11 tips, which metal pipes for heating and plumbing is better to choose

Contents

1. №1.Performance
2. №2.Scope of the metalplastic pipes
3. No. 3.Advantages and disadvantages of plastic pipes
4. №4.The design of metal-plastic pipes
5. №4.Aluminum layer: thickness and connection method
6. №5.Type of plastic in the inner and outer layer
7. №6.Bonding layer
8. №7.The diameter of metal pipes
9. №8.Metal-plastic pipes for heating
10. №9.Metal pipes for plumbing
11. №10.Fitting for the metalplastic pipes
12. No. 11.Major manufacturers of metal-plastic pipes

It seems that the era of the domination of metal pipes in the arrangement of various types of pipelines is slowly coming to an end. From many spheres of use they were forced out by more flexible and cheap metal-plastic pipes. Today they are successfully used in residential and industrial construction, in the organization of water supply, heating and sewage systems. What properties do they bribe, and can these pipes be called universal? We understand which metal-plastic pipes for heating and plumbing are better to choose, and we determine the best manufacturers.

№1.Operational qualities of

Certainly, some of the operational qualities of metal-plastic pipes may differ depending on the materials used in the production and their thickness, but for the majority of products currently sold, the following characteristics are characteristic:

• maximum temperature of water inside the pipe + 950С;
• at a temperature of about + 950C; the maximum pressure that a pipe can withstand is 10 atm;
• at water temperatures up to + 250С maximum working pressure can reach 25 atm;The
• pipe can withstand a short-term increase in the temperature inside it to + 110… + 1300С.

№2.Scope of application of metal-plastic pipes

The properties of metal-plastic pipes make it possible to use them almost everywhere in civil and industrial construction. can be safely used in the following areas:

• cold and hot water supply in apartments and private houses;
• heating system;
• sewer system;
• arrangement of watering systems;
• water intake systems from wells and boreholes;
• compressed air supply;
• transportation of some chemically aggressive liquids

Since installation is carried out without welding, such pipes are installed in places where welding is prohibited.

Do not use such pipes in areas where objects are located nearby that can heat up to temperatures of 1500 ° C and above, as well as in rooms with a high level of fire danger.

№3.Advantages and disadvantages of metal-plastic pipes

In terms of performance, it is clear why metal-plastic pipes have become so popular. The ability to withstand relatively high temperatures and pressure surges are the main, but not the only, advantages of plastic pipes:

• low price;
• excellent flexibility, the ability to retain shape along with low weight greatly simplify the installation of pipes. Dismantling, by the way, is also easy;
• for installation does not require a welding machine - all connections are made by special fittings;
• corrosion resistance, since the outer and inner layers of the pipe are made of polymer;
• does not accumulate lime deposits on the smooth inner layer;
• high level of tightness. The pipe will not let out the liquid and will not let in oxygen, which leads to the start of the corrosion process of the metal elements of the pipeline;
• durability in compliance with the technology of installation and operation - about 50 years or more;
• fluid flow through such pipes silently;
• aesthetics;
• low thermal conductivity.

The main disadvantages:

• low resistance to mechanical damage;
• when compared with metal pipes, metal plastic is inferior in maximum and minimum temperatures of operation, resistance to water surges;
• , when the temperature drops, aluminum shrinks slightly more than plastic, which gradually leads to a weakening of pipe joints and leaks, so periodically it is necessary to tighten the threaded connections. Access to them must be free;
• with constant use in conditions of low temperatures or exposure to ultraviolet rays life is greatly reduced.

№4.The design of metal-plastic pipes

From the name of this type of pipe is easy to guess about the features of the structure. It is obvious that plastic and metal are used for production, which are connected in a special way. The metal-plastic pipe consists of five layers of , three main and two binders:

• the first( inner) layer is made of polymer;
• second layer( binding) - glue;
• third layer( reinforcing) - aluminum;
• fourth layer( binder) - glue;
• fifth layer( outer) is made of polymer.

If to simplify, the pipe consists of two layers of plastic, between which there is a layer of aluminum foil. The latter is necessary to give the product strength and durability. Plastic outside and inside protects aluminum. In addition, the inner polymer layer creates a smooth surface over which water( or other liquids) can move freely. Plastic does not form rust and does not retain limescale, therefore, over the years, the throughput of pipes does not fall .The outer polymer layer protects the product from mechanical damage and prevents the formation of condensate. To join the three main layers use special adhesive compositions with a high level of adhesion to polymers and metal.

The durability and the sphere of operation of the metal-plastic pipe depend on the quality of performance of each layer.

# 4.Aluminum layer: thickness and method of joining

The following functions are assigned to the aluminum layer:

• protection against all kinds of damage, including mechanical loads, bending during installation, water pressure drops inside the pipe;
• protection against linear extensions;
• oxygen barrier.

Today, pipes with different thick aluminum layer are manufactured. As a rule, it ranges within from 0.15 to 0.6 mm .Taking pipes, where the aluminum layer is up to 0.3 mm thick, is undesirable, since they can be broken even during installation. The optimum thickness indicator is 0.3-0.55 mm: while maintaining sufficient strength, such pipes remain flexible and easy to install. If the aluminum layer exceeds 0.55 mm, then you will have to put a lot of effort into the process of laying. Such pipes are more expensive, but in terms of strength, of course, manifest themselves best.

The aluminum foil layer turns into a solid tube by welding, but it is performed by in different ways:

• laser welding allows you to create seamless butt joint .The result is a pipe with smooth walls and excellent performance. The thickness of the aluminum layer can be anything;
• ultrasound welding involves the connection of the ends of the foil overlap .So that in the area of ​​overlap there is no significant thickening, it is necessary to slightly reduce the thickness of aluminum at the junction, which is why it is difficult to achieve perfect flatness of the walls along the entire length. These pipes are cheaper, but inferior to seamless strength, durability, wear resistance and ease of installation.

Which metal-plastic pipe is better to choose? Certainly seamless, especially when it comes to installing critical systems.

№5.Type of plastic in the inner and outer layer of

For the production of metal-plastic pipes use such plastic types:

• crosslinked polyethylene PEX and linear polyethylene PE-RT. They provide pipes with maximum strength, reliability and resistance to all kinds of loads. Such products better tolerate mechanical stress, temperature and pressure surges in the system, and are distinguished by a long service life. For the arrangement of hot water or heating is better to take just such pipes;
• low pressure polyethylene ( in the marking of pipes it can be indicated by such abbreviations as PEHD, PE-RS, PE or HDPE) is also used in the production of metal-plastic pipes, but significantly reduces the scope of their use. This polymer is not able to withstand temperatures above + 750 ° C, and therefore is used exclusively for transporting cold water. In addition, it wears out quickly under the influence of direct ultraviolet rays, so it is desirable to protect the pipes from sunlight. Low-pressure polyethylene pipes are cheaper, but under the conditions of operation they can serve for decades.

№6.Bonding layer

Special compounds are used to connect plastic and metal with each other, the properties of which make it possible to turn a multilayer structure into a single whole. It’s hard to say what kind of glue manufacturers use, and what components are included in its composition, as companies keep glue formulas in secret. We can only check the safety certificates and make sure that the product is not toxic.

Glue not only binds all layers of the pipe together, but is also responsible for the elasticity of the product. The bonding layer is the most vulnerable spot in metal-plastic pipes. At loss of elasticity of glue the product begins to stratify and flow.

A metal-plastic pipe for heating and piping should have a high-quality bonding layer: the separation should not be visible at the cut. If you notice that the layers are not firmly bonded to each other, then such a pipe is unlikely to last for a long time.

No. 7.Diameter of metal-plastic pipes

When choosing metal-plastic pipes, it is important to focus on the following important product parameters:

• internal diameter - the main characteristic that determines the capacity of the pipe;
• outer diameter is also indicated in the sale and ranges from 16 to 63 mm;
• wall thickness varies from 2 to 3.5 mm, increases with increasing diameter.

The most popular sizes of metal-plastic pipes:

• external diameter 16 mm, internal diameter 12 mm, wall 2 mm ( 16 * 12). Such pipes are used when supplying water to mixers and water meters, can be used to organize the entire water supply or heating system, but the latter are usually created from pipes of larger diameter. Pipe fittings at 16 mm are the cheapest;
• pipes 20 * 16 with a wall thickness of 2 mm provide a higher capacity and are used for the installation of a heated floor, as well as for the construction of water supply in cases where water pressure is unstable;
• pipes 26 * 20 with a wall thickness of 3 mm are suitable for organizing plumbing and heating systems in a private house, risers and heated floors;
• pipes 32 * 26 with a wall thickness of 3 mm are suitable for organizing the main water supply system, riser. Such pipes are placed in homes with low water pressure;
• pipes 40 * 32 with a wall of 3.9 mm are suitable for building central heating and water supply systems; they can also be used in autonomous systems and water treatment systems. Usually in private construction such pipes are not used - they are more suitable for building extended urban and industrial engineering networks;
• pipes 50 * 40 with a wall of 4 mm are applicable for the installation of technological pipelines, for the construction of water supply and heating systems of large industrial facilities. Also, such large pipes are suitable for transporting compressed air, aggressive substances;
• pipes with an external diameter of 63 mm and more have a specific scope of use.

No. 8.Metal-plastic pipes for heating

In centralized heating systems, the pressure can rise up to 4 atm, in autonomous systems - rarely exceeds 1-1.5 atm. The temperature of the coolant is about + 700 ° C, sometimes it rises to + 900 ° C( if you use a boiler, then this parameter can be easily adjusted).This once again convinces us that metal-plastic pipes can be used to organize the heating system.

The only limitation of , which is present in this case, is the need to maintain positive temperatures in the house. Linear expansion of such pipes is minimal, so if the water in them freezes, then the plastic will tear. That is why it is used for organizing heating in constantly heated rooms.

If a solid fuel boiler is used, where overheating of the heat carrier is possible, it is better to install a heat accumulator, otherwise, with frequent temperature rises above + 1000C, pipes may leak.

# 9.Metal-plastic pipes for water supply

For transporting cold water any metal-plastic pipes are suitable. If we are talking about hot water supply( this also applies to heating), then it is necessary to take only pipes from cross-linked and linear polyethylene. Be sure to pay attention to the marking of the pipes, in which data such as the working pressure and temperature, the type of material produced, the name of the plant and the batch number should be reflected. Before you buy, specify which indicators of nominal and peak pressure are typical for your water supply system.

As it is a question of water transportation, which will be used including.for drinking, it does not interfere with ensuring the safety of the product and see the certificates of compliance with hygiene requirements. Of course, the pipe itself should not have foreign inclusions, scratches, dents and other defects.

# 10.Fittings for metal-plastic pipes

Connection of individual sections of the pipeline is ensured through the use of special fittings. Of course, the topic of choosing suitable fittings requires more detailed consideration, but we will focus on the main types of connections and their features.

So, the fittings for metal pipes are of the following types:

• . The split fittings of the are also called collapsible, threaded and collet .They are more expensive than others, they can be assembled and disassembled several times. The body of such a fitting is made of brass, fixing is ensured thanks to the compression ring and gasket. In general, the installation process looks like this. The marking is applied to the pipe, cutting is carried out with a special device and the pipe is calibrated( necessary for restoring the shape).Then a cap nut and fittings collar are put on the pipe, the fitting body is inserted inside the pipe up to the stop. It remains only to tighten the union nut on the fitting, put the union nut on another pipe and connect the elements( clearly shown in the video).Such a connection is used to organize cold water supply systems, the , for heating and hot water is not the most suitable option - after 2-3 years you can see a leak. Of course, the connection can be tightened, but all this for the time being, i.e.until the thread resource is exhausted;The

• compression( crimp) fitting, , is much simpler to install, consists of a choke and a union nut, which are fixed with a compression ring. Such connections are suitable for cold water supply systems , but can also be used for water supply systems with hot water ;
• press fittings is the best option for building heating systems .Such fittings have a complex structure, but allow you to create the most reliable connection that can easily transfer temperature and pressure surges. Installation of such fittings is carried out using special press machines, which are expensive.

# 11.Major manufacturers of metal pipes

The best quality guarantee is the name of the manufacturer. Today such large manufacturers compete in the market of metal-plastic pipes:

• Valtec - Italian company, the leader of the sphere. The production uses high-quality polyethylene, foil made of pure aluminum( butt-welded) and reliable adhesives, which do not lose their elasticity with repeated pressure and temperature drops. Pipes of different diameters are produced, suitable for use in various fields, from water supply to transportation of carbon fuel;
• Henco is a Belgian company that produces pipes, all sorts of fittings, manifolds and other equipment. The company carries out serious quality control, therefore, the products have found worldwide recognition;
• OVENTROP is a large German company that produces pipes of all possible diameters and supplies them with appropriate press fittings;
• Kermi is another German manufacturer that has introduced the practice of using an additional layer of waterproofing in its pipes to completely prevent the passage of oxygen into the product;
• Uponor - German pipes, which are used in 60 countries around the world. The company produces pipes with a diameter of 26 to 110 mm;
• Rehau - German pipes and fittings. The layer of aluminum connects end-to-end, polyethylene has the highest degree of crosslinking. A unique feature of the manufacturer’s pipes is the ability to fold without special tools;
• pipes PRANDELLI and Ape Italian production are also of high quality, but they are inferior in popularity to other manufacturers in our market;
• Sanha is a German company that is distinguished by the active use of the latest developments. Pipes manufacturer - the ideal of quality;
• Hydrosta - good Korean-made pipes;
• Nanoplast - domestically produced pipes that meet all hygiene requirements.

In order not to run into a fake , before you buy, look on the Internet how the pipes of a certain manufacturer should look like, what color the inner and outer plastic should be, what texture the product has, how it is marked. The inscription on the original products will always be clear. From the inside cut, you can easily find out how aluminum is welded: remember, the advantage is on the side of a seamless, butt-welded, joint. The thickness of the outer and inner layers of plastic should be the same throughout the pipe, defects, scratches, bumps and cavities are not allowed.