Polypropylene is a white solid obtained from petroleum products or gases through the polymerization of propylene and is classified as a polyolefin. Polypropylene is produced in powder or granule form. It can be uncolored, colored, or stabilized. It has excellent performance properties and is versatile in use.
Polypropylene is characterized by greater hardness, if you compare it with polyethyleneThis is the difference between polyethylene and polypropylene pipes.
Corrosion processes have little effect on the material, and its density and heat resistance are lower. Even if water remains in contact with the surface for long periods, moisture does not penetrate into structures made from this material.
Polypropylene pipes: advantages and disadvantages
The main positive advantages of these products include:
- The ability to withstand pressures of 20 bar or more, although in multi-story buildings it rarely exceeds 10 bar.
- Thermal insulation at a high level.
- Affordable price.
- Easy installation and transportation.
- Anti-corrosion resistance.
- The material is hygienic. Electrical conductivity remains zero, and sediment does not form inside.
- Capable of serving for fifty years.
But polypropylene pipes also have certain shortcomingsThis is important for those who are interested, How to choose polypropylene pipesLet's list the main disadvantages.
- The need to use a welding machine.
- It is difficult to carry out repairs and maintenance.
- Inability to tolerate temperatures above 1000 degrees.
Video: Advantages and Disadvantages
About technical specifications
The advantage is that, thanks to special fittings, polypropylene can be easily connected to metal and any plumbing fixtures already installed inside the building.
Elbow fittings typically have a slight slope of 900 and 66, 45, and 33 degrees. If several polypropylene blanks need to be joined together, soldering is used.
Polypropylene pipes are available in a variety of colors—black, green, white, and gray. Apart from color, these products are virtually indistinguishable from each other.
Only black ones have a protective layer to prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging the structure. Which ones? Polypropylene pipes are better for water supply, is determined by the following characteristics.
A diameter of 16-100 millimeters is sufficient if the water supply system is being installed in an apartment building. Homopolymer pipes are needed to carry cold water. Block copolymer varieties also perform well for this purpose.
If the marking contains an abbreviation PPR - this means that the design contains aluminum foil reinforcementThis is necessary to reduce thermal expansion.
PPRC means that its coefficient decreases by 5 times. This characteristic is an undoubted advantage when choosing pipes. for hot water supply.
Metal-plastic pipes have the designation PEX-AL-PEX. PN-10 or PN-20 best suited for cold water supply.
If there is a marking PN-25 – this means that there is an additional layer of reinforcement, which is an undeniable advantage.
That's why they're used in both heating and hot water supply systems. Polypropylene or metal-plastic pipes? Everyone makes their own choice depending on their goals.
Polypropylene pipes, typically produced in lengths up to 4 meters, are used in domestic water supply systems. Diameter measurements are taken from the outside of the pipe.
Russian-made pipe products
The combination of quality and low price are the main advantages that make products from Russian manufacturers popular. PRO AQUA – one of the companies that has become popular not only among ordinary buyers, but also among true professionals.
These structures continue to operate smoothly even at temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius and above. They offer a long service life and are resistant to corrosion and aggressive chemicals.
PRO AQUA is suitable for those who need to maintain the system's functionality at pressures up to 79 atmospheres.
Aluminum reinforcement in the middle of the wall – a distinctive feature of the RVC brandBut their sizes are unstable, which is where their main drawback lies.
Heisskraft manufactures products that help meet consumer demand. They come in gray, but that's not surprising. Carbon black is added to the composition during the manufacturing process. It acts as a stabilizer for the structure.
The average level of quality is a distinctive feature of the assortment of the manufacturer Politek, which can undoubtedly be considered a disadvantage.
About Chinese products
Chinese manufacturers can't yet boast the ability to maintain high quality standards. However, there are also manufacturers in this country who deserve every buyer's attention.
For example, Blue Ocean is a subsidiary of the British concern. It produces not only high-quality rolled pipes but also fittings.
Polypropylene from China is easy to solder, which is an advantage. The key is to use a nozzle with an internal rounding when processing the top layer. The disadvantage is the inconsistency of the outer diameters.
Design is known for its wide range of products. They require no additional cleaning or preparation, making disassembly and assembly much easier.
For supplying hot and cold water, pipes with additional reinforcement are produced. No more problems with linear expansion due to heat.
Pipes from Turkey. Quality characteristics
The company produces 20-160 mm products from a polypropylene base TEBOSuch products are capable of withstanding exposure to virtually any aggressive environment.
There is a special series with aluminum and fiberglass reinforcement, they are installed in heating systems.
The designs from the company are also widely used in practice. PilsaThis is largely due to the combination of such excellent qualities as wear resistance, strength, and elasticity.
The key is to purchase a line of pipes that is specifically suited to the specific pipeline. This will ensure trouble-free operation.
Every manufacturer requires customers to strictly adhere to the instructions in their operating instructions. Pilsa, for example, does not allow its pipes to be walled in, which is a definite drawback.
For best results, it's best to install a controlled boiler on the system. This will maintain the internal temperature no higher than 95 degrees Celsius.
Novaplast produces a range of products characterized by relatively low prices and a limited selection of external fasteners. However, the quality remains high.
VALTEC It also boasts reliability and durability. This applies not only to pipes but also to fittings. PP-R 100 is a grade of polypropylene that has become the basis for production processes.
Company Firat Adheres to all standards when launching its products. Therefore, its products are capable of resisting even severe rust. However, they do have a drawback: a high coefficient of thermal expansion.
The manufacturer covers its pipes with a continuous aluminum shell KaldeTherefore, the quality of the product is somewhat reduced when compared to Ecoplastic, for example.
Polypropylene of Czech origin
WAWIN Ecoplastic - a company from the Czech Republic that has become practically a leader in this area of productionHigh-quality products aren't the only indicator of a manufacturer's superiority. Their products fully comply with global standards. Where can Czech products be used?
- In underfloor heating and cold water supply.
- Cold water supply with high pressure, hot water supply.
- For wiring that goes to hot water supply, central heating.
- With central and underfloor heating.
- In order to transport hot water from cold water, air distribution.
In specialized stores, customers can easily find:
- Fittings, all-plastic with combined varieties.
- Fiber is a series of polypropylene products.
- Stabi is a brand of multi-layer pipes.
- Pp-r is a brand of all-plastic rolled pipes.
Fiber These are plastic pipes reinforced with fiberglass. Linear expansion under heat is minimal. Despite their low weight, they offer high strength. The surface requires no additional treatment before welding.
FV-Plast – another company that manufactures polypropylene products. They can be used not only for plumbing and heating systems but also for underfloor heating systems.
The manufacturer produces tubes with a rigid structure, protected from temperature fluctuations by an aluminum insert. They can be installed in systems of any complexity.
German quality
German companies have also firmly established leadership positions in this market. This applies, for example, to products under the Wefatherm brand. This includes not only the pipes themselves but also various fittings for creating high-quality connections.
Presented Wefatherm The systems have the following advantages and differences from their competitors:
- Allows the combination of several types of pipes within a single system, facilitated by a wide selection of connecting fittings.
- The surface inside maintains perfect smoothness, ensuring constant pressure and eliminating sudden changes.
Diffusion welding is used to obtain seams with maximum sealing.
Pipes and fittings of this brand are suitable, among other things, for transporting chemically active substances.
For the company Faser Those interested in purchasing high-quality products should also take note. They are used to supply hot water, even at pressures of 20 bar and higher.
Their diameters range from 16 to 250 millimeters. The advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene pipes are also determined by the manufacturer, but only to a limited extent.
