Pipes of cross-linked polyethylene in the water and heat supply system

The use of new technologies is characteristic today for almost all spheres of human activity. The system of household communications in this regard is no exception. And to replace the conventional pipes for supplying hot water in the workplace and in residential buildings, for heating systems and floor heating systems, for other needs, plastic pipes with cross-linked polyethylene coatings are increasingly being used.

Innovation in communications

Pipes of cross-linked polyethylene - polymer tubes, which are characterized by increased resistance to high- temperature temperature conditions. In addition, they are poorly susceptible to corrosion, poorly susceptible to chemical attack and abrasive. Polyethylene is called cross-linked due to the special chemical processes used in its production. They are based on the change in polyethylene structures at the molecular level, the formation of three-dimensional mesh molecules with wide cells from the links of molecules. The process itself was called cross-linking, the product obtained as a result of it - cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and the products are called pipes from Cross-linked polyethylene. They are distinguished by good flexibility and generally proven themselves with many positive aspects.

Types of products

Depending on the purpose and method of cross-linking, such 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 under special circumstances during the day can function at a temperature of 110 degrees above zero and maintain a pressure of 10 bar. The working diameter of such plastic pipes is from 16 to 33 millimeters. The sleeves and fittings to them come from brass.
• Pipes for insulation of floors and snow-melting systems. Their task is to heat external surfaces, including floors in residential buildings, etc. These pipes from Cross-linked polyethylene are designed for temperature conditions of the order of +90 degrees and working pressure up to 6 bar. They are produced in diameter of 16-20 mm, brass sleeves and fittings.
• Another type of polyethylene pipe - with an aluminum layer. They are needed in heating systems, and also used in the transportation of liquids of high temperatures. Each pipe made of cross-linked polyethylene 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 the central and floor heating systems is done with the help of fittings. They are made, as a rule, from tin-plated brass. Fittings for pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, in contrast to plastic, do not affect the quality of water, including drinking water. Therefore, they are so widely used in water supply networks.

Some disadvantages

Speaking about the advantages of this or that equipment, one should not forget about its disadvantages. They also have cross-linked polyethylene pipes:

• First of all, this is a small resistance to various active chemicals.
• High degree of oxygen transmission. Consequently, when air enters the heating systems, the oxidation and corrosion processes occur at a fairly rapid rate. 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 sewer canals often damage pipes, resulting in water leakage and emergency situations.

And yet, despite some shortcomings, the use of such pipes brings undoubted benefits and benefits.