Polypropylene pipe reinforced with fiberglass vs plast. Characteristics of pipes reinforced with fiberglass and methods of their installation

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass appeared later than analogues with aluminum foil. But they rapidly began to gain popularity in the field of plumbing during the installation of water supply and heating systems.

The technical standards of this type of equipment are in many ways superior to non-reinforced PP pipes and successfully compete with aluminum-reinforced ones.

Design and characteristics

Glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes are marked PPR-FB-PPR or PPR/PPR-GF/PPR, where the marking FB (fiber fiber) and GF - glass fiber means the presence of fiberglass, and PPR is a brand of universal polypropylene, successfully used in heating and hot water systems.

According to the marking, the pipes are three-layer products: polypropylene - glass fiber - polypropylene.

But due to the fact that they are produced using co-extrusion technology (combining jets of different materials into a single integral structure almost at the molecular level), layers are not glued, as, for example, with aluminum reinforcement.

That is, with their multilayer the equipment is homogeneous and does not have the ability to delaminate.

Due to this design, reinforced with fiberglass PP pipes are tougher than simple polypropylene. This somewhat complicates the installation procedure, but reduces the risk of sagging and allows the use of samples of a smaller diameter for heating and plumbing systems.

Another nuance - the rigidity of the inner layer contributes significant reduction in linear expansion characteristics for polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass. This is one of the reasons why fiberglass reinforced PP pipes are used in heating systems.

The thickness and amount of the reinforcing composition is calculated in accordance with GOST standards. Fiberglass elements do not penetrate either the outer layer, where they would interfere with welding joints, or the inner layer, which would lead to a violation of sanitary standards. The absence of metal eliminates the appearance of hardness salts– means, all connections become literally monolithic.

In the manufacture of fiberglass, they are dyed in different colors, but they are not an indicator of any operational or technical characteristics. In terms of standard sizes, they correspond to other types of reinforced PP pipes., which allows the use of standard fittings and the replacement of individual sections of pipelines from the material of the old sample.

Advantages and disadvantages

Of the design flaws of fiber-reinforced propylene pipes, it can only be noted that, compared with models reinforced with aluminum, their expansion coefficient is slightly higher - by 5-6%.

But compared to non-reinforced, it is three times lower, by 75%, which allows you to increase the distance between the fasteners and reduce the cost of installation. As well as:

• They are much thinner than non-reinforced PP pipes, which is very important when they are carried in walls, while the conductivity of the coolant is higher by 20%.
• A layer of fiberglass will not allow the pipeline to break through, which ensures wear resistance and increased durability - up to 50 years.
• The strength and tightness of the joints does not require regular maintenance.


• Due to good insulating properties no condensation and heat loss is minimal.
• The slight thermal expansion minimizes the risk of damage.
• In addition, during installation, they do not require calibration and stripping, which is necessary for pipes reinforced with aluminum foil.
• The thermal conductivity corresponds to that of conventional PP pipes and is lower than that of aluminum reinforced pipes.
• Cases of delamination of AL polypropylene products are known, which is excluded during coextrusion with glass fiber.
• All materials are non-toxic and completely harmless.
• Light weight, easy to install. They are connected in any way - socket or butt soldering, threaded or flanged connection.
• Chemical resistance allows you to withstand even low-quality coolant.
• High permeability due to the smooth inner surface, respectively, and the absence of deposits.
• Pipes flexible, abrasion-resistant and quiet, are pressure resistant.
• Withstand temperature values ​​in the range of -10 - +95 Celsius.
• When reaching and even exceeding critical levels FB pipe may expand and sag, but will not burst.

Criterias of choice

Looking at the marking of the pipe, you can immediately understand for what purposes it is intended, since the abbreviation PN means "nominal pressure", and the numbers - its working indicator.

PN-10 with a wall of 1.9 - 10 mm - designed for temperatures up to 45 degrees, that is, they are applicable only in cold water supply systems. Thin-walled, withstand pressure up to 1 MPa or 10 atm. Can be used for arranging a warm floor, but taking into account the temperature regime. Diameter inside and outside - 16.2 - 90 mm, 20 - 110 mm.

PN-20 with a wall of 16 - 18.4 mm are the most in demand, as they are almost universal. Suitable for cold water supply, heating, floor heating equipment. Withstand up to 95 Celsius and a pressure of 20 atmospheres. They have excellent throughput used in private and comfortable homes, public institutions, enterprises. Diameter inside and outside - 10.6 - 73.2 mm, 16 - 110 mm.

PN-25 with a wall of 4 - 13.3 mm - designed for arranging risers, heating and water supply systems, warm floors, for industrial purposes. Working pressure - 25 atmospheres, temperature - 95 degrees. Not subject to thermal deformation. Diameter inside and outside - 13.2 - 50 mm, 21.2 - 77.9 mm.

When choosing polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass for mounting a heating system you need to build on your own requirements and product specifications:

• Indications of the maximum temperature;
• Rated pressure;
• Diameter.

Accordingly, the most suitable polypropylene pipes with fiberglass for heating are PN-20 and PN-25 with d 16 - 40 mm, for warm floors - all three types. For making connections to radiators, models with a diameter of 20 to 24 mm are optimal. When installing smaller pipes, the internal seam formed during soldering can become an obstacle to the free flow of water.

Based on the above, we can conclude that a propylene pipeline with a GF layer - almost ideal option not only for sewerage or plumbing, but also for the heating system.

Besides fiberglass is an anti-diffusion barrier preventing oxygen from entering. Diffusion is fraught with acceleration of corrosion processes of all metal equipment - pumps, boilers, etc.

This happens especially quickly in water systems with high temperatures - hot water supply, heating.

Non-reinforced PP pipes cannot boast of such a property. According to many criteria, they are significantly inferior to fiber-reinforced ones, especially with regard to heating systems - polypropylene pipes without reinforcement are thicker, weaker, prone to deformation.

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What is a reinforced pipe

Polypropylene is an organic polymer that is used to make safe, cheap (compared to metal) pipes with a long service life. A significant disadvantage of pipelines made of simple polypropylene is their sagging and deformation with an increase in the temperature of the transported liquid.

The second quality of polypropylene, which creates problems in the operation of pipelines, is their linear (in length) expansion during operation in heating or hot water supply. Pipe extension reaches 10 cm per 1 linear meter and requires the installation of compensators.

With open installation, this worsens the aesthetics, adds cost. When closed, the circulation of the pipeline can cause the destruction of the plaster.

Reinforcement is the addition of a material reinforcing polypropylene to the pipe wall: aluminum or fiberglass.

Reinforcement of plastic materials with fiberglass is the latest development in this area and takes into account the disadvantages of metal reinforcement. An additional inner layer stabilizes the ductile organics, making the pipes more durable.

Reinforced plastic pipelines approach the capabilities of metal pipelines, while retaining all the advantages of an organic polymer.

Reinforced polypropylene pipe has the following qualities:

• remains inert to chemical attack;
• does not emit harmful substances, suitable for use in the food industry;
• retains the smoothness of the inner wall, does not “overgrow” with precipitation and scale;
• are dielectrics, have low noise and thermal conductivity;
• has a price lower than metal products;
• is light in weight, easy to transport;
• the coefficient of linear expansion is reduced by 5 times in comparison with conventional polypropylene;
• withstands more significant temperature and power loads;
• remains available for self-assembly.

Scope of application

Polypropylene reinforced pipes are suitable for installation:

• heating systems in centralized heating networks, private houses;
• hot water pipelines;
• industrial pipelines for the transportation of aggressive substances and food liquids (without heating).

The main consumer of polypropylene reinforced pipes is a private homeowner. Plastic products best meet the needs and capabilities of consumers. They retain the maximum service life in the conditions of autonomous heating communications, are inexpensive, easily transportable, available for self-assembly, maintenance, and repair.

Note! Polypropylene pipes (even reinforced ones) are not recommended to be installed in central heating systems in cold regions. A significant temperature difference, high loads adversely affect the durability of plastic communications.

Types of reinforcement for polypropylene pipes

There are 2 types of reinforcement of plastic products:

1. Reinforcement with aluminum foil.
2. Fiberglass reinforcement.

metal reinforcement

The essence of aluminum reinforcement is that aluminum foil is embedded in the wall of a polypropylene pipe. The edges of the foil are sealed together (in cheap products this can be done with an overlap, without fixing).

The wall of the reinforced pipe in the section is a three-layer structure, where the metal core is covered by the inner and outer layers of polypropylene.

Types of reinforcement of polypropylene with aluminum:

• the foil can be perforated (with holes over the entire area) or solid;
• the location can be strictly in the middle of the thickness or closer to the outer edge;
• the pipe wall can be three-layer or five-layer.

The five-layer wall contains additional layers of glue (adhesive) between the metal and plastic. Product marking: PP-RCT-AL-PPR (with additional layer) or PP-AL-PPR (without additions).

fiberglass reinforcement

Fiberglass reinforcement looks different. Fiberglass, by itself, is not a solid "piece" of material, but rather disparate fibers. Fiberglass fiber layer is mixed with polypropylene and also added inside the pipe.

Unlike metal reinforcement, here the wall is a monolithic system with embedded fibers. Polypropylene pipes with fiberglass are called fiberglass. Product marking: PPR-FB-PPR.

Comparative characteristics of reinforced products

Having almost the same operational capabilities, fiberglass pipes do not need a special connection method. When installing plastic with an aluminum layer inside, this layer should be removed before welding.

The metal insert mechanically separates the polymer, which during operation can cause destruction and leakage of communications. Qualitatively welding such products for a non-professional is a difficult task.

Fiberglass products are welded in a classic way. You can use any method of connecting simple polypropylene pipes without changing the algorithm of work. The solidity of the joints is the main advantage of fiberglass over aluminum. According to the coefficient of linear expansion, fiberglass loses to metal about 6%.

Note! Polypropylene pipelines with aluminum reinforcement are the most vulnerable at the junctions. This requires constant monitoring during their maintenance and operation.

Technical parameters of operation

Even plastic materials reinforced with an additional layer have limitations in operating conditions. They can be used for cold, hot water supply and for the installation of a heating system that runs on water. Such materials are not suitable for steam heating circuits.

The technical capabilities of the product are encrypted in its labeling. The labeling of the composition of the material is given above. Imported pipes may have the following indications of the material:

• Stabi - aluminum;
• Fiber - fiberglass.

The diameter marking simultaneously indicates the maximum withstand pressure in kgf / sq. cm.

Characteristics and use:

• PN 10. The maximum allowable temperature is up to 45 degrees. Used for the installation of a cold water pipeline and a floor heating device.
• PN 16. Temperature - 60 degrees, pressure 16 atmospheres. It is rarely used in the equipment of private houses. Purpose - cold and hot (limited) water supply.
• PN 20. Hot water supply. The allowed temperature threshold is up to 95 degrees, the recommended 80 degrees. The maximum pressure is 20 atm.
• PN 25 (reinforced). Installation of heating systems of any level. Temperature 95 degrees, pressure 25 atm.

Installation of reinforced polypropylene pipes

Installation of reinforced pipes is no different from welding products from simple polypropylene.

Apply:

• chemical bonding (cold welding);
• threaded connections;
• diffusion welding.

The best fastening of parts is achieved by high-quality diffusion welding.

For products reinforced with aluminum foil, the classic welding algorithm includes the stage of cleaning the welded pipe section from metal. To do this, use a special tool - a shaver.

Algorithm for welding polypropylene pipes:

1. Preparatory: products are cut to size, cleaned, degreased. The welding machine is heated to 260 degrees (do not turn off in operation).
2. Heating: the pipe is inserted into the sleeve of the welder, the fitting is placed on the mandrel. They do this at the same time, with sufficient physical effort, but without scrolling.
3. Connection: both parts are simultaneously removed from the apparatus and connected with force. During the hardening of the plastic, the parts are fixed motionless.

The process of installing polypropylene pipes is not complicated, but it requires practical skills.

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Scopes of polypropylene pipes

• Pipes made of this polymer, as well as fittings, tees, bends and couplings, are used in the arrangement of water supply networks (hot and cold water supply);
• Sewer pipes made of polypropylene stand apart;
• Heating systems of any type.

The use of polypropylene pipes in heating networks puts forward certain requirements for their design. These additional requirements are related to the operating conditions of such pipelines. As you know, the operating temperature of heating networks is somewhat different from the operating temperature, even in hot water networks.

Why reinforced pipes are used in heating systems

Reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating - the characteristics of which, allow them to be used for this, have a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Therefore, for use in heating systems, such pipes must have a special design. This design differs from simple pipes in that a reinforcing layer is laid between two layers of plastic.

Types of reinforced polypropylene pipes

The reinforcing layer is fiberglass or aluminum foil. Both types are suitable for heating. Although, it is worth noting that fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating have large values ​​​​of thermal expansion coefficient.

Advantages of polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene reinforced pipes for heating have a number of advantages compared to pipelines made of other materials:

1. Long service life.
   Manufacturers of polypropylene systems give a guarantee on their products. The warranty period for such materials is usually 10-15 years. But in practice, polypropylene pipelines can easily withstand three or four warranty periods of operation.

1. Corrosion resistance.
   Polypropylene reinforced pipe for heating is not subject to corrosion, regardless of the type of coolant that is used and the type of boiler - electric or gas for heating).
   With corrosion damage to the inner walls of the pipes, areas are formed with difficult passage of the coolant through the system, which negatively affects the performance.

1. Chemical inertness.
   Water and other coolants are chemicals that, under certain conditions, enter into various chemical reactions. If the material from which the pipeline is assembled is chemically active when in contact with the coolant substance, then its integrity is violated.

1. Ease of connection and installation.
   You can easily install heating using polypropylene pipes with your own hands. For such work, you will need a minimum of special tools and equipment. No special skills or qualifications are required.

1. Connection strength.
   When joining two polypropylene elements, a very strong seam or joint is formed due to the fact that the polymer melts during joining and the joint becomes monolithic.

1. Material gas tightness.
   The walls of polypropylene pipes are absolutely impervious to oxygen and other atmospheric gases, which protects metal elements of heating systems from rust, oxidation and corrosion.

1. economy.
   The price of polypropylene pipes is lower than copper and metal-plastic ones.

1. Material strength.
   The polymer from which the pipes are made has good mechanical strength and hardness.

Installation of polypropylene pipes

The process of welding or soldering these pipes is simple and efficient. Below is a step-by-step instruction for carrying out such work.

First you need to prepare a set of standard soldering tools. Ready-made kits are available for sale. How they look is shown in the photo below.

This set includes the following tools:

• Welding machine - soldering iron-heater for soldering the socket;
• Nozzles for pipes;
• Nippers or a special pipe cutter;
• Shaver (use it to remove aluminum foil);
• Bevel remover.

Important!
For the installation of polypropylene pipes, despite the ease and simplicity of processing and connecting the material, improvised means cannot be used.
For a quality connection, you need to use special tools.

The process of "welding" work

The parts are connected to each other in the following way. The edges of the two parts are heated until the polymer softens and are tightly connected to each other. At the junction, the molten polymer forms a monolithic joint due to the mutual penetration of material molecules between the parts to be joined.

Preliminary preparation

1. Pipes are measured and cut;

1. A chamfer is removed from the outer edge;

1. The joint is cleaned and degreased.

Soldering iron preparation

1. The welding machine is fixed on a stand;

1. The heater is turned on;
2. The soldering iron heats up to 260°C.
3. Two parts are taken that were previously prepared for connection;
4. One part is mounted on a mandrel (a special cone-shaped metal cylinder);
5. Another part is inserted into the sleeve;

Direct soldering process

1. The parts are heated in the heater (the heating time is determined according to the tables depending on the wall thickness and type of the part);
2. Parts are simultaneously removed from the heater;
3. The removed parts are quickly joined to each other without scrolling along the longitudinal axis (two parts should not be “screwed” into one another).

Heating system installation

Polypropylene pipes (more precisely, welded polymeric joints) do not require regular maintenance (unlike threaded joints of steel pipes and metal valves and fittings). Therefore, it becomes possible to lay the main heating pipes inside the walls by closed laying.

It is clear that such a system is established for a long time. Therefore, before proceeding with the direct work related to installation, it is necessary to develop a thorough plan, as well as a piping scheme with reference to specific rooms and features of walls and ceilings in buildings.

Such a preliminary plan is also useful in minimizing the process of connecting parts to each other “on the fly”. It is best to connect a large number of parts to each other on a special mounting table, and in the end, simply connect them to each other.

If the pipes are not laid inside the walls, then they are attached to the walls with clamps.

Such fastening is carried out in the following order:

• The clamp is screwed to the wall with a screw;
• A pipe is inserted into the clamp mount.

Important!
It must be remembered that polypropylene pipes cannot be directly connected to the nozzles of heating gas boilers for a private house.
For connection, it is necessary to take pieces of a metal pipe 50 cm long and of a suitable diameter, and only then connect them to the boiler nozzles.

Video showing the installation of polypropylene pipelines:

findings

Polypropylene heating systems have proven themselves in operation. They are reliable and easy to install, install and maintain. Cheapness and availability makes them quite popular for use in gas or electric heating installations.

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Pros and cons of polypropylene products

Advantages of conventional polypropylene (PPR) pipes:

• low cost - the price of such products is much less than products from metals and alloys;
• strength;
• light weight - polymer products are much lighter than similar metal products;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• chemical neutrality to most aggressive media - acids, alkalis, oil and gas products, salt solutions;
• no risk of corrosion.

Disadvantages of simple pipes:

1. A small value of the upper temperature threshold - polypropylene pipes begin to melt when they reach 175 ° C, and soften already when the temperature in the system rises to 130-140 ° C. At first glance, this should not be a problem, since the operating temperature in the heat supply system is characterized by values ​​of 90-95°C; however, when two parameters are combined - high pressure and high operating temperature - the damage received by the pipes from the coolant becomes more significant, therefore, the risk of damage to the pipes increases.
2. The tendency to expand significantly with increasing thermal load. To a greater extent, this applies to the length of products: the length of the pipes increases greatly, wavy lines appear on the surface. This is not only ugly, but also poses a threat of depressurization of the circuit or damage to wall or floor coverings, up to cracking of brittle materials - plaster or cement.

This problem is not solved by the usual methods, even the installation of compensators is not quite effective. The most logical solution is to use fiberglass reinforced plastic pipes. Characterized by all the positive properties of macromolecular compounds, and in addition by increased resistance to high temperatures, these pipes can be used in almost any heating circuits and hot water supply systems.

Comparison of pipes reinforced with fiberglass and aluminum foil

To strengthen plastic pipes and give them thermal stability, two types of reinforcement are used:

• aluminum foil;
• fiberglass.

In this case, an aluminum plate can be used in various versions: in perforated or solid form, act as an outer coating or be located in the middle of products, between polymer layers. Fiberglass is placed without fail inside reinforced plastic pipes.

It should also be noted that aluminum reinforcement allows the product to withstand more pressure within the system, so if the working pressure is not known or too high, this is the best option.

Characteristics of foil-reinforced pipes (designated PPR-AL-PPR):

• increased rigidity of products, resistance to mechanical stress and all types of deformation;
• thickness of the reinforcing metal layer - 0.1-0.5 mm (varies depending on the size of the pipe section);
• the method of joining aluminum and plastic is glue, the quality of which determines the quality of products;
• excellent tightness that does not decrease over time.

The installation of pipes with an aluminum layer is associated with some technological difficulties: before soldering or welding individual elements, the metal layer at the ends must be cleaned. Failure to comply with this recommendation will lead to a rapid loss of structural integrity - due, first of all, to the delamination of the polymer and metal during heat treatment, and secondly, due to electrochemical damage to aluminum.

Against the background of the problems listed above, polypropylene pipes with fiberglass look like a more acceptable solution:

• the reinforcing material is similar in nature and characteristics to the base polymer;
• before welding or soldering, there is no need to clean the ends;
• during the heat treatment process, the glass fiber and the alloy not only do not delaminate, but, on the contrary, form a stronger connection.

Based on this, a fiberglass reinforced pipe is in most cases an ideal solution for the design of pipelines of various technological directions.

Characteristics of fiberglass reinforced products

As you might guess, such products have three layers: two polypropylene and one reinforcing, consisting of the same material mixed with fiber fibers (fiberglass). Due to the almost identical composition, such a three-layer structure is almost equivalent to a monolithic one.

Marking of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes - PPR-FB-PPR (that is, polypropylene-fiber-polypropylene). See also: "What does the marking of polypropylene pipes mean - reading features."

Characteristics of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes:

• complete absence of the threat of corrosion;
• remarkable smoothness of the inner surface of the products, which resists the accumulation of deposits and, as a result, the occurrence of blockages;
• increased mechanical strength of products;
• no threat of longitudinal or transverse deformation with an increase in the internal temperature of the system;
• chemical and biological neutrality - both to aggressive environments and to waste products;
• low hydraulic resistance, therefore, the value of pressure losses is reduced to a minimum;
• good noise reduction;
• do not affect the properties of the supplied water in any way, therefore, they are absolutely safe for human health;
• long service life - with proper installation and operation - at least 50 years.

Despite the attractive characteristics of fiberglass-reinforced PPR pipes, they are inferior to products with aluminum in two respects (read also: “Types of PPR pipes and their characteristics”). Firstly, they are able to withstand less internal pressure in the system. Secondly, due to the lower rigidity for sections of pipes or pipelines from 1.5 m, it is necessary to use additional fastening fittings, otherwise they will sag and, as a result, the circuit will begin to deform, and this will create a threat of depressurization. See also: "Characteristics of reinforced polypropylene pipes - types and advantages."

With regard to the dimensional characteristics of glass fiber reinforced pipes, the following diameters are most popular:

• up to 17 mm - used for underfloor heating;
• up to 20 mm - for domestic hot water pipes;
• 20-25 mm - such pipes with fiberglass are used for heating in common areas and when installing sewer risers.

To fix pipes of smaller diameter, plastic clips are enough; for products of large sections, clamps must be used.

Installation of pipes with fiberglass

The connection of such products is carried out in the same way as ordinary plastic pipes.

There are three ways to fasten products:

1. With threaded fittings.
2. With the use of cold welding (that is, special glue).
3. Thermal welding (soldering).

The first option is produced as follows: the end of the pipe is pulled onto the fitting of the connecting element and is crimped in a circle with a mounting nut. The connection in terms of reliability (strength and tightness) is not inferior to the third method, it is permissible to use it even when designing pressure-type pipelines. The only drawback is that with an immoderate application of effort when tightening the mounting nut, it can simply burst.

In the case of cold welding, the adhesive used ensures the speed of creating a joint, but not reliability. During installation, an adhesive composition is applied to the inner surface of the polypropylene coupling, then the end of the pipe to be connected is inserted there; the connection is held motionless for some time so that the glue has time to harden.

When welding using a welding machine, the surfaces of the ends of pipes and couplings are heated; after joining, they form a single polymer mass. Such a connection is the most durable and tight.

In general, the use of pipes reinforced with fiberglass is quite justified, convenient and profitable from an economic point of view.

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Features of reinforced polypropylene pipes

Advantages of reinforced polypropylene pipes

Disadvantages of polypropylene pipes

• Sun rays negatively affect the structure of polymers, so polypropylene pipes cannot be used in open space
• linear expansion polymer reinforced pipes 2 times the expansion of metal pipes

In this regard, reinforced polypropylene pipes are used in the system hot water supply. They are produced by double co-extrusion. A layer of thermoplastic polymer is applied to the reinforcing frame under high pressure from the outside and inside. In air, the plastic hardens, resulting in a strong bond with a solid frame.

This applies to all types of polymers, and PVC, and polypropylene and other varieties. However, the technological properties of reinforcing pipes vary significantly. It depends on what material it is made of. reinforcing frame. Most often, either aluminum foil or fiberglass is used as a frame. Aluminum reinforced pipes have less thermal expansion. The diffusion barrier prevents the penetration of free oxygen through the walls of the pipes, respectively, calcium does not settle, and, therefore, the walls of the boiler and radiators do not oxidize.

Glass fiber reinforced pipes (PPR-FB-PPR) have glass fiber strands soldered into polypropylene as a carcass. These are three-layer structures consisting of an outer layer of polypropylene, a reinforcing layer of fiberglass and an inner layer of polypropylene. As a result of extrusion, all three layers are sintered into a single skin and form a very strong pipe body. Such pipes more plastic than pipes reinforced with aluminum. In addition, the radius of the latter is limited to 63 mm, while the former reach 125 mm in diameter.

The only disadvantage of fiberglass-reinforced pipes is that they are smaller than aluminum-reinforced pipes, resistance to internal pressure. In this regard, for their fasteners, it is necessary to use a larger number of fasteners. It is possible to install polypropylene pipes using glued couplings (glue is applied to the coupling and part of the pipe, and then the glue “grabs” the coupling within 15 seconds), but this method is not considered reliable. You can use press fittings for metal-plastic pipes, but diffusion welding is considered the most reliable way, when the pipe and the melted sleeve form a single body.

Due to the high popularity of reinforced pipes among consumers, some manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of the final product, use in the production process low quality raw materials. Moreover, in appearance it is almost impossible to distinguish a quality product from a fake. Fiberglass comes in different colors, so you should not focus on its shade. The seller of polypropylene reinforced pipes must have a certificate, and he must also allow the buyer to check the condition of the product by external inspection. Fasteners must also be of high quality, in particular, they must include brass. Only high quality polypropylene pipes have a strong connection and anti-corrosion properties.

Pipe markings and their indicators

The latest development in the field of plastics production is high temperature polypropylene. "Random copolymer"(PPRC type 3). Its main advantages are:

Below are the main physical and mechanical properties of the PPRC material (type 3).

Pipes made of PPRC polymer type 3 can be used as pipeline networks for cold and hot drinking water in residential buildings and office buildings; for the operation of installations using compressed air; in heating networks; as a pipeline for agricultural needs; in an industrial pipeline network.

Consider technical characteristics of PP-R pipes three-layer glass fiber reinforced FIBER (PN 20).

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass are ideal for systems autonomous heating and hot water supply. However, in order to maximize the best qualities of this material, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Also, in order to avoid contact of water with the reinforcing middle layer, a special trimmer must be used during installation.

On the Internet, users leave a lot of positive feedback about polypropylene pipes.

When it is necessary to create hot water supply, very often there is a desire to replace expensive copper pipes with similar products, but cheaper. Polypropylene pipes are ideal for this purpose.

Ordinary polypropylene structures have a large number of disadvantages. Therefore, PP pipes reinforced with fiberglass have been developed.

When choosing pipes, you must always remember that the optimization of material properties occurs due to its multilayer structure.

Therefore, the polymer material is able to withstand very high temperatures without linear expansion. Non-reinforced polymer pipelines do not have such properties.

The main advantages of propylene are:

• ease of installation work;
• small mass;
• easy transportation;
• fast installation;
• environmental friendliness;
• lack of vibration;
• silent operation;
• there are no hydraulic losses;
• excellent insulator, does not pass stray current;
• service life exceeds 50 years;
• welding joints are much stronger than collet ones;
• high efficiency due to minimal heat loss;
• do not deform under high mechanical loads;
• low cost;
• beautiful appearance;
• do not require special staining.

Application area

Even knowing well all the positive qualities of polypropylene pipes, their choice is always made individually, taking into account all the nuances of a particular object.

When the temperature of the coolant changes its indicator, the properties of polypropylene may also change. For each type of pipe, there are limiting parameters that are marked on the outer surface.

Almost all modern heating systems are ideal for polypropylene products that can withstand heating of the coolant up to 95 degrees.

This limit value of heating includes a certain margin, if there is a short-term heating up to 110 degrees, the system will retain its integrity, its characteristics will remain unchanged.

The softening of the polymer begins at a temperature of more than 140 degrees, and its melting is observed after 175 degrees.

Polypropylene products are not installed in centralized communications if severe frosts are observed in the areas of their location. To maintain heat, it is necessary to heat the coolant above the boiling point.

If the heating system operates offline and has a temperature control sensor for heating the coolant, polypropylene products may be the best choice.

They are great for creating a "warm floor" or conventional space heating.

Which is better to choose: a product reinforced with aluminum or fiberglass

To increase the strength of PP pipes, several types of reinforcement are used:

• fiberglass;
• aluminum.

Perforated aluminum sheet is used for reinforcement. They cover the product on the outside or insert it in the middle to separate the existing layers of polypropylene.

The glass fiber layer is always inside and separates the polypropylene layers.

Thanks to aluminum reinforcement, reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating receive additional properties. They are able to withstand a lot of internal pressure. When installing the heating system, if the value of the future pressure is unknown, it is better to use materials that have an aluminum frame.

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with aluminum of the PPR-AL-PPR type have several positive qualities:

• greater rigidity;
• able to withstand very high pressure;
• are not deformed.

The value of the pipe diameter affects the thickness of the aluminum layer. It fluctuates between 0.1 - 0.5 mm.

The connection of polypropylene with aluminum foil is carried out with a special adhesive. Pipes may begin to delaminate if the adhesive was of poor quality. PP products, reinforced with aluminum, obtained in compliance with all technological requirements, remain sealed for a long time.

When installing PP products reinforced with aluminum, several additional operations are required. Before you start soldering, you need to clean the aluminum layer well.

If this is not done, the pipeline will quickly fail. During soldering, the plastic and aluminum foil will begin to delaminate. Electrochemical processes will begin to destroy aluminum, which is unacceptable.

PP products reinforced with fiberglass differ in one important feature. The composition of the reinforcing layer, as well as its properties, are exactly the same as those of the base material.

When polypropylene with fiberglass is welded to a fitting, a very strong alloy is formed that will never delaminate. These products are versatile and very durable. They are designed for long-term use.

What to look for when choosing polypropylene pipes

The main selection criteria for such products should be their technical characteristics.

Operating pressure

Marked on the outer surface in the form of the inscription "PN". The pressure value is selected in accordance with the individual characteristics of the heating system. If constant water hammer is observed or the piping system needs to be pressed frequently, the PN20 polypropylene product will be optimal.

If the heating of the coolant in the heating system exceeds 70 degrees, PN25 pipes reinforced with fiberglass will be more suitable. When autonomous heating is used, usually the pressure does not exceed 10 atmospheres. To mount such a heating system, you can use PN20 polypropylene pipelines with solid aluminum reinforcement.

The coolant and its normal temperature

Depending on the installed heating system, appropriate polypropylene pipes are selected. Since in the "warm floor" the temperature of the coolant does not exceed 40 degrees, it is possible to install products with any reinforcement. You can use products from monocomposition.

Where radiators are installed, and the heating of the coolant reaches 85 degrees, you can safely install polypropylene pipes with any type of reinforcement.

Pipeline diameter

This parameter is very important for the normal operation of the heating system. It must fully satisfy the requirements of the system. The inner opening of the pipe must freely pass the corresponding flow of the coolant for a certain time.

In very large rooms, such as hotels, pipes with a diameter exceeding 200 mm are installed.

In individual buildings, it is enough to install PP pipes with a cross section of 20-32 mm. They are easily mounted with the formation of the desired bend.

Reinforced PP pipes for heating are often installed in hot water systems. Perfectly withstands high temperatures polypropylene with a cross section of 20 mm. Risers are made of polypropylene products with a diameter of 25-32 mm.

When connected to central heating, 25 mm PP pipes are used.

For the normal functioning of the warm floor, 16 mm products are mounted.

The prefabricated autonomous heating system is assembled from pipes of different diameters.

The tips described above must be taken as a basis, and before buying and installing PP heating pipes, you need to take into account the individual characteristics of the object, and sometimes even the characteristics of individual sections of the system.

For example, when heating installation of a one-pipe system is done, radiators are connected in series. To mount such a ring, you need to use pipes with a diameter of 32-40 mm. Additional taps to radiators are made from a diameter of less than 26 mm.

If a two-pipe system is installed, then heating is carried out according to a completely different principle. The supply line together with the return reduces the pressure in the pipeline. Therefore, pipes with a diameter of less than 30 mm can be installed.

How are PP pipes reinforced with fiberglass installed?

Such work is similar to the connection of solid propylene products. The installation of PP pipes with fiberglass reinforcement is no different from the connection of solid polypropylene products. Installation of such structures is divided into several types:

1. With threaded fittings.
2. Cold welding.
3. diffuse welding.

If threaded fittings are used, the mounting nut is swaged around. The polypropylene pipe is put on top of the fitting and pressed strongly. It turns out a very reliable and tight connection. This option can be used even when creating a pressure pipeline. Difficulties can arise only with pressure on the fitting. Too much force can break the nut.

When using cold welding, a special glue is used. But such a connection cannot be called very reliable. The joint may leak. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, polypropylene couplings are used, the inner surface of which is lubricated with glue. The coupling is inserted into the pipe and wait a while until the glue sets well.

The strength of diffuse welding is comparable to the strength created by a threaded connection. The disadvantage of this technology is the need to have a welding machine. The selection of temperature for soldering depends on the wall thickness of the PP pipe, as well as its diameter.

Conclusion

A polypropylene pipe reinforced with fiberglass is considered the best option for installing an individual heating system in a private house. There are practically no flaws in these high-quality and not very expensive products; they successfully replace metal structures.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes. The material is completely new, for only a few years it has been used in the installation of water pipes and heating systems.

Let's see what types of reinforced polypropylene are produced, by what signs they can be distinguished and, most importantly, what to choose when buying.

Problems of polypropylene

There is no bad without good. A great example of positive thinking. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true: there is no good without bad. There have already been so many praises for polypropylene pipes that they simply cannot but have shortcomings.

Indeed, there are circumstances in which polypropylene is better to be preferred to other materials.

The reasons lie in the properties of the material itself:

• Polypropylene - fusible plastic;
• It has a large coefficient of thermal expansion.

Let's focus on his problems.

Temperature

The melting point of polypropylene is 175 C. However, it begins to soften at much lower 140 C. As for the guaranteed temperature at which the polypropylene pipe must work guaranteed, it is only 95 degrees Celsius (and even less for some varieties) .

What is the reason for such a significant reinsurance with temperature has already been written more than once. Now we only note that at high pressure and high temperature acting on the material simultaneously, it is much less resistant than under the influence of each of the factors separately.

Heat elongation

All materials expand when heated. Some are less, others are more. Polypropylene expands quite strongly.

This is inconvenient for the following reasons:

• Aesthetics. A long straight pipe, having lengthened, goes in untidy waves.

• Integrity of decorative coatings. If the pipes are recessed under the screed on the floor or in the wall covering, then when they are lengthened, after some time they will inevitably cause the coating to crack.

Decision

Reinforced polypropylene pipe - "our answer to Chamberlain." Of course, its material does not magically begin to compete with tungsten in refractoriness and does not become harder than diamond. However, the polypropylene reinforced pipe is completely devoid of one of the shortcomings of the material, and the other is partially.

How?

But how.

• Reinforcement simply forms something like a rigid frame and does not allow the pipe to lengthen, and at the same time grow in thickness.
  Polypropylene is soft at heart. No - so no. They don’t let it go in length - we bend the polymer molecules so that each individually curls like a snake, and all together remain in place.
• What happens when the pipe is heated to the softening point of the material with a lot of overpressure inside?
  She starts to inflate like a balloon. At the same time, the walls are getting thinner and thinner, and if so, it’s easier to push them through the water inside.
  Finally, a loud "Bang!" - and the fountain of boiling water causes an attack of sociability among the neighbors below, and at the same time renders all the electronics and books at home unusable.

• So, reinforced polypropylene pipes, thanks to the notorious “frame”, do not even begin to deform. In fact, this one does not swell during continuous heating, but simply flows down, reaching a temperature of 175 C.
  However, this does not prevent manufacturers from declaring for them the operating temperature of the same 95 C. God saves Berezhenogo.

Types of reinforcement

Undoubtedly, in the coming years, manufacturers will please with something else; in the meantime, a reinforced polypropylene pipe can use two main materials to increase its strength: aluminum and fiberglass (fiberglass).

Aluminum

Polypropylene pipe reinforced with aluminum, in addition to the diameter, may be different in the location of the reinforcing layer. It can be an outer shell for polypropylene, or it can be hidden between layers of polypropylene. In the second case, the presence of reinforcement can only be determined by looking at the pipe section.

Layers of aluminum foil (this is foil; unlike metal-plastic pipes, the metal here is from 0.1 to 0.5 mm thick) is connected with polypropylene glue. The quality of the adhesive joint, along with the composition of the polypropylene itself and the thickness of the foil, determines the quality of the pipe. Alas, it happens that under certain conditions, cheap and low-quality pipes delaminate. Strength at the same time, you know, suffers.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is an alternative to aluminum. Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene pipe is a completely different design than the previous version. If you, by analogy, imagine a pipe covered with glue with a mesh, you are mistaken.

Inside and outside such a pipe is actually polypropylene, and in the center - fiberglass; however, at the same time, all layers of the pipe - there are usually three of them - are a monolith.

The fact is that when fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes are made, the middle layer is welded to the inner and outer ones - after all, it is based on the same material, only pre-mixed with fiber fibers - the same fiberglass. Two in one: polypropylene glues the fibers, and they do not allow it to deform.

Mounting Features

The principle of assembling a water supply or heating system from reinforced pipes is the same as in the general case: pipes are cut to size, chamfered, pipes and heated with a special simple soldering iron, after which they are combined at one point in space-time. A few seconds - and instead of two parts, one, absolutely monolithic.

However, there is a difference: polypropylene pipes reinforced with aluminum require one more technological operation. This is a purge. Before sticking the pipe into the nozzle, a layer of aluminum must be removed from it. Nothing complicated: the pipe is inserted into a simple clutch with knives, one or two turns - and you're done.

For pipes with an aluminum layer inside, a slightly trickier tool is used - a trimmer. He selects the inner layer from the very end of the pipe so that the end is securely welded to the fitting.

This ensures that the pipe:

• Will not begin to exfoliate;
• That aluminum will not be destroyed due to electrochemical processes that begin in the presence of metals and at least some potential difference.

And what about polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass pipes?

But nothing. From the point of view of welding with a fitting, their internal reinforcing layer is no different from polypropylene. And if so, no additional operations are needed.

Real strength

What pressure can a reinforced pipe withstand?

This is determined by its belonging to a certain class. It is worth considering the temperature of the water. So, the pn25 polypropylene pipe reinforced with cold water, as is clear from its marking, normally operates at a pressure of 25 kgf / cm2 (the actual destruction of the pipe, by the way, occurs at twice the pressure). At the same time, for water heated to 90 C, the calculated pressure drops to 9 kgf/cm2.

Appearance

You can reliably find out if the pipe has reinforcement and, if so, what type, when looking at its cut. Aluminum-reinforced polypropylene pipes have a thin layer with a metallic sheen (of course, we are talking about internal reinforcement. The external one leaves no doubt).

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass are distinguished by the presence of three layers of approximately the same thickness, of which the middle one has a bright color marking. The color does not say anything about the characteristics of the pipe. The manufacturer chooses it solely based on his sense of beauty 🙂

disadvantages

With aluminum reinforcement, everything is clear: it needs to be cleaned, and it can peel off. And what about a polypropylene pipe reinforced with fiberglass? Is she literally manna from heaven?

In general, yes. The disadvantages of fiberglass reinforced polypropylene pipes seem mostly far-fetched. These include the fact that the pipe allows atmospheric oxygen to saturate the coolant, which causes, they say, accelerated corrosion of the boiler metal. However, none of the critics gives convincing figures.

findings

Looks like we have a clear favorite. A cheap, durable pipe that does not have any significant problems. We hope that choosing it as a material for home plumbing will not disappoint you.

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 such a 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.

To what extent are fiberglass reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating better than classic metal structures? Having understood the properties and qualities of innovative pipes, it will be easier not only to answer these questions, but also to make the right choice for a particular system. It is equally important to determine the main criteria for evaluating products when comparing.

When choosing pipes, it should be taken into account that the material properties are optimized due to the multilayer structure of the products. Thanks to it, the polymer acquires the ability to withstand high temperatures, while not expanding linearly, unlike unreinforced types of pipelines made of this material. The advantages of polypropylene include:

• ease of installation,
• low weight of the system elements, which greatly simplifies transportation and installation,
• environmental safety,
• lack of vibration and noise during operation,
• minimum hydraulic losses,
• resistance to the formation of mineral deposits on the inner surface,
• insulating properties that allow pipes not to conduct stray currents,
• longevity (50 years or more),
• higher strength of welded joints (compared to collet joints),
• economy (due to reduced heat loss),
• immunity to mechanical influences,
• chemical resistance,
• affordable price.

Aesthetically pleasing polypropylene tubes do not require painting.

Scope of application

Even knowing all the advantages of products, how to choose polypropylene pipes for heating for a particular object is decided individually. Polypropylene (or thermoplastic) is able to change its properties with temperature changes. The limit values ​​are marked on the pipes. For most systems, polypropylene pipes for heating are suitable, the technical characteristics of which allow them to withstand temperatures up to +95 ° C. This limit value is specified taking into account a kind of “margin”, a short-term increase in temperature to +110 ° C will not destroy the system and will not adversely affect its performance. The polymer begins to soften only at +140 °C, and melts at +175 °C.

Polypropylene products should not be used for the installation of centralized communications in regions where severe frosts are possible, and the coolant temperature sometimes exceeds the boiling point. For autonomous heating systems with the ability to control the temperature of the coolant by the user, polypropylene is excellent. Polymer pipes are suitable for classic home heating systems and for.

Types of reinforcement

Reinforcement of polypropylene allows to increase its strength and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Aluminum

Reinforcement with aluminum thin sheet (foil) can be performed inside or along the outer layer. In the first case, aluminum foil is located in the middle or closer to the inner surface of the pipe.

Reinforcing aluminum layers may differ in structure:

• solid,
• perforated.

Fiberglass

The advantages that a polypropylene pipe reinforced with glass fiber for heating has: the price is affordable and attractive to buyers for such quality products and even lower thermal conductivity. Such products are recommended for installation of heating by an open method. It should also be noted that fiberglass as a reinforcing layer does not require, unlike a layer of aluminum, additional cleaning of pipes before welding.

Polypropylene pipes for heating, reinforced inside with fiberglass, are made by co-extrusion and the reinforcing layer is located in the middle, the outer and inner surfaces of the pipes are polypropylene.

The disadvantage of this type of products is fragility.

Composite

Composite or composite material is a mixture of fiberglass and polypropylene. Such reinforcement improves the performance of products and eliminates the main drawback of fiberglass reinforcement. When mixed with polypropylene, fiberglass forms a strong bond at the molecular level, the product does not become brittle. At the same time, composite-reinforced products are the most durable and durable, and there is no need to perform stripping during their installation. Composite is the best answer to the question: “which polypropylene pipe to choose for heating?”.

Criterias of choice

Studying the polypropylene pipes on the market, they decide which ones to choose based on the totality of the main operating parameters.

Operating pressure

The marking parameter is denoted by the letters PN. The choice of value is determined by the characteristics of the system. If it is necessary to periodically carry out pressure testing for ordinary pipelines, it is optimal to choose products of the PN20 brand, but for high temperatures typical for heating systems (from +70 ° C), PN25 pipelines with composite or fiberglass reinforcement are suitable.

The pressure in floor and autonomous heating systems, as a rule, is less (up to 10 atmospheres), therefore, PN20 polypropylene pipes with monolithic or perforated aluminum reinforcement are suitable for their installation.

Working temperature of the coolant

Which polypropylene pipes are best for heating depends on the type of system. Due to the fact that the temperature of the coolant in "warm floor" systems is lower (usually up to +40 ° C), they can use not only pipes with any type of reinforcement, but also monocomposition products.

In radiator-type systems with a coolant temperature of about +85 ° C, any reinforced polypropylene pipes can be used.

Pipe diameter

• For large objects (large saunas, hotels, hospitals, etc.), pipes of 200 mm or more will be required.
• For the installation of heating systems in private homes, the necessary water passage will be provided by pipes of 20-32 mm. They are easy to lay on their own, including giving the necessary bend.
• Heating polypropylene pipes with reinforcement are also used for the installation of hot water supply lines. In this case, a diameter of 20 mm is chosen, and products of 25-32 mm are optimal for risers.
• 25 mm pipes are used in central heating systems.
• For a warm floor, 16 mm is enough.

An integrated autonomous heating system will require the use of pipes of various diameters.

• For example, when installing heating in a private house with a single-pipe system, radiators are connected in series to the main line. For the installation of such a ring, pipes of 32-40 mm are required, and for taps to radiators - up to 26 mm.
• With a two-pipe system, the principle of operation of heating is different. The parallel operation of the supply and return lines reduces the pressure in the lines, so you should choose pipes of a smaller diameter - up to 30 mm.