Pipe Thermotech Thermosystem®(old name Thermotech >MIDI< Composite) является модернизированным вариантом труб PE-RT, полностью изготовленной из материала Dowlex 2344 (тип 1) и 2388 (тип 2) (PE-RT, торговая марка Dowlex принадлежит концерну DOW Chemical Corp.) с большим числом связей между молекулами, с кислородным барьером (EVOH), спрятанным внутрь трубы между слоями полиэтилена. Т.к. все слои являются полимерами, то в результате последовательного соединения слоев образуется труба, как единое целое, стабильная в условиях колебания температуры и давления, с небольшим линейным удлинением, устойчивая к механическим воздействиям.
Let's decipher the abbreviation PE-RT - PolyEthylene of Raised Temperature resistance - polyethylene of increased temperature resistance - the secret lies in large quantities carbon bonds in molecules. The side chains of the linear Standard Polyethylene (PE) molecule are formed by a combination of butene molecules. Two carbon atoms are used to connect the main chains to each other, so the probability of intertwining is low. The side chains of the linear PE-RT polyethylene molecule increase the number of connecting Carbon atoms to 6, while the degree of intertwining is much higher. If the source material for PEX - Polyethylene, with the same monomer content, is not “cross-linked”, then it will provide much less strength under prolonged exposure to pressure.
Warm floor pipe Thermotech Thermosystem®– has an anti-diffusion layer OXYDEX (EVOH polyethylene), which prevents the penetration of oxygen and an anti-creaking layer, which form a single whole with the pipe.
Anti-diffusion layer OXYDEХ: During the production of pipes, a thin layer of modified polyethylene, 0.1 mm thick, is applied to the surface of the “main” PE-RT pipe. This is followed by the same layer of EVOH (ethyl vinyl hydroxide) plastic. Previously, this anti-diffusion layer was applied to outside pipes. Over time, some manufacturers and Thermotech pipes, incl. They began to apply another protective layer of polyethylene on it.
New polymer pipes from Thermotech - ThermoSystem pipes made of PE-RT type II polyethylene - are more flexible and more reliable compared to the old ThermoSystem pipes (12, 17 and 20 mm) due to the placement of an anti-diffusion layer on the inner surface of the pipe with a protective layer polyethylene. The oxygen barrier is protected from mechanical damage by the entire thickness of the pipe wall
The EVOH layer acts as a diffusion barrier for oxygen, and the polyethylene layer increases the adhesion between the pipe and the diffusion barrier. The barrier is tightly glued to the pipe, making bends of small radii possible without the formation of folds. Oxygen-tightness of pipes Thermotech complies with the DIN 4726 standard (Deutsches Institut fur Normung), and is less than 0.1 g/m2. for 24 hours at 40 °C. OXYDEX layer in pipes Thermotech reliably protected from mechanical damage by a protective layer of polyethylene. The melting point of the anti-diffusion layer is 180° C. These properties allow the use of such pipes at operating temperatures of the carrier up to 95°, and in short-term modes – up to 110° C, that is, mainly in hot water supply and heating systems, heated floors.
Oxygen penetrating the system does not cause any harm to the pipes themselves; it only reacts with the metal parts of the system, causing accelerated corrosion of heating boilers, pumps, radiators, shut-off and control valves and other metal equipment. This process is especially accelerated when using pipes in systems with elevated temperatures, i.e. in heating systems (especially radiator systems). Unfortunately, SNiP does not have an acceptable value for oxygen penetration in systems made of plastic pipes. Therefore, in reality, pipes without a diffusion layer are often used, which leads to failure after only 5 years steel elements systems. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use only pipes in heating systems that meet the requirements of the German standard DIN 4726. It should be noted that today only a few companies can offer pipes that meet the requirements of this standard.
This pipe can withstand high pressures. The lifespan of PERT pipes is determined by nomograms depending on the temperature and pressure of the working medium (as well as all other polymer pipes). According to Russian certification, PE-RT pipes are classified as type “t” (heavy), i.e. withstanding pressure of 20 kgf/cm2.
The THERMOTECH brand produces 5-layer unreinforced pipes for heating and water supply systems:
- Thermotech Thermosystem PE-RT I diameters 8x1, 12x2 mm, 17x2 mm, 26x3 mm
- Thermotech MultiPipe PE-RT II diameters 16x2, 26x3,
- Thermotech Thermosystem PE-RT II diameter 20x2, 32x3 mm
Advantages of Thermotech pipe
Thermotech = reliable + easy to install + inexpensive!
Extreme flexibility and strength without the use of a crosslinker. The secret lies in the large number of carbon bonds in the molecules. To understand the difference, answer the question: what kind of shoes do you prefer to buy - with edging sewn to the sole (analogous to molecular cross-linking of polyethylene) or with a glued sole (analogous to chemical cross-linking of polyethylene or glued plastics)?
The service life of the pipe is over 50 years. It requires virtually no maintenance during operation, which further facilitates the work of public utilities.
Able to withstand high pressures and temperatures. The service life of PERT pipes is determined by nomograms (see appendix) depending on the temperature and pressure of the working medium. According to Russian certification, PE-RT pipes are classified as type “t” (heavy), i.e. withstand pressure 20 kgf/cm2
Polyethylene pipes are 5–7 times lighter than steel pipes. Pipes are produced seamlessly in standard coils 12 * 2.0 mm (1000 m), 16 * 2.0 mm (750 m), 20 * 2.0 mm (650 m), 25 * 2.3 mm (350 m), 32 *3.0 mm (50 m). This significantly reduces transportation costs and makes the work of installers easier.
The temperature linear expansion of PE-RT pipes is several times less than that of standard PEX pipes. When the temperature changes by 50°C, the linear elongation of PE-RT pipes is only 0.3%, and when the temperature changes by 90°C – 0.7%. When cooled, the pipe completely returns to its original shape.
Joining polyethylene pipes is much cheaper, simpler and takes less time. The pipes are connected using brass compression fittings and takes seconds. The entire installer's tool consists of pruning shears and wrench. Therefore, even a non-specialist can change or install the plumbing himself.
No squeaking in underfloor water heating systems.
Due to the low surface roughness (0.125 microns), the pipes are not subject to overgrowing, therefore require virtually no maintenance during operation and are silent at almost any flow rate.
Frost-resistant and able to withstand several freeze-thaw cycles (for example, water).
It has high maintainability. Multiple joining and undocking of the fitting is allowed, while the pipe at the joint retains its properties.
Can be used for transportation food products, aggressive liquids and gases.
Fully meets the requirements modern industry aesthetics of work and operation of pipelines.
Warranty periods: shelf life 3 years, service life 7 years.
The pipe is resistant to impact chemical substances and mechanical wear.
Foreign certification.
The pipe was tested at SKZ (Suddeutsches Kunststoff Zentrum). According to SKZ tests service life PERT pipes is 490 years with a reliability factor of 2.5.
According to the TUV (Technisher Uberwaschungs – veren Bayern) conclusion, a pipe with an OXYDEX layer is not subject to oxygen diffusion (does not allow air to pass through).
The production has an international quality certificate ISO 9002.
Russian certification.
GOSSTROY OF RUSSIA No. 0130837*. Application in heating systems.
HYGIENE CERTIFICATES. According to test results at Polymertest LLC, the service life of the MIDI pipe is more than 100 years, depending on operating conditions.
ROSTSTANDARD. Application in DHW and cold water systems.
Certified for heating systems with operating coolant temperatures up to 95°, at peaks up to 110° C (no worse than any other polymer pipes), pressure - up to 20 kgf/cm2 (!).
Pipes Thermotech Thermosystem® are manufactured in Germany by the HPG concern to order from Thermotech (Sweden).
DEVELOPER and MANUFACTURER of PE-RT compound Dowlex 2344 - "The Dow Chemical Company"
Materials and articles from "The Dow Chemical Company" in attachments:
- PE-RT, a new class of polyethylene for hot water pipes
- PE-RT, a new class of polyethylenes for industrial pipes
How do underfloor heating pipes behave at sub-zero temperatures? We do not object to the use of pipes in conditions with low temperatures. Moreover, well-known facilities with PE-RT pipes have been operated without problems for years in arenas with artificial ice in Europe.
PERT pipes maintain high strength even at temperatures down to -40°C.
The DOWLEX 2344E material, compared to other polymers, has a higher thermal conductivity at negative temperatures (2-3 times higher), which means the power of refrigeration units can be reduced.
Thermotech pipes have a mirror-like internal surface, they have a very low roughness (0.125 microns, class 10), this is less than that of PEX pipes and significantly less than any metal-plastic pipes. The fact is that in metal-plastic pipes the main load is borne by the aluminum layer and therefore the polymer layers in such pipes are of worse quality than in plastic pipes. Reducing hydraulic losses in Thermotech pipes will reduce the power of circulation pumps.
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A lot of objects have been made. For a very long time there were no competitive offers at all! No complaints.
Differences between pipes >>>
Today, Uponor pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene are widely used in the organization of cold and hot water supply systems, as well as heating, including floor heating, and snow melting systems. They form a special class among other polymer pipes. Uponor pipes are the result of 35 developments aimed at creating particularly strong and reliable pipes.
REC PIPES UPONOR
Uponor pipes are produced using PE-Xa technology - under high pressure and temperature, as well as exposure to organic peroxide, polyethylene macromolecules are cross-linked to form Carbon-Carbon cross-links. In this case, a strong and elastic three-dimensional structure is formed, which provides the products with high resistance to thermal and mechanical stress.
Uponor pipe applications
Uponor PE-Xa pipes can restore their original shape, as they have a “thermal memory” effect. In addition, the pipes are coated with an anti-diffusion coating, which prevents the risk of corrosion. Pipes have the following advantages:
- heat resistance;
- excellent elasticity;
- durable service life of at least 50 years;
- resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
- resistance to aggressive environments;
- resistance to mechanical deformation.
Thanks to the advantages of PE-Xa pipe storm drain Uponor will last a very long time.
Benefits of Uponor pipes
The Santekhkomplekt company offers a wide range of pipes various diameters, supplied in coils, as well as fittings for them. Uponor products are impeccable quality and reliability.
Thanks to special system fittings (Quick&Easy), you will receive a system completely ready for installation. Installation using press fittings allows you to achieve amazing reliability of connections.
Application of cross-linked polyethylene pipes
XLPE pipes PEX-a are presented by the Finnish concern Uponor. PEX-a pipes have a wide range of applications; the evalPEX line is intended for radiator heating systems. The advantages of this type of pipe are high resistance to temperatures in the range from -100°C to +110°C, molecular shape memory, low thermal conductivity, simplicity and ease of installation, high elasticity, silent operation, resistance to chemicals.
The safety of cross-linked polyethylene pipes is confirmed by an international eco-certificate. The pipes are designed for a pressure of 6 bar. Our catalog contains EVAL PEX-a pipes with a diameter of 16, 20, 25, 32, 75, 90 mm in coils of various sizes.
Advantages of polyethylene pipes
Polyethylene pipes have many advantages, in particular:
- resistance to chemical attack;
- excellent elasticity and molecular shape memory;
- low thermal conductivity;
- resistance to high and low temperatures;
- long service life;
- environmental safety;
- ease of installation and light weight.
Thanks to these advantages, cross-linked polyethylene pipes are widely used in heating systems. At the Santekhkomplekt company you can order high-quality pipes made in Europe (Finland).
Threaded fittings
Fittings are one of the most important components for supplying water, coolant, etc., since they often have to withstand the heaviest load. The Santekhkomplekt company offers a wide range of brass threaded fittings, as well as PPSU and PE-Xa connecting parts for cross-linked polyethylene pipes. Uponor fittings make the labor-intensive installation process simple, fast and convenient.
Connections made from high-strength PPSU plastic, which has proven itself in heating and water supply systems, are resistant to high temperatures(up to +170°C), high impact resistance and resistance to aggressive environment. Along with other plastics, PPSU is not subject to corrosion, and in terms of strength and reliability characteristics it is comparable to metal. Plus, polyphenyl sulfone is UV resistant and not prone to deposits. The result is highest degree reliable and tight connections, the cost of which is lower than similar metal products.
Uponor offers fittings threaded diameter 16-25 mm and connecting parts of large diameters - 50-63 mm. The company's use of the most advanced materials guarantees reliable operation and extending the service life of both individual pipeline parts and the entire system as a whole.
PE-RT- it is modern and versatile polymer material, characterized by a large margin of safety and high resistance to temperature influences. Pipes made of PE-RT type 2 can be used for heating, cold and hot water supply. They are also widely used to protect power supply and communication cables. Compared to other types of polyethylene pipes, products made from PE-RT type 2 have the following advantages:
Widest operating temperature range. Acceptable constant temperature coolant 95°C. At the same time, flexibility is maintained sub-zero temperatures, down to -50°C, which eliminates the formation of cracks during storage and transportation in winter. When the water inside freezes, the pipes are also not damaged; after defrosting, they retain their original shape.
Resistant to corrosion and chemical attack. Pipes made of PE-RT are not affected by hard water and can withstand acidic and alkaline environments. Deposits do not form on the walls of polyethylene pipes, reducing throughput.
Flexibility and resilience. Pipes of small diameters are suitable for hidden wiring and can be concreted. PE-RT pipes with a diameter of up to 110 mm inclusive can be supplied in coils, which allows such pipes to be laid using the trenchless method, as well as inside old metal pipelines without dismantling them.
High operating pressure. For pipes with sufficient wall thickness, the nominal operating pressure is 16 atmospheres at a temperature of the transmitted medium up to 95°C. Thin-walled pipes are designed for constant pressure up to 10 atmospheres.
Fast installation. The length of the section in the bay allows you to do without intermediate connections. This also reduces the amount of waste.
Low thermal conductivity allows minimizing heat loss in heating networks.
Reliable connection. Pipes made of PE-RT can be welded in the same way as any other polyethylene pipes - end-to-end or using electric welded fittings.
Using PE-RT pipes for cable laying
Type II PE-RT pipes are often used for cable installation. In this case, both standard pipes and pipes specially designed for this purpose with an additional protective layer can be used.
Manufacturers offer several options for pipes designed for laying power, telecommunications and signal cables, as well as fiber optic lines. For example, the Tekhstroy company produces a series of TEHSTROY TR (temperature resistant) pipes made of polyethylene with increased heat resistance. High resistance to temperature fluctuations allows the pipe to be laid at any depth, including above the soil freezing depth. Operating temperature ranges from -20°C to +95°C.
The TEHSTROY TR series includes single-layer pipes with a nominal outer diameter Dn and pipes with an additional protective layer, sold under the brand Technical Construction TR-1 Prosafe. Protective shell made from thermoplastic polymer, may have red or green color. Both types of pipes are available in diameters from 16 to 630 mm, which allows you to choose the optimal size for both mains and single signal and communication lines.
The use of pipes with a protective layer allows pipelines to be laid directly into the ground, as well as along the bottom of reservoirs with or without burial into the ground. Using the HDD method often reduces installation costs, since it does not require excavation work and greatly reduces the number of joints.
Do you dream of comfort? Do you want a warm floor in winter, and in summer - cold ceiling and walls? All this is possible with modern pipes made of polyethylene: cross-linked PEX and heat-resistant PERT. They can be installed without the help of specialists with your own hands. Read the article about how to select and install polyethylene pipes.
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;
- water low temperature 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 over a long period of time can 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, medium-density polyethylene molecules bond 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 the outer 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 can withstand high temperatures and pressure longer.
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%. Tests of the last three types of polyethylene pipes of the same size at a temperature of 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 is overheated with a hair dryer during bending, delamination may occur. 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 for the actual service life. 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 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.
Hidden installation 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 a minimum number of 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 to unpack the bay. sharp objects, 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 the 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:
Because the compression fittings require maintenance, they are perfect for open and combined installation. They are not suitable for installation in walls or heated floors.
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 of domestic heat and water supply systems 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 department specializes in laying engineering systems in private and apartment buildings, in non-residential buildings for various purposes.
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, it will be impossible to visually inspect the system for leaks or any other malfunctions.
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 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 meet the 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 of high quality and durability. But their significant drawback is high price, inaccessible to most of the population.
- Polyethylene (PEX and PE-RT). This also includes metal-plastic. In the production of all varieties, different types of polyethylene are used, 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 its 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. And PEX-d pipes have not found use at all in recent years.
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 mean that cross-linking technology was used in relation to it, since the unique PE-RT material already has all the 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 the production of 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