PE-RT pipes - characteristics of new plumbing pipes. PE-RT pipes type II Prices for water pipes

» PE-RT pipes - characteristics of new plumbing pipes

The popularity of PEX plumbing pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene was suddenly called into question. And no one else did it, but the manufacturer himself. The American company "Legend" recognized the undeniable popularity of PEX and at the same time noted the negative properties of this product. A series of PEX pipes was marked by a serious operational drawback - residual traces of chemistry in the composition of the water. Plus, recycling and recycling promises a lot of difficulties. Therefore, the new PE-RT plumbing pipes, based on bimodal polyethylene, are confidently replacing the PEX series from the leading position in the plumbing market.

PE-RT series for sanitary ware

The American company "Legend" in 2015 began to produce innovative sanitary products that are functionally and technically more advanced.

Polyethylene plumbing hoses for heating and hot water, marked with the HyperPure PE-RT brand, increase the efficiency and productivity of the hydraulic system.

Dreaming of comfort? Do you want a warm floor in winter, and a cold ceiling and walls in summer? All this is possible with modern polyethylene pipes: cross-linked PEX and heat-resistant PERT. They can be mounted without the help of specialists with their own hands. How to choose and install polyethylene pipes, read the article.

1. What are the pipes

There are 5 main types of pipes:

Steel or galvanized (from ferrous metal - an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements)

Copper (from non-ferrous metal)

metal-plastic

Polypropylene

Polyethylene (made of cross-linked polyethylene)

Each of the above types has its own purpose, is suitable for certain methods of laying pipelines and the properties of the transported medium (maximum and minimum temperature and pressure).

Today, heavy, unaesthetic metal pipes are being replaced by light metal-plastic, polypropylene and polyethylene pipes. They come in various colors and do not need to be painted, they can be laid in any way - open, hidden or combined.

2. Purpose of pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene

XLPE pipes

Polyethylene pipes (PE) are used for:

• cold and hot water supply;
• water low-temperature heating (usually up to 80°-95C);
• water heated floor and walls;
• cold panel systems (an alternative to air conditioners, eliminating drafts and excess dust);
• cooling of artificial ice rinks;
• soil heating in greenhouses;
• technological pipelines for food and non-food liquids and gases, etc.

3. Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

low cost; a light weight; ease of installation; resistance to liquid freezing (if the water freezes, the pipes will only stretch a little, and after thawing they will return to their previous size); absorption of noise and vibration during liquid transportation; reliability and long service life (up to 50 years or more) when used in low-temperature systems.

Disadvantages:

low oxygen permeability of single-layer polyethylene pipes, which after a long time can lead to corrosion of the system elements; reduced service life when used in high-temperature heating systems; instability to ultraviolet (solar) radiation when exposed for a long time.

4. What are polyethylene pipes

Depending on the production technology, there are 3 main types of PE pipes:

• HDPE (low pressure polyethylene, its other common name is high density polyethylene);
• PSD (polyethylene of medium pressure and density);
• LDPE (polyethylene of high pressure and low density).

Materials such as:

• PEX (cross-linked polyethylene);
• PERT (heat-resistant polyethylene).

HDPE, PSD and LDPE pipes are manufactured under various pressures, which affect the process of ethylene polymerization (combining small gas molecules into larger macromolecules).

PEX and PERT are made from HDPE and PSD using the “crosslinking” and “coupling” technology.

Cross-linked polyethylene is produced from high-density polyethylene by chemically or physically cross-linking its molecules with “flat” butene molecules.

In the production of heat-resistant PERT, medium-density polyethylene molecules adhere to the "bulk" octene.

Despite these differences, PEX and PERT materials have similar properties. Therefore, it is no coincidence that manufacturers combine them into one category (for example, you can see pipes from PEX and PERT in the same section on the websites of plumbing companies).

PEX and PERT pipes are:

• single layer;
• multilayer.

Multilayer pipes represent in the context of a three-layer or five-layer structure.

In a three-layer pipe, a layer of polyethylene is covered with glue, on top of which an anti-diffusion layer is applied, which prevents the penetration of oxygen and other gases into the water and thereby has an “anti-corrosion effect”. Polyvinylethylene EVOH or ethylene vinyl alcohol EVAL acts as a life-extending "oxygen barrier" system.

In a five-layer pipe, the anti-diffusion layer in the center is covered with layers of glue, on top of which layers of polyethylene are applied.

5. How to choose the diameter of the pipes

When choosing new pipes, pay attention to the size of the old ones. To replace it, it is necessary to choose a product of the corresponding or slightly larger diameter.

For example, “DN 15” is written on your still existing metal pipes: the number in this case means the inner diameter. And on modern polyethylene pipes, manufacturers indicate the outer diameter and wall thickness.

To calculate the inner diameter, you need to subtract the wall thickness multiplied by two from the size of the outer diameter. For example, 20x2.0 is indicated on the plastic. 20 - 4 (2.0x2) = 16 mm. This means that a 20x2.0 polyethylene pipe with an inner diameter of 16 mm is suitable for replacing a steel pipe DN 15.

Table 1. Calculation of the inner diameter of plastic pipes of the most common sizes

6. Which pipes are better to buy

To choose quality products, pay attention to the type of material (indicated on the pipes themselves, on the label or in the product description on the site).

There are two types of PERT material - type I and II. Type 2 PERT withstands 20% higher pressure than the previous generation i.e. Type I.

When compared to PEX and PERT, PEX is considered more durable, as it resists high temperatures and pressures longer.

Usually, the letters a, b or c are added to the PEX inscription, which indicates the method of crosslinking polyethylene and affects their quality. PEXa and PEXb are produced chemically, PEXc - physical, while the degree of crosslinking of PEXa reaches 75%, PEXb - 65%, PEXc - 60%. Tests of the last three types of polyethylene pipes of the same size at 90°C showed the advantage of PEXb.

In addition, the quality of the pipe depends on the thickness of its wall and the method of applying oxygen-impermeable layers.

Tests have shown that a three-layer pipe is more reliable than a five-layer one. In a three-layer pipe, the polyethylene layer is monolithic over the entire cross section of the pipe; in a five-layer pipe, it is interrupted by an anti-diffusion layer and glue, which breaks the intermolecular bonds of polyethylene. If it is overheated by a building dryer during bending, delamination is possible. The hardness of the EVOH layer is significantly higher than that of PEX, so damage and abrasion of the outer layer is unlikely if handled properly.

Table 2. Comparative characteristics of PEX pipes from different manufacturers

Manufacturer	Valtec	Pro Aqua	rehau	Beerpex	Royal Thermo	uponor	TEBO technics	Sanha
Polyethylene material	PEXb, PERT type II	PERT type II, PEXa	PEXa	PEXb, PERT	PEXb, PERT type II	PEXa	PERT type II	PEXc
Number of layers, pcs	1-3	1-5	1-3	there is no data	5	1-3	1-5	5
Outer diameter, mm	16-20	16-40	10,1-63	16-63	16-20	16-110	16-26	16-20
Wall thickness, mm	2	2,2-5,5	1,1-8,6	1,8-8,6	2,2	2-15,1	2-3	2
Working pressure, bar	6-10	6-10	8-10	6-10	10	6-10	10	6
Maximum operating temperature, °C	80-90	90	70-95	80-95	95	95	95	95
Producing country	Italy-Russia	Germany	Germany	Russia	Russia-Italy	Finland	Turkey	Germany
Service life, years	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50
Manufacturer's warranty, years	10	10	1	5	8-10	10	7	1
Delivery method	bays	bays	bays	bays	bays	bays	bays mi	bays
Price for 1 linear meter, rub.	from 33	from 26	from 96	from 43	From63	from 52	from 68	from 28

*Prices according to online sources are valid as of February 2018.

To assess the applicability of pipelines to a particular system, pay attention to the declared service classes of products according to GOST (and certificates of conformity to them). They will show the share of the influence of temperatures changing in summer and winter periods on the actual service life. Example:

Table 3. Requirements for the reliability of polyethylene pipes according to GOST R 52134-2003

Operating class	T slave, °C	Time at T pa b, year	T max, °C	Time at T max, year	T avar,°C	Time at T accident, h	Application area
1	60	49	80	1	95	100	Hot water supply (60 °C)
2	70	49	80	1	95	100	Hot water supply (70 °С)
3	30	20					low temperature floor heating
	40	25	50	4,5	65	100
4	20	2,5					high temperature floor heating Low-temperature heating with heating devices
	40	20	70	2,5	100	100
	60	25
5	20	14					High temperature heating with heaters
	60	25	90	1	100	100
	80	10
XV	20	50	-	-	-	-	Cold water supply

The following designations are accepted in the table:

T slave - operating temperature or a combination of temperatures of the transported water, determined by the scope;

T max - maximum operating temperature, the action of which is limited in time;

T avar - emergency temperature that occurs in emergency situations in violation of control systems.

7. Mounting methods

There are three main ways to install wiring:

1. Hidden;
2. Open;
3. Combined.

7.1. Hidden

With hidden installation, the pipeline and all connections are "hidden" in special recesses - strobes. From the outside, only fittings (connectors) and taps for connecting plumbing devices are visible. At the end of the work, the surface is sealed with finishing materials.

This method protects pipes from accidental damage and preserves the aesthetic appearance of the interior. However, the same installation option complicates the process (due to gating - laying channels), increases the cost of work and is not suitable for load-bearing walls.

Concealed installation also includes covering pipes with a concrete screed in underfloor heating systems.

7.2. Open

If the pipes cannot be hidden in the wall (for example, after a recent renovation), they can be laid on the surface. This option is convenient for visual inspection of connections and allows you to quickly clean the area or replace a component if necessary. Additional arguments in favor of the method are the ease and low cost of the work.

7.3. Combined

The combined method involves laying unfinished walls on the surface, which are then closed with drywall boxes or false panels made of plastic, tiles or other materials.

For installation, one of two connection systems is usually used:

• consistent
• collector.

At serial system the pipe is laid from one object to another. This system is suitable for bathrooms with a minimum number of facilities (bathroom, sink, washing machine).

AT collector system all control devices are located in a compact manifold, which is placed in a special cabinet. Using a collector simplifies the workflow and saves money. Suitable for radiator wiring and underfloor heating.

Tips for installing polyethylene pipes

Mounting Tips:

Before starting work, consider how the pipes will be placed. Then, directly on the walls, floor or ceiling, draw the lines of the future pipeline with a pencil or marker. As a starting point, use the place where the pipe connects to a faucet, radiator or manifold.

If necessary, insulate the fittings with a film or pipes entirely with a special corrugated casing before the hidden gasket. Do not use sharp objects to unpack the coil as they may damage the material.

Try to minimize the number of fittings that affect head stability. For convenience, in the process of laying a “warm floor”, you can use special plates or mats that facilitate installation and minimize heat loss.

If you choose not to use thermal mats, use anchor braces and 90°C rotation locks, as the "molecular memory" of the polyethylene pipes will prevent them from maintaining their desired shape.

The same memory effect will help restore the original shape of the PEX pipe in case of excessive bending and deformation: it is enough to warm it up with a building hair dryer to 100-120 ° C (the temperature depends on the material, is indicated in the product passport).

8. What materials and tools are needed

1. Materials:

1. fittings (crimp, press-on, plastic) - special connectors for branching pipes, turns, transitions to a different diameter (read more about fittings below),
2. fasteners - clamps, brackets, brackets, rotation locks and other elements that fix polyethylene structures on supporting surfaces (most often on walls).

So, you decided to lay a polyethylene pipeline yourself. In addition to the pipes themselves, you will need:

2.Tools:

1. pipe cutter or scissors (different manufacturers call this tool differently);
2. electrical or mechanical expander;
3. wrenches for compression fittings, vise (also called a press or tension tool) - for compression fittings (or press fittings).

allows you to cut off a section from the bay strictly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and achieve a tight connection. Extender necessary for temporary expansion of the edge of a polyethylene pipe, while nozzles of the appropriate size are used for a certain pipe diameter. Keys necessary for tightening compression fittings on pipes, vise- for tensioning the sleeve of the pressing fitting.

9. Types of fittings

You can independently install pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene using three main types of fittings:

1. crimp (they are also called compression or collet);
2. press fittings (or fittings with compression sleeve);
3. plastic.

In the assortment of all types of fittings there are connectors of various shapes - straight lines (couplings), squares, corners, water sockets, tees, crosses, which can be conditionally divided into two types:

split compression ring;

screw.

Since compression fittings require maintenance, they are perfect for open and combined installation. They are not suitable for installation in walls or underfloor heating.

Components of a compression fitting:

• body (fitting) with annular notches;
• split compression ring;
• screw.

How to proceed:

1. Cut the pipe to the required length. scissors or pipe cutter.
2. Put the nut on the section first (threaded towards the connector), then the compression ring. The edge of the ring should protrude above the cut by about 1 mm.
3. Insert the fitting into the pipe until it stops, pull the ring and the union nut to the edge of the cut.

The connection of pipes with the help of a sliding sleeve is one-piece, therefore, such connectors can be used for any type of pipeline laying, even hidden.

Components for compression sleeve:

• frame;
• sleeve.

How to proceed:

1. Cut the pipe to the required length with special scissors or a pipe cutter.
2. Push the sleeve on a piece away from the edge (it must not fall into the expansion zone of the pipe).
3. Insert the expander into the pipe and increase its diameter according to the instructions.
4. Remove the expander and insert the fitting body into the pipe until it stops.
5. Pull the sleeve onto the fitting using a vise.

See video instruction:

Remove the tool from the pipe and then immediately insert the fitting into the reamed hole so that the sleeve rests against the restrictive tabs of the fitting.

Hold the fitting in this position for a few seconds until the pipe shrinks around it due to the "molecular memory".

See video instruction:

10. What to do if you do not plan to install pipes yourself

In the online store Santekhmontazh.rf you can buy pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene from PEXb and PERT (type 2) of the Russian-Italian brand VALTEC and the German ProAqua. They are adapted to the conditions of domestic heating and water supply systems and have a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. ProAqua products have been comprehensively tested and certified in accordance with Russian standards. VALTEC sanitary ware received the "Brand of the Year" award in the Russian Federation and is in demand everywhere in the country (only in the Moscow region it is completed with more than 1,200,000 sq. m of residential space every year).

In addition to polyethylene pipes, you can purchase from us fittings, fasteners and tools for their installation, heat-insulating plates, manifold cabinets, blocks, etc.

We will help you choose all the necessary plumbing for your needs, as well as quickly and professionally install it, if after reading this article you still do not dare to change or lay the piping system yourself. Our installation division specializes in laying engineering systems in private and multi-apartment buildings, in non-residential buildings for various purposes.

Pipe Thermotech Thermosystem®(old name Thermotech >MIDI< Composite) является модернизированным вариантом труб PE-RT, полностью изготовленной из материала Dowlex 2344 (тип 1) и 2388 (тип 2) (PE-RT, торговая марка Dowlex принадлежит концерну DOW Chemical Corp.) с большим числом связей между молекулами, с кислородным барьером (EVOH), спрятанным внутрь трубы между слоями полиэтилена. Т.к. все слои являются полимерами, то в результате последовательного соединения слоев образуется труба, как единое целое, стабильная в условиях колебания температуры и давления, с небольшим линейным удлинением, устойчивая к механическим воздействиям.

Let's decipher the abbreviation PE-RT - PolyEthylene of Raised Temperature resistance - polyethylene of increased heat resistance - the secret lies in the large number of carbon bonds in the molecules. The side chains of the linear Standard Polyethylene (PE) molecule are formed by a combination of butene molecules. Two carbon atoms are used to connect the main chains to each other, so the likelihood of entanglement is low. The side chains of the linear PE-RT polyethylene molecule increase the number of bonding carbon atoms to 6, while the degree of interlacing is much higher. If the original material for PEX - Polyethylene, with the same monomer content, is not "crosslinked", then it will provide much lower strength under prolonged exposure to pressure.

Underfloor heating pipe Thermotech Thermosystem®- has an anti-diffusion layer OXYDEX (EVOH polyethylene), which prevents the penetration of oxygen and an anti-creak layer, which make up a single whole with the pipe.

Anti-diffusion layer OXYDEX: During the production of pipes, a thin layer of modified polyethylene, 0.1 mm thick, is applied to the surface of the “main” PE-RT pipe. This is followed by the same layer of EVOH plastic (ethyl vinyl hydroxide). Previously, this anti-diffusion layer was applied on the outside of the pipe. Over time, some manufacturers also used Thermotech pipes, incl. another one was applied to it - a protective layer of polyethylene.

The new polymer pipes from Thermotech - ThermoSystem pipes made of PE-RT type II polyethylene - are more flexible and more reliable compared to pipes of the old type ThermoSystem (12, 17 and 20 mm) due to the location of the anti-diffusion layer on the inner surface of the pipe with a protective layer polyethylene. The oxygen barrier is protected from mechanical damage by the entire thickness of the pipe wall

The EVOH layer acts as a diffusion barrier to oxygen and the polyethylene layer increases the bond between the pipe and the diffusion barrier. The barrier is firmly bonded to the pipe, allowing small radius bends without wrinkling. Oxygen-tight pipes thermotech complies with DIN 4726 (Deutsches Institut fur Normung), and is less than 0.1 g/m2. for 24 hours at 40 °C. OXYDEX layer in pipes thermotech reliably protected from mechanical damage by a protective layer of polyethylene. The melting point of the anti-diffusion layer is 180 ° C. These properties allow the use of such pipes at carrier operating temperatures up to 95 ° C, and in short-term modes up to 110 ° C, that is, mainly in hot water and heating systems, warm floors.

Oxygen entering the system does not cause any harm to the pipes themselves, it only reacts with the metal parts of the system, causing accelerated corrosion of heating boilers, pumps, radiators, valves and other metal equipment. This process is especially accelerated when pipes are used in systems with elevated temperatures, i.e. in heating systems (especially in radiators). Unfortunately, in SNiP there is no permissible value for the penetration of oxygen in systems made of plastic pipes. Therefore, in reality, pipes without a diffusion layer are often used, which already after 5 years leads to the failure of the steel elements of the system. In order to prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use only pipes in heating systems that meet the requirements of the German standard DIN 4726. It should be noted that today only a few companies can offer such pipes that would meet the requirements of this standard.

This pipe is capable of withstanding high pressures. The service life of PERT pipes is determined by nomograms depending on the temperature and pressure of the working medium (as well as all other polymer pipes). According to Russian certification, PE-RT pipes are classified as type "t" (heavy), i.e. withstanding pressure of 20 kgf/cm2.

Under the THERMOTECH brand, 5-layer non-reinforced pipes for heating and water supply systems are produced:

• thermotech Thermosystem PE-RT I diameters 8x1, 12x2 mm, 17x2 mm, 26x3 mm
• Thermotech MultiPipe PE-RT II diameters 16x2, 26x3,
• Thermotech Thermosystem PE-RT II diameter 20x2, 32x3 mm

For a warm floor, most often there is a pipe with a diameter of 17 mm in bays of 140, 240, 350, 650 m, which is very convenient. Less often - 8, 12, 16, 20 mm. Pipes with diameters of 26 and 32 mm are usually used for supply lines.

Advantages of the Thermotech pipe
Thermotech = reliable + easy to install + inexpensive!

Extreme flexibility and strength without the use of a cross-linking agent. The secret lies in the large number of carbon bonds in the molecules. To understand the difference, answer the question: what kind of shoes do you prefer to buy - with a piping sewn to the sole (similar to the molecular crosslinking of polyethylene) or with a glued sole (similar to the chemical crosslinking of polyethylene or glued plastics)?
The service life of the pipe is over 50 years. It requires virtually no maintenance during operation, which further facilitates the work of utilities.
Capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures. The service life of PERT pipes is determined by nomograms (see appendix) depending on the temperature and pressure of the working medium. According to Russian certification, PE-RT pipes are classified as type "t" (heavy), i.e. withstand pressure 20 kgf/cm2
Polyethylene pipes are 5-7 times lighter than steel pipes. Pipes are produced seamless in standard coils 12*2.0 mm (1000 m), 16*2.0 mm (750 m), 20*2.0 mm (650 m), 25*2.3 mm (350 m), 32 *3.0 mm (50 m). This significantly reduces transport costs and facilitates the work of installers.
The temperature linear expansion of PE-RT pipes is several times less than that of standard PEX pipes. With a temperature change of 50°C, the linear elongation of PE-RT pipes remains only 0.3%, and with a change of 90°C - 0.7%. When cooled, the pipe completely returns to its original shape.
Docking of polyethylene pipes is much cheaper, easier and takes less time. The pipes are connected using crimp brass fittings and takes seconds. The entire installer's tool consists of pruning shears and a wrench. Therefore, even a non-specialist can change or install plumbing for himself.
No creaking in underfloor water heating systems.
Due to the low surface roughness (0.125 µm), the pipes are not subject to overgrowth, so they practically do not need maintenance during operation and are silent at almost any flow rate.
Frost-resistant and able to withstand several cycles of freezing - thawing (for example, water).
It has high maintainability. Multiple docking and undocking of the fitting is allowed, while the pipe at the junction retains its properties.
They can be used for transporting foodstuffs, aggressive liquids and gases.
Fully meet the requirements of the modern industry, the aesthetics of the production of works and the operation of pipelines.
Warranty periods: storage period 3 years, service life 7 years.
The pipe is resistant to chemicals and mechanical wear.

Foreign certification.

The pipe has been tested in SKZ (Suddeutsches Kunststoff Zentrum). According to SKZ tests, the service life of the PERT pipe is 490 years with a safety factor of 2.5.
According to the TUV (Technisher Uberwaschungs - veren Bayern) conclusion, a pipe with an OXYDEX layer is not subject to oxygen diffusion (does not let air through).
The production has an international quality certificate ISO 9002.

Russian certification.

GOSSTROY OF RUSSIA No. 0130837*. Application in heating systems.
HYGIENIC CERTIFICATES. According to the test results at Polymertest LLC, the service life of the MIDI pipe is more than 100 years, depending on the operating conditions.
ROSTSTANDARD. Application in hot water, cold water systems.

Certified for heating systems with operating temperatures of the coolant up to 95 °, in peaks - up to 110 ° C (no worse than any other polymer pipes), pressure - up to 20 kgf / cm2 (!).

Pipes Thermotech Thermosystem® manufactured in Germany by the HPG concern by order of Thermotech (Sweden).

DEVELOPER and MANUFACTURER of PE-RT compound Dowlex 2344 - "The Dow Chemical Company"

Materials and articles "The Dow Chemical Company" in attachments:

• PE-RT, a new class of polyethylene for hot water pipes
• PE-RT, a new class of polyethylene for industrial pipes

Drinking and hot water supply systems

How do pipes for underfloor heating behave at low temperatures? We do not object to the use of pipes in conditions with low temperatures. Moreover, well-known objects with PE-RT pipes have been operated for years on arenas with artificial ice in Europe without any problems.

PERT pipes retain high strength even at temperatures down to -40°C.
Compared to other polymers, DOWLEX 2344E has a higher thermal conductivity at negative temperatures (2-3 times higher), which means that the power of refrigeration units can be reduced.
In Thermotech pipes, the inner surface is mirrored, they have a very low roughness (0.125 microns, class 10), which is less than that of PEX pipes and significantly less than any metal-plastic pipes. The fact is that in metal-plastic pipes the main load is borne by the aluminum layer and therefore the polymer layers in such pipes are of poorer quality than in plastic pipes. Reducing hydraulic losses in Thermotech pipes will reduce the power of circulation pumps.

*****************

Made a lot of things. For a very long time there were no competitive offers at all! There are no complaints.

Differences of pipes >>>

The IKAPLAST plant began to produce pipes from PE-RT with increased heat resistance. Standard sizes of pipes from PE-RT with a diameter from 63 to 630 mm. These pipes are designed for laying power cable lines in a trench and trenchless way.

IKAPLAST pipes from PE-RT

Pipes for laying low-voltage, fiber-optic and other cable lines, with a diameter of 20 to 500 mm, are made of heat-resistant black polyethylene (PE-RT brand) with a red marking strip (by default). We can also apply a marking strip of a different color at the request of the customer. Pipes with a diameter of 160 mm to 630 mm can also be made of black PE-RT with increased heat resistance, and have a protective sheath made of a material resistant to mechanical damage.

Depending on the selected diameter, the pipe is marked and marked in red (by default). We can also apply stripes of a different color at the request of the customer.

Regardless of the purpose and type of PE-RT pipes, they can be laid in a trenchless and trench way, and connected using fittings by welding.

Trumpet from			SDR 13.6
Nominal outer diameter, mm	Wall thickness, mm	Weight 1p.m., kg	Wall thickness, mm	Weight 1p.m., kg	Wall thickness, mm	Weight 1p.m, kg
Black polyethylene pipe with red marking strip

*If necessary, it is possible to manufacture pipes with a diameter of up to 630 mm.

It is also possible to manufacture pipes with SDR 7.4

IKAPLAST pipes made of PE-RT with a protective sheath for laying cable networks

Pipes with a diameter of 63 mm to 500 mm can also be made of black PE-RT with increased heat resistance, and have a red protective sheath made of a material resistant to mechanical damage. At the request of the customer, we can produce a shell of a different color.

PE-RT pipe with protective sheath	Protective shell				SDR 13.6
Outer diameter, mm	Thickness, mm	Maximum deviation, mm	Wall thickness, mm	Weight 1p.m., kg	Wall thickness, mm	Weight 1p.m., kg	Wall thickness, mm	Weight 1p.m., kg
Black polyethylene pipe with red protective sheath
63	0,8	+0,5	3,8	0,913	4,7	1,07	5,8	1,25
75	0,8	+0,5	4,5	1,25	5,6	1,47	6,8	1,70
90	0,9	+0,4	5,4	1,75	6,7	2,06	8,2	2,43
110	0,9	+0,6	6,6	2,56	8,1	3,01	10	3,55
	1,0	+0,6	7,4	3,24	9,2	3,87	11,4	4,59
630	2,5	+1,0	37,4	75,7	46,3	91,0	57,2	109,0

The operating temperature range of PE-RT pipes is from -20 to +95˚С, they can withstand temperatures up to +110˚С for a short time. IKAPLAST pipes from PE-RT are manufactured according to specifications.

Pipes with a diameter of 20-630 mm. are made of black PE-RT with a red marking strip*, pipes with a diameter of 63-630 mm can be made of black PE-RT with a red protective sheath*.

Pipes with a diameter of 20-110 mm are produced in coils or straight sections, pipes with a diameter of 125-630 mm are produced only in straight sections with a length of 6.5 and 13 m (by default). We can also produce pipes of other sizes at the request of the customer.

The PE-RT polyethylene pipes offered by IKAPLAST belong to the class of products with increased heat resistance. Depending on the type, such pipes can be used for laying cable networks or hot water supply lines in a trench and trenchless way.

*At the request of the customer, we can make marking strips and a shell of a different color.

General information about PE-RT pipes

Pipes of the PE-RT brand are made according to technical specifications from the special polyethylene possessing the increased heat resistance. This ensures a wide operating temperature range of the product ranging from -20°C to +95°C. For a short time, exposure to temperatures up to +110°C is allowed without any violations of the integrity and deformations of the existing pipeline.

Service life at the correct laying and observance of service conditions exceeds 50 years.

Due to its increased resistance to high temperatures, the PE-RT pipe can be successfully used to supply hot water to residential and industrial facilities. PE-RT pipes for cable lines are designed for laying and protecting high-voltage and other lines from mechanical and thermal effects. The protective sheath made of polypropylene provides reliable protection of the cable from damage during installation and long-term operation.

Due to the flexibility of the PE-RT (RT - resistance raise temperature) heat-resistant pipe, it can be laid using a small number of fittings. This significantly reduces the cost, speeds up and simplifies installation work.

A protective coating that is resistant to scratches and significant mechanical damage allows the PE-RT pipe to be laid both by trenching and trenchless methods, and connected using fittings by welding.

The use of polyethylene pipes in the national economy, household sphere is due to their physical properties and high functional qualities. Long service life, lack of corrosion, low weight, ease of installation and affordable cost contribute to the expansion of the use of PE products, making them a worthy alternative to metal pipes.

Polyethylene pipes: what are they?

Polyethylene pipes are products made of polymers and intended for the transport of liquids and gaseous substances, sewerage devices and as an insulating material for electrical and telecommunications. Polyethylene pipes are marked with the abbreviation PE (in international practice - PE). Depending on the production technology and purpose, such types of polyethylene pipes are distinguished.

• HDPE - products made of low-pressure (or high-density) polyethylene, produced by ethylene extrusion at reduced pressure and high temperatures using catalysts. The result is a high-strength material, which expands the possibilities of using pipes from it. Types of PE 80, PE 100 are widely used, the latter brand is more popular. Such pipes are used for pressure and non-pressure systems for water supply, sewerage, transportation of other liquids and gases. You can read more about the features and use of PE 100 polyethylene pipes in another article - “PE-100 polyethylene (HDPE) pipes”.
• LDPE - pipes made of high pressure polyethylene. Produced by high pressure polymerization. The result is a material that is light, but more pliable and softer than LDPE. The scope of this type of pipe is mainly the organization of water supply and sewer systems.
• PE-X - pipes from the so-called "cross-linked" type of polyethylene. This type of pipe is made from high-density PE by bonding its molecules to butene molecules. The result is a high-strength, high-temperature-resistant material with additional bonds - hence the name "cross-linked". Such pipes are single-layer and multi-layer. There are 4 types of adhesion and, accordingly, the names of such products: peroxide (PE-Xa), silane (PE-Xb), electron flow (PE-Xc) and through nitrogen compounds (PE-Xd). Such pipes are used for the manufacture of hot water systems.
• PE-RT - products made of polyethylene with increased heat resistance, a novelty in the production of polyethylene pipes. Heat-resistant material is most preferably used for the installation of hot water supply, the organization of heating communications, but can also be used for cold water supply. It will be discussed further.

PE-RT polyethylene was invented to replace PE-X, which creates some problems for the manufacturer: the “cross-linked” type of polyethylene cannot be welded, recycled. In fact, PE-RT is a thermoplastic that has characteristics similar to PE-X, but does not require a crosslinking process during processing.

Peculiarities

Pipes made of PE-RT polyethylene have a number of unique features that are taken into account when choosing:

• high heat resistance, which provides products with advantages when choosing pipes for hot water supply, organizing heating, including underfloor heating;
• accelerated manufacturing process: to increase hydrostaticity, the product does not need to be “crosslinked”;
• high flexibility and ductility ensures ease of installation;
• service life of products - up to 100 years.

In addition to these features, these products have the advantages inherent in all polyethylene pipes - inertness to chemicals, lack of corrosion, lightness, ease of installation.

Compound

This type of polyethylene was developed by The Dow Chemical Company. Polyethylene PE-RT in composition is a copolymer of ethylene with 1-octene. This material was approved by expert commissions and was first introduced in GOST R 52134 (2010) “Thermoplastic pressure pipes and fittings for them for water supply and heating systems. General technical conditions”, and from 01.09. 2015 - in GOST 32415-2013 "Pressure pipes made of thermoplastics and fittings for them for water supply and heating systems. General technical conditions".

Specifications

Polyethylene PE-RT has an increased heat resistance class and fully complies with the standards stipulated by GOST 52134 and foreign quality standards. The technical characteristics of PE-RT pipes determine their unique properties as a material for plumbing and heating systems.

• Such systems withstand pressure from 1.6 to 10 bar, at high temperatures from + 80 °C (emergency level temperatures up to 95-100 °C).
• PE RT pipes are available in various SDRs, the most common being SDR 11, SDR 9 and SDR 7.4.
• Dimensions of outer diameter - from 16 to 630 mm.
• The minimum wall thickness is from 2 mm to 62.5 mm.
• Weight of 1 meter - from 0.08 kg to 103.7 kg.
• The thermal conductivity index at 60 ° C is 0.4 W / mK.
• Modulus of elasticity, depending on temperature, from 150 MPa at 90°C to 650 MPa at 20°C.
• The modulus of deformation of the destruction of the shell during bending is not less than 10 mm, the relative elongation is 600%.
• Bay sizes - from 50 to 600 m.

PE-RT production

Polyethylene PE-RT has a unique molecular structure with such an organization of lateral molecular structures that allows obtaining maximum resistance to hydrostatic stress in a wide range of operating temperatures (from -50 to +80 °C). Through the development of new catalysts, it is possible to control molecular bonds and create new and improved performance.

The uniqueness of the new PE-RT polyethylene lies in obtaining a material of hydrostatic strength and heat resistance without the need for a cross-linking process. Pipes are produced by a new method: the formation of side bonds in the polymer molecules occurs without the adhesion process. Raw materials for the manufacture of pipes come from production in finished form. This technique offers processing advantages over PEX pipes.

Application PE-RT Type II

PE-RT polyethylene pipes come in 2 types. The use of PE-RT type II is preferable to the first, since the new type of polyethylene has advantages: the second type of PE-RT withstands pressure 20% more than the previous generation. Due to its excellent technical characteristics, PE-RT type II is used for the following purposes:

• heating installation;
• underfloor heating installations;
• cold and hot water supply;
• drinking water pipelines.

Mostly PE-RT type 2 pipes, despite the fact that they are a competitor in quality and thermal resistance to PE-X, are used for underfloor heating systems. This is due to the fact that the first generation of Perth pipes could withstand temperatures of no more than 60 degrees.

Heat-resistant polyethylene pipes PE-RT type II have been successfully used in the household for about 20 years. Thanks to good hydrostatic strength even at high temperatures, excellent flexibility, this type of product is the best solution for hot water and heating communications. A wide range of PE-RT pipes are presented on the website in the section "Pipes for hot water supply and heating".

Advantages and disadvantages of PE-RT type II over other pipes

The question of the disadvantages of PE RT type 2 most often arises during comparison with metal-plastic, PEX and other pipes. Therefore, before talking about the pros and cons of this pipe, let's take a look at this figure, which shows the long-term strength of polymers based on GOSTs

So, consider the pros and cons of PE RT

pros

• flexibility;
• resistant to high pressure and corrosion;
• "price - quality" ratio;
• a light weight;
• freezing of the liquid does not harm the pipes;
• liquid passes through them with less vibration and noise;
• ease of installation

Minuses

• poor resistance to ultraviolet radiation (The main disadvantage of PE-RT pipes, like other polyethylene products, is UV protection, so they are not used in communications located within exposure to sunlight);
• when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, the chance of reducing the service life increases;