The rather long service life of polypropylene pipes allows them to be fully used in heating and water supply systems instead of metal counterparts. When choosing products from this material, it is necessary to take into account the main tasks to which they are directed. Not all plastic and polyethylene elements are suitable for hot water systems or a heating circuit.
Description
The service life of polypropylene pipes mainly depends on the scope of use. The material itself is obtained by polymerization of a pair of chemical elements (propylene and ethylene in specific proportions). Such synthetic products have shown themselves perfectly in the construction of water supply, sewer and heating systems. The method and branch of operation, as well as the duration of use of the products in question, depend on the marking of pipes.
The variations offered on the modern market differ in technical characteristics and have different designations. Some of them are suitable exclusively for supply systemscold water, others - for hot and heating structures.
Modifications and markings
To extend the service life of polypropylene pipes, marking must be taken into account. Below are the most common modifications:
- Type PN-10 is designed exclusively for systems with a carrier pressure of not more than ten atmospheres. This includes pipelines with cold technical or drinking water. Permissible liquid heating temperature - no more than 45 degrees Celsius. These products are among the cheapest options.
- The PN-16 index indicates that the pipes are suitable for installation in systems with a maximum pressure of not more than 16 atmospheres. Media temperature allowed up to +60 °C.
- Series N-20 well withstands the features of the use of centralized heating systems, operating pressure - up to 20 Atm, the maximum temperature of the coolant is +95 °C.
- Marking PN-25 indicates that the pipes are reinforced with reinforcing aluminum foil, which gives the product extra strength. Most of the hot water and heating structures are equipped with just such elements, they can withstand 25 atmospheres and a working fluid temperature of 95 ° C.
It is necessary to select polypropylene pipes taking into account their use in a hot or cold circuit, because their service life depends on technical indicators.
Polypropylene pipes and their features
The material under consideration has been successfully compiling for several yearscompetition with steel counterparts. Such popularity is due to the specific properties that pipes have:
- They are not afraid of corrosive processes, unlike steel products. In addition, such elements are suitable for most media, neutral to their chemical constituents.
- The interior fittings remain unchanged for decades, guaranteed by their perfectly smooth surface. This factor helps to increase the service life. At the same time, the diameter of the products does not narrow, since there are no lime and s alt deposits.
- The price of polypropylene pipes, the shelf life of which is several decades, is much lower than metal counterparts. They do not require special care, painting. You can repair them without any problems using the simplest tools.
- Pipeline connections are connected by diffuse welding, forming lines of various lengths with one-piece joining of individual sections, increasing their tightness and strength.
- The material has a rather low thermal conductivity, which allows you to maintain the required temperature throughout the entire route of the filler.
Usage areas
The properties of the material in question make it possible to apply some markings in the conduct of heating systems, and also increase the service life of polypropylene heating pipes. When arranging such systems and carrying out repair work, most consumers make a choice in favor ofspecified synthetics.
Universal material allows you to use elements in different economic areas, namely:
- Production of pipelines for pumping liquids with any chemical composition, regardless of their aggressiveness.
- Pipes made of polypropylene are used for the distillation of compressed air. For such cases, variations are required, reinforced with foil, labeled at least PN-25.
- Due to the low cost, the products are optimally suited for the arrangement of reclamation and drainage systems.
- The main area of operation is heating structures and water supply units.
All products are selected depending on the main purpose. For example, in a private house, a PN-25 pipeline is irrelevant, since it will cost more than analogues that will perfectly cope with the task at a lower price.
Operating period
Many users are interested in the question, what is the service life of polypropylene pipes if they are walled up in walls or poured with concrete? In reality, this indicator depends on the tasks performed, the operating pressure and temperature parameters of the liquid carrier.
That is, if the filler in a product with an index of PN-10 is heated to 20 degrees Celsius at an operating pressure of 13.5 atmospheres, the service life will be at least 10 years, and with an indicator of 12.9 atmospheres - up to 50 years. A completely different story with variations under the PN-25 brand. At an internal temperature of the used filler of 30 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 9.3 atm, the service lifepolypropylene water supply pipes (DHW) will not exceed 10 years. But at a design pressure of 25 atmospheres, the working period increases five times.
Nuances of application
Operational moments are expressed in the fact that each marking is focused on certain conditions of use. For example, if it is planned to connect segments of polypropylene to the central heating system, the best option would be to use modifications such as PN-16 or 20.
The maximum temperature regime that does not critically affect the service life of polypropylene hot water pipes is 95 °C. They are not suitable for mounting a system with hotter fillers. Already at 130-140 degrees Celsius, the material becomes plastic and soft, similar to plasticine.
Preventive measures for the arrangement of structures
Often the service life of polypropylene water supply pipes depends on the type of installation. To place products in the wall, they must first be isolated. This will protect the pipeline from the formation of condensate, and will also provide an opportunity to expand the supply of space for hot water systems.
In general, these materials may be walled up in the wall ceiling with appropriate safety measures. In addition, access to shut-off valves and overlapping taps is left free.
What to consider when installing?
When laying the systems in question in a concrete screed, a few more must be taken into accountMoments:
- When concreting a structure with cold water, fittings and other working connections are left in the open position.
- Because the hot carrier periodically changes its operating temperature, appropriately marked parts should be used, stacking them in enlarged strobes, taking into account the possibility of polymer expansion during operation.
- When installing polypropylene pipes in a screed for the "warm floor" system, it is desirable to use versions reinforced with aluminum foil. This solution will prevent air from entering the system, as well as increase the strength when the refrigerant reaches the maximum possible temperatures.
Among the main signs of wear of the products in question in open structures is the appearance of yellow plaque. This color occurs under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. To extend the service life, areas must be insulated with reflective materials.
Varieties of reinforcement
In addition to aluminum foil, Americans on polypropylene pipes (service life depends on the installation site), like the mains themselves, may have other types of reinforcement. Among the varieties:
- Composite materials. To strengthen the operated pipelines, some of the elements can be equipped with such a layer. It combines a combined version that serves to strengthen the structure. Such products meet high consumer characteristics and do not require stripping before commissioning.
- Additional layer of plastic. Such pipelines are able to withstand high temperatures, while the possibility of contact between the filler and the reinforced part is not excluded. To avoid delamination of the material, a special adhesive solution is introduced into its composition.
- Fiberglass. Using this heavy-duty material, they create the core of pipes, the outer and inner parts of which are made of ordinary, non-reinforced polyethylene.
Summary
In conclusion, it can be noted that the durability of polypropylene pipes depends on the operating temperature of the liquid used, the pressure in the pipeline, the grade and composition of the base material, the correct installation and current operating conditions. With the right combination of all factors, products without the need for special care will last from 10 to 50 years.
