Why Use PPR
If you have ever wondered why your shampoo lid is so resistant, there are chances that the cover is a product of polypropylene. Polypropylene is an additional polymer formed from the combination of propylene monomers. People use it for a lot of purposes; for example, users use it in packaging different consumer products, industrial products, individual devices like living hinges and textiles. However, over time, random polypropylene copolymer was invented due to relentless research; researchers discovered that it has a lot of useful and valuable features that make it the best alternative for pressurized water and heating systems. Let’s take a look at how polypropylene materials like pipes have helped change things for good and the advantages we stand to gain from using it.
Long life span: polypropylene does not give room for deposits and corrosion to pile up on its surface, particularly when it comes in contact with water, which is the reason why it has a long life span.
Water preservation and purification: polypropylene pipe is non-toxic and chemical resistant. This quality is the number one reason why it does not have any adverse effect on water flowing through it with no rust release. The generally accepted use of polypropylene is not restricted only to the construction of water pipes, but most people use it for the packaging of other purposes like the packaging of food products and some other packaging preparations that portray perfect hygienic characteristics of raw materials.
Resistance to changing conditions: it is strong enough to withstand high pressure and temperature drops. More so, it is elastic which is the reason why it can gather the following number of advantages: water contained in the polypropylene pipe may freeze without necessarily destroying them. For more understanding, if water passes through polypropylene pipe and it freezes it will not damage the content of the water but may slightly increase in sizes and come back to its original size after melting. Its water supply system is capable of handling any amount of freezing and thawing as proved by the document that explains the use of polypropylene materials.
Loses less heat: PPC-RCT is an excellent product; it does not lose heat compared to other water pipe products like metal pipes. It is capable of absorbing up to 35% heat before the water in it or passing through it can have a feel of the weather, likewise, freeze. It is hot water protecting material.
Noise and damping capacity: aside from that it absorbs heat; it is also a good noise suppressor, unlike metal products that cannot suppress noise.
Fast and easy to install: installing it is not hard as it only requires little skill, time, and efforts. The best method to install PPC-RCT is through fusion welding method; this method assures a long life tight joint within a few seconds.
Cheap: once you take the step to buy PPC-RCT, you are said to be paying a good value for your money. The reason we are tagging it a good value for money is due to the low cost of raw material and the technological ease of installation. Some other benefit of polypropylene is that it is five times better than metal plumbing materials.
Light and easy to move: transporting it from one location to another is accessible which is why its handling charge is cheap. It is easy to install and dangerous free to human health, which indicates that you are health risk-free. That is why if you sum up all the expenses incurred in the process of installation the gap is very slim compared to when you choose to install either of metal or other materials like carbon steel, copper, PVC e.t.c whose expenses are wide
USEFULNESS OF POLYPROPYLENE
Used to produce pipes and fittings:
It is tested and certified that it can cope with elevated temperature or chemicals; its production process makes it durable and stable when compared to other materials used for same or similar purposes.
Rust and corrosion:
Unlike other products, polypropylene does not rust, nor does it generate waste for the contents passing through it, e.g., water, this does not allow reduction to take place in it.
Better for not being a corrosive material:
Since it is not a corrosive material, there is a high assurance that electrochemical, abrasive reaction or wearing won’t take place. They are easy to install and widely used for different kinds of purposes their installation requires minimal time and effort.
Exhibits high stability: it enhances high stability ion to a wide range of organic or inorganic compounds. Its smooth inner surface makes useful, the action of limescale and the internal pipe remains the same.
Why polypropylene is better when compared with the primary polymeric materials
- Pipes made of XLPE cannot either be molded nor welded, which is a disadvantage to polyethylene materials and a great advantage to PPR when we talk about its use in the water supply and direct hot water systems. More so, the production of PPR is cheap compared to polyethylene products that the cost of production increases as its length increases.
- If we compare PPR with another product like polybutylene, it is rather cheap. Why is because polybutylene is said to have a high production price, that is why users call it Rolls Royce material. However, polybutylene goes through a lot of expensive processes; that is why the number of producers is few, unlike PPR, that is easy to produce install and affordable.
- Materials like polyvinyl are said to be specific materials, compared to PPR. It cannot endure heat like PPR. The reason why it can’t withstand heat is because of its rigid nature, making it also challenging to extrude material.
- Materials that are composite and laminated are also inferior in price compared to PPR. For the fact that their prices are high, they are not still of suitable materials.
- Another material we shall look at is linear low-density polyethylene; it has lower reliability when exposed to high temperatures and pressure compared to PPR than can withstand such temperatures.
PPR-CT is a universal material used for a lot of purposes; it is generally and widely accepted all around the world. It is easy to install and safe for use. It is a material that has stood the test of time and given high priority over other forms of polyethylene materials. It does not disappoint and does not rust, making it a reliable product to use at any time.
How to Join PPR Pipes
Many countries of the world prefer to make use of PPR with the full meaning polypropylene Random copolymer, but in a country like the United States, they prefer to go for PVC. Their reason for taking such a step is best known to them or maybe because they prefer to use PVC cement at every joint of laying a pipe but in the case of PPR, things are straightforward most notably for the fact that there is a distinctive fusion tool used for melting joints together to make a single piece. Effective use of the said unique fusion tool would not allow leakage at a PPR joint. Here are simple steps to take if you are looking to join PPR pipes together.
Preparing the pipe and heating the fusion tool
Majority of PPR fusion tools usually come in a pair of male and female sockets of different sizes that correspond to PPR pipe diameters. Depending on your preference, you may want to use a PPR pipe that uses 50mm which is 2.0 inches in diameter; this will require that go for a socket pair marked for 50mm.
Power the fusion tool to start heating the sockets
Fusion tools are made to plug into a standard 110v outlet automatically. It is either the machine automatically begins heating when connected to power, or it is the type that you will have to switch on before it starts working. Depending on the brand of fusion tool you use, fusion tools are expected to take few minutes before it heats up. Be careful when you put on the fusion tool and make sure everyone around you is aware it is on.
Trim your pipe perfectly
As the fusion tool continues to heat, cut your Pipe to your desired length with a smart cutting tool that will give you cut perpendicular to the axis. A standard fusion tool is expected to come with a trigger or pincer style cutter that will help create smooth cuts in PPR ideal for fusion welding. Note that there are various other tools that you can use to cut aside the one explained, making your whole cut matters.
Use an excellent cleaner to tidy up the PPR pieces:
As you are about to clean up the pieces, check your fusion tool kit, you will find its cleaner there, or make a recommendation. Use the cleaner as instructed on the fusion kit on how you can use it both on the outside and inside of the pipe, and wait for a few moments so it can dry. In case you are lost and do not know how to go about this instruction, do not hesitate to contact the fusion tool manufacturer for directions.
Create a mark at the welding depth at the joining end of the pipe
Check your fusion tool kit; you will find a directive that explains how to mark a proper welding depth onto various diameters of the PPR pipe. Get a pencil and use it to make a corresponding mark on the Pipe, but if you are not comfortable using a Pencil. You can use a tape to make the mark you ought to have done with a pencil, do that until it hits the small ridge inside the fitting.
Ensure the fusion tool is well heated
You may not be used to different fusion tools, but under normal circumstance, a fusion tool must have an indicator that will let you know when it is thoroughly heated and ready to go. Ensure the temperature level is around 260-degree centigrade (500 0F). But in case you are using a fusion tool that does not come with an indicator for you to know its heating level, you can alternatively use an infrared thermometer to read the temperatures of the socket, or you buy indicating stick at a welding supply store.
HOW TO HEAT THE PIPE AND FIT THE FUSION TOOL
As you try to heat the PPR pipe with the fusion tool, make sure you protect your skin. Ensure you are wearing an heat resistant glove, tie any lose air, and make sure you have removed any dangling jewellery you are wearing. Why it is crucial, you make use of the glove is that temperatures above 800C can damage your skin in less than a second.
The second step is to press the PPR pipe into their respective sockets carefully. If your fusion tool has a table, try to hold the tube in one hand and the fitting pipe in the other side to enable you simultaneously insert them into each other. But if your fusion tool is the handheld type, try to join the pieces in rapid succession. As you try to add the pipe into the socket, push the tube down until you reach the depth mark you put on it.
Next is to mark the heating timer if there is one. Standard fusion tools used to have a timer that will alert you on when to remove the PPR pipe from the socket. If you are confused, refer to your user’s manual for instructions on how to set the timer. Heating time could vary; the diameter of the pipe determines the reason for that. They are prone to take a little time from each other depending on the thickness, length of the PPR pipe, and the nature of the job you are doing.
Remove the PPR pipe from the socket. Make sure you are not removing the pipe and fittings from the angle else you will cause damage to the whole project. Remove the pieces carefully at the stage where you receive a signal from the fusion tool; this shows that it has reached the required heating time; otherwise, the whole thing will melt beyond normal.
Join the pipe and the fitting together. Join the PPR pipe and the fittings together immediately you remove them from the fusion tool. Join them together until it reaches the depth marked on it. Also, do not twist either of the pipes and make sure you are not inserting either of the pipes at an angle. This task is not hard, and it is not expected to take you more than three to four seconds.
After joining the pipes together, hold it for 30 seconds. PPR pipe is an excellent pipe; it heats quickly and cools very quickly, so do not panic; it will not take so much of your time while you hold it.
The last stage is what we are going to explain which is that you should put the pipe into service as it cools completely. Once the PPR pipe cools back to normal, which is a sign that it is ready to withstand whatever water pressure that comes its way you can now turn on water to check for leak areas but we are very sure that if you follow the step by step explanation of this guide, there won’t be any leak no matter how small. We hope this guide helps you.