When laying a pipeline, the durability and reliability of the system are determined by the choice of pipes. They must have a long service life, and also show resistance to corrosion. An important factor is also affordable cost. Almost all varieties of pipes that are offered today by the modern market, to one degree or another, meet the above requirements. However, they should be selected taking into account the purpose and diameter.
The main varieties of steel pipes
When considering the types of steel pipes, it is important to pay attention to the method of their manufacture. In the manufacturing process, it is possible to obtain welded or seamless products. The latter variety has higher reliability, but the cost will be higher. Steel pipes are characterized by:
- ductility;
- less weight;
- strength;
- ability to undergo high internal pressure.
The size of such products is determined by the internal conditional passage. All types of steel pipes have one big drawback, which is expressed in low corrosion resistance. Manufacturers are trying to eliminate this minus by applying a corrosion-resistant coating or maintaining at the stage of production of alloying additives, which allow to obtain stainless pipes.
Considering the types of pipes that are made of steel, galvanized ones that do not need additional protection should be highlighted. Staining should be done only in those places where the thread was applied. Galvanized products are also sometimes called tin, they are used to equip drainage, heating systems and water supply systems.
Considering the types of pipe joints, it should be noted that electric welding acts as the most suitable method for steel products . Pipe weldability is reduced if the chemical composition contains a large amount of carbon. This process can also be difficult due to the zinc coating.
The main varieties of metal pipes
Specialists in their field should be aware of the types of metal pipes, among which should be highlighted:
- aluminum;
- copper;
- steel;
- cast iron;
- titanium.
They are used today in almost all areas of industry. Pressure and non-pressure products are made from black pipe products, which can become part of light-weighted or power metal structures. Such products are also used to equip air ducts and casings. They are characterized by high ring stiffness, as well as the ability of high resistance to longitudinal and transverse loads. Such types of pipes are not without drawbacks, which are expressed in susceptibility to corrosion and high cost.
Features of the installation of metal pipes
When assembling metal structures and pipelines, four main methods for processing joints are used:
- soldering;
- socket connection;
- welding;
- threaded connection.
Welding and soldering are inseparable, and the latter type of processing is practiced in lightly loaded systems. This should include domestic heating or measuring instruments. Using welding, you can achieve impressive results. This installation method is used not only in industry, but also in everyday life.
Other types of pipes can be mounted using detachable joints, this should include a socket and thread. In the latter case, the ends and fittings are made with finished threads. The profile in this case can be trapezoidal or triangular.
The butt is installed in the fitting, and the junction should be supplemented with a lock nut with a seal. The bell is installed and even easier, for this a smooth end is inserted into the end of the fitting. The resulting joint should be insulated with a sealing solution or use a cable, which is a resin rope.
Varieties of profile pipes
If you are interested in the products described in the article, you should also consider the types of profile pipes. In form they are:
- square;
- flat oval;
- rectangular;
- oval.
For each variety there is a specific scope of use. For example, flat oval has high flexibility, which allows the use of such pipes in the furniture industry, where often there is a need for the manufacture of decorative elements.
Square and rectangular types of shaped pipes have such dimensions that it is convenient to use in the construction of structures laid on a flat surface. Use such pipes in the role of building reinforcement and when creating spacer frame structures.
The main varieties of plastic pipes
Types of plastic pipes are presented for sale in a wide assortment today, among them it should be highlighted:
The first abbreviation is deciphered as follows: polyvinyl chloride, while the second involves polypropylene pipes. The PE designation indicates that you have polyethylene pipes in front of you, while sewn propylene is indicated by three letters - PEX. The last of the above designations refers to plastic pipes.
Technical characteristics of plastic pipes
Having examined all types of steel pipes, you can get acquainted with plastic products in more detail. For example, polypropylene pipes can have a four-meter length, while the diameter varies from 16 mm to 1.25 m.
Pipes are connected by fittings or using special equipment called a thermoplastic welding machine. Polyethylene pipes are used for the installation of external and internal piping systems under pressure. The standard pressure is 6 atmospheres, which is true for pipes marked “C”. The pressure rises to 10 atmospheres when it comes to pipes marked “T”.
If you compare these types of pipes, it can be argued that the polyethylene products must be laid even at the lowest temperature, when the thermometer drops to -20 ° C. When the diameter varies from 20 to 63 mm, the products are joined together by rubber seals or rings. You can use couplings for electric welding.
When the diameter increases to 60 mm and reaches a mark of 160 mm, the connection is carried out exclusively by butt welding. Now you know the diameters, types of pipes, but it is important when considering plastic products to know that they can be divided into low and high pressure pipes. Non-pressure vessels have diameters ranging from 50 to 110 mm. Such pipes are used for laying sewage systems.
PEX cast pipe reviews
According to customers, such cross-linked polyethylene pipes are used for heating and water supply systems. They are stacked by connecting parts. These pipes are quite widespread for the installation of underfloor heating and snow melting systems. To prevent oxygen from entering the pipe, consumers are advised to cover them with a diffusion barrier.
Reviews about metal pipes
These pipes were invented not so long ago, but have already gained popularity. They first appeared in England, and today consumers use them quite often. They are made of materials with the addition of heat-resistant polyethylene, ordinary polyethylene and aluminum. Buyers choose plastic pipes for the reason that they are able to undergo heavy loads.
You can even use them for systems that will come in contact with drinking water. Permissible slight thermal expansion during their operation. Buyers emphasize that there are almost no external changes and wear during use. You can connect them in one of two ways, namely by pressing and screwing.
Features of the installation of polypropylene pipes
Such pipes should be fixed to the walls with the help of clamps, threading products in them. It is important to remember that when arranging heating systems, polypropylene pipes should not be brought to boiler equipment. Their connection is carried out using transition fittings that mate with a metal pipe. The length of the latter should be 0.5 m.
If we compare welded joints with screw ones, then the former are not serviceable, which is why such products can be laid inside the wall. However, prior to this, the system is checked for leaks and reliability. The same recommendation applies to the findings made by crimp inserts.
Conclusion
Cast iron pipes are still quite common today. But recently they have been abandoned in favor of products from more modern materials, which were described above.
This is due to the specific features of cast iron, because it is not recommended to be used in soft soils, as well as in areas where seismic hazard is high. Among other things, such pipes have an impressive weight, their fragility is increased, and a lot of metal takes to manufacture. To make pipes of small diameter is completely problematic.