The use of the latest technologies is typical today for almost all spheres of human activity. The household communications system is no exception. And in place of ordinary pipes for supplying hot water in production and in residential buildings, for heating systems and floor heating systems, other needs, plastic pipes with cross-linked polyethylene coatings are increasingly being used.
Communications Innovation
Cross-linked polyethylene pipes are polymer tubes characterized by increased resistance to high-
temperature conditions. In addition, they are resistant to corrosion, unresponsive to chemical influences and abrasive. Polyethylene is called crosslinked due to the special chemical processes used in its manufacture. They are based on a change in polyethylene structures at the molecular level, the formation of a three-dimensional network with wide cells from the molecules. The process itself was called cross-linking, the product resulting from it is cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and the products are called pipes from
crosslinked polyethylene. They are distinguished by good flexibility and generally have proven themselves from many positive aspects.
Product Types
Depending on the purpose and method of crosslinking, the following types of pipes are launched into production:
- Pipes for heating systems and for water supply systems. The maximum temperature corresponding to their operating standards is about 95 degrees above zero Celsius. In addition, such pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene in special circumstances during the day can operate at a temperature of 110 degrees above zero and withstand a pressure of 10 bar. The working diameter of such plastic pipes is from 16 to 33 millimeters. Sleeves and fittings for them come from brass.
- Pipes for insulation of floors and snow melting systems. Their task is to heat the exterior of various surfaces, including floors in residential buildings, etc. Pipe data from Cross-linked polyethylene is designed for temperature conditions of the order of +90 degrees and operating pressure up to 6 bar. They are produced with a diameter of 16-20 mm, brass sleeves and fittings.
- Another type of polyethylene pipe is with an aluminum layer. They are needed in heating systems, and are also used in the transportation of high temperature fluids. Each cross-linked polyethylene pipe withstands ninety-five degrees of temperature and a pressure of 10 bar
Connection systems
The connection and installation of such pipes in piping systems with a pressure of hot and cold water, in central and underfloor heating systems is carried out using fittings. They are made, as a rule, from tinned brass. Pipe fittings made of cross-linked polyethylene, unlike plastic, do not affect the quality of water, including drinking. Therefore, they are so widely used in water supply networks.
Some cons
Speaking about the advantages of this or that equipment, we should not forget about its disadvantages. Crosslinked polyethylene pipes also have them:
- First of all, it is low resistance to various active chemicals.
- High oxygen permeability. As a result of this, when air enters heating systems, the processes of oxidation and corrosion occur at a fairly rapid pace. This, in turn, leads to the failure of boilers and radiators.
- The production of large diameter pipes is an expensive process. Therefore, they are usually produced with a diameter of not more than 32 mm.
- Rodents living in sewers can often damage pipes, resulting in water leaks and emergency situations.
And yet, despite some disadvantages, the use of such pipes brings undoubted benefit and benefit.