Selection of heating polypropylene pipes for home and apartment. Polypropylene pipes for heating: technical characteristics and selection criteria Types of polypropylene pipes for heating

Polypropylene pipes for heating, the technical characteristics of which may vary, are presented in a very wide range on the modern market. Their popularity is high, and there is a tendency towards its constant growth. This demand is explained by the ease of installation and the breadth of their application: depending on the type, they are used from ordinary installation of a water supply system to the creation heating circuits. They certainly don't have much flexibility. metal-plastic pipes, but if necessary, they can be given a smooth bend.

There are many varieties of polypropylene pipes, and each of them has its own scope of application. To understand which type is most suitable for a heating circuit, you need to take a closer look at their structure and technical characteristics.

Criteria for choosing polypropylene pipes for heating

The heating system will last as long as possible long time without failures and repairs, if the right components are selected for it, meeting a number of specific requirements.

All elements and components of the heating system, even during normal operation, experience quite serious loads. These are, of course, very large temperature changes and pressure surges, which are also aggravated by the aggressive chemical effects of low-quality coolant, especially if the home (apartment) system is connected to central heating.

Poly propylene pipes– the material is quite ambiguous, and is offered for sale in many types, differing in wall thickness, the presence or absence of reinforcement, material quality, resistance to temperature and pressure loads, ultraviolet exposure, and linear expansion characteristics. Therefore, when planning to update the heating system circuit, you need to know very precisely what qualities the pipe material should have.

Compare which ones are better from a new article on our portal.

For installation in a heating system, it is necessary to select polypropylene pipes that meet the following basic characteristics:

Since the standard temperature of the coolant in a central heating system is usually 70–75 degrees, but sometimes it can be even higher, pipes for it must be selected so that their heat resistance has a certain margin, up to 90–95 degrees of heating. Pipes should not deform, bend, or “float” when heated at high temperatures, and their thermal expansion should not exceed certain limits.

In addition to elevated temperatures, uncontrolled pressure surges and water hammer occur in the central heating system. They are especially likely during testing periods before the start of the heating season. Hence the conclusion - pipes must withstand high pressure loads.
The material from which the pipes are made must be inert to aggressive substances that may be present in the coolant. The walls should not be subject to corrosion, and polypropylene fully possesses these advantages, therefore it is excellent for heating systems.
In order to achieve normal coolant circulation throughout the circuit, without creating dirt plugs in it, the internal surfaces of the pipes must have ideal smoothness and maintain it in its original state for as long as possible. Unlike metal pipes, polypropylene will not be corroded by any of the known types of corrosion, and irregularities will not appear on their internal walls, in which dirt and limescale usually accumulate.
The coefficient of thermal expansion of the pipe material for the heating system must be minimal, otherwise when heated on long straight sections the pipes will begin to sag.
The service life of the pipes must be at least not lower than the service life for which other elements of the heating system are designed.
It would seem that this is an insignificant characteristic, but it should also be kept in mind. When the coolant moves through the pipes, if they have an uneven internal surface, noise can be created that seems imperceptible at first, but gradually causes irritation. Polypropylene is able to ensure almost silent circulation of liquid, unlike metal, since strong turbulence and, therefore, resonant sounds are not created in polymer pipes.
A circuit made of polypropylene pipes is always more aesthetically pleasing than a metal one, and does not require periodic painting.

Modern polypropylene pipes are produced using modern technologies for the production of plastic and composite materials, and the additional equipment of some varieties with reinforcement makes them ideal for heating systems. Thus, polypropylene pipes for systems in contact with hot water are manufactured in multilayer versions with a reinforcing layer, which significantly reduces thermal expansion and makes the walls more durable.

For example, Lammin brand polypropylene pipes for use in heating systems, cold and hot water supply, as well as process pipelines for liquids and gases that are not aggressive to the pipe material. Production is carried out according to GOST 32415-2013, in three versions:

single-layer;
fiberglass reinforcement;
aluminum reinforcement.

Lammin pipes and fittings are produced only from primary raw materials from leading suppliers. This important advantage when choosing. The quality of raw materials greatly affects the quality of finished products, which undoubtedly affects the durability of heat and water supply systems. Subject to regulatory requirements during the design, installation and operation process, polypropylene pipes can last up to 50 years without requiring repairs or complex maintenance.

When choosing polypropylene pipes for organizing or repairing heating and water supply, you need to ensure the environmental friendliness and quality of the products. It is important that not only finished products, but also raw materials are certified for compliance with Russian standards, and the absence of defects in the batch is controlled by quality control specialists. It is this approach to production that is supported by the LAMMIN plant, one of the leading enterprises producing polypropylene products in Russia.

Lammin polypropylene pipes undergo mandatory testing in the plant’s own accredited laboratory, as well as in laboratories of independent organizations. The integrity of the manufacturer gives the consumer the opportunity to purchase high-quality pipes that are responsible for the reliability and durability of the engineering system.

Please ensure that the pipe is marked! It is through marking that the manufacturer transmits to the consumer all the necessary technical information: brand, color, material, type, pressure, production date and other parameters.

One of the most important parameters when choosing, determining the purpose of a polypropylene pipe, is the PN parameter - this is the designation of the nominal pressure. Pipes different types have different PN indicators! Since in different engineering systems, be it heating, cold or hot water supply, liquid carriers are supplied at different pressures, the pipe must strictly comply with this indicator. Otherwise, the system is at risk of rupture and leakage.

Based on the type determined by PN, the following types of polypropylene pipes are distinguished in the Lammin assortment:

PPR PN10 pipes (single-layer). The pipes are designed for low pressure liquid carrier, which is supplied in low-rise buildings (one or two floors). Due to the lack of additional reinforcing layers, this pipeline option is not used for heating or hot water supply.
PPR PN20 pipes (single-layer). They have thicker walls than the previous type, which means the pressure for which the pipe is designed will be higher. As for the purpose, use for hot water supply will be optimal.
PPR pipe PN20 (fiberglass). Designed for the same pressure as the previous one, but equipped with an additional layer of fiberglass reinforcement. This layer makes the polypropylene pipe more resistant to high temperatures, which means that this type can already be used for heating in low-rise buildings, as well as in hot water supply pipelines. An additional advantage is the increased flow area compared to the previous type.
PPR pipe PN25 (fiberglass). Multilayer and high PN parameter make it possible to use this type pipes for organizing heating systems in apartment buildings with central heating, where pressure and temperature are higher than in low-rise buildings, as well as in hot water supply systems.
PPR pipe PN25 (aluminum layer). Particularly durable polypropylene pipes due to aluminum reinforcement. This layer prevents deformation of the pipe from constant contact with a very high temperature coolant. Purpose – heating systems. Installation of such pipes requires professional knowledge and experience.

Before purchasing, study information about the manufacturer, types and purpose of polypropylene pipes so that the engineering systems in your home are reliable and durable!

Please note that to connect the pipes you will need fittings and welding equipment (if you install the system yourself). Lammin has both.

Installation of both reinforced and non-reinforced pipes is carried out using fittings. Soldering and joining polypropylene pipes is a process that requires care and precision. It is prohibited to solder the same parts twice (after making a technological error), however, the low cost of the products allows novice craftsmen to thoroughly practice on samples before assembling a heating or water supply system in an apartment, house, or country house.

Prices for polypropylene pipes

Valfex polypropylene pipes

Since the duration of trouble-free operation and the quality of polypropylene pipes for heating and hot water supply systems directly depends on the composition of the materials from which they are made, various options should be considered.

Types of polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene (accepted international designation - PP) has been used for quite a long time for the manufacture of pipes as a base material. However, only the development of modern technologies has made it possible to obtain such products that can be used for hot water supply and heating systems.

Polypropylene itself is characterized by its pronounced inertness to the chemical effects of a possible liquid coolant medium. However, in terms of heat resistance and strength, different types can differ significantly from each other.

So, pipes made of this material are divided into three main types, which have their own designations:

RR-N - This is the first type of polypropylene pipes, inert to chemical influences, but not resistant to elevated temperatures. Therefore, they are designed for cold water supply, sewerage, drainage systems, ventilation and for other applications where elevated temperatures are not expected. Very often, this type of pipe is prevalent for industrial production lines, as it is highly resistant to increased internal pressure.

The range of possible applications of PP-V pipes is somewhat wider, but for heating they are still “weak”

RR-V- this is the second type of polypropylene pipes, which has all the same advantages of PP-N, but, in addition, has the ability to withstand temperature loads of low amplitude. Therefore, they can be installed on separate main sections of “warm floor” systems. And also in hot water supply circuits, provided that the water or coolant does not heat above 50 degrees.

However, the main scope of application of RR-B is different. Most often, such pipes are used for sewer systems, since the material from which they are made has a sufficient degree of impact strength and heat resistance for this area.

PPRC, PRR or PP-3- this is the most advanced type of pipes that is used in hot water supply and heating systems, that is, where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees and there is a possibility of increased compression loads. Increased heat resistance and mechanical strength is achieved thanks to special production technologies, in which, during synthesis, ethylene molecules are introduced into the molecular lattice of propylene.

PPR - pipes that are most widely used in living conditions, since they have a pronounced resistance to internal pressure and temperature changes.

Polypropylene pipes (PPR), used in domestic conditions, in turn, are divided into several types, depending on resistance to baric loads: PN -25; PN -20; PN -16; PN -10. Their main characteristics are given in the table:

Type of polypropylene pipes	Nominal working pressure		Scope of pipe use
	MPa	technical atmospheres (kgf/s²)
PN-10	1	10.21	Connection to the "warm floor" circuit, the coolant in the system of which has a temperature of no higher than 45 ° C, or cold water supply. This type of pipe is designed for a system pressure of no more than 1 MPa. It is the most affordable due to its rather low performance characteristics.
PN-16	1.6	16.32	Cold and hot water supply with a temperature of no more than 60˚C and a pressure of no more than 1.6 MPa.
PN-20	2	20.40	Cold and hot water supply in an autonomous system with low level pressure and absence of water hammer. The coolant temperature for this type of product should not exceed 80˚C, and the pressure should not exceed 2.0 MPa.
PN-25	2.5	25.49	Hot water supply and heating with coolant up to 90÷95˚С, including in the central heating system. The pressure for which they are designed is 2.5 MPa.

Each type of pipe is produced in a fairly wide range of diameters, internal and external: on which the wall thickness depends

Outer diameter, mm	PN-10		PN-16		PN-20		PN-25
	Internal Ø, mm	Thickness walls, mm	Internal Ø, mm	Thickness walls, mm	Internal Ø, mm	Thickness walls, mm	Internal Ø, mm	Thickness walls, mm
16	-	-	11.6	2.2	10.6	2.7	-	-
20	16.2	1.9	14.4	2.8	13.2	3.4	13.2	3.4
25	20.4	2.3	18	3.5	16.6	4.2	16.6	4.2
32	26	3	23	4.4	21.2	5.4	21.2	3
40	32.6	3.7	28.8	5.5	26.6	6.7	26.6	3.7
50	40.8	4.6	36.2	6.9	33.2	8.4	33.2	4.6
63	51.4	5.8	45.6	8.4	42	10.5	42	5.8
75	61.2	6.9	54.2	10.3	50	12.5	50	6.9
90	73.6	8.2	65	12.3	60	15	-	-
110	90	10	79.6	15.1	73.2	18.4	-	-

Naturally, the values of diameters and wall thicknesses directly affect the resistance of pipes to temperature and pressure, which, in principle, determines the duration of their possible operation in certain conditions:

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

The data presented in the tables is the result of long-term testing of pipes in different conditions, which even theoretically can arise during their operation, so it is worth taking them into account in the process of selecting the necessary material.

Polypropylene pipes can have different colors, but when choosing them you should not pay special attention to it (perhaps only from an aesthetic point of view) since the external color does not in any way determine the characteristics of the products and does not affect their quality.

A red or blue stripe may be applied to the surface of some pipes - it serves as a specific indicator of the purpose of a particular type. Thus, blue color is applied to cold water supply pipes, and red indicates the ability of the products to withstand elevated temperatures in the hot water system or heating circuit.

In addition to colored stripes, the pipes are marked with letters, which indicate their characteristics and intended purpose for installation in certain water supply or heating systems, and you also need to pay attention to it. The meaning of the marking indicators corresponds to the information given in the tables.

As can be seen from the presented characteristics, PN-20 products are optimally suited for the heating system, but the ideal option would still be PN-25 pipes, which have pronounced resistance to elevated temperatures and pressure, even with a good margin.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

Due to the fact that “pure” polypropylene itself does not have a pronounced resistance to elevated temperatures and expands significantly when heated, reinforcement is used for pipes used in systems where contact with hot water is implied. Several materials are used to strengthen these products - aluminum foil, fiberglass or a composite mixture.

Reinforcement of a polypropylene pipe can be carried out with a layer of solid or perforated aluminum foil having a thickness of 0.1÷0.7 mm, which is placed between layers of the base material and fixed with a layer of special glue.

Their durability will also depend on the characteristics of the adhesive composition used in the production of pipes, since in low-quality products, delamination of the walls can occur, where moisture will inevitably penetrate, which will negatively affect the overall strength of the pipe, significantly reducing its service life.

In addition, pipes differ in the area where the reinforcing layer is located.

Thus, the aluminum layer can be located in close proximity to the outer surface of the pipe or located closer to the middle of the wall thickness.

In addition to the fact that the aluminum layer significantly reduces the thermal expansion of polypropylene pipes, it helps protect the coolant from the penetration of oxygen from the surrounding air into it, since the polymer itself does not have such qualities.

If pipes that do not have such protection are installed in an autonomous heating system, then with the constant penetration of oxygen into the coolant (diffusion effect), corrosion processes on the metal elements of the circuit, including in the boiler structure, can be activated. Oxygen also promotes the appearance of aerobic bacteria, which will multiply over time, clogging the internal space of the pipes with waste products, which will significantly slow down the circulation of the coolant.

Many manufacturers of polypropylene pipes, trying to get rid of these shortcomings, use metal or chemical-organic layers.

If there is an aluminum layer in the pipes, the marking PP-RCT-AL-PPR is placed on their surface, which indicates that several materials were used in this product:

— PP-RCT is a random copolymer or modified polypropylene with high thermostatic properties;

— AL - reinforcing aluminum layer;

— PPR - outer polypropylene layer;

- adhesive layers.

Another reinforcement option that restrains thermal linear expansion is glass fiber, which is laid between two layers of polypropylene. However, this reinforcing material is not able to protect the coolant from the penetration of oxygen into it.

If the pipe is reinforced with a layer of fiberglass, the letter designation PPR-GF-PPR and PPR-FR-PPR is installed on its surface. As can be seen from the markings, this type of pipe consists of three layers - outer and inner propylene (PPR) and middle fiberglass (GF). Fiberglass can only be located in the middle between layers of polypropylene.

The same can be said about composite material, which consists of fiberglass mixed with propylene. If you look at the internal structure of the pipe in cross-section, you will notice that its walls are monolithic, only different in color. The effect of their integrity is created thanks to reliable layers, which prevents their delamination.

The table below provides information on the specific features of single-layer and multi-layer polypropylene pipes in terms of linear temperature expansion and the degree of oxygen diffusion:

Types of polypropylene pipes	Designation	Coefficient of thermal expansion, m×10⁻⁴/˚С	Oxygen diffusion indicators, mg/m²× per day
Single layer pipes:
	PPR	1.8	900
Multilayer pipes:
Polypropylene, fiberglass reinforced.	PPR-GF-PPR	0.35	900
Polypropylene, reinforced with aluminum.	PPR-AL-PPR	0.26	0

From the above, we can draw a logical conclusion that the best option for a heating system would be PN -25 pipes made using a reinforcing layer from a single sheet of aluminum. This design has minimal linear expansion and maximum oxygen diffusion.

Installation of polypropylene pipes

To install a heating circuit, you will need not only the optimal type of polypropylene pipes themselves, but also various connecting elements - angles, tees, bushings, holders, adapters, threaded fittings and other details. All these components are purchased simultaneously with the pipes and are matched to them according to their outer diameter, according to the developed heating circuit diagram.

In addition, you will need a special welding machine with nozzles supplied with it, necessary for installing pipes of different diameters. Such a device is not cheap, so if you do not plan to do such work in the future, you can rent it for a few days.

This photo shows a kit consisting of a soldering iron and all the necessary attachments and additional elements. On the heating sword-shaped part, small holes are clearly visible for installing working elements - a mandrel and a coupling, with the help of which the pipe sections and connecting parts will be heated before fastening. The set of tools often also includes special scissors (cutter), which can easily help you cut pipes of different diameters.

In addition to this set, you need to prepare measuring instruments - a tape measure, building level, mark. You may need a construction hair dryer, with which, if necessary, it will be possible to give smooth curved shapes to individual sections of the pipe.

Pipes can be given bends by heating them with a hairdryer. But you shouldn’t get carried away with this - it’s better to use specialized components

To work, you must have protective construction gloves on hand, since when working with a soldering iron or hair dryer, which heats up very high temperatures, you can get a very serious burn.

Prices for Kalde polypropylene pipes

Kalde polypropylene pipes

To prepare for welding pipes with aluminum reinforcement, you will need a special tool - a shaver. It can be in the form of a screwdriver attachment or manual.

Manual shaver - a tool for stripping pipes with aluminum reinforcement

To understand how this happens, you need to look at it specific example step by step.

The installation of the circuit is carried out according to a pre-drawn diagram.

In accordance with the drawing and control measurements carried out “on site”, pipe sections of the required length are cut using special scissors. In addition, all connecting elements are prepared and laid out - taps, bends, tees and other shaped parts. If necessary, areas that will heat up should be degreased and wiped with alcohol for better adhesion of the material.

On both sides of the working part of the soldering machine, pairs of heating elements are installed - couplings and mandrels, having dimensions corresponding to the diameter of the selected pipes. The soldering iron, as a rule, has holes for heating two or even three pairs of elements, therefore, if the circuit is supposed to use pipes of different diameters, you can immediately install the appropriate nozzles.

Next, the soldering iron is turned on for heating, and the desired temperature is set on its thermostat - for polypropylene, 260÷265 degrees is considered optimal. Some devices are already equipped with regulators that indicate the temperature for welding pipes made of certain materials.
When the device reaches the desired temperature, the heating indicator light should turn off.
If the circuit will be mounted from a PN-2о and PN-25 pipe, which has aluminum reinforcement, then the edges must be cleaned of the top thin layer of polypropylene and foil.

Stripping is carried out at a distance from the edge, which will be equal to the penetration depth. Usually the shaver is designed for this installation length. The pipe is inserted into the cutting part of the shaver, then it is rotated, gradually removing the layer of polypropylene and aluminum. The result is a cleaned area that exactly corresponds to both the mounting length for soldering and the required diameter.

For pipes that do not have reinforcement, or are reinforced with fiberglass or a composite composition, such stripping will not be required. On them, you only need to mark the depth of penetration with a marker.

The table below shows the main parameters for welding polypropylene pipes:

Pipe outer diameter in mm	Pipe heating depth during welding, mm	Warm-up time of mating parts, seconds	Time from joining the elements to complete polymerization of the seam, minutes
20	14÷16	6	2
25	15÷17	7	2
32	16÷20	8	4
40	18÷22	12	4
50	20÷25	18	4
63	24÷30	24	6
75	26÷32	30	6
90	29÷35	40	8

It is recommended to immediately determine exactly relative position details. To facilitate further work, you can use a marker to put the corresponding longitudinal mark - during final assembly, all that remains is to align the marks.
When the soldering iron is completely warmed up, the prepared section of pipe is inserted into the coupling (to the depth of the stripped area or to the penetration depth mark), and one of the connecting parts is put on the mandrel until it stops. The elements must be heated evenly.

Therefore, the time indicated in the table presented above must be recorded. After this time, the elements are quickly removed from the soldering iron and perfectly smoothly connected to each other - the pipe is inserted into the connecting part to the heating depth and held in this position for approximately 15-20 seconds until the connecting unit sets.

Prices for popular polypropylene pipes

The connected elements cannot be rotated relative to each other, since they must copolymerize and not be screwed into one another.
Sometimes, the circuit is mounted in blocks, which are assembled on a table and then connected to each other at the installation site of the heating system.

The work must be carried out extremely carefully, since if the connection fails, it can only be corrected by cutting off a section of pipe and installing a new unit. Therefore, before you start installing the circuit, it’s worth practicing, “getting into your hands” - for this it is recommended to purchase a few extra couplings or corners.
If any connecting unit gives rise to certain doubts, then it is better not to take risks, but to remake it - shaped parts are inexpensive, and if the system is not fully assembled, replacing one unit should not present any difficulties.

The main reasons for choosing polypropylene pipes for the heating circuit

The reasons, which, in fact, are the advantages of polypropylene pipes are as follows:

Polypropylene has a distinctly low weight, which greatly simplifies its delivery to the work site and installation itself - no special devices or equipment are required.
In the presence of the necessary tool, polypropylene pipes are easy to install, and techniques can be learned very quickly..
The manufacturing material is absolutely harmless for residential premises, since it does not change its chemical composition even with strong heating and does not emit toxic fumes into the air.
Thanks to the stabilizers included in polypropylene, pipes can withstand water hammer and thermal loads, and even freezing of water inside without rupture.
The smooth inner walls of the pipes promote uniform, turbulence-free and noise-free circulation of the coolant.
Both the pipes themselves and their components are inexpensive. A wide selection of components allows for installation of a circuit of any complexity.

A little training and any owner can carry out independent installation

A circuit made of high-quality pipes, if installed correctly, will last at least 20–30 years.
The aesthetic appearance of the pipes makes it possible not to spoil the interior, and the contour itself usually does not require either painting or additional decoration.

So, polypropylene pipes with a reinforcing aluminum layer are excellent for heating circuits of autonomous and central systems. In addition, the installation of this material is quite simple and feasible even for people who have no experience in similar work. After several training sessions on the installation of individual components, the assembly process of the entire circuit can be carried out on your own.

Video: useful information on choosing polypropylene pipes and components

Over time, individual parts of the home's heating system wear out, and it is necessary to carry out repairs or change the design to a new one. Today there are many materials from which pipes for heating systems are made. And one of the most popular is polypropylene for space heating. The main advantages of polypropylene pipes, what you should pay attention to when choosing which manufacturers to give preference to - this article will tell you about all of this.

Polypropylene pipes are used quite widely. And this is due to the presence of a number of significant advantages of this type of structure. Among the main positive aspects are the high thermal conductivity coefficient. This allows heat loss to be kept to a minimum. Such products have welded connections. And this is much more reliable and durable when compared with collet connections. And it allows you to significantly extend the service life of the product. It should also be noted that the price of PP heating pipes is low. Almost anyone can install a polypropylene pipeline.

Polypropylene structures can be conventional or reinforced. Ordinary ones are susceptible to the negative effects of high temperatures: when heated, the size of the product may change. Therefore, when equipping heating with natural circulation from polypropylene, it is better to choose a reinforced option.

How to choose polypropylene pipes for a heating system?

Many, planning to replace a heating structure, wonder what types of polypropylene pipes for heating there are, how to choose the best? To get an answer to this question, we need to consider the main characteristics of polypropylene and the factors that need to be taken into account when choosing.

As mentioned above, polypropylene has such a feature as a change in physical properties under the influence of high temperatures. For example, at a temperature of +140 degrees, the material begins to soften. And at +170 degrees, pp pipes for heating begin to melt.

The maximum permissible temperature for operating polypropylene products is +120 degrees.

Of course, some manufacturers, for reinsurance, indicate a lower temperature indicator in the product data sheet - about +95 degrees. It should be noted that polypropylene heating pipes have a high coefficient of thermal expansion. For example, if the product is 3 meters long, then at a temperature from +20 to +90 degrees the pipe will lengthen by several centimeters.

The main factors for choosing polypropylene pipes include:

Operating pressure. This parameter is indicated in the product labeling after the letters PN. For example, PN25 means that the PPR pipe for heating is designed for a working pressure of 25 atmospheres.
Temperature. It is also indicated on the product labeling. For example, 90C. It may also be stated that the pipes are intended for hot water.
Reinforcement. Is highly desirable. Because it means that the pipes are more tensile strength and have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion compared to conventional polypropylene products. This raises the question of which polypropylene pipes are better for heating: those reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum. But, as a rule, the choice has more to do with personal preferences. If the manufacturer is well-known and has a good reputation, then no matter how the product was reinforced, it will be of the same quality.
Diameter. This indicator should not be less than the internal cross-section of the risers. If you are replacing heating pipes in an apartment with polypropylene ones, you must remember that the wall thickness of a polypropylene product is greater than that of a steel pipeline. For old buildings, pipes with an outer diameter of 2.6 cm are preferable. In the private sector with a single-pipe or two-pipe wiring diagram, pipes with a diameter of 3.2 to 4 cm are suitable. two-pipe system heating can be read . Batteries with a pipe diameter of 2 or 2.6 cm can be inserted into the wiring.
Price. The price per meter for polypropylene heating pipes is indicated; this must be taken into account when choosing. It is very important to correctly calculate the required length of the product. Of course, you shouldn’t rely only on price when choosing. Too cheap models from little-known companies may be of low quality, and are unlikely to last long and will not bring serious problems during operation. Many people wonder how to choose polypropylene pipes for heating; the price fluctuates in a wide range? It is better to choose products that are characterized optimal ratio prices and quality.
Manufacturer. It is better to give preference to well-known companies that have been operating on the market for a long time and have positive reviews from customers. Naturally, German companies are the leaders in the production of high-quality polypropylene pipes for heating. For example, companies Wefatherm, Banninger, Rehau and Akwatherm. Pipes from the Czech Republic are also of excellent quality. For example, the companies FV-Plast and Ekoplastik. But the products of these brands are highly expensive.

Turkish manufacturers produce PP pipes for heating, the price of which is more affordable for Russian consumers. The quality of the products is at a sufficient level high level. Here you can name the companies Kalde, Pilsa, TEBO, Jakko, Firat, Vesbo. Kalde products are in greatest demand. Therefore, it is worth considering the pipes of this manufacturer in more detail.

Kalde products

The Calde company produces pipes and heating components made of polypropylene, which are easy and quick to install. Thanks to this, each user can carry out the installation on their own, even without the knowledge of performing construction work.

Among the main advantages of the polypropylene composition of the Calde company are:

All this allows you to operate Kalde heating pipes at any temperature conditions and temperature changes. Such pipes are suitable not only for heating structures, but also for sewer and street systems. If liquid freezes in the pipes, polypropylene pipes will not rupture. They will just increase in size a little. Thanks to this property There is no need to use antifreeze or propylene glycol for heating systems.

After defrosting, pp products restore their original appearance and become ready for use. Also modern models Calde pipes are characterized by low heat loss. If we compare with classic metal structures, polypropylene products have a much lower thermal conductivity rate - about 25%. Therefore, the pipes retain heat longer. You can buy such propylene pipes for heating on the manufacturer’s official website or in a specialized store.

Installation features

There are a number of requirements in accordance with which heating must be created. They are spelled out in a special document - SNIP. Following the rules of snip, internal heating networks will be equipped correctly.

Before equipping a heat supply system, it is important to familiarize yourself with the SNIP document.

Since polypropylene pipes have good performance parameters and affordable cost, many people prefer to install just such structures. It should be noted that installation is very simple. Even a person who has not previously carried out work on replacing heating pipes can learn how to solder such pipes.

Before soldering polypropylene pipes for heating, you need to purchase the necessary equipment - a welding machine or soldering iron, and nozzles for it of the required diameter. You will also need a grinder or special scissors for cutting pipes, a marking tool, a pencil or marker. If fastening to the wall will be done with clips, you will need a drill or hammer drill. The quality of the result depends on how accurately the technology for welding polypropylene heating pipes is followed.

The installation algorithm consists of a number of actions:

Thus, pp pipes for heating are a worthy alternative other types of pipes. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing pipes. Due to the fact that polypropylene products are characterized by high performance characteristics, today most residents of city apartments and the private sector prefer to install them.

Heating systems, like any other, do not last forever. Sooner or later the time comes to repair the structure or even simply replace it with a new one. Considering that old systems have been in operation for decades, a lot of time has passed since their installation and the owner who is planning to buy new parts may simply not be aware of the variety of modern piping options. Materials that have appeared relatively recently can significantly simplify installation and reduce the cost of the system as a whole. One such option is polypropylene pipes for heating.

Why is polypropylene better than other options?

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic. This means that it changes physical properties when the ambient temperature fluctuates. At 140°C it begins to soften, while at 175°C it already melts. Thus, the operating temperature of any polypropylene products should not exceed 120°C. Typically, pipes indicate a lower temperature, about 95°C, as the maximum permissible.

When purchasing polypropylene pipes, you must take into account that they are made from thermoplastic, that is, a material that slightly changes its properties when exposed to high temperatures.

The advantages of polypropylene pipes are obvious:

The multilayer structure of the elements allows them to withstand fairly high temperatures.
Simple installation procedure.
Light weight, which simplifies transportation and installation of parts.
Pipes do not need to be painted.
Easy to maintain.
Environmental Safety. When exposed to high temperatures, the material does not emit toxic substances.
Low hydraulic resistance and complete absence of vibrations during the movement of coolant through the pipes.
No mineral deposits form inside the parts.
Resistance to mechanical and chemical influences.
The pipe does not conduct stray currents.
Low cost.
Service life exceeds 50 years.
Welding connections are stronger compared to others, which extends the service life of the system.
High coefficient of thermal conductivity, therefore, heat loss in the system is minimal.

The coefficient of thermal expansion of polypropylene is quite high. According to calculations, a standard three-meter pipe with a temperature range from 20 to 90°C lengthens by three centimeters. This must be taken into account when designing the system. In addition, you need to know that at extremely low temperatures in the northern regions, the coolant in the heating system can heat up above the boiling point, which, in combination with high pressure leads to pipe rupture.

Welding is the most reliable and popular way to connect polypropylene pipes, but for this you need to choose a high-quality welding machine. The nuances that need to be taken into account when purchasing it are discussed in the following article:

Thus, for regions where extreme low temperatures, it is not recommended to use polypropylene for use in centralized heating systems. It is better to install parts made of stainless or galvanized steel. If, however, and the maximum temperature of the coolant is determined by the user, polypropylene can be installed, since there cannot be overheating of water in such systems.

If the operating rules for polypropylene pipes are not followed, for example, if the coolant temperature is too high or the operating pressure in the system is too high, the parts may become deformed and destroyed. With proper use, they will last more than 50 years.

Classification of polypropylene pipes

The range of polypropylene pipes is represented by a large number of products. There are single-layer and multi-layer elements. Single-layer parts are classified:

RRN. Least durable models. Recommended for use in feed systems cold water, industrial pipelines and ventilation systems.
RRV. Made from blocksomer polymer. Used for the manufacture of impact high-strength connecting elements, as well as heating floor systems and cold water pipelines.
PPR. Made from random copolymer polypropylene. Recommended for creating hot and cold water supply pipelines, as well as water heating systems, including floor-mounted varieties.
P.P.S.. Made from highly flammable, highly durable polypropylene. It differs from other types of single-layer pipes by more high value maximum permissible temperature – 95°С.

Polypropylene pipes can be reinforced with aluminum, either solid or perforated sheet metal. Such products are characterized by greater tensile strength and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion.

Multilayer pipes are also called reinforced pipes. In addition to polypropylene, their composition also includes layers of various materials. Such products are divided into:

Reinforced with perforated aluminum. Produced on the outer surface of the parts. Before welding, the aluminum must be cut off by 1 mm.
Reinforced with a solid sheet of aluminum. The metal is also applied to the outer surface of the element. When connecting parts, the aluminum layer is removed at a distance of 1 mm.
Reinforced with aluminum sheet. It is performed in the center of the product or closer to its inner part. Preliminary cleaning before welding of such pipes is not carried out.
Fiberglass reinforced. The outer and inner parts of the part are made of polypropylene; in the middle of the product there is a layer of fiberglass.
Composite reinforced. The composite used is a mixture of fiberglass and polypropylene. The composition is placed in the middle of the element between layers of polypropylene.

A clear advantage of reinforced products is a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, which allows them to elongate less when heated. Despite this, the parts during installation should not rest against walls or interior ceilings. If installation is planned in screed or plaster, be sure to leave free space for possible extension. You need to understand that reinforcement reduces the level of thermal expansion, but does not completely eliminate it. Therefore, in some cases it may be necessary to use special compensators.

Unlike pipes reinforced with aluminum, parts reinforced with glass fiber are devoid of layers of adhesive. Fiberglass is fused onto polypropylene, so these products do not delaminate during operation.

In general, the technical characteristics and cost of such parts differ slightly. Pipes reinforced with aluminum require special pre-installation preparation, which consists of stripping the metal layer. Whereas parts with fiberglass and composite can be welded immediately. The latter have another advantage: they do not delaminate during operation. This is due to the fact that such pipes do not have adhesive layers, and the reinforcing material is fused into polypropylene.

Selection criteria - what to look for?

When selecting polypropylene pipes for a heating system, you need to take into account several important parameters.

Criterion #1 - operating pressure

Shows the maximum long-term operating pressure at a temperature of 20°C for which the pipe is designed. It must be indicated on the product labeling after the letters PN. For example, if the letters are followed by the number 20, this means that the product can operate at a pressure of 20 atmospheres. For heating systems, it is advisable to choose parts designed for 25 atmospheres, although 20 is also acceptable.

Of course, in some cases the product will be able to withstand peak pressure values exceeding the maximum declared, but this is a short-term phenomenon. In addition, you need to remember that as the temperature of the coolant increases, the tensile strength of the pipe decreases. This must be taken into account when selecting parts for the system.

Criterion #2 - temperature

The product must indicate the maximum operating temperature of the coolant. This can be done in the form of markings with a clearly stated value, for example, “90C”. Or there must be an indication that the part is intended for transporting hot liquid.

Polypropylene pipes for heating are supplied with markings, which necessarily indicate the maximum permissible operating pressure, coolant temperature, plastic composition, presence and type of reinforcing material, and other important information

Criterion #3 - reinforcement

It is very desirable because it reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion of parts and increases their tensile strength. How to determine which is better, fiberglass or aluminum reinforcement? Experts say that in general the parameters of the pipes are the same. It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer. If it is a well-known company, you can choose any option. If the product is from a manufacturer unknown to the buyer, then it is better to prefer fiberglass or composite. Such parts are more difficult to spoil; in any case, they will last a long time.

Criterion #4 - diameter

The diameter of the pipes for the heating system is selected in accordance with the values obtained as a result of hydrodynamic calculations. Their goal is to select parts with the smallest possible diameter for different sections of the heating system. In this case, it is necessary to take into account general scheme heating, operating pressure and coolant temperature. Central heating systems usually use pipes with a diameter of 25 mm, while in autonomous systems this value can vary.

Fittings for polypropylene parts

Without properly selected fittings it is impossible to create a polypropylene pipeline. They are responsible for the formation of turns, branches and turns of highways, and also connect various parts of the pipeline. Taken together, a single system of the required configuration is formed with extremely precise joining of all elements. It is important to consider that for polypropylene pipes, both conventional fittings, which are mounted using diffusion welding, and elements with a special brass threaded insert, designed to connect not only plastic parts, but also metal structures, can be used.

The range of polypropylene fittings is very wide. Moreover, they differ not only in size. There are two types of such elements:

Parts without thread.
Fittings with threaded connections. They can be collapsible or solid.

A specific type of fitting is selected in accordance with its operating conditions. For example, it is more convenient to attach hoses using one-piece fittings, and a meter or tank using threaded ones.

To install a heating system made of polypropylene pipes, fittings are required. They can be with or without threaded connections, intended for fastening by welding

Polypropylene pipes are an excellent replacement for traditional steel parts. They are not subject to corrosion, are easier to install, are durable, and do not accumulate scale. However, it is not recommended to use such elements in conditions where overheating of the coolant is possible. In addition, one should not forget about enough high coefficient thermal expansion, which may require the use of special expansion joints for pipes. With the right choice of polypropylene parts, they will last a very long time without any problems, delighting their owner with warmth and comfort in the home.

So, for the installation of a heating system, you have decided to opt for polypropylene pipes. If you simply go to the store without first “getting to know” them, you will be faced with the fact that they, it turns out, are different. Price, outer color of the pipe and in section: plain and with some kind of circular color changes. Let's try to figure out these nuances. The first thing that will clearly catch your eye will be the outer color of the pipe: white, gray or something else.

This is exactly where there is no difference - it’s pure design solution and does not affect the quality of the pipe in any way. Choose according to your taste (or mood)).

Today we can confidently say that polypropylene pipes are confidently and quickly replacing traditional metal counterparts (cast iron and steel) from literally all areas of water supply and sewerage. But the consumer is sometimes faced with a painful choice: how to buy the best polypropylene pipes? Which brand of polypropylene pipes is best? Wanting to make this task easier, guided by reviews from consumers and professionals (experienced installers), we have compiled a kind of rating of polypropylene pipes and collected them in a single article brief characteristics popular brands.

Which pipes are the best?

The unanimous opinion of all construction forums, owners of apartments and houses where polypropylene pipes are installed, as well as the installers themselves, is that German products are recognized as the undisputed leader in quality among the widest variety. Moreover, it is worth noting that all pipe manufacturers from Germany have earned nothing but praise. And the choice of a particular brand is most often based only on its availability in a particular region.

German brands of polypropylene pipes and fittings:

The characteristics of each brand are given in a separate thematic article.

Polypropylene pipes produced in the Czech Republic are considered to be very good quality products

Users place cheaper pipes and fittings made in Turkey in third place in terms of quality characteristics.

Polypropylene pipes from Turkey are in demand in Russia

An even more budget option is Chinese and Russian products. From China you can pay attention to such generally good brands as Dyzain and BLUE OCEAN. Russia is represented on the market by PRO AQUA brands; RVC; Heisskraft; Santrade; Polytech.

The next thing you should know about polypropylene pipes is their ability to increase in length when heated. Thus, an ordinary polypropylene pipe will become longer when the temperature increases by 100º: +150 mm for every 10 meters. During operation, such an extension will be noticeable. And when heated, straight pipes will take on a wave-like shape. We have learned to deal with this shortcoming. To reduce thermal expansion, polypropylene pipes are reinforced.

Reinforced pipes

There are several types of reinforcement for polypropylene pipe products.

Fiberglass

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass are the best option for heating. What are they? This is when there is a layer of fiberglass inside the polypropylene layer. In cross-section of the pipe, it looks a bit like the annual rings of a tree cut. There is a layer of polypropylene inside, then a layer of fiberglass and again a layer of polypropylene on the outside. When using glass fiber reinforcement, thermal expansion is reduced tenfold and amounts to +15 mm per 10 meters.

Polypropylene pipes are also reinforced with aluminum. Basically, such reinforcement is external. When there is a layer of aluminum on top of polypropylene, which prevents thermal expansion. In addition to external aluminum reinforcement, the following combination is used: inside a thin layer of polyethylene - inside aluminum reinforcement - outside polypropylene. Moreover, the aluminum layer is not continuous, but in the shape of the letter C.

From the above it is clear that for heating and hot water supply systems it is necessary to choose reinforced polypropylene pipes. Accordingly, unreinforced pipes made from this material are used for cold water supply, where there are no large temperature changes.

A few words about installation. Installation of polypropylene pipes is very simple, but requires the use of special equipment: a socket welding machine and a set of special nozzles, special wire cutters or a pipe cutter (can be replaced with a metal saw), a shaver (for pipes with aluminum reinforcement) and a bevel remover. And if you have certain skills, you can independently cope with the installation of polypropylene pipes. The easiest to install is an unreinforced polypropylene pipe. The pipe, which is reinforced with fiberglass, is almost as good as it. Fiberglass melts along with polypropylene, and the result is a reliable connection. If there is an outer layer of aluminum, then it is completely cleaned off at the place where the pipe enters the fitting. With internal reinforcement the matter is more complicated. You need a special tool to clean inner layer aluminum and will terminate the pipe.

Additional benefits of polypropylene

Long service life. Manufacturers claim a service life of their products from 25 to 50 years. Of course, subject to compliance with operating requirements.
Pipes have low thermal conductivity. Waste heat loss is minimal.
Very resistant to temperature changes. In the stated ranges they do not lose their shape and structure.
Opportunity self-installation. Although a couple practical lessons not prevent.
Polypropylene pipes do not conduct electricity. There will be no unpleasant “surprises” in the form of an electric shock.
The throughput is 20% higher than that of metal pipes.
Light weight of pipes. The weight of polypropylene pipes is nine times less than that of metal ones.
The material is very resistant to corrosion and inert to chemical reactions.
Easy to use and maintain.

The price range of polypropylene pipes for heating is very diverse. So, one meter of Ekoplastik polypropylene pipe will cost approximately 1.9 EUR/linear meter. For a meter of REHAU pipe you will need to pay 4.5 EUR. The cost of pipes of Chinese origin fluctuates around 1 USD per 1 meter of length. So the choice of quality, technical characteristics and prices is very diverse.

Polypropylene pipes: which is better

Brands of polypropylene pipes, selection criteria, reviews, prices, technical characteristics of glass fiber reinforced pipes

Which polypropylene pipes are better - an overview of types and manufacturers

In the modern construction products market, pipes made from polymer materials are presented in a wide variety. At the same time, a large segment belongs to polypropylene products of domestic and imported production. Many consumers of such systems are interested in which polypropylene pipes are better.

Characteristics of polypropylene pipe products

To make the right choice of polypropylene pipes, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages of products made from of this material:

Non-susceptibility to destructive corrosion processes. This property allows pipelines to maintain their original qualities for many years. The service life is 3 to 4 times greater than that of metal products.
Immunity to chemically active environments and excellent cross-country ability.
Frost resistance. When operating in severe frost conditions, polypropylene pipelines demonstrate a high degree of reliability - they are not subject to rupture.
Low noise level, which is typical for polypropylene pipes for heating structures - people around them practically do not hear them.
The minimum amount of pressure loss of a moving fluid.
Saving thermal energy from hot coolant in polypropylene pipelines reaches 10–20% in contrast to metal products.
Safety for human health.
Reliability of the resulting connections with ease of implementation installation work.
A wide variety of connecting elements - fittings. This allows you to carry out wiring of structures of any complexity.

Main types of polypropylene pipes

Information about what types they come in will help solve the problem of which polypropylene pipes to choose.

Pipe products made from polypropylene are:

Single-layer polypropylene products

They are produced in the following types:

Type 1 – PPH is made from homopropylene. Such products are used for laying ventilation systems and industrial pipelines, when arranging cold water supply.
Type 2 – PPV is made from polypropylene block copolymer. The scope of use is the creation of floor heating systems and cold water mains, the production of highly impact-resistant fittings.
Type 3 – PPR is made from a random copolymer of polypropylene. Area of application: water supply and heating.
PPs pipes are a type of highly flammable special polypropylene.

Multilayer reinforced pipes

To decide which reinforced polypropylene pipe is better, you need to know that

This type of pipe products allows:

Reduce thermal expansion of thermoplastic products.
Pipe products reinforced with aluminum foil are either smooth or perforated.

In addition, you should familiarize yourself with the types of pipes depending on the method of reinforcement:

WITH outside There is a solid or perforated layer of aluminum foil.
The inner aluminum layer is located closer to the outer edge, and the perforated foil helps to connect the layers without the use of glue.
Fiberglass is used.
The layer inside is made of a composite mixture, which includes polypropylene and glass or fiber fiber. Read also: “What are the types of polypropylene pipes, production materials and areas of use.”

Review of companies producing polypropylene pipes

According to experts analyzing the pipe products market, the rating of polypropylene pipes looks like this:

The leading place belongs to the products of companies from Germany, including Pexay, Akwatherm, Banninger, Wefatherm.
In second place are Czech polypropylene pipes from EKOPLASTIK.
Slightly lower in the ranking are products from Turkish companies Pilsa, FIRAT, TEBO, Valtek and Vesbo, Jakko.
Fourth place was taken by pipes from companies from China – Blue Ocean and Dyzain.
Fifth place went to products manufactured in Russia.

Russian-made pipes

Since the products have good quality, many domestic buyers are interested in which brand of polypropylene pipes is better.

Russian pipe products PRO AQUA can withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees. It is not susceptible to corrosion or chemicals and lasts for many years. Products of the RVK brand are reinforced with aluminum, so they are used in the arrangement of hot water supply and heating systems (read: “Characteristics of RVK polypropylene pipes, advantages, areas of use”).

Heisskraft pipes can also satisfy consumer demand. Politek products are distinguished by an average level of quality - with the same wall thickness they are deformed during compression. Read also: “Stages of production of polypropylene pipes, raw materials and technologies used.”

Pipe products from China

As a rule, Chinese products are of low quality. The exception applies to Blue Ocean products manufactured by a UK subsidiary and products trademark Dyzain polypropylene pipes.

Pipes from manufacturers from Turkey

The TEBO company produces polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 20–160 millimeters for creating heat and water supply systems. The products offer excellent resistance to chemically aggressive environments. For the arrangement of water supply structures there is a separate line of products - PN10 and PN20. To create heat supply systems, pipes that are reinforced with aluminum or fiberglass are used.

Also worthy of attention are Turkish polypropylene pipes Pilsa, Novaplast, Vesbo, VALTEC and others that differ high degree strength, wear resistance and elasticity.

Czech products made of polypropylene

A well-known brand of polypropylene pipes manufactured in the Czech Republic is WAWIN Ecoplastik products. It occupies one of the leading positions in the world market, as it is distinguished by the highest quality that meets all standards.

These pipes are used for the following purposes:

ventilation wiring, water supply;
creation of heat supply systems - central and under the floor;
for the installation of high-pressure cold water supply systems and low-pressure centralized heat supply lines.

Pipes from the FV-Plast company, which have special aluminum inserts, have excellent characteristics. Thanks to this, the products of this brand resist temperature changes. It is used for laying water supply lines, underfloor heating systems and supplying thermal energy. Read also: “Production and use of acrylic pipes, characteristics.”

STABI pipes with an aluminum insert are used for installing pipelines under the floor to move hot water.

German polypropylene pipes

Products from German manufacturing companies are deservedly considered the undisputed leader among high-quality pipe products.

Wefatherm pipes are used for the installation of water supply and heating structures. Their advantages lie in the presence of a perfectly smooth inner surface, which allows the initial pressure in the pipeline to be maintained to the maximum. It is possible to combine different types of pipes, since the company produces a wide range of connecting fittings.

The manufacturer Akwatherm occupies one of the leading positions in the production of polymer products for underfloor heating, fire extinguishing, air conditioning, water and heat supply systems.

If you need to purchase reliable products for arranging heating structures or hot water supply lines under pressure up to 20 bar, experts advise paying attention to German Faser polypropylene pipes. They are supplied to the retail chain in green with a diameter of 16-250 millimeters and white with a cross-section of 20-40 millimeters.

Rehau pipes, which are used for internal and external installation of utility lines in residential buildings and industrial facilities, do not require recommendations. But to install products from this company, you need to have professional work skills.

When choosing pipe products, you need to purchase products from the line that is suitable for laying specific type pipeline. For example, if you need to equip a system that supplies hot water, you should use pipes that are designed specifically for such lines and then there will be no serious problems during operation.

Which polypropylene pipes are better: rating, which ones to choose, brands, companies, brands

Which polypropylene pipes are better: 6 little things that can determine the fate of the future pipeline

Range of polypropylene pipes

Everyone has probably already heard about the victorious march of polypropylene in the plumbing industry. But which polypropylene pipes are best used in a given situation? For example, when I first came to a specialized store specifically for this product, I was puzzled by the fairly extensive number of offers. So I propose to deal with the most significant criteria, which due to inexperience can be considered insignificant details.

Some general characteristics

Why is it even worth switching from the same metal to polypropylene? Why are plastic pipes better than cast iron or metal? Before delving into their varieties, you need to have an idea about their advantages:

Complete absence of corrosion processes. Subject to constant contact with water, quite significant quality;
Absolutely smooth walls, thanks to which the pressure maintains its intensity for as long as possible. In addition, there is no effect of the formation of growths, which renders metal analogues unusable;

Smooth inner surface guarantees strong pressure

Almost complete no noise emitting transported liquid;
Relatively low price. This is one of the most important advantages due to which most owners choose plastic pipes;
Simple instructions performing installation work. Using a pipe soldering iron, reliable sealed connections can be easily and quickly created, since the melting point of the material in question is only 260 degrees Celsius above zero;

Soldering polypropylene pipes with your own hands using a special welding machine

There is no danger of ruptures as a result of freezing of the transported liquid, which is very important for external highways in winter;
A huge number of all kinds of connecting fittings, allowing you to lay pipelines of any complexity;
Durability. The service life of polypropylene exceeds 50 years.

The positive aspects of this material are obvious, but they can vary dramatically depending on the brand and type of pipe, so it’s worth having an idea about these nuances.

What to pay attention to

If you just come and order plastic pipes for yourself, you may end up encountering many problems during their operation or simply overpay where this is not required. Understanding the meaning of some “little things” that you can detect even with visual inspection product:

Little thing #1: number of layers

In this context we are talking about single-layer and multi-layer products. And here everything is simple:

Single layer polypropylene pipes are cheaper and are used to create most types of pipeline systems, but are not suitable for operation at high temperatures, since they begin to deform when heated to 70-90 degrees Celsius;
Multilayer Due to reinforcement, samples are able to withstand much higher temperatures, although they are correspondingly more expensive.

For the purpose of installing an apartment heating system, I recommend purchasing reinforced products. The fact is that in winter the temperature built up in boiler rooms can significantly exceed the threshold permissible for single-layer pipes.

Multilayer polypropylene pipes in the heating system

Little detail No. 2: markings on single-layer pipes, which determine their more accurate composition

For everyone plastic pipes having one layer, you can find certain designations by which you can judge their more detailed composition and recommended areas of application:

Polypropylene structure diagram

High hardness;
Lack of resistance to low temperatures

Ventilation systems;
Industrial pipelines

Flexibility;
Frost resistance

Cold water supply systems;
Warm floor systems;
Manufacturing of impact-resistant fittings and pipes

High strength;
Ability to withstand short-term temperature surges up to +110 degrees Celsius;
Restoring shape after defrosting;
High resistance to acids and alkalis;
Excellent sound insulation

Cold and hot water supply systems;
Warm floor systems;
Heating systems in private houses;
Compressed air systems

For home use, I recommend purchasing single-layer pipes marked PPR, as they have the best performance characteristics, and their cost is not much higher than their less practical counterparts.

Photos of products marked PPR

Little thing #3: reinforcement method

If you plan to use polypropylene products when installing a heating system in an apartment, then, as I noted above, you will need multilayer reinforced samples.

They have greater rigidity and good resistance to high temperatures, for which, however, you have to come to terms with an increase in their cost, and in some cases also with additional difficulties during installation work associated precisely with the need to eliminate reinforcement at the soldering site.

But even in this case, I was faced with a choice of two most common options:

Pipe with foil-coated intermediate layer. If the foil is located close to outside product, then it is removed using a shaver, but if closer to inside product, then the cut edge is trimmed to avoid contact of the metal with the transported liquid. In any case, additional work during welding is provided. In turn, such pipes are divided into the following types depending on the structure of the reinforcing layer:

Perforated layer. This means that the foil has holes, and during the process of filling the workpiece with polypropylene, it seeps through them, creating a reliable connection without the use of glue;

Scheme of a polypropylene pipe with a perforated intermediate layer structure

Solid layer. In this case, there are three separate layers glued together;

Scheme of a polypropylene pipe with a continuous structure of the intermediate layer

Glass fiber reinforced pipe. In this case, reinforcement is performed by adding fiberglass filler to polypropylene. This approach provides clear advantages:

There is no need to clean the edge of the pipe before welding;
Increasing the rigidity coefficient of the product;
Reduced thermal expansion rate by 75%;
Monolithic structure. In this case there is no division into layers.

Polypropylene pipes with fiberglass of different diameters

Little detail No. 4: markings that determine the pressure and temperature the pipe can withstand

Before choosing polypropylene pipes for laying a specific pipeline, you need to carefully read the designations beginning with the letters PN. This “trifle” will tell you what conditions a particular product can withstand.

The classification of polypropylene pipes according to this criterion looks like this:

PN 10. Suitable for transport cold water, the temperature of which does not exceed +20 degrees Celsius. Permissible pressure – up to 1 MPa;

Sample pipe marked PN 10

PN 16. Here it is already possible to use products in both cold and hot water supply, so they are able to withstand heat up to +60 degrees Celsius and pressure up to 1.6 MPa;

Sample pipe marked PN 16

PN 20. There are no problems with transportation of hot liquid, the temperature of which even reaches +95 degrees Celsius. The working pressure is 2 MPa;

Samples of pipes marked PN 20

PN 25. These are already reinforced samples used in heating systems. Withstands temperature surges exceeding +95 degrees Celsius and operating pressure up to 2 MPa.

Sectional sample of a pipe marked PN 25

With an increase in the number after the letters PN, not only the performance properties increase, but also the cost of the products, so in order not to overpay, choose those pipes that exactly match your plans. That is, for example, for cold water supply there is absolutely no need to buy relatively expensive reinforced samples.

Little thing #5: color

Here the opinions of experts differ. Some of them believe that the color of the pipes does not affect their technical characteristics in any way. But others reasonably note that such markings put into products by manufacturers should be taken into account. I am a reinsurer, so I take the side of the latter in this matter.

And this is what the color can tell you according to the manufacturer:

White:

Ability to withstand pressure of 25 bar;
Cheapness;
Complete absence of corrosion processes;

White pipe products

Grey:

Heat resistance;
Long operational period;
Environmental cleanliness;
Excellent tightness;

Gray polypropylene pipes

Black:

UV resistance;
High resistance to aggressive acids and alkalis;
Resistance to drying effect;
Increased strength parameters;

Pipe products made of black polypropylene

Green. Cheap samples with a low operating pressure threshold, used, as a rule, to implement a garden watering system.

Green polypropylene pipes are cheaper

As you can see, colored products can also tell some information, which, however, has a rather general appearance.

Little thing #6: manufacturer

You can answer, they say, this is not a car or even household appliances, so you can also monitor the brand here. But only if you deal with the products of a well-known company, you can be sure that all the designations described above will correspond to reality.

With some goods of dubious origin, you may not pay attention to the marking at all, since it is most likely applied only to increase the cost.

Which polypropylene pipes are better: 6 nuances of choosing products

Which polypropylene pipes are better: classification and types, instructions on how to choose, video and photos

Which brand of polypropylene pipes is better to choose?

Plastic plumbing systems have a number of advantages over metal ones. They are light, strong, durable, and affordable. But how to choose them? After all, polypropylene pipes from Wawin Ecoplastik have a wide range, and the manufacturer Vostok offers a low cost. To decide, we have prepared a detailed review of brands with all their advantages and disadvantages.

Rating of polypropylene pipe manufacturers

The list opens with recognized industry giants - German companies Banninger, Wefatherm, Aquatherm. The company's product list includes sewer and water supply systems, as well as fasteners and other additional components (fittings, adapters). All three manufacturers have similar markings: outlets for cold water supply are painted green, for climate control systems - blue, and for heating and underfloor heating - white. Products are manufactured in accordance with European standards ISO 50001 and undergo a strict certification system

The Czech Ekoplastik and FV-Plast are slightly inferior to their German “brothers”. These manufacturers have no analogues in the post-Soviet space. Pipelines for water supply and sewerage are exported to almost all European countries. Manufacturers provide a 15-year warranty for each pipe. The material for manufacturing is a copolymer, known for its hygienic and strength qualities.

Turkish Pilsa, Kalde, FIRAT, TEBO, SPK and others gained popularity thanks to affordable price. Unlike the Germans and Czechs, manufacturers from Turkey do not provide a guarantee of 10 years or more for their products, but they do provide triple quality control. First the raw materials are checked, then ready product tested for internal loads, and, finally, for external ones.

Pilsa Fiberglass pipe

Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian and Chinese companies close the ranking of polymer pipe manufacturers. For example, RosTurPlast produces elbows with an EAN 13 certificate; products are regularly tested for quality and durability. Factories Rozma, Teploplast, Alfa Plast, Karal Plast (Kazakhstan) and others produce ready-made plastic systems, fittings, adapters between metal and polypropylene pipes and other additional elements.

Which company to choose polypropylene pipes?

All manufacturers of polypropylene pipes guarantee the high quality of their products and their durability. Therefore, in order to decide on the choice of a plastic water supply or sewerage system, we suggest comparing ready-made pipes from different companies according to the following parameters:

Main characteristics. Available diameters, non-standard connections, weight;
Appearance. It is no secret that Czech systems are much more beautiful than the polypropylene bends that Turkey offers. In addition, for many owners this factor is decisive;
Durability, strength;
Manufacturer's warranty.

Pipes from Faser

The direct products of this Czech production FV Plast are divided into FV PPR and FV THERM.

FV PPR - used for distributing cold and hot water. Designed for prolonged contact with liquid room temperature and periodic contact with hot. They tolerate temperature changes normally. Produced by welding. Additionally, Faser also produces accessories, fittings and other necessary elements for these bends;
FV THERM – suitable for heating systems, connection to radiators or underfloor heating systems. They can also be used to supply hot water, but this is impractical - the cost is too high. To ensure durability and low stretch ratio, they are made from a combination of polypropylene, rigid polyurethane and expanded polystyrene.

The average weight of one linear meter of Facer is 0.1 kg. Externally, products for cold water supply are marked with stripes on white walls, and for heating - with stripes on red outlets.

Faser pipe with fiberglass

A wide range allows you to buy polypropylene pipes of any diameter: standard (20, 25, 32 and others) and non-standard.

Pipes from Vostok company

Kalde-Vostok is a company that tops the list of the most popular manufacturers in Russia and Ukraine. This is a Turkish company that manufactures taps for cold and hot water supply. The range also includes fittings, taps and other necessary accessories. Kalde Vostok pipes are made from recycled polypropylene combined with other synthetic components to increase strength.

Kalde Vostok

To strengthen the connection, the pipes are made of multilayer material. Externally they are white with marking stripes. All standard sizes are available in diameters; in addition, it is possible to order the manufacture of original products from the manufacturer.

Pipes from “Design” company

Dizayn is a Turkish company offering equipment for water supply and heating systems. Unlike Vostok, this company works with large-diameter bends and its products are much cheaper. The minimum size of polypropylene Design is 20 mm, the maximum is 110 mm.

Pipe Dizayn OXY-PLUS

The color is gray, and reinforced fiberglass products are used in heating systems. They are more resistant to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and pressure changes.

Pipes from Kontur

Contour – polypropylene pipes for water supply Russian production. The catalog includes standard outlets for cold water supply PPR and flexible pipelines G-RAY. Suppliers ensure uninterrupted delivery of products to all points in Russia, so buying polypropylene pipes from Kontur will not be any problem.

We have low-noise bends, corrugated bends, sewer bends, increased diameter, standard thick-walled products, as well as shut-off valves and additional elements. The weight of the working coil (50 meters) varies from 50 kilograms to several hundred (on large-diameter products). The appearance is classic, white pipes with factory markings.

PBK polypropylene products are invariably associated with high quality and reliability. These are German products made from polypropylene combined with reinforcing materials and other types of polymers. At the moment, this is the best European manufacturer. You can buy PBK polypropylene pipes for sewerage and water supply in Leroy Merlin chain stores or on the manufacturer’s website.

RVK polypropylene pipes

The weight of one meter of bend with a diameter of 20 centimeters is 150 grams. All diameters are standardized; it is not possible to order original sizes. All products are insured, each bay comes with a 15-year guarantee.

TEBO pipes

TEBO technics is another Turkish manufacturer of polypropylene wiring and fittings. Products undergo three-stage quality control, are regularly tested in “field” conditions, and are also constantly monitored by technologists.

Types of pipes TEBO technics

The proposed pipes are divided into fiberglass reinforced (with a green stripe in the middle of the plastic) and reinforced with a metal layer (gray stripe). Only “classic” diameters – 20 and 25 centimeters – are freely available.

Pro Aqua pipes

This is a product of Ego Engineering. The catalog contains PP-R, PEX and PE-RT pipes.

PP-R are made from random copolymer. The service life of such bends is more than 50 years. They are produced in sizes from 20 to 125 mm;
PEX is an anti-diffusion coating system. Designed for cold and hot water supply. They combine the advantages of polypropylene products and metal ones;
PE-RT have increased heat resistance. Mainly used for connecting radiators, boilers and other heating devices.

Externally, the products are practically no different from each other, with the exception of markings and different color stripes in the middle of the polypropylene layer.

proaqua PA pipe

Polypropylene pipes from Wavin Ecoplastic

Czech pipes of high quality. The plant is located almost in the suburbs of Prague, due to which the production of products is subject to serious control by environmental and other services. Vavin Ekoplastik has representative offices in all major cities of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. We stock products with reinforcing coating, flexible bends, fittings and other products made of polypropylene.

Ekoplastik Fiber Basalt Plus

Sinicon pipes

Russian polypropylene pipes of the highest quality (according to the manufacturer). The company was formed as a result of the merger of Italian and Russian factories for the production of plastic products. Now Sinicon is provided:

Branches for sewerage, water supply, heating systems;
Pipes with increased diameter for external sewerage;
Fittings, shut-off valves, turn signals and adapters;
Seals, filters of various shapes.

Sinicon pipe models

Valtec polypropylene pipes

The Valtek catalog contains single-layer and multi-layer polypropylene pipes. Depending on the characteristics, the products are suitable for heating, cold water supply systems, heating. These systems are reinforced with fiberglass, aluminum or a rigid layer of polyethylene.

Valtec PEX cross-linked polyethylene pipe

Known for high quality and durability. In addition, the manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on the bends. The exterior is classic gray and white with discreet markings. Due to special processing, they are soft and flexible, suitable for installation in hard-to-reach places.

Which brand of polypropylene pipes is better to choose?

Plastic pipes have advantages over metal ones. They are light, strong, durable and affordable. Rating of polypropylene pipe manufacturers.

Polypropylene pipes are considered by many to be the best. They really have very good technical and operational characteristics: they do not corrode, do not interact with water, do not change its composition and taste, have a long service life - up to 50 years, have very smooth walls on which sediment does not form. In general, there are a lot of advantages. All that remains is to decide which polypropylene pipes are better, and this is not at all easy. You'll have to understand some of the subtleties.

What are there and which are better?

Single layer. The walls are completely made of polypropylene.
Three-layer:
- glass fiber reinforced - glass fiber threads are sealed between two layers of polypropylene;
- reinforced with foil - the design is similar.

Now briefly about why polypropylene pipes are reinforced. The fact is that this material has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. When heated by 100°C, one meter of single-layer pipe becomes 150 mm longer. This is a lot, although no one will heat them that much, but even at lower temperature deltas the increase in length is no less impressive. To neutralize this phenomenon, compensation loops are installed, but this approach does not always save.

Manufacturers found another solution - they began to make multilayer pipes. They lay fiberglass or aluminum foil between two layers of pure propylene. These materials are not needed for strengthening or any other purposes, but only to reduce thermal elongation. If there is a layer of fiberglass, the thermal expansion is 4-5 times less, and with a layer of foil - 2 times. Compensation loops are still needed, but they are installed less frequently.

On the left is a fiberglass-reinforced pipe, on the right is a regular single-layer pipe

Why is reinforcement made with both fiberglass and foil? It's a matter of operating temperature range. Those with fiberglass can withstand heat up to 90°C. This is enough for hot water supply, but not always enough for heating. Polypropylene pipes reinforced with foil have a wider temperature range - they can withstand heating of the environment up to +95°C. This is already enough for most heating systems (except those with solid fuel boilers).

Which PPR pipes are suitable for which systems?

Based on everything said above, it is clear which polypropylene pipes are better for heating - those reinforced with foil, if high-temperature operation of the system is expected (from 70 ° C and above). For low-temperature heating systems, glass fiber reinforced products can be used.

Any type is suitable for cold water supply PPR pipes, but the most rational solution is ordinary single-layer ones. They cost quite a bit, and the thermal expansion in this case is not so great, one small expansion joint for the water supply in an average private house is enough, but in an apartment, with a small length of the system, they don’t make it at all, or rather they make an “L”-shaped one.

To install a hot water supply system, it is best to take polypropylene pipes with a fiberglass reinforcing layer. Their qualities are optimal here, but they can also be used with a foil layer. Please note that compensators are required.

Which ones are easier to install?

When deciding which polypropylene pipes are better, pay attention to such a parameter as the complexity of installation. All types are connected by welding, and for turns, branches, etc. fittings are used. The welding process itself is identical for all types, the difference is that in the presence of aluminum foil, pre-treatment is required - it is necessary to remove the foil to the soldering depth.

In general, there are two types of aluminum reinforcement - external and internal. With the outer one, the foil layer is close to the outer edge (1-2 mm), with the inner one the reinforcing layer is located approximately in the middle. It turns out that it is filled with an almost identical layer of polypropylene on both sides. In this case, preparation for welding also consists of removing the outer layer of propylene to the entire depth of welding (and the foil too). Only under these conditions can the required seam strength be achieved. All this preparation takes a lot of time, but the most unpleasant thing is that if there is an error, we get a very unreliable connection. The most dangerous option is when water seeps into the foil. In this case, the polypropylene will sooner or later collapse and the connection will leak.

Based on these data, we can come to the conclusion that if conditions permit, it is better to use single-layer or fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes. Proponents of aluminum reinforcement say that foil further reduces the amount of air that penetrates into the system through the walls. But the foil is often made perforated and it does not necessarily go in a continuous strip, covering the entire diameter of the pipe. Often it has a longitudinal gap. After all, its task is to reduce the amount of thermal expansion, and even strips of more stable material can cope with this task.

Manufacturers of quality polypropylene pipes

Having decided on the type of PPR pipe you need, you need to decide which manufacturer is better. The task is not easy, although there are clear market leaders in quality - the Germans. It’s strange, but very often it turns out that German Construction Materials- the best, and polypropylene pipes are no exception - German products are the leaders in terms of quality indicators. Here is a list of companies that have a very good reputation:

Here you can’t even say that some products are better, some are worse. They're all pretty much the same. The whole question is which company is represented in your city/region. They have only one drawback - a more than decent price. No others were seen.

Czech polypropylene pipes are no less popular. In terms of quality indicators, they are almost as good as German ones, but have slightly lower prices. There are mainly two brands on the market:

These pipes also have a good reputation and excellent reviews. If you have them in your store, you can buy them without hesitation.

Average price segment Turkish polypropylene pipes are located. If the concept of “best” includes a not very high price, then you need to choose products from these companies:

Almost all Turkish manufacturers of polypropylene pipes operate in the middle price range. The quality of the products is good, the range is decent. If funds allow, choose from these manufacturers. If you need even more budget solutions, look towards Russian and Chinese manufacturers:

The products of all these brands have been on the market for many years, the companies have a stable reputation. However, from time to time there are reports that some products turn out to be of very low quality. When they start to look into it, it turns out that a fake was purchased. By the way, the number of fakes can be used to measure the popularity of a particular brand: a lot of fakes is a very popular product. How not to make a mistake when buying - read on.

How not to make a mistake

If you have chosen polypropylene pipes for yourself, go to the manufacturer’s official website before purchasing. You will need:

Overall, you should have a positive impression of the quality of the products. Only if all the “tests” are passed, you can buy.

Selection of heating polypropylene pipes for home and apartment. Polypropylene pipes for heating: technical characteristics and selection criteria Types of polypropylene pipes for heating

Criteria for choosing polypropylene pipes for heating

Prices for polypropylene pipes

Types of polypropylene pipes

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

Installation of polypropylene pipes

Prices for Kalde polypropylene pipes

Prices for popular polypropylene pipes

The main reasons for choosing polypropylene pipes for the heating circuit

Video: useful information on choosing polypropylene pipes and components

How to choose polypropylene pipes for a heating system?

Kalde products

Installation features

Why is polypropylene better than other options?

Classification of polypropylene pipes

Selection criteria - what to look for?

Criterion #1 - operating pressure

Criterion #2 - temperature

Criterion #3 - reinforcement

Criterion #4 - diameter

Fittings for polypropylene parts

Which pipes are the best?

Reinforced pipes

Additional benefits of polypropylene

Which polypropylene pipes are better - an overview of types and manufacturers

Characteristics of polypropylene pipe products

Main types of polypropylene pipes

Review of companies producing polypropylene pipes

Russian-made pipes

Pipe products from China

Pipes from manufacturers from Turkey

Czech products made of polypropylene

German polypropylene pipes

Which polypropylene pipes are better: 6 little things that can determine the fate of the future pipeline

Some general characteristics

What to pay attention to

Which brand of polypropylene pipes is better to choose?

Rating of polypropylene pipe manufacturers

Which company to choose polypropylene pipes?

What are there and which are better?

Which PPR pipes are suitable for which systems?

Which ones are easier to install?

Manufacturers of quality polypropylene pipes

How not to make a mistake

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