of linear expansion;
increased strength.

Minuses

In the process of welding, docking with fittings of only the upper layer of the riser is reliable enough;
aluminum reinforcement must be removed before welding, since failure to perform this operation may cause a poor-quality connection.

2. PP pipes with solid aluminum foil reinforcement.

The foil can be located both on the outer and on the middle layer of the pipe part, but it is imperative that polymer layers are placed on both sides of the metal.

Before proceeding with welding, it is necessary to trim the risers. Thanks to the procedure, the possibility of aluminum contact with the moving medium is excluded.

Advantages

Low coefficient of thermal expansion;
increased strength properties.

The disadvantages include:

Not all layers are welded reliably. In places of welding, only the connection of the outer layer is absolutely reliable;
obligatory removal of unnecessary aluminum residues, which takes a lot of time.

Important! To remove the aluminum layer before welding, you need to use a special tool. Its purpose: to accurately measure the depth to which the pipes should be lowered into the fittings in order to clean the inner surface to the same distance.

Failure to comply with this condition may lead to an unreliable connection, which is fraught with the occurrence of electrochemical processes when the foil comes into contact with water.

Individual enterprises have mastered the production of communications of this type, the design of which does not foresee preliminary cleaning before welding.

3. PP products with reinforcement in the form of polyethylene.

That is, the outer layer of the pipe looks like a thick polyethylene layer.

Advantages

Small coefficient of thermal expansion;
cleaning is not required before joining by welding;
operation at high temperatures.

Minuses

When docking, a reliable connection of the fitting is possible only with the outer layer;
full contact of the transported medium and polyethylene is not excluded;
strength characteristics wish to be the best, since the layers between themselves.

4. PP pipe with fiberglass reinforcement.

Design feature: the presence of a middle polypropylene layer with a filler in the form of fiberglass. Fillers are often colored in order to better distinguish them visually.

The advantages of this type of communication are greater than those of previous analogues combined.

First of all: structures with pipes reinforced with fiberglass for heating or water supply have high strength and solidity.

Secondly: fiberglass-reinforced risers are characterized by a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, which is approximately 25% less than that of non-reinforced counterparts.

Thirdly: before hot docking, it is not necessary to clean the ends of the elements to be joined.

Fourth: fiberglass line has increased rigidity.

Fiberglass elements have one drawback, and even that has not yet been fully proven: the penetration of oxygen through the material.

If this fact is fully confirmed, an accelerated process of corrosion of the metal from which the boilers are made is possible.

Theoretically, such a minus is possible, but in practice, research is still being carried out.

How elements are connected to each other

PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass can be connected into a single structure by diffusion welding or fittings (adapters, couplings, tees and other parts).

In each of the methods, the so-called welding machine. The risers docked in this way create a monolithic non-separable structure.

The presence of special adapters in the form of threaded, flanged connections makes it possible to fasten the PPR polypropylene pipe reinforced with fiberglass with a metal line corresponding to fittings.

What is a pipe polypropylene fiber reinforced with fiberglass

These products are 3-layer polypropylene pipes reinforced with FIBER fiberglass.

They differ:

increased resistance to corrosion processes and chemical influences;
abrasive resistance;
hygiene. Due to this property, the products have found their application in the installation of drinking water pipelines;
environmental safety;
long service life;
ease of installation.

In addition, the products are universal in their use.

This is manifested in the fact that they are used:

when installing underfloor heating, water heating;
for supplying hot, cold water;
in the process of arranging drainage and sewer systems.

Due to the design features of the risers, the product practically does not change its linear dimensions, which is very important when installing heating and ventilation communications.

How to choose

This question is asked by everyone who deals with the arrangement of pipe structures during repairs or when building a new house. The main thing is that the planned highway should be of high quality and cheap.

For the optimal solution of the issue, you need to have knowledge of the technical characteristics of the system that is planned to be built.

Experts advise to adhere to certain recommendations regarding other characteristics, the main of which are:

diameter;
pressure;
manufacturers.

1. Required diameters.

Today's market is saturated with products with diameters of 20-110 mm.

In everyday life, elements with a diameter of up to 40 mm are most often used. Risers of this thickness are used in the arrangement of heating, ventilation systems, hot and cold water supply.

In some cases, the most accurate calculations are needed when mounting certain communications. In such situations, it is necessary to use the services of specialists who, using formulas, will make the necessary calculations. Given the maximum water flow, the speed of its movement, professionals will tell you as accurately as possible what diameter riser should be used in a particular case.

2. What pressure are the parts rated for?

To a person who is not familiar with the specifics of such work, the task of choosing a riser that can withstand a certain pressure seems quite difficult. But this is at first glance. In fact, the problem is solved simply.

To do this, you need to: know what pressure the heating or plumbing system is designed for and ... be able to read. This means that since there is a marking on all PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass, it contains all the information about the product. Here it is written what maximum pressure the product is designed for.

Mostly, in everyday life, communications with the inscription PN20 are used, which means that the part can be operated in lines with pressure up to 20 atm. This number is exaggerated, since such pressure is not observed in household mains. For example, in heating systems of one-story buildings, the nominal pressure is 2.5 - 4 atmospheres. But a margin of safety won't hurt.

Regarding the diameter, it is necessary to select the appropriate fittings.

Important! The best option for selecting pipes and fittings is the presence of parts not only of the same diameter, but also of the same manufacturer. When assembling a structure from such elements, minimal problems are excluded.

3. Manufacturers

The correct choice of PPR risers also includes the choice of the manufacturer. There is no one specific company whose products would satisfy all customers.

The question is to avoid unnecessary problems. Therefore, preference should be given to that (or those) enterprises whose reputation in the market of similar goods is impeccable.

Companies from Europe have a certain advantage in this regard. High quality, reliability in operation, affordable price, which means that the products of companies from Germany and the Czech Republic are popular.

In recent years, the quality of goods from Turkey and China has increased significantly.

A little behind them are domestic manufacturers, whose products today differ not only in relatively low prices, but also in proper quality. The choice is yours. The main thing is not to buy fakes. Therefore, buy goods in company stores, while requiring a quality certificate.

In addition to these, there are other reasons that affect the choice of goods. True, there is one but: we did not remember at all about the service life of products made of white polypropylene. There is a reason for this. By adhering to the requirements of proper operation, the elements of the piping structure are fully capable of withstanding the period of time that is needed to begin the next overhaul of the building.

Such are today's materials.

findings

It can be concluded that, given the positive characteristics of PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass, their budget price, the scope of use - heating, ventilation, water supply, the products do not in vain claim to be the leader in their class.

The future belongs to polymer communications, as they will be a worthy replacement for traditional metal pipelines.

Video

Polypropylene is obtained from oil cracking products by subsequent polymerization in the presence of catalysts. It occurs when heated under high pressure.

As a result of polymerization, a mass is obtained from which plastic products are made, including polypropylene pipes reinforced with glass fiber, which are widely used in heating and hot water supply.

With further an increase in pressure and temperature leads to a more active polymerization of the composition, leading to the adhesion of chains of molecules to each other, creating a semblance of a crystal lattice. This leads to further hardening of the material.

Why reinforced polypropylene is needed for heating

However, polypropylene as a raw material for the production of pipes has its own characteristics. in natural conditions. Pipelines for heating systems from it can sag during operation.

The second negative feature of polypropylene (PP) is its poor resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, a polypropylene water pipe begins to collapse. This effect can be largely neutralized by introducing up to 2% carbon black into the composition of the plastic mass.

But such an impact is often not enough, so the strengthening of the mechanical characteristics is additionally carried out by reinforcing the pipes.

This is done as follows:

First of all, the base for the final product is made. It controls the inner diameter parameter.
During the production of the outer surface of the product, a layer of glass fibers is wound. They are characterized by high longitudinal strength.
Further, the resulting semi-finished product is re-extruded, in which an outer layer of the same polypropylene is applied over the fiberglass.

The mechanical and thermal characteristics of polypropylene pipes reinforced with glass fiber are significantly higher than those of non-reinforced ones.

Consider the characteristics and structure

Therefore, it seems more appropriate to use glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes for hot water. Another thing, when it comes to hot water supply, it is more important to have reliable oxygen protection, because oxidation products can hardly be considered beneficial to humans.

Watch the video

Before purchasing polypropylene pipes for plumbing, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the main properties of the components in order to make a qualified choice.

Consider the main manufacturers

The marking in our case is applied directly to the outer surface of the product and includes the following data in order of location:

Logo and trademark of the manufacturer.
The designation of the material of manufacture. The letter "B" denotes a polypropylene copolymer, "H" - a homopolymer, "R" - a random copolymer. Such designations are not accepted by all manufacturers, but the designation "PP" is always applied when pipes are made of polypropylene.
The value of the nominal pressure for this type of product is referred to as "PN 20 (or 25)".
The size of the pipe is indicated by the outer diameter and wall thickness, for example "25x2.8" - that is, in the same format as metal water and gas pipeline counterparts.
Operating conditions class: "Class 2".
The maximum allowable working pressure is indicated: "5/1 MPa".
The last in the list of data is the regulatory document in accordance with which the products are manufactured: GOST or technical specifications.

The presence of a blue or red stripe along the outer surface naturally indicates applicability for hot water or cold water supply.

The color of products from any manufacturer is not a defining feature and may vary. The main colors used are white, grey, green and black.

Watch the video

After removing the mating parts from the bushings, they are connected by pressing with hands. Turning around the axis after the connection is unacceptable, as it leads to the marriage of the connection. The point is that the surface of the parts melted to a certain depth, but they did not lose their hardness.

The process is simple, but requires attention and concentration. If you decide to do the installation yourself, it is advisable to take a few extra fittings and solder several test joints.

Advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene pipes

The main positive characteristics include the following points:

High quality of the internal surface of the products, as a result of which they practically do not have hydraulic resistance.
Chemical resistance of the material.
Significant margin of safety (almost twice) when used in water pipes.
The absence of any precipitation on the walls.
Hygiene.

At the same time, there are also disadvantages:

The need to use additional equipment during installation in the form of various soldering irons.
Difficulty in the repair and maintenance of plumbing systems, since the connections in them are one-piece.
The need for constant temperature control, since the material can withstand no more than 95 degrees.