Advantages of PN10 pipe: how and where it is used

The emergence of a new technology for forming products from cast polypropylene has led to the fact that in modern realities, polypropylene pipes PN10, as well as PN20, PN25, have practically replaced steel blanks from such an important area as laying water pipelines in citizens' homes and apartments. But what are its advantages?

Scope of application of polypropylene pipes PN10, PN20

First of all, it is necessary to note the high strength, chemical resistance and excellent weldability of polypropylene. Working with polymer does not require special preparation. That's why polypropylene pipes PN10, PN20, PN2 (GOST 32415-2013) have long been used in everyday life both for their intended purpose - for assembling water supply lines - and in a non-standard way. For example, for the manufacture of frame structures.

Advantages of PPR polypropylene pipe:

• low price. The cost of PN10 is lower than similar half-inch and inch steel pipes used for water supply installations;
• high resistance to aggressive chemicals. Polypropylene does not interact with water, even chlorinated, and can easily withstand heating up to 60 ℃, and in the case of PN25 – up to 90 ℃;
• stability. The cross-section and length of the pipe under water pressure at room temperature do not change for decades.

At high temperatures, up to 90 ℃, the cross-section and length of polypropylene pipes may change upward.But the changes do not arise due to the increased fluidity of the polymer, as, for example, in the case of polyvinyl chloride, but due to the high coefficient of thermal expansion.

Therefore, for hot water use PN 20-25, the walls of which are reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum foil.

The “PP-R” marking means that random polypropylene copolymer is used for the production of products. One of the most resistant polymers used in industry. In terms of chemical resistance and ability to withstand acids and alkalis, it is second only to cross-linked polyethylene.

Water pipelines

Polypropylene pipes PPR PN10, PN25 are used primarily to replace steel water mains both in high-rise apartments and in private households. Pipe blanks with a diameter of 10-25 mm are so flexible that the pipes are supplied wound in coils.

In this case, no breaks in the walls or cracks are formed on the surface. But this only applies to conventional PPR PN10; PN 20 and PN25 blanks reinforced with aluminum foil must be handled more carefully, avoiding excessive bending and impacts on the outer surface.

PPR polypropylene pipes are welded with fittings, couplings, corners using an electric soldering iron. The quality of the seam is almost monolithic, therefore, if PN10 is designed for a working pressure of 0.1 MPa, then you can be sure that there will be no leaks at the welded joints.

Heating

For hot water supply and heating systems, polypropylene products PN25 with a reinforcing layer of fiberglass or aluminum are used. Pipe blanks with fiber reinforcement are easier to install. They are cheaper, but are often designed for temperatures of no more than 90 ℃.

Polypropylene with glass fiber is mainly used for hot water, but only inside residential premises. The reason is simple - PPR PN20, 25 does not tolerate ultraviolet radiation, therefore, if pipes are to be installed in open spaces, it is better to use a screen or covers.

Aluminum foil reduces thermal deformation and at the same time ensures more uniform heating of the walls, so hot polypropylene pipes practically do not sag. They can be used to create a warm water floor. It will be a little more expensive than using polyethylene heating ducts, but in general the quality and durability of the pipeline will be higher.

Industrial lines

Polypropylene pipes PN10 are widely used for arranging pneumatic lines. In paint shops, warehouses, and carpentry areas, restrictions on the use of power tools are often established. Therefore, pneumatic drills, hammers and screwdrivers are used.

Steel medium-pressure air ducts were replaced with polypropylene ones. Again, condensation does not accumulate inside the line, there are no through corrosion holes.

PN25 is suitable for supplying irrigation and hot water in greenhouses, bathhouses, and car washes. Polypropylene pipes are often used to supply disinfectant solutions and drain dirty water when washing parts.

Folk art

Simple welding technology and the availability of polypropylene pipes have made PPR PN10 PN25 the most popular material for homemade products.

Craftsmen make unusual things from ordinary polypropylene PPR blanks:

• frames for greenhouses and country greenhouses;
• garden and country furniture;
• crafts and toys.

In this case, no additional equipment is required; a standard set of an electric soldering iron, polypropylene couplings, corners, and crosses is sufficient. Although the design of the products does not fit into the latest fashion trends, the furniture and frames of the greenhouse are durable.

The durability and strength of a homemade greenhouse made from PPR scraps is several times higher than wooden and aluminum structures. Even steel pipes with a galvanized surface are inferior to PPR polypropylene.

Polypropylene pipes characteristics PPR PN10, PPR PN20, PPR PN25

The two numbers present in the brand indicate the pressure for which the polypropylene product is designed. To select the diameter of the pipes, it is enough to know the cross-section and design pressure of the future water supply system. In this case, it is 10 At for PN10, 20 At and 25 At for PN20 and PN25, respectively. The larger the cross-section of the pipeline, the thicker the walls should be.

PN10 is a lightweight type of pipe with thin walls. It is used primarily in domestic water supply systems. Where there are no pressure surges and water hammers. The dimensions of the workpieces depending on the cross-section are given below.

Polypropylene pipes PPK 20 At

PN20 is available for pumping hot and cold media under pressure up to 20 At. Pipes without reinforcement are available in white and gray colors. Used primarily for cold water supply, but can withstand flow with maximum temperature up to 80 ℃. More often, the material on workpieces is marked as PPRC.

In addition to the 20 At pipe blank, for cold water supply you can find polypropylene PN20 with a characteristic cellular surface pattern on sale. This is a polypropylene pipe reinforced with a layer of perforated foil.

Thanks to the presence of holes in the foil, the adhesion to polypropylene is sufficient to avoid delamination of the pipe even with strong heating up to 95-98 ℃. Therefore, the coefficient of linear expansion of the material is almost half that of unreinforced PN20.

25 At pipes for cold and hot water mains

Reinforced PN25 is used primarily in heating systems and the supply of cold liquids under high pressure. The main properties of the pipe blank are shown in the table below.

Reinforced pipelines are created for heating. The maximum temperature and pressure of the pumped medium is 25 At and 95 ℃, respectively. A polypropylene pipe can be reinforced with an intermediate sublayer of fiberglass impregnated with polypropylene.

During the production process, the sublayer must be colored, usually red. Therefore, a glass fiber reinforced workpiece can be easily distinguished by its cut.

Polypropylene blanks with aluminum foil with perforated and solid sheets are produced. In the latter case, the temperature of the liquid under pressure can reach 100 ℃.

Perforated PN25 for heating are less popular, although they are cheaper.

The characteristics of pipes with a perforated sublayer are not inferior to blanks with continuous reinforcement. The reason for the decline in interest is the more complex welding technology. At a minimum, you need to remove the aluminum layer before soldering the two polypropylene parts.

What are the advantages of the PN10 pipe?

You can hear a lot of conflicting opinions about how safe it is to use polypropylene water pipes, how long heating systems with PPR pipes last. But it would be correct to evaluate the result of using PN10 based on the results of operation after 20-30 years.

PN10 polypropylene pipes have a whole list of positive qualities:

• resistance to corrosion under the influence of water, oxygen and chlorine dissolved in it;
• simple assembly technology - anyone who has learned how to use an electric soldering iron can assemble a water supply system;
• PN10 pipe is very durable. Breaking a polypropylene blank with your hands is difficult even for a physically strong person.

In addition, the material practically does not age. Manufacturers of PN10 polypropylene pipes provide a 10-year warranty on their products, regardless of operating conditions. This means that the material will last at least twice as long.

How to install PPR PN10

Plumbing assembly diagram from PPR pipes is the same as in the case of using metal blanks. Initially, the length of the line from the input to the consumer is measured. Then a diagram is drawn up and places for soldering individual sections are selected.

But there are also differences:

• in places where connecting couplings, taps, valves are inserted into the line, it is necessary to make allowances for the shrinkage of polypropylene during soldering. For PPR PN10 - at the joint being welded, the polypropylene blank loses 15-20 mm on one side;
• PN10 has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, therefore, when planning a water supply line, it is necessary to make compensating loops or pockets, with the help of which it is possible to avoid deformation from hot water or in places with elevated air temperatures;
• The quality of the connection depends on precise adherence to the soldering technology.

It is best to master the technology using scraps of polypropylene blanks. In this case, the material is cut with special scissors, otherwise everything can be ruined.

Polypropylene pipes PN10 age, like any plastic.But there is nothing to worry about, you just need to choose the correct operating mode according to the table so as not to exceed the maximum permissible pressure. On the other hand, polypropylene, especially in copolymer form, is not the best choice for drinking water supplies.

What do you think - is it better to have water supply made from polypropylene or steel pipes? Write in the comments. Save the article to bookmarks and share it on social networks.