Pe rt pipes in factory thermal insulation. Heat-resistant pe-rt pipes from the company icaplast
Do you dream of comfort? Do you want a warm floor in winter, and in summer - cold ceiling and walls? All this can be achieved with modern polyethylene pipes: cross-linked PEX and heat-resistant PERT. They can be installed without the help of specialists with your own hands. How to select and install polyethylene pipes, read the article.
1. What types of pipes are there?
There are 5 main types of pipes:
Steel or galvanized (ferrous metal - an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements)
Copper (non-ferrous metal)
Metal-plastic
Polypropylene
Polyethylene (made of cross-linked polyethylene)
Each of the above types has its own purpose, is suitable for certain methods of laying pipelines and the properties of the transported medium (maximum and minimum temperature and pressure).
Today, heavy, unaesthetic metal pipes are being replaced by lightweight metal-plastic, polypropylene and polyethylene pipes. They are different colors and do not require painting, they can be laid in any way - open, hidden or combined.
2. Purpose of cross-linked polyethylene pipes
XLPE pipes
Polyethylene pipes (PE) are used for:
- cold and hot water supply;
- low-temperature water heating (usually up to 80°-95C);
- water heated floors and walls;
- “cold panel” systems (an alternative to air conditioners that eliminates drafts and excess dust);
- cooling artificial ice skating rinks;
- soil heating in greenhouses;
- process pipelines for food and non-food liquids and gases, etc.
3. Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
low cost; a light weight; ease of installation; resistance to liquid freezing (if water freezes, the pipes will only stretch a little, and after thawing they will return to their previous size); absorption of noise and vibration during liquid transportation; reliability and long service life (up to 50 years or more) when used in low-temperature systems.Flaws:
low oxygen permeability of single-layer polyethylene pipes, which, through long time may lead to corrosion of system elements; reduced service life when used in high-temperature heating systems; instability to ultraviolet (solar) radiation when exposed for a long time.4. What are polyethylene pipes
Depending on the production technology, there are 3 main types of PE pipes:
- HDPE (polyethylene low pressure, its other common name is high-density polyethylene);
- MSD (medium pressure and density polyethylene);
- LDPE (polyethylene high pressure and low density).
The following materials stand out:
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene);
- PERT (heat resistant polyethylene).
HDPE, PSD and LDPE pipes are manufactured under different pressures, which influence the process of ethylene polymerization (combination of small gas molecules into larger macromolecules).
PEX and PERT are made from HDPE and PSD using the “cross-linking” and “adhesion” technology.
Cross-linked polyethylene is produced from high-density polyethylene by chemically or chemically cross-linking its molecules. physically with “flat” butene molecules.
During the production of heat-resistant PERT, polyethylene molecules adhere together medium density with “bulk” octene.
Despite these differences, PEX and PERT materials have similar properties. Therefore, it is no coincidence that manufacturers lump them into one category (for example, you may see PEX and PERT pipes in the same section on plumbing company websites).
PEX and PERT pipes are:
- single-layer;
- multilayer.
In cross-section, multilayer pipes represent a three-layer or five-layer structure.
In a three-layer pipe, a layer of polyethylene is covered with glue, on top of which an anti-diffusion layer is applied, which prevents the penetration of oxygen and other gases into the water and thereby has an “anti-corrosion effect.” Polyvinylethylene EVOH or ethylene vinyl alcohol EVAL acts as an “oxygen barrier” that extends the service life of the system.
In a five-layer pipe, the anti-diffusion layer in the center is covered with layers of glue, on top of which layers of polyethylene are applied.
5. How to choose the pipe diameter
When choosing new pipes, pay attention to the size of the old ones. To replace it, you need to select a product of the same or slightly larger diameter.
For example, on your still functioning metal pipes it says “DN 15”: the number in this case means the internal diameter. And on modern polyethylene pipes, manufacturers indicate outside diameter and wall thickness.
To calculate the internal diameter, you need to subtract the wall thickness multiplied by two from the size of the external diameter. For example, the plastic says 20x2.0. 20 – 4 (2.0x2) = 16 mm. This means that a polyethylene pipe 20x2.0 with an internal diameter of 16 mm is suitable for replacement steel pipe DN 15.
Table 1. Calculation of the internal diameter of plastic pipes of the most common sizes
6. Which pipes are best to buy?
To choose quality products, pay attention to the type of material (indicated on the pipes themselves, the label or in the product description on the website).
There are two types of PERT material – Type I and II. Type 2 PERT can withstand 20% higher pressure than the previous generation, i.e. Type I.
When comparing PEX and PERT, PEX is considered more durable because it resists longer high temperatures and pressure.
Usually the letters a, b or c are added to the PEX inscription, which indicates the method of cross-linking polyethylene and affects their quality. PEXa and PEXb are manufactured chemically, PEXc – physical, while the degree of crosslinking of PEXa reaches 75%, PEXb – 65%, PEXc – 60%. Testing of the latest polyethylene pipes three types of the same size at 90°C showed the advantage of PEXb.
In addition, the quality of the pipe depends on the thickness of its wall and the method of applying oxygen-impermeable layers.
Tests have shown that a three-layer pipe is more reliable than a five-layer pipe. In a three-layer pipe, the polyethylene layer is monolithic over the entire cross-section of the pipe; in a five-layer pipe, it is interrupted by an anti-diffusion layer and glue, due to which the intermolecular bonds of polyethylene are interrupted. If it overheats construction hairdryer delamination is possible during bending. The hardness of the EVOH layer is significantly higher than that of PEX, so if properly transported, damage and abrasion of the outer layer is unlikely.
Table 2. Comparative characteristics of PEX pipes from various manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Valtec | Pro Aqua | Rehau | Birpex | Royal Thermo | Uponor | TEBO technics | Sanha |
| Polyethylene material | PEXb, PERT type II | PERT type II, PEXa | PEXa | PEXb, PERT | PEXb, PERT type II | PEXa | PERT type II | PEXc |
| Number of layers, pcs | 1-3 | 1-5 | 1-3 | no data | 5 | 1-3 | 1-5 | 5 |
| Outer diameter, mm | 16-20 | 16-40 | 10,1-63 | 16-63 | 16-20 | 16-110 | 16-26 | 16-20 |
| Wall thickness, mm | 2 | 2,2-5,5 | 1,1-8,6 | 1,8-8,6 | 2,2 | 2-15,1 | 2-3 | 2 |
| Working pressure, bar | 6-10 | 6-10 | 8-10 | 6-10 | 10 | 6-10 | 10 | 6 |
| Maximum operating temperature, °C | 80-90 | 90 | 70-95 | 80-95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| Manufacturer country | Italy-Russia | Germany | Germany | Russia | Russia-Italy | Finland | Türkiye | Germany |
| Service life, years | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Manufacturer's warranty, years | 10 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 8-10 | 10 | 7 | 1 |
| Delivery method | bays | bays | bays | bays | bays | bays | bays mi | bays |
| Price for 1 linear meter, rub. | from 33 | from 26 | from 96 | from 43 | From63 | from 52 | from 68 | from 28 |
*Prices according to online sources are valid for February 2018.
To assess the applicability of pipelines to a specific system, pay attention to the declared operating classes of products according to GOST (and certificates of compliance with them). They will show the share of the influence of those changing in summer and winter periods temperatures at real time operation. Example:
Table 3. Reliability requirements for polyethylene pipes according to GOST R 52134-2003
| Operating class | T slave, °C | Time at T pa b, year | T max, °C | Time at T max, year | T avar,°C | Time at T emergency, h | Application area |
| 1 | 60 | 49 | 80 | 1 | 95 | 100 | Hot water supply (60 °C) |
| 2 | 70 | 49 | 80 | 1 | 95 | 100 | Hot water supply (70 °C) |
| 3 | 30 | 20 | Low temperature underfloor heating |
||||
| 40 | 25 | 50 | 4,5 | 65 | 100 | ||
| 4 | 20 | 2,5 | High temperature underfloor heating Low temperature heating with heating devices |
||||
| 40 | 20 | 70 | 2,5 | 100 | 100 | ||
| 60 | 25 | ||||||
| 5 | 20 | 14 | High temperature heating with heating devices | ||||
| 60 | 25 | 90 | 1 | 100 | 100 | ||
| 80 | 10 | ||||||
| HV | 20 | 50 | - | - | - | - | Cold water supply |
The following notations are used in the table:
T slave - operating temperature or combination of temperatures of transported water, determined by the area of application;
T max - maximum operating temperature, the effect of which is limited in time;
T avar is an emergency temperature that occurs in emergency situations when control systems are violated.7. Installation methods
There are three main ways to install wiring:
- Hidden;
- Open;
- Combined.
7.1. Hidden
With hidden installation, the pipeline and all connections are “hidden” in special recesses - grooves. Only fittings (connectors) and bends for connecting plumbing fixtures are visible from the outside. Upon completion of the work, the surface is sealed with finishing materials.
This method protects pipes from accidental damage and preserves aesthetic appearance interior However, this same installation option complicates the process (due to gating - laying channels), increases the cost of work and is not suitable for load-bearing walls.
TO hidden installation This also includes covering pipes with concrete screed in “warm floor” systems.
7.2. Open
If the pipes cannot be hidden in the wall (for example, after a recent renovation), they can be laid on the surface. This option is convenient for visual inspection of connections and allows you to quickly clean the area or replace a component if necessary. Additional arguments in favor of the method are the ease and low cost of work.
7.3. Combined
The combined method involves laying unfinished walls on the surface, which are then covered with plasterboard boxes or false panels made of plastic, tiles or other materials.
For installation, one of two connection systems is usually used:
- sequential
- collector
At sequential system the pipe is laid from one object to another. This system is suitable for bathrooms with minimum quantity objects (bathtub, sink, washing machine).
IN collector system all control devices are located in a compact manifold, which is placed in a special cabinet. Using a collector simplifies the work process and saves money. Suitable for radiator wiring and underfloor heating.
Tips for installing polyethylene pipes
Installation tips:
Before starting work, consider how the pipes will be placed. Then, directly on the walls, floor or ceiling, use a pencil or marker to draw the lines of the future pipeline. Use the pipe connection to the faucet, radiator or manifold as a starting point.
If necessary, before concealed installation, insulate the fittings with film or the entire pipes with a special corrugated casing. Do not use sharp objects to unpack the coil, as they may damage the material.
Try to minimize the number of fittings that affect pressure stability. For convenience, during the installation of “warm floors” you can use special slabs or mats that facilitate installation and minimize heat loss.
If you decide not to use thermal insulation mats, use anchor brackets and 90°C rotation clamps, as the “molecular memory” of polyethylene pipes will prevent it from maintaining the specified shape.
The same memory effect will help restore the original shape of the PEX pipe in case of excessive bending and deformation: it is enough to heat it with a hair dryer to 100–120 ° C (the temperature depends on the material, it is indicated in the product data sheet).
8. What materials and tools are needed
1. Materials:
- fittings (crimp, press-on, plastic) - special connectors for branching pipes, turns, transitions to another diameter (read more about fittings below),
- fasteners - clamps, brackets, brackets, rotation locks and other elements that secure polyethylene structures to supporting surfaces (most often on walls).
So, you have decided to lay a polyethylene pipeline yourself. In addition to the pipes themselves, you will need:
2. Tools:
- pipe cutter or scissors (different manufacturers call this tool differently);
- electrical or mechanical expander;
- wrenches for compression fittings, a vice (also called a press or tension tool) - for fittings with a sliding sleeve (or press-on fittings).
9. Types of fittings
You can independently install cross-linked polyethylene pipes using three main types of fittings:
- crimp (they are also called compression or collet);
- press-fit (or fittings with a sliding sleeve);
- plastic.
The range of all types of fittings includes connectors various forms– straight (couplings), angles, angles, water sockets, tees, crosses, which can be divided into two types:
Since compression fittings require maintenance, they are ideal for open and combined installations. For installation in walls or warm floors they are no good.
Components of a compression fitting:
- body (fitting) with ring-shaped notches;
- split ferrule;
- screw.
How to proceed:
- Cut the pipe to the required length. scissors or pipe cutter.
- Place the nut on the section first (with the thread towards the connector), then the crimp ring. The edge of the ring should protrude approximately 1 mm above the cut.
- Insert the fitting into the pipe until it stops, tighten the ring and union nut to the edge of the cut.
The connection of pipes using a sliding sleeve is permanent, so such connectors can be used for any type of pipeline laying, even hidden.
Components for the sliding sleeve:
- frame;
- sleeve.
How to proceed:
- Cut the pipe to the required length using special scissors or a pipe cutter.
- Place the sleeve on a section away from the edge (it should not fall into the expansion area of the pipe).
- Insert the expander into the pipe and increase its diameter according to the instructions.
- Remove the expander and insert the fitting body into the pipe until it stops.
- Pull the sleeve onto the fitting using a vice.
Watch video instructions:
Watch video instructions:
10. What to do if you do not plan to install pipes yourself
In the online store Santekhmontazh.rf you can buy pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene from PEXb and PERT (type 2) of the Russian-Italian brand VALTEC and the German ProAqua. They are adapted to the conditions domestic systems heat and water supply and have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. ProAqua products have undergone comprehensive testing and are certified in accordance with Russian standards. VALTEC sanitary ware received the “Brand of the Year” award in the Russian Federation and is widely in demand in the country (in the Moscow region alone, more than 1,200,000 sq. m of residential space are equipped with it every year).
In addition to polyethylene pipes, you can purchase from us fittings, fasteners and tools for their installation, heat-insulating boards, manifold cabinets, blocks, etc.
We will help you select all the necessary plumbing equipment to suit your needs, and we will also quickly and professionally install it, if after reading this article you still do not dare to change or lay the pipeline system yourself. Our installation division specializes in installing engineering systems in private and apartment buildings, in non-residential buildings for various purposes.
We always want to start a text in a non-trivial way. And here is just another opportunity and that same case. Due to the fact that the price list for this system is limited to only two positions - you should not expect multi-letter texts in the description, but it is better to immediately familiarize yourself with the prices we offer.
The material for the manufacture of PE-RT pipes (polyethylene with high temperature resistance) is a copolymer of polyethylene with octene, characterized by increased temperature resistance. Thermally stable polyethylene still welds and processes well hand tools; being flexible, it withstands pressure well and has many characteristics superior to the previous cross-linked one (PE-X).
Difference polyethylene PE-RT from polyethylene PE-X to molecular structure pipes. PE-RT has a higher number of carbon bonds and does not require injection additional components for cross-linking (silanes or peroxides) molecules during production, which makes the structure of the material homogeneous.
PE-RT pipes are better than PE-X:
- More flexible at temperatures close to zero;
- They are characterized by a homogeneous material structure;
- Many connection options (butt welding, press connections, compression, sleeve welding);
- Recyclable;
- Does not require laboratory testing of the degree of crosslinking.
- They have better thermal conductivity compared to PE-X. PE-Xa has 0.324 W/m, PE-RT has 0.344 W/m.
PE-RT pipes are better than PP-R:
- Withstands high pressures and more long time at higher temperatures than PP-R pipes;
- They have better thermal conductivity compared to PP-R (PP-RCT, PP-R Beta). PP-R - 0.206 W/m, PE-RT - 0.344 W/m;
- Big throughput pipes with equal diameters.
Distinctive characteristics of PE-RT pipes:
- have high mechanical strength to external influences;
- The operating temperature is 70 °C with a maximum of +90 °C;
- Maintainability;
- Light weight;
- Low noise (regardless of the fluid flow rate in the pipeline).
Single layer pipes
Yes, you guessed it - consisting of one layer, i.e. monolayer. SLT Aqua PE-RT pipes are produced in various standard sizes.
They are intended for installation:
- Underfloor heating;
- Cold and hot water supply;
- Radiator heating;
- Snow melting systems;
- Technological pipelines.
The exceptional flexibility of the material and high thermal conductivity make it possible to install complex systems without losing the functional properties of the pipeline and maintaining maximum heat transfer.
Pipes can be produced in diameters of 10, 12, 16, 20, 25 and 32, 40 and 50 mm with a wall thickness of 2 mm and above. The SLT Aqua company produces PE-RT pipes in two sizes: 16x2.0 mm and 20x2.0 mm. The starting material is LG Chem SP980 raw material.
The PE-RT pipe with a diameter of 16 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm, used for the installation of water heated floor systems, heating systems, hot water supply and hot water supply, has a mass of only 0.085 kg/m and can be bent with a radius of curvature of up to 80 mm.
Anti-diffusion coating - a layer of ethylene-vinyl-alcohol EVOH (or EVAL) is applied to the outer surface of the main body of the pipe or its inner part.
The presence of an oxygen barrier in pipes is not prerequisite application and refers to an additional, although not mandatory, measure to protect the system from oxygen penetration. Modern systems reliably protected from contact with external air, therefore, as a rule, they do not need additional protection. That is why we recommend SLT AQUA pipes specifically for the installation of heated floors. They do not contain an oxygen barrier, but this does not affect the mechanical, thermal and chemical characteristics pipes, but reduces their cost and weight. Take this into account, since only 4% of oxygen passes through the surface of the pipes, and the remaining 96% passes through the threaded connections.
The distinctive color of such pipes is red. You can buy them in coils of lengths of 100 m, 150 m and 200 m. On request, we can supply pipes in coils of up to 600 m. The greatest demand is for PE-RT pipes for heated floors 20x2 mm and 16x2 mm. They are connected using brass and polyphenylsulfone press and compression fittings- methods for fastening familiar to plastic pipes, as well as welding methods - socket and butt (electric welded fittings are not yet available). This makes them the most convenient to use and almost universal.
Where to buy pipes for heated floors
Buy SLT Aqua PE-RT pipes in Moscow for heated floors, cold water and hot water supply systems, heating systems, as well as the most modern equipment for the installation of heating and plumbing systems, sewerage and storm systems, the most convenient way is to contact the KV Engineering company. There is not only the widest selection of materials and tools, but also the opportunity to get professional advice on any issue.
Prices for pipes and other products from manufacturers SLT Aqua, HANSA, Frankische, KME, Itap are easy to find out by visiting the company’s website. Here you can order everything you need for the installation of engineering systems based on your calculations, or in consultation with our specialists. Terms of purchase and delivery can be clarified by phone.
The IKAPLAST plant began producing pipes from polyethylene with increased heat resistance PE-RT. Standard sizes of PE-RT pipes with diameters from 63 to 630 mm. These pipes are intended for laying power cable lines trench and trenchless method.
IKAPLAST pipes made of PE-RT
Pipes for laying low-current, fiber-optic and other cable lines, with a diameter of 20 to 500 mm, are made of heat-resistant polyethylene black (PE-RT brand) with a red marking strip (by default). We can also apply a marking strip of a different color at the customer’s request. Pipes with a diameter of 160 mm to 630 mm can also be made of black polyethylene with increased heat resistance PE-RT, and have a protective sheath made of material resistant to mechanical damage.
Depending on the selected diameter, the pipe is marked and has red marking stripes (by default). We can also apply stripes of a different color at the customer’s request.
Regardless of purpose and type PE-RT pipes can be laid using trenchless and trench methods, and connected using fittings by welding.
|
Pipe from |
SDR 13.6 |
|||||
|
Nominal outer diameter, mm |
Wall thickness, mm |
Weight 1p.m., kg |
Wall thickness, mm |
Weight 1p.m., kg |
Wall thickness, mm |
Weight 1p.m, kg |
|
Black polyethylene pipe with red marking strip |
||||||
*If necessary, it is possible to produce pipes with a diameter of up to 630 mm.
It is also possible to produce pipes with SDR 7.4
IKAPLAST pipes made of PE-RT with a protective sheath for laying cable networks
Pipes with a diameter of 63 mm to 500 mm can also be made of black polyethylene with increased heat resistance PE-RT, and have a red protective sheath made of material resistant to mechanical damage. At the customer's request, we can produce a shell of a different color.
|
PE-RT pipe with protective sheath |
Protective shell |
SDR 13.6 |
||||||
|
Outer diameter, mm |
Thickness, mm |
Maximum deviation, mm |
Wall thickness, mm |
Weight 1p.m., kg |
Wall thickness, mm |
Weight 1p.m., kg |
Wall thickness, mm |
Weight 1p.m., kg |
|
Black polyethylene pipe with a red protective sheath |
||||||||
| 63 | 0,8 | +0,5 | 3,8 | 0,913 | 4,7 | 1,07 | 5,8 | 1,25 |
| 75 | 0,8 | +0,5 | 4,5 | 1,25 | 5,6 | 1,47 | 6,8 | 1,70 |
| 90 | 0,9 | +0,4 | 5,4 | 1,75 | 6,7 | 2,06 | 8,2 | 2,43 |
| 110 | 0,9 | +0,6 | 6,6 | 2,56 | 8,1 | 3,01 | 10 | 3,55 |
| 1,0 | +0,6 | 7,4 | 3,24 | 9,2 | 3,87 | 11,4 | 4,59 | |
| 630 | 2,5 | +1,0 | 37,4 | 75,7 | 46,3 | 91,0 | 57,2 | 109,0 |
The operating temperature range of PE-RT pipes is from -20 to +95˚С, and can briefly withstand temperatures up to +110˚С. IKAPLAST pipes from PE-RT are manufactured according to specifications.
Pipes with a diameter of 20-630 mm. are made of black PE-RT polyethylene with a red marking strip*, pipes with a diameter of 63-630 mm can be made of black PE-RT polyethylene with a red protective sheath*.
Pipes with a diameter of 20-110 mm are produced in coils or straight sections, pipes with a diameter of 125-630 mm are produced only in straight sections with a length of 6.5 and 13 m (by default). We can also produce pipes of other sizes at the customer's request.
The PE-RT polyethylene pipes offered by the IKAPLAST plant belong to the class of products with increased heat resistance. Depending on the type, such pipes can be used for laying cable networks or hot water supply lines using trench and trenchless methods.
*At the customer's request, we can make marking stripes and casing of a different color.
General information about PE-RT pipes
PE-RT pipes are manufactured in accordance with technical specifications made of special polyethylene with increased heat resistance. This ensures a wide range of product operating temperatures ranging from - 20°C to +95°C. Short-term exposure to temperatures up to +110°C is allowed without any damage to the integrity or deformation of the existing pipeline.
Service life at correct installation and compliance with operating conditions exceeds 50 years.
Due to its increased resistance to high temperatures, PE-RT pipe can be successfully used for conveying hot water for residential and industrial facilities. PE-RT pipes for cable lines are designed for laying and protecting high-voltage and other lines from mechanical and temperature influences. A protective polypropylene shell provides reliable protection cable from damage during installation and long-term operation.
Due to the flexibility of the heat-resistant PE-RT pipe (RT - resistance rise temperature), it can be laid using a small number of fittings. This significantly reduces the cost, speeds up and simplifies installation work.
A protective coating that is resistant to scratches and significant mechanical damage allows the PE-RT pipe to be laid using both trench and trenchless methods, and connected using fittings by welding.
» PE-RT pipes - characteristics of new pipes for plumbing
The popularity of PEX series plumbing pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene has suddenly been called into question. And it was done by none other than the manufacturer himself. The American company Legend recognized the undeniable popularity of PEX and at the same time noted the negative properties of this product. The PEX pipe series suffered from a serious operational drawback - residual traces of chemicals in the water. Plus, disposal and recycling promises a lot of difficulties. Therefore new plumbing pipes PE-RT, based on bimodal polyethylene, is confidently replacing the PEX series from the leading position in the plumbing market.
PE-RT series for plumbing
The American company Legend began producing innovative plumbing products that are functionally and technically more advanced back in 2015.
Polyethylene plumbing hoses for heating and hot water supply, marked with the “HyperPure PE-RT” brand, increase the efficiency and performance of the hydraulic system.
Many private houses are heated using water heated floor systems. This factor is explained by the efficiency of this type of heating. The coolant circulating through the pipeline laid under the floor has a much lower temperature than in radiators. This means that much less energy resources are spent on heating it.
Warm floors do not spoil the interior of the premises at all, since they are hidden from the eyes of others by the finishing coating. And the air, heated over the entire surface of the floor, is always directed upward, creating a favorable microclimate and increasing the level of comfort.
Ideally, the use of such heating systems should be envisaged at the stage of building a house. Otherwise, you will need to carry out calculations and large-scale work that requires certain skills and craftsmanship. In addition to choosing high-quality heating and pumping equipment, it is necessary to pay close attention to the choice of consumables, the main of which is the pipe.
It is a mistake to believe that any pipe can be laid in a concrete screed. Increased demands are placed on this element of the system, since the service life of the heated water floor and the quality of operation of the entire system will depend on it.
And although this consumable material is presented in a huge assortment on the construction market, not each of them meets all quality and safety requirements.
Which pipe is suitable for laying the water circuit and will not only extend its service life, but also save money? What do the designations PEX and PE-RT mean? What are the advantages of PERT polyethylene, which recently appeared on the Russian market?
Requirements for pipes
In most cases, the contours of a water heated floor are filled with a heavy concrete screed, closed finishing. Even after removing tiles or removing part of the laminate, carry out visual inspection system for leaks or any other malfunctions will be impossible.
Therefore, any pipe that is part of a water-heated floor system must meet the strict requirements stipulated by special conditions its operation.
The main element of water heated floor systems has a standard diameter, which can correspond to the following values:
It should be noted that when using consumables a smaller diameter reduces heat transfer, which leads to a reduction in the distance between the loops of the circuit and, accordingly, to an increase in material consumption. In addition, the small diameter of the pipe leads to overloads of the pumping equipment. It is inappropriate to use and pipes are too large diameter, since in this case the thickness will increase concrete screed and, as a result, the load on the floor.
DIY water heated floor
What materials are pipes for heated floors made from?
So what material should be preferred when installing water-based floor heating systems? And here you should not rely on sellers’ assurances that all their goods comply necessary requirements. Such carelessness can lead to problems that arise already at the installation stage of the systems.
Several materials are used in the production of pipes for heated floors.
- Polypropylene. This option is the most budget-friendly. And this is perhaps his only positive quality. It will not be possible to mount a circuit from a single piece of pipe, since they are sold in small meters. This material is not highly plastic, so laying the contour is possible only if a large step is observed between the loops. And most importantly, polypropylene has a very low heat transfer coefficient, so the system will be ineffective.
- Metal. Metal pipes can be made of copper and corrugated steel. These materials are different high quality and durability. But their significant drawback is high cost, unaffordable for most of the population.
- Polyethylene (PEX and PE-RT). This also includes metal-plastic. In the production of all varieties we use different kinds polyethylene, and each pipe has a special structure and is processed using various technologies. These materials are distinguished by ease of installation, resistance to mechanical and temperature influences, as well as affordable cost.
PEX pipes
First of all, you need to understand what the term “cross-linked polyethylene” or PEX means. Many household items are made from polyethylene. However, in its original form, this material is sensitive to high temperatures.
And it’s all because of the structure of the material, the molecules of which are not connected to each other in any way. This drawback is eliminated by using a special treatment of polyethylene, which allows the molecules to be “cross-linked”, due to which the polyethylene becomes stable and does not melt under the influence of high temperatures.
Pipes for heated floors
As a result of such processing, the PEX pipe acquires another positive quality, which is the ability to return to its original shape. That is, if during the operation of water heated floor systems the pipe experiences overload or is subject to mechanical stress that changes its position, after reducing the intensity of the load it will take on the originally specified shape.
Cross-linking of polyethylene is done using different technologies, denoted as follows:
It should be noted that when arranging water circuits, PEX-a pipe is most often used. The next two varieties are used much less frequently due to their lower quality. A PEX-d pipes V last years and are not used at all.
PE-RT polyethylene pipes
The designation on the pipe “PE-RT” means that it is made of polyethylene with increased heat resistance. This concept does not say that stitching technology was used on him, since unique material PE-RT already has everything necessary qualities. A distinctive feature of the PERT pipe is the possibility of connection in the circuit using welding or fittings. Regardless of the type of work performed, PERT does not lose its strength and ductility.
PERT polyethylene is also used in production metal plastic pipes, distinctive feature which is the presence of an internal aluminum layer. If a PE-RT polyethylene pipe is produced without an internal metal layer, it is protected from oxygen penetration by other means, for example, by an airtight layer of OXYDEX.
A water heated floor mounted from a PERT pipe has higher performance characteristics. This material, unlike PEX, has increased elasticity and the ability to withstand heat up to 124.7°C. Considering the lower cost of production of PE-RT polyethylene, the installation of heated floor systems from PE-RT pipes is somewhat cheaper, while meeting all the requirements for this method heating
Video: Warm water floor