Polypropylene pipes for heating: fiberglass and foil reinforced. What's better? Types of PPR pipes and their characteristics Pp r pipes with solid aluminum reinforcement

When you come to the store for a polypropylene pipe, not only the assortment and color, but one of the main questions arises: “Which polypropylene should you choose? With or without reinforcement? " We understand below

Polypropylene is a material that, by its very nature, undergoes significant elongation and expansion during heating.

Example:

Hot water supply system, 10 m long, mounted at a temperature of 20 0 C, and water with a temperature of 100 0 C. With such a temperature difference, each meter of the pipe can lengthen by 12 mm, respectively, with a pipe length of 10 m, the pipe will stretch by 12 cm.

That is why, during the design and installation of heating or hot water supply systems, this property of polypropylene cannot be ignored for a number of reasons:

  • a straight pipe will go in ugly waves. Especially if there is a long section;
  • If the pipes are hidden in the wall, then there is a high probability of violation of the decorative coatings on the wall.

Reinforcement of polypropylene pipes is done just in order to reduce linear expansion during heating. In this case, something like a rigid frame is formed, which prevents the pipe from lengthening. In this case, the reinforced pipe does not become stronger, the frame only serves to reduce the linear elongation. Should you choose this kind of polypropylene? We read further about the types of reinforcement.

Aluminum on the outside of the pipe

Aluminum reinforced pipe

The aluminum layer does not impart strength to the pipe, since, in contrast to metal-plastic pipes for the reinforcement of polypropylene, aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm is used. But at the same time it perfectly solves the problem of linear elongation. As mentioned above, if, without reinforcement, 1 m of a polypropylene pipe lengthens by almost 12 mm when heated, then under the same conditions, when reinforced with aluminum from the outside, the pipe will change its length by only 2 mm.

Aluminum foil with polypropylene is bonded with a special glue. Reinforcement with aluminum from the outside occurs in the following sequence:

Polypropylene pipe - adhesive layer - aluminum foil - adhesive layer - polypropylene layer.

The quality of the adhesive joint and of the polypropylene itself affects the durability and service life of such a pipe.

Advantages of external reinforcement with aluminum:

  • The linear elongation of the polypropylene pipe is significantly reduced.

Disadvantages of external reinforcement with aluminum:

  • Over time, bulges may form in some sections of the pipe.

Outwardly, it seems that the pipe will soon burst, but in reality it is not. Only the outer thin layer of polypropylene, which covers the aluminum foil, is blown up.

Manufacturers of polypropylene pipes allow such bulges, since this does not affect the strength of the pipe itself. The main thick layer of polypropylene remains intact. Bulges can form due to residual moisture during production. You should not be afraid of this shortcoming, the system will continue good work and further in spite of the unpresentable appearance.

  • The outer layer must be stripped before welding as the outer diameter of the aluminum-reinforced polypropylene pipe is larger than usual.

Aluminum on the inside of the pipe

This method of reinforcing a polypropylene pipe is one of the solutions to eliminate external blisters. Although there is still a potential risk of puffing up with this method, the only difference is that it will not be visible to the user. With such small swells, the system will continue to work.

Advantages of inner reinforcement with aluminum:

  • The polypropylene layer between the reinforcements is quite large and it is much more difficult for it to swell.

Disadvantages of reinforcement with aluminum on the inside:

  • Possible collapse of the weak sections of the polypropylene pipe inward if you make a mistake during the design or operation of the system. which will lead to a malfunction and possibly the integrity of the system.

Polypropylene with fiberglass

The most popular reinforcing layer at the moment is fiberglass. Choosing polypropylene with fiberglass, you will see that the inside and outside of such a pipe is polypropylene, and the central layer is fiberglass. However, all three layers form a single whole, since the central fiberglass layer is made on the basis of polypropylene mixed with glass fibers. The linear elongation of such pipes is slightly greater than with reinforcement. aluminum foil and is about 2.5 mm with a pipe length of 1 m.

Polypropylene with basalt fiberglass

Basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes are the newest type of pipes of the fourth generation. When choosing such polypropylene, keep in mind that the linear elongation of such pipes is the same as for fiberglass reinforcement. However, this type of reinforcement has a number of significant advantages:

  • High thermal stability and resistance to pressure drops.
  • High durability of the pipe.
  • Such a pipe has a larger internal flow section and, accordingly, a smaller wall thickness.

There is no particular difference which polypropylene pipe you choose, reinforced with fiberglass or basalt, this does not affect the characteristics in any way. The only difference is in the manufacturing technology. There are many companies that produce polypropylene pipes with the same performance but different reinforcement.

So which polypropylene is better?

Pipes without aluminum foil reinforcement are much easier to install. Such pipes do not need preprocessing before welding, do not blow in or collapse. Then the question arises, why, having a number of significant disadvantages, this type of reinforcement is still used? In fact, there is such a thing as "oxygen permeability". Air that penetrates the pipe walls enters the coolant. Air in the heating system can harm it, as the chance of corrosion increases. Polypropylene pipes, reinforced with a continuous layer of aluminum foil, completely impermeable to oxygen. A pipe reinforced with perforated aluminum allows oxygen to pass through, but not in such volumes as a pipe without reinforcement at all.

Now, pipes with a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol on the outside of the pipe have begun to be used as an oxygen barrier, which prevents oxygen from penetrating into the coolant. It can be concluded that soon pipes with reinforcement with aluminum foil will simply cease to be produced. Because there are other types of reinforcement that do not have the same disadvantages as this one.

Conclusions:

  1. Reinforcement is needed to compensate for linear elongation during heating.
  2. The reinforcement is made of aluminum in the form of a continuous foil on the outside of the pipe and inside. Perforated aluminum - outside.
  3. Reinforced pipe with fiberglass or basalt replaces aluminum reinforcement in water supply systems. An additional anti-diffusion layer makes it suitable for installation in heating systems.

Which polypropylene is better to use?

Based on the information received, you can clearly imagine what and what kind of reinforcement is needed. In each case, determine the most advantageous option for yourself. Somewhere you can buy polypropylene pipes with aluminum reinforcement to compensate for the penetration of oxygen. For quick installation of the system, choose basalt polypropylene or fiberglass reinforcement, if we are not talking about heating systems.

Plastic pipes are a modern replacement for old heavy metal pipes. Such lightweight plastic pipes appeared not so long ago, but they quickly gained a solid position among other pipes in the plumbing market.


When choosing a material for a pipeline, you will probably give your preference to plastic products, but it will be quite difficult to choose a specific option, because they can be made from many different materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. In this article, we will consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene pipes, comparing them with analogues.

Characteristics of polypropylene pipes

PPR pipe has whole line distinctive characteristics, but the main one is the lightness of the product, which is provided by the raw material - a thermoplastic polymer with the lowest density (0.91 g / cubic cm) among similar materials.



The rest of the characteristics determine the scope of these pipes:

  • The operating temperature of polypropylene pipes is from -5 ° C to + 140 ° C, so they are perfect for organizing heating systems, hot and cold water supply, but only indoors. When laying the plumbing outside, it is better to use stitched polyethylene pipes that do not deform during cold snaps down to -50 ° C;
  • Plastic does not corrode, which was a big problem metal pipes, Besides, plastic water pipe guaranteed to last at least 50 years;
  • The ppr pipe has a smooth inner wall, which greatly increases their throughput and also does not allow them to clog;
  • Plastic pipes are completely inert to most chemicals;
  • Polypropylene pipes have a wide range of different diameters;
  • Installation of PPR pipes is carried out using special fittings, also made of polypropylene. Pipes are welded into fittings with a special device, which you can purchase at an affordable price.

Types of polypropylene pipes

In total, there are 4 main categories of polypropylene pipes:

  • PPH- polypropylene pipe with high strength, but low resistance to negative temperatures. The main area of ​​application of such pipes is the laying of a cold water supply system on an industrial scale;
  • PPB- polypropylene pipe, for the manufacture of which polyethylene is additionally used. The result is a robust pipe that resists low and high temperatures. More often used for laying underfloor heating systems;
  • PPR pipes are made from a special polymer that includes ethylene molecules. Such a mixture allows achieving special tensile strength, therefore such pipes perfectly withstand pressure surges. Pipes are excellent for laying cold and hot water supply, however, the water temperature in them should not exceed 70 ° C;
  • PPS-pipes are resistant to high temperatures up to 95 ° C. These pipes are often marked with a red stripe.


Reinforced polypropylene pipes

One of significant shortcomings polypropylene - high coefficient of thermal expansion. This is especially noticeable when building heating system where polypropylene expands under the influence of heat so that during their installation it is necessary to install compensating loops, which is quite inconvenient.


Manufacturers have long taken care of this drawback by releasing a reinforced polypropylene pipe.


Reinforced PPR pipe also comes in various categories:

  • PN20-the pipe is reinforced with fiberglass. When making polypropylene pipes, the manufacturer adds a layer of fiberglass to them, which is later baked into two adjacent layers of propylene. Thus, a reinforced structure is obtained, which is used when laying hot water pipes with big amount docking. Such a pipe also has its drawback - a limitation in the width of the diameter, the maximum size of which is 63 mm;
  • PN25- polypropylene reinforced with aluminum. The principle of reinforcement is similar to the previous one, but aluminum sheets and profiles are used here. The cross-section of such pipes can be up to 100 mm, but their installation is more difficult and requires stripping of the aluminum layer.

Creation plumbing systems using plastic materials is already becoming a tradition. The most popular for heating is a polypropylene pipe, aluminum reinforced.

Polypropylene is a product obtained from the polymerization of cracked petroleum products. The molecule of this substance is a structure consisting of two carbon atoms combined with hydrogen.

Carbon-carbon atomic bond consists of two bonds, one of which is weaker. Under the influence of high temperature and high pressure, it bursts, and the molecule becomes chemically active.

And since in space under the indicated conditions there are many such formations, they adhere to each other, forming molecular chains, which are the basis of polypropylene. The process is carried out in the presence of catalysts.

The resulting material is a hard plastic formation that melts when the temperature rises. This property of the substance is used for the production of various products, including pipes, by extrusion (pressing).

but physical properties polypropylene pipes are poor. Their main disadvantage is their high coefficient of linear thermal expansion.

As a result, pipelines at. In addition, the fact that the substance belongs to thermoplastics was the reason for the swelling of pipes under the combined effect of temperature and pressure.

Why is aluminum reinforcement made?

The solution to these problems was found in the design field. The polypropylene array in the pipe is reinforced with reinforcing inserts. Materials with opposite mechanical properties were chosen: fiberglass and metal.

Polypropylene reinforcement turned out to be a good idea - mechanical characteristics pipelines have significantly improved: the coefficient of linear thermal expansion has decreased by 75%, its residual value is comparable to the same indicator for metal analogs.

And the strength indicators have increased more than doubled- reinforced pipes are able to withstand pressure hot water up to 20 atmospheres. In this way, a result was obtained that allows the widespread use of polypropylene pipes reinforced with aluminum for plumbing hot water and heating systems.

Reinforcement of polypropylene with aluminum foil deserves special attention. First of all - why is aluminum chosen? A characteristic feature of this metal is the reliable protection of the surface of products made of it with an oxide film. Aluminum patina (Al 2 O 3) is very resistant to any oxidizing agents and chemically active substances.

It can only be destroyed by mercury salts. Therefore, it is a reliable chemical protection for pipe hardening. At the same time, the mechanical strength of the products is sufficient to withstand the excess pressure from the transported liquid from the inside with a thickness of 0.1-0.5 millimeters.

Some other metals, such as gold, silver and platinum, have similar properties. But we will not seriously consider their use in the production of pipes for obvious reasons.

Properties and characteristics of aluminum-reinforced polypropylene

Pipelines fiberglass reinforced have a number of remarkable characteristics. One of the few disadvantages of such products is the permeability of the walls to molecular oxygen in the air, which is one of the strongest natural oxidants. This leads to accelerated corrosion of the metal parts of pipelines:

  1. In heating systems, this is the inner surface of boilers, heated towel rails and metal radiators, as well as metal shut-off valves.
  2. In hot water supply systems, filters, metal-plastic adapter meters and everything that is subject to oxidation suffer.

It uses the high protective properties of aluminum and its high, metallic, density. Polypropylene, reinforced with aluminum, has the highest oxygen protection and can serve in plumbing systems for up to 50 years.

Polypropylene, PPR labeled, is a more durable material for plumbing with hot water because it tolerates higher temperatures and pressures in the system better than other traditional products.

The inner surface of the pipes appears to be a stable surface that:

  • does not corrode;
  • does not undergo bacteriological contamination;
  • does not deposit lime deposits typical for water pipes;
  • practically not subject to physical wear and tear.

This makes it possible to operate PPR pipes for a long time without changing the physical parameters of the system.

Disadvantages of PPR pipelines reinforced with aluminum

In this case, we are dealing with a fairly perfect material that can serve for a long time and reliably. However, it also has significant drawbacks.

These include the need to clean the abutting ends with the removal of the reinforcing layer. This is an inconvenient operation, an error, during the execution of which it is fraught with a violation of the integrity of the system.

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The disadvantages can also be attributed to the instability of the material to the effects of hard UV radiation. With prolonged exposure to sunlight, it becomes brittle and can easily break.

To enhance the ability to withstand UV radiation, soot is introduced into the composition in an amount of up to 2% of the total mass. But it is safer to simply not use PP pipes for pipelines in open areas.

Application area

Considering the applicability of such products, you need to build on their origin and basic properties.

The fact that the material belongs to thermoplastics directly indicates the impossibility of their use at high temperatures. Therefore, non-reinforced pipe-rolling materials are used for free-flow gravity pipelines, that is, sewers.

However, even here it is necessary to take into account the possibility of maximum heating to a temperature of 95 degrees... Consumers avoid overheating by mixing with cold tap water while draining boiling water.

The second use is air ducts ventilation systems... There are no problems with application here, since these objects are always located in the room and are protected from impact. sunlight and high temperatures.

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All shortcomings of the original material are eliminated during reinforcement. The creation of a protective layer of fiberglass compensates for the fluidity and its high thermal expansion properties.

As a result, products are able to withstand pressures up to 25 atmospheres without changing their shape. And this ability is maintained even at a temperature of + 95 degrees. However, this is the manufacturer's recommendation issued with caution; in fact, these products can withstand + 135 degrees.

Aluminum-reinforced pipe manufacturers claim that the durable oxygen shielding made from an aluminum layer prevents metal components from corrosion in heating or hot water systems. In theory, this is true, but there is no intelligible statistics of increased wear of such wiring.

Comparison of fiberglass and aluminum reinforcement

We propose to consider the issue in detail, starting from the production process.

In both cases, press installations of an identical design are used, in some cases they can be used in a double version. The essential difference lies in the method of applying the reinforcing layer.

For aluminum, this consists in the need to apply adhesive layers, which are a very toxic substance. If solid aluminum rebar is used, a high precision laser welding head must be used. This complicates the equipment somewhat, as a result of which the cost of aluminum-reinforced pipes is higher.

The performance characteristics of both types are practically the same both when used for hot and cold water.

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In principle, products from the same material are considered, therefore, the technology for installing plumbing systems is almost the same. The only, not very significant difference, is the need to strip the aluminum jacket before soldering during installation.

It is natural to conclude that we are dealing with the same material with practically the same properties and areas of application. The declared advantage of pipes with oxygen protection is justified only theoretically.

It is obvious that the differences between pipes reinforced with fiberglass and aluminum are in principle small.

Markings and designations

The designation on such commercial samples is the abbreviation PPR-AL-PPR, which fully explains the structure of the material. Such pipes have several subspecies:

  • the first option is presented to products with perforated aluminum inside;
  • the second option is made with a solid metal layer, which is reliable protection from oxygen penetration;
  • the third type is five-layer pipes, where there is polypropylene inside and outside, in the middle there is an aluminum layer, above and below which there are two layers of hot melt glue.

Some manufacturers replace the PPR designation with the abbreviation PEX, which is basically the same thing.

Any plastic pipes are marked on the outside. In the case of aluminum-reinforced polypropylene, it includes the following data:

  1. Manufacturer's logo or trademark.
  2. Designation of the type of pipe.
  3. The value of the nominal working pressure.
  4. Pipe dimensions with outside diameter and wall thickness.
  5. Service conditions class.
  6. Maximum allowable working pressure.
  7. Indication of compliance with technical documentation - GOST or technical conditions.

Consider manufacturers

It is safe to say that plastic pipes all over the world are produced everywhere. The following are noticeable on the world and Russian markets:

  1. not so long ago - 15 years. But during this time it has acquired a well-deserved reputation for high quality products and commitment to deliveries. The company's order portfolio includes 30 regular customers in European countries.

The range of pipes produced is a full size range from 20 to 115 millimeters of all types of products, including both pure plastic and reinforced products. Deliveries are also made to the Russian market.


The range of manufactured products fully covers any need for materials for housing. Equipment and fittings for the installation of pipelines are also produced here.

Features of mounting polypropylene

Compared to other types of plastics, polypropylene has one important distinctive quality - hardness. For this reason, it is not possible to use pipe bending during installation. Therefore, all elements of the pipeline are connected using fittings by diffusion welding.

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Its essence consists in melting the mating surfaces to a depth of about 1 millimeter, followed by compression. In this case, the material of the parts is mixed, forming a monolithic mass at the junction. The hardening takes place within one to two minutes and as a result it is obtained reliable connection... The work on assembling the sections of the water supply is carried out on a workbench.

The connection of the sections to each other is carried out by weight, which is not very convenient and you have to use the services of an assistant.

When working with polypropylene, reinforced with aluminum, you need to clean the end of the part, freeing it from the metal jacket, because metal cannot be diffused with plastic. For this, special devices are used.

Correctly installed water supply pipelines made of polypropylene with aluminum can serve up to 50 years. I wish you success!

In order not to spoil everything with low-quality pipes when distributing the heating system, it is necessary to choose the "correct" manufacturer and pipes of the corresponding category. There are a lot of manufacturers of polypropylene pipes in the world, but it has not yet been developed one system markings and often products from the same material, with similar characteristics, have a different designation. However, some designations are standard, and knowledge of them will facilitate the selection of a material with the required technical characteristics.

Characteristics and marking of polypropylene pipes

To navigate the names and understand the difference, let's talk a little about grades of polypropylene... Any of them is designated by two Latin letters: "PP" or in the Russian-language version "PP". Further, there may be numbers or other letters that "mask" types of materials:

It is PPR pipes (PPR in Russian) that are considered the best, safest and most reliable at this stage. PPR, PP-random products can be used in centralized heating systems, as well as individual, if there is a gas or liquid fuel boiler. If a solid fuel boiler with automatic protection against overheating is installed (it works at a coolant temperature of 95 ° C), a special polymer can be used for wiring the heating system, which has increased resistance to temperatures: PPs. It normally tolerates an internal environment of 95 ° C and short overheating up to 110 ° C.

If there is a solid fuel unit in the system without automation, no polypropylene will withstand. Then for wiring you will need either copper or steel pipes. Polypropylene can be used in networks with such a boiler only in the presence of liquid heat accumulators, which smooth out temperature drops, increase the safety of the system and reduce the cost of heating, while increasing its comfort.

The next thing to look out for is pressure... This parameter is marked with the Latin letters PN, and the numbers behind them denote the nominal water pressure that this pipe can withstand for 50 years at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C. Pipes PN 10, PN 16, PN 20 and PN 25 are produced. Accordingly these products will last 50 years at a pressure of 10, 16, 20 and 25 bar / cm 2 and an ambient temperature of 20 ° C.

When temperature and / or pressure changes, the service life will be significantly reduced. For example, the service life of PN 16 products at 50 ° C is no longer 50 years, but only 7-8 years. You also need to know that the greater the pressure, the thicker the pipe wall, although PN 20 and PN 25 have a layer of reinforcement, which is why their walls and outer diameter are smaller than those of their analogs PN 16.

In principle, brands PN 10, PN 16 can also be used for individual heating. They are suitable for heat carrier temperatures not higher than 70 ° C. Pikovo and can withstand heating up to 95 ° C for a short time. Their service life under such conditions, of course, is not 50 years, but they will work for ten years. As a positive aspect of such pipes, the lower cost can be noted (compared to PN 20 and PN 25). But there is a very significant drawback: a large expansion coefficient. Each meter of a pipe when heated to 70 ° C increases by almost 1 cm. If such pipes are hidden in a wall or in a floor screed without a compensation loop or loop, then after a while they will destroy nearby materials. If they are laid on top (fixed to the wall with clips / holders), then they will noticeably sag. If in the "cold" form such a pipeline looks normal and does not linger on it, then hanging pipes significantly spoil appearance... Therefore, such pipes are used more often for distributing cold or hot water (the hot water supply temperature rarely exceeds 45-50 ° C and the thermal expansion is not on such a scale).

Reinforced polypropylene pipe (PPR)

For heating, reinforced polypropylene pipes are usually used (marking PN 20 and PN 25). Both types are suitable for both centralized and individual heating. These brands differ in the type of reinforcing material: in PN 20 fiberglass is used, in PN 25 - aluminum (solid sheet or perforated depends on the manufacturer). Despite the different materials of the reinforcing layer, both types have a coefficient of expansion that is significantly lower than that of pure polymer pipes - by ¾ less. But when using fiberglass, it is 5-7% higher than in foil-clad products.

The most best brands(Wain Ecoplastik, Valtec, Banninger, etc.) have a large number of fakes. In addition to the low price (compared to the original ones), fakes can be identified by eye. A high-quality pipe has even layers. This is the main indicator of quality. If the reinforcement is located in the middle, then both polypropylene layers have exactly the same thickness anywhere, although all of the above manufacturers place the aluminum layer closer to the outer edge.

Another sign by which you can identify a fake: almost all market leaders use butt welding of aluminum. Such pipes are more reliable, although expensive equipment is required for their production. The photo above shows the overlap seam. This is a clear sign of cheap pipes, and of low quality, to put it mildly.

The outer and inner surfaces of the original products are smooth. The inscription is applied clearly, straight along the line, not blurred. In addition, in order to avoid claims in crafts, the name is often slightly distorted: they skip or add an extra letter, replace with another.

One of the EcoPlastik fakes. If you look closely, you will see a spelling error (click to enlarge)

So, just by looking closely at such "little things", you can identify a fake. In general, if you have definitely decided on the brand, do not be too lazy to go to the official website and ask how the pipes of the selected brand should look, what the surface should be: matte or smooth, what color, what the logo looks like, which is applied, study the range of products that it produces this firm.

Fiberglass Reinforced Pipes

In PN 20 pipes, fiberglass is used as a reinforcing material. In general, originally, this type was intended for supplying hot water. Of course, they will feel good in most heating systems. And they will work well. Not 50 years old, but not a year or two. Provided that these are really high-quality pipes, and not a fake. Now we come to important point: how to define quality. Sadly, you need to focus on the price: Europeans produce the most best pipes... You can't argue here: experience. But their prices are high.

Now about the pipes themselves and their use in heating. In this type of product, neither the color of the reinforcing pad, nor the material from which it is made, practically does not play any role. Fiberglass can be orange, red, blue or green. It's just a coloring pigment and doesn't affect anything. If you can focus on color, then only on the longitudinal strip, which is applied to the surface of the pipe: red indicates suitability for hot environments, blue - for cold ones, both together - about versatility.

Now about the features of the use of fiberglass-reinforced pipes specifically for heating. They can be set, but with some reservations. This is due to the second disadvantage of polypropylene (apart from high thermal expansion) - high oxygen permeability. At high temperatures, a large amount of oxygen in the system leads to a fairly active destruction of metal-containing elements. If the system uses really reliable and high-quality, certified aluminum radiators ( required condition- from primary aluminum), then big problems shouldn't be. But if their quality is in doubt, or installed cast iron radiators, then you only need to use pipes with foil, which significantly reduces the amount of oxygen passing through the walls PPR pipes... And one more point: the permeability depends on the wall thickness, but not strongly, but depends on the quality of the material. So again we returned to the fact that in order for heating from polypropylene pipes to work for a long time, quality is required.

But most of the installers advise installing fiberglass pipes for heating. Why? It is faster to mount them. Approximately doubled. This is because in order to obtain a high-quality weld in foil pipes, it is necessary to remove the foil layer and part of the material that is above it. This requires a special device (for each diameter - its own). As usual, a good tool is never cheap, and you don't want to spend money on it at all. In addition, the stripping procedure itself in total lengthens the installation procedure of the system by almost two times. And skill in this matter is also needed. Actually, their reasons are clear. But if you make heating for yourself, then they are unlikely to solve something for you. Therefore, read carefully about reinforcement with foil. Here, too, everything is not easy.

Foil Reinforced Pipes

Designate polypropylene pipes reinforced with aluminum as follows: PEX / Al / PEX. There are two types of foil arrangement: closer to the outer edge and in the middle. There is one nuance in the installation of reinforced polypropylene pipes: the foil should not be allowed to come into contact with the coolant. Because even if water is used as a heat carrier, it is not chemically neutral (salts are always present even in soft water). By entering into an oxidation reaction with the foil, water destroys it, seeping further and further into the pipe. Sooner or later (rather early) such a pipe will burst. To the descendant, almost all European manufacturers produce pipes with foil located closer to the edge. They require stripping: removing the outer layer of polypropylene and foil. But as a result, during welding, it turns out that the metallized layer is protected from interaction with water by a thick layer of material.

When using pipes in which the foil layer is in the middle, not stripping, but trimming is required. For this, a special device is also used, but of a different plan - it cuts the foil inside the pipe by several millimeters without destroying the polypropylene layers. This procedure is simpler and faster (sellers call such pipes "lazy", understand why?). In principle, if the seam is made correctly and correctly, polypropylene is welded to each other, then such a seam is more or less reliable. But if there is a micropore, then water will penetrate into it and cause delamination of the pipe. And the presence of micropores is guaranteed with insufficient vertical cut, insufficient experience (incorrect exposure during welding) and incomplete removal of the foil, and it is unrealistic to control how carefully the foil is removed between the polymer layers ... All this is fraught with ruptures, leaks and violation of the integrity of the system. How they are formed is shown in the figure below.

This phenomenon is especially troublesome when your pipes are hidden in the wall or in the floor. The renovation will be long and difficult. In some cases (in winter) it is faster to make a new wiring "on top", leaving the old one in the wall (but draining the water). And micropores in the seams happen very often: it is almost impossible to control the quality of foil removal between the polypropylene layers, which means that it is unrealistic to guarantee the tightness of the seam. And this is in the case of a high-quality pipe, but if a fake comes across, such as the one in the photo above? How to mate such a product? The quality of the seam is out of the question here.

Difference in weld seam after several years of operation (click to enlarge)

This arrangement has one more drawback: only the upper part of the pipe material is welded to the fitting, and not both layers. And this, even if welding without a micro-slot, significantly reduces the reliability of the pipeline. On the other hand, such products (idlers) are much cheaper than their European counterparts. Here everything is explained simply: they are produced by firms that are trying to win in price (Turkish and Asian manufacturers). But how will these savings affect in the future? Most likely, an urgent replacement or repair of part of the pipeline, or the entire system, will be required.

All of the above is true for a solid sheet of foil as a reinforcing layer. But there is also perforated foil. It is produced by the Turkish company Kalde. The manufacturer claims that due to the presence of perforation, it is not necessary to remove the foil layer: when welding through the pores, adhesion of the materials occurs, which ensures the strength of the connection. As for the strength, this is probably the case. But what about the reaction with the foil with water and oxygen permeability? Surely these indicators are worse than those of pipes with solid foil. Although here the situation is the same as in PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass: when using high-quality aluminum radiators the system will last long enough.

Outcomes

I don’t know about you, but for myself I can draw the following conclusions. If the wiring is hidden, polypropylene pipes reinforced with solid foil are definitely needed. Moreover, the foil should be located closer to the outer edge, and not in the middle. If the pipes are placed "on top", it is quite possible to use high-quality pipes for heating with fiberglass (but not in those systems where there is a solid fuel boiler).

Any water-type heating system presupposes the presence of circuits through which the coolant circulates. These pipe lines connect the boiler with all, up to the most remote, heat exchange devices - heating radiators. As a result, in a building or even an apartment of a large area general system can take a very complex branched form, and the length of the laid pipes can be tens or even hundreds of meters.

Not so long ago, there was practically no alternative steel pipes VGP. But, you must admit, their purchase, transportation and installation itself are very difficult, expensive and not available for everyone to do on their own. And, frankly, there are many other disadvantages of such pipes. Another thing is inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install, and just outwardly nice polypropylene pipes. True, not all of their varieties are suitable for such purposes, due to the characteristics of the material of manufacture. But fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating will be an excellent option.

You may be interested in information about what are and their advantages

In addition to them, polypropylene pipes are also produced with aluminum reinforcement, therefore, in order to figure out which of them is better, it is worth comparing them. Only in this way will it be possible to evaluate and designate characteristics different types of these products.

Why are reinforced polypropylene pipes needed for heating?

The heating system will be reliable in operation if you select the right pipes for it that meet certain requirements. These criteria include the resistance of products to high temperature and pressure loads. to the aggressive effects of the coolant circulating through them. It is especially important to take these requirements into account if the pipes and their fittings are planned to be installed in a system connected to district heating.

V specialized stores You can find reinforced polypropylene pipes with different wall thicknesses, made of materials of different quality, differing in resistance to high pressure and temperatures, ultraviolet exposure, and having different coefficients of linear expansion. Therefore, if it is decided to install a new circuit or replace the old pipes with polypropylene ones, it is necessary to know the evaluation criteria that the materials used for these purposes must meet.

So, for the installation of a heating circuit, it is necessary to choose pipes that meet a number of important requirements.

  • The temperature of the coolant in the central heating system is usually 75 ÷ 80 degrees, but sometimes it can reach higher values, close to 90 ÷ 95 ºС. Therefore, when purchasing these products, it is worth choosing them with a margin of thermal stability, that is, their characteristics should indicate a temperature of at least 95 degrees.
  • Polypropylene is an excellent material for pipes, but it has a characteristic quality - a too significant coefficient of linear expansion with temperature changes (according to tabular data - 0.15 mm / m × ºС). A little? But what if we look at this matter "through the prism" of absolute values?

Suppose the heating circuit was installed at a temperature of +20 ºС. After starting the heating system, the temperature in the supply pipe is planned, even if only 75 ºС. So, we have a difference with an amplitude of + 55 degrees. With the above coefficient of thermal expansion, each meter of our circuit will increase in length by 8.25 mm. Even on a relatively small straight section of 3 meters, this already gives 2.5 centimeters of elongation, not to mention the longer sections. But this is already very serious!

As a result, pipes located openly deform, bend, jump out of their clip-fasteners. Naturally, at the same time, internal stresses in their walls grow, the connecting nodes are overloaded, the tightness may be broken. threaded connections on fittings. The system clearly loses not only in the aesthetics of its appearance, but also in overall reliability.

But what happens to such pipes if they are rigidly embedded in the walls or floor? It is even difficult to imagine how large internal stresses are experienced by their walls. It is clear that there is no question of any durability of such a heating circuit.

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But for reinforced pipes, the coefficient of linear expansion is almost five times less. With the same initial data, the three-meter section will lengthen by only 4.95 mm, which is not at all critical. Of course, this does not eliminate the need to compensate for the linear expansion over very long sections, but the expansion joints themselves (loop or bellows) will be required much less, and they can be placed in places inaccessible to the eye.

  • In addition to high temperatures, the central heating system does not differ in pressure stability, since, especially at the beginning of test activities after the summer season, uncontrolled surges of it, up to powerful water shocks, usually occur in it. Therefore, pipes must be resistant to pressure overload, and only products reinforced with aluminum or fiberglass have such qualities to a much greater extent.
  • The service life of pipes for heating systems declared by the manufacturer should be comparable to the durability of other devices and elements included in the general circuit. And in this position, reinforced polypropylene pipes have a clear advantage.
  • A good property of propylene is its inertness to the aggressive medium of the coolant, since the material of the walls should not be subject to corrosion and destructuring from the effects of various chemicals, the presence of which, alas, cannot be excluded in any way. central system heating.
  • Ideally flat surfaces of the inner walls of polypropylene pipes allow the coolant to circulate freely along the heating circuit.
  • Polypropylene has the ability to drown out the sounds of the coolant circulation inside the system, which distinguishes it favorably from traditional steel. Fiberglass-reinforced pipes have this advantage to a greater extent.

Marking of polypropylene pipes

Without exception, all polypropylene pipes must have an alphanumeric marking on their surface, which indicates their main physical, technical and operational characteristics. When purchasing pipes, it is recommended to carefully study the marking so as not to be mistaken in choosing the best option.

For clarity, consider the marking for example:

A- as a rule, the marking begins with the logo or the name of the company of the manufacturer of the material. In any case, those firms that really enjoy authority in this area of ​​production do not hesitate to put their name on each unit of their products. Well, if the manufacturer is "modest", and nothing of the kind is indicated in the labeling, this should be a reason to think whether it is worth purchasing such a product, whether it is a cheap imitation.

B- The following abbreviation indicates the structural structure of the pipe. The following designations are usually found here:

- PPR - polypropylene pipe without any internal reinforcement;

- PPR-FB-PPR - glass fiber reinforced pipe;

- PPR / PPR-GF / PPR or PPR-GF - a pipe reinforced with a composite material, which includes fiberglass and polypropylene;

- PPR-AL-PPR - pipe reinforced with aluminum foil.

- PP-RCT-AL-PPR - this complex abbreviation means that the pipe consists of several layers made of different materials... So PP-RCT - the inner layer is a modified polypropylene with improved thermostatic properties, AL - the middle layer is aluminum foil, and PPR - the outer layer is polypropylene.

V- The following designation, PN is the type of pipe, which largely speaks about its operational characteristics and areas of possible purpose, The numbers indicate the indicator of the nominal working pressure in the system (in bars or technical atmospheres):

- PN-10 - such pipes can withstand a pressure of 10 bar, and can be used for cold water supply or, as an exception, for installing piping to the underfloor heating circuits while maintaining an appropriate temperature regime, since they are designed for temperatures not exceeding + 45 degrees.

- PN-16 - products are designed for cold and hot water supply with temperatures up to + 60 degrees and working pressure up to 16 bar.

- PN-20 is the most popular option, since it can be called universal, since it is used for both hot and cold water supply, as well as for heating circuits. Pipes with such markings can withstand temperatures of 95 degrees and pressures up to 20 bar.

- PN-25 - such pipes are the most durable, withstand a pressure of 25 bar and a temperature of 95 degrees. They are used for installation in risers of heating and hot water supply systems, including for circuits connected to central heating.

The main standard dimensional parameters of pipes according to this classification are presented in the table below:

Ø Нр, mm PN -25PN -20PN -16PN -10
Ø Int, mm TC, mm Ø Int, mm TC, mm Ø Int, mm TC, mm Ø Int, mm TC, mm
16 - - 10.6 2.7 11.6 2.2 - -
20 13.2 3.4 13.2 3.4 14.4 2.8 16.2 1.9
25 16.6 4.2 16.6 4.2 18 3.5 20.4 2.3
32 21.2 3 21.2 5.4 23 4.4 26 3
40 26.6 3.7 26.6 6.7 28.8 5.5 32.6 3.7
50 33.2 4.6 33.2 8.4 36.2 6.9 40.8 4.6
63 42 5.8 42 10.5 45.6 8.4 51.4 5.8
75 50 6.9 50 12.5 54.2 10.3 61.2 6.9
90 - - 60 15 65 12.3 73.6 8.2
110 - - 73.2 18.4 79.6 15.1 90 10
Ø Nr - outer diameter of the pipe
Ø IN - Diameter of the inner pipe channel (nominal bore)
TS - pipe wall thickness

G- The next indicator is the outer diameter of the pipe and the thickness of its walls in millimeters.

D- The class of operation (the parameter is set by GOST for pipes of domestic production) indicates the recommended area of ​​application of this type of pipe:

Service class of polypropylene pipesLiquid temperature (operating / maximum), ºCPurpose of pipes
XB up to 20Cold water supply systems +
1 60 / 80 Hot water system with a maximum temperature of 60 ºC
2 70 / 80 Hot water system with a maximum temperature of 70 ºC
3 40 / 60 Low-temperature underfloor heating systems
4 60 / 70 Underfloor heating systems with high-temperature operating modes, classic heating systems heating with maximum heating agent temperatures up to 60 ºC
5 80 / 90 Heating systems with high temperatures, including - with central heating

F- The last alphanumeric designation indicates that normative document(GOST, ISO or TO, according to the standards of which these products are manufactured.

Having received information about the classification of the pipe, you can immediately estimate the possible duration of its operation under the planned conditions. The following table will help with this:

Heat carrier temperature, ºСEstimated service lifeTypes of pipes
PN-25 PN-20 PN-16 PN-10
Maximum working pressure in the system (kgf / cm²)
20 10 33.9 21.7 21.7 13.5
25 33 26.4 21.1 13.2
50 32.3 25.9 20.7 12.9
30 10 9.3 23.5 18.8 11.7
25 28.3 22.7 18.1 11.3
50 27.7 22.1 17.7 11.1
40 10 25.3 20.3 16.2 10.1
25 24.3 19.5 15.6 9.7
50 23 18.4 14.7 9.2
50 10 21.7 23.5 17.3 13.9
25 20 16 12.8 8
50 18.3 14.7 11.7 7.3
60 10 18 14.4 11.5 7.2
25 15.3 12.3 9.8 6.1
50 13.7 10.9 8.7 5.5
70 10 13.3 10.7 8.5 5.3
25 11.9 9.1 7.3 4.5
30 11 8.8 7 4.4
50 10.7 8.5 6.8 4.3
80 5 10.8 8.7 6.9 4.3
10 9.8 7.9 6.3 3.9
25 9.2 7.5 5.9 3.7
95 1 8.5 7.6 6.7 3.9
5 6.1 5.4 4.4 2.8

Prices for glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes

reinforced polypropylene pipes

The structure of polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement

As mentioned above, polypropylene pipes are reinforced to make them resistant to high temperatures and baric loads and to drastically reduce the linear thermal expansion sludge index. In order to decide which option is better to choose - pipes reinforced with aluminum or fiberglass, it is worth comparing their main characteristics.

Fiberglass began to be used for strengthening polypropylene pipes much later than aluminum foil. Products reinforced with this material represent a three-layer structure, with the reinforcing layer located between two layers of polypropylene.

"Armopoyas" can consist only of fiberglass, or of a composite material containing fiberglass and polypropylene. In any of these options, the layers have excellent adhesion to each other, practically becoming a monolithic structure.

Thanks to such a reliable soldering, the separation of the walls of a well-made pipe is even theoretically impossible.

Fiberglass perfectly restrains thermal expansion, which prevents pipes from deforming and stretching in any way when the temperature rises

This type of reinforced polypropylene pipes is produced in various dimensions. So, products with a diameter of less than 17 mm are mainly used for the installation of a "warm floor" system, pipes Ø 20 mm are well suited for in-house distribution of hot water supply, and from 20 to 32 mm (sometimes more) - for arranging the circuits of heating systems ...

The connection of polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement is carried out by welding, sometimes by others assembly methods... Moreover, when welding, this type of pipes does not require a rather laborious cleaning operation, which greatly facilitates and speeds up the work. The absence of metal elements in the construction of these pipes excludes the appearance of deposits of hardness salts, and the joints of all parts of the heating system become completely monolithic.

Let's compare the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass and aluminum reinforcement of PPR pipes

  • The first thing that needs to be said is that the coefficient of thermal expansion for pipes with aluminum and fiberglass reinforcement is practically the same, and ranges from 0.03 to 0.035 mm / m × ºС. Thus, both types, from this point of view, are equivalent.
  • The fiberglass reinforcement layer covers the entire space between the outer and inner polypropylene layers. Therefore, these pipes are tear-resistant, reliable and durable, and their design life is about 50 years. In pipes reinforced with aluminum, the reinforcing layer has a welded seam (and sometimes, in inexpensive products, even simply butted edges of the foil are lined with an overlap), which makes them more vulnerable to increased temperature and pressure.
  • Fiberglass-reinforced pipes are a good anti-diffusion layer that does not allow oxygen to pass to the coolant.

The diffusion process will certainly lead to an acceleration of corrosive processes. metal equipment heating system - this is a boiler, pump, shut-off and control valves and other elements.

Since for products reinforced with aluminum, the foil layer is sometimes not continuous, the risk of penetration into the coolant increases. In addition, aluminum itself is very unstable to oxygen corrosion.

  • When installing pipes with fiberglass interlayer, the density and strength of their connections does not require regular monitoring and maintenance. If products reinforced with aluminum are installed, the reliability of the connection will depend on the quality of calibration and stripping them before installation.

The fact is that pipes with an aluminum reinforcing belt are a glued wall structure. If, in the process of soldering, a section of metal in contact with the coolant remains on the cut, then it is from here that the process of wall separation can begin. And this, in turn, with a high degree of probability will lead to initially swelling, and then to a breakthrough of the pipe body.

And for pipes with fiberglass reinforcement, which is an almost monolithic structure, this "Achilles heel" is absent.

And it is much faster and easier to weld pipes without stripping, especially since you do not need a special tool (shaver) for these purposes.

  • Fiberglass-reinforced pipes have good thermal insulation properties, which minimizes heat losses. On the other hand, pipes reinforced with aluminum foil have a slightly higher thermal conductivity.
  • All materials used in the manufacture of polypropylene reinforced pipes for heating are non-toxic and do not emit harmful vapors both in cold form and when heated. This applies equally to both types of pipes.
  • The resistance to chemical influences is not at all different, which allows both types to withstand the "aggression" of a low-quality coolant.
  • The temperature range within which these types of pipes are normally operated is from - 10 to +95 degrees. But, even with a short-term increase in temperature above the specified one, the pipe may sag a little, but no damage should occur on it.

Based on the considered characteristics of the data, it can be concluded that the best option for installation in a heating system for supplying a coolant to radiators are PN-20 and PN-25 pipes with diameters from 20 to 25 mm. But when pipes with a smaller diameter are installed in the heating system, the inner seam formed during the soldering process can impede the free flow of the coolant.

For the installation of risers, pipes with a diameter of at least 32 mm are usually selected, otherwise it may also be small for the full movement of the coolant. Larger diameters can also be used on the collector sections of the system - the range of products on sale allows this.

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Fiberglass Reinforced Polypropylene Pipe Manufacturers

At the end of the publication - a small overview of high-quality polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement, domestic and imported positive reviews professionals.

"METAK"

"METAK" is a Russian company that manufactures various polypropylene products for heating and cold water supply systems, including pipes reinforced with fiberglass, under the brand name "METAK FIBER". These products are excellent for installation in highly loaded heating systems.

The pipes are manufactured in a white design, have a maximum operating temperature of 95 degrees, and are designed for an operating pressure of 25 bar with a destructive pressure of 50 bar.

Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene three-layer pipes of the METAK company and their connecting parts (fittings) are manufactured in accordance with GOST. technological pipelines therefore they can have different diameters.

This table provides information on the dimensions of the glass fiber reinforced pipes manufactured by this company. The total length for all products is 4000 mm.

Outer pipe diameter, mmInner diameter, mmWall thickness, mm
20 13.2 3.4
25 16.6 4.2
32 21.2 5.4
40 26.6 6.7
50 33.2 8.4
63 42 10.5
75 50 12.5

These products are great for heating systems country houses and apartments in multi-storey buildings. All METAK products comply with all domestic and European standards and requirements established for these products, as they are produced on high-tech equipment under the strict supervision of qualified specialists.

"FV Plast"

The Czech company "FV Plast" specializes in the development and manufacture of polypropylene pipes for pressure water pipes for cold drinking water supply, hot water supply and heating systems. The company produces polypropylene pipes and fittings for them only in gray color, with a reinforcing aluminum and fiberglass layer.

FV Plast was one of the first to start manufacturing glass fiber reinforced products. the lineup product is called "FASER".

Prices for polypropylene pipes FV Plast

reinforced polypropylene pipes FV Plast

Characteristics of FV Plast FASER pipes reinforced with fiberglass:

  • The operating temperature of the coolant is up to 80 degrees.
  • A short-term temperature rise is allowed up to 90 degrees.
  • The operating pressure of the system is 20 bar.
  • The maximum allowable pressure is 36 bar.
  • The service life of the products, declared by the manufacturer, is 25 ÷ 50 years.

In addition to the pipes themselves, the company presents on the market all the necessary components for them, which allows using materials from one manufacturer to create heating circuits of any complexity with guaranteed ensuring its reliability.

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"Kalde"

Kalde is a leading Turkish manufacturer of modern heating and plumbing systems assembled from PPR pipes and accessories. The material of this company is distinguished by the maximum protection against build-up and contamination inside the pipes during the entire service life. Reliable, lightweight, durable, comfortable and economical Kalde systems are inert to corrosion and chemical attack. They are produced in the widest range of diameters - from 20 to 110 mm.

Kalde Fiber is a three-layer pipe with a white outer surface, made of polypropylene and reinforced with fiberglass. It is distinguished by excellent heat resistance, with the upper limit of the coolant temperature reaching 95 degrees. Even at such a temperature in the system, the pressure does not exceed 10 bar, the manufacturer decolors the service life of at least 50 years.

Prices for polypropylene pipes Kalde

reinforced polypropylene pipes Kalde

In addition to the above, the company also produces polypropylene pipes of various types:

  • PN10 and PN20 made of polypropylene, PPRC- without internal reinforcement.
  • PN20 and PN25, reinforced with aluminum foil - pipes for heating and heating supply, air conditioning systems and similar industrial use.
  • AL-Super is a polypropylene pipe, reinforced in the middle layer with aluminum foil, which does not require cutting or stripping.

The assortment of Kalde accessories is very diverse and is designed for different, even the most complex heating circuits.

"BANNINGER"

BANNINGER is German company manufacturing products that are distinguished by real European quality and undeniable reliability in operation. The company produces polypropylene pipes and a full set of necessary components for them for the installation of heating circuits, hot and cold water supply. Distinctive feature is the unusual emerald green color of BANNINGER polypropylene pipes.

Products are distinguished by high plasticity, therefore they calmly react to high and low temperatures. The parameters of polypropylene parts were selected taking into account studies on the fatigue properties of the material, during operation for 50 years, at a constant temperature of 70 degrees and a pressure of up to 10 bar.

The range of the company includes polypropylene pipes without reinforcing materials, as well as with an aluminum and fiberglass layer. Within the framework of this article, samples of the series "WATERTEC » and "CLIMATEC". Their use will provide the created heating circuit with guaranteed indicators of reliability and durability.

A few words in conclusion

In conclusion of the topic, I would like to recommend not to purchase pipes of unknown manufacturers who do not even mention the name of their company in the product labeling. Having saved a little, you can buy a product that will not last even one heating season, failing at the most inopportune moment. In such a situation, you will have to pay a much more serious amount to replace the pipes of the heating system, repair your own and, possibly, your neighbor's apartment.

One more little remark. One of the most frequently asked questions is the following: "What information does the color of the reinforcing layer located in the pipe wall carry?" The answer is simple - none. The color of the reinforcement is, rather, a "whim" of the manufacturer, the desire to distinguish their products against the general background.

By and large, any fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipe itself is designed for operation at elevated temperatures. So there will be a reinforcing "ring" in red, green, blue or gray - it doesn't matter at all. The main information is in the alphanumeric marking of the pipe and in its technical documentation, which, by the way, do not forget to get acquainted with in the store when choosing a material. you can find out from the link.

And, finally, to "consolidate" the information received about polypropylene pipes- watch the video clip attached below:

Video: Recommendations for the correct choice of polypropylene pipes

You may be interested in information on how to choose


Evgeny AfanasievChief Editor

Author of the publication 14.10.2016

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