Polypropylene in modern conditions is gaining its popularity. It has the qualities that meet all requirements, is easy to install and is characterized by a relatively low cost.
Therefore, more and more often water supply systems, as well as heating systems, are collected using this material. Polypropylene, the fittings of which are connected by soldering, allows you to create a monolithic structure. It is no different in the joints from the whole pipe.
However, polypropylene fittings must be correctly selected for heating, sewage, water supply.
General concept of fittings
Any system through which water is transported consists of pipes and their connections. These are fittings. Polypropylene in this case is considered a good choice.
Translated from English, the word "fitting" means "mount", "connect". They are used for folding straight pipes, making turns, branching. With their help, transitions are made from one pipe diameter to another.
Fittings and pipes for water supply from a material such as polypropylene can be welded. This happens very quickly when using a soldering iron with nozzles. In this connection points will not leak with a high degree of probability.
This property is one of the most important advantages. Today, such fittings are in demand. Polypropylene is used everywhere.
Dimensions
Manufacturers produce a wide variety of fittings sizes. This makes it easy to select the desired variety. There are connections with and without threads. They are selected taking into account operating conditions.
If it is a threaded fitting, it can be detachable and solid. This must be considered when choosing the right sizes.
Polypropylene, the fittings of which are often used in different systems, allows you to produce a large number of different elements from it.
The most commonly used dimensions are parts with a cross section of 20, 25, 32, 40 mm. To equip the water supply system in multi-storey buildings, even such a size as 110 mm is used.
Diameter calculation is based on the length of the entire system. The larger it is, the wider the pipes and fittings should be installed.
Range
The purpose of the elements of the system is different. They have all kinds of configuration fittings (polypropylene).
Sewerage, ventilation, heating or water supply fully utilize them. Pipes from this material do not bend, so you will have to use the joints in any case. Exist:
- couplings;
- transitions;
- fitting;
- crosses;
- stubs;
- corners.
The coupling will allow you to connect pipes of the same diameter, and the transition - of different cross sections. A fitting will be required if necessary to connect the communications with a flexible hose. Crosses are used for branching. The plug allows you to seal the dead end pipe.
Accordingly, the rotation can be carried out using a corner. Most often they are 45 and 90 degrees.
Marking
In order not to have to replace the pipes in a short time, they should be selected correctly. To do this, pay attention to the marking.
Polypropylene pipes and fittings for water supply are not suitable for heating. Marking is applied to all parts.
PN10 belongs to thin-walled parts for cold water supply up to +20 degrees. Working pressure - 1 MPa.
PN16 are designed for cold water supply with high pressure.
PN20 says that the material withstands heating up to +80 degrees, and pressure - up to 2 MPa.
For domestic hot water and heating, PN25 marked components should be used. They are able to withstand heat up to +95 degrees. In this case, the permissible pressure in the system can reach 2.5 MPa.
If you let a liquid with a higher temperature run through the pipes for cold water, they will begin to deform. Therefore, although the cost of different classes of pipes is very different, only fittings and pipes that are suitable for the system parameters should be purchased.
Advantages
Polypropylene fittings for heating, water supply have several advantages.
- Light weight facilitates the work process.
- Long term of operation. Polypropylene will last about 25 years in heating systems, and 50 years in cold water pipelines.
- Relatively low cost.
- Quick installation.
- Aesthetic appearance.
All these qualities make the material so popular. Its popularity is increasing almost every day. Fittings are resistant to corrosion and chemical attack. In them calcareous deposits are not deposited, microorganisms do not multiply.
disadvantages
Polypropylene fittings for plumbing and other systems have a number of negative qualities. These include greater rigidity. They must not be bent. Therefore, during installation, a fairly large number of connections will be required.
The disadvantages also include the need to use special equipment. It will have to be bought for assembly.
Polypropylene is also too sensitive to temperature increase. Because of this, it can expand in diameter and lengthen linearly. Temperature is important for this material.
However, these shortcomings fade before all the merits. A soldering device is not very expensive if you need to solder the pipes at home. Professionals will quickly pay back the cost of expensive equipment for frequent use.
Mounting
Polypropylene, the fittings of which are used in the arrangement of various systems, involves the use of a certain assembly technology.
To do this, you need to purchase a special soldering iron with nozzles of the required diameter. It is necessary to cut pipes with special scissors. A crosscutter, tape measure, marker are also prepared in advance.
For assembly in a soldering iron, a temperature of 240-260 degrees is set. Using a trimming tool, the middle layer of 2 mm foil is removed from the pipe.
A pipe is worn on one side of the soldering iron nozzle and a fitting on the other. The heating time is 3-5 seconds. They are simultaneously removed and the pipe is connected to the fitting. Allow the elements to cool and check the joint. This is a quick and fairly easy installation, accessible even to beginners.
Having become familiar with such material as polypropylene, the fittings of which are very popular today, you can independently assemble different types of systems. By choosing all the elements correctly and assembling them properly, you can count on the long life of the system. Being one of the most commonly used materials, polypropylene has many positive qualities. Easy installation, durability and low cost increase the demand for fittings from it.