How to solder heating from polypropylene scheme. Making connections of polymeric heat pipes. Features of soldering reinforced pipes
Greetings, dear reader!
Spring has come and the season of construction and repair work is approaching. And for someone, it happens that it does not end and all year round. Today I would like to talk with you about how you can do it yourself, having available essential tool and small skills, do-it-yourself solder plastic pipes for heating your house, apartment or garage.
Today, this material is one of the most common elements in heating systems, readily available on the market, and do-it-yourself soldering of heating pipes is absolutely nothing complicated and can be done by any person, even who has never encountered it before. To do this, you just need to be guided by certain rules and techniques and everything will be fine! So, now I will tell you everything in order.
I won't dwell on technical specifications polypropylene pipes, their density and composition, but briefly I want to give you examples of what advantages they have.
It is of great strength and durability. But here it is important to pay special attention to which pipe model you choose for your heating. The fact is that there are models that are intended, for example, only for cold water supply systems, there are those that are used for "warm floor" systems, and, of course, such as for supplying hot coolants in the system.
- Plastic pipes are not exposed to corrosive processes.
- Flowing through them, the water makes much less noise.
- When connecting by soldering the individual elements of the polypropylene piping system, a reliable and integral connection is formed.
- The soldering of pipes is carried out effortlessly using a special soldering iron - a simple device as such and easy to handle.
- No accumulation of deposits on internal surfaces.
- The walls of polypropylene pipes do not allow oxygen to pass through, which in turn protects metal parts from oxide and corrosion.
- Due to the property of plasticity, it is possible to perform bends in the required places.
- And, of course, this material is environmentally friendly and you can safely buy it in stores, since the prices are reasonable and affordable, and besides, they weigh a little.
Next, let's take a look at which components or elements made of polypropylene will make up the heating system, which will be subject to soldering. During construction heating system with help plastic pipes such connecting elements will be needed that will facilitate our task, namely: they will allow us to direct the pipes in a different direction, turn them around, go from one diameter to another, make a branch, go to threaded connection etc.
These connectors include the following:
- couplings - to connect and solder pipe sections of equal diameter;
- adapters - connect and solder sections of pipes of different diameters;
- couplings with external thread or internal thread - useful in case of transition to a threaded connection;
- bends 450 and 900 - designed to turn a polypropylene pipe at an appropriate angle;
- nipple bends at 450 and 900 - are used if it is necessary to turn by the same degree when changing the diameter;
- tees - for mounting three pipes in one unit;
- crosses - used for the same purpose, but for four;
- tee, both with internal and external threads - for soldering threaded pipes in order to connect a third one;
- detachable connectors - for the detachable connection mechanism;
- bushings and plugs - to bring the pipeline to the "closed" position;
- various clamps (plastic, metal with rubber inserts) or mounting tiles - for fixing pipes to vertical surfaces, for example, walls or structures during installation;
- shut-off valves in the form of ball valves.
Now let's talk about what tools we need, with the help of which it will be necessary to assemble all this into one single system.
- Well, firstly, this is the soldering iron itself or a special “welding machine” with a set of nozzles that come with it in the kit, provided for different pipe diameters.
- Next, we will need special scissors, or the so-called cutter, to cut the tubes to the length you need. But if this is not the case, then it will be possible to use either a canvas with a saw blade for metal, or you can use a grinder. But with the help of special scissors, everything will be much easier.
- A shaver is a tool for removing aluminum foil that is inside reinforced with aluminum foil. polyethylene pipes unless of course you use one.
- In order to directly fix the polypropylene material on the walls, you will also need a drill and a puncher to drill holes for the holders.
- You will need a thin alcohol marker or a simple pencil for marking the length, as well as a tape measure.
- Building level.
- Wrench.
- Pipes and fittings.
Now, knowing what we need for this whole process, and all the tools have been prepared, the heating system is schematically depicted with us, we proceed directly to the work that should be performed step by step. Using a marker, tape measure and special scissors, we measure and cut the pipe of the dimensions we need, clean the edge from the end, removing the chamfer and all burrs. Then we select the adapter or connecting element we need.
Next, we check the elements prepared for soldering for the absence of any defects. We check that the pipe fits tightly and completely into the connecting element without backlash and distortion. The surfaces to be joined must be treated with a degreasing liquid and ensure that these parts are absolutely clean and dry.
Along the edge of the pipe, the edge of the entrance to the connecting element is marked with a marker. At the same time, take into account the need for a gap of approximately 1 mm, which is necessary so that there is no narrowing of the inner diameter of the pipe due to the displacement of its end edge inward during the soldering process.
After that, we prepare the soldering iron for work. We select a couple of nozzles we need: a sleeve (used to heat and melt the pipe), and a mandrel (implements the same operations with the inner surface of couplings and fittings). We also clean them and degrease them, fasten them to the soldering iron. We turn on the soldering iron in the network and set the temperature we need on it (we heat it up to 260-300 degrees).
Now, after heating the soldering iron to the temperature we need, it will automatically turn off by the thermostat. We take polypropylene parts for connection and insert them into the nozzles for a few seconds.
It happens that the parts are difficult to enter the nozzles, just make a slight rotation along the axis. And first, a connecting element is put on the inner nozzle, and only then the end of the pipe is inserted into the outer nozzle. When heated, remove them in reverse order. And this is necessary because the connecting part has a greater wall thickness and therefore a longer heating time is required.
After the necessary warm-up, the parts are removed from the nozzles of the soldering iron, smoothly and evenly inserted into each other until the marks that you previously applied with a marker coincide. At the same time, remember that during the solidification of the parts, they cannot be rotated and twisted!
After the final connection of the parts, hold in a fixed position for several seconds. Complete with soldering irons there is an instruction, which usually contains a table of soldering parameters, which indicates the exposure time for certain parts.
If suddenly something somewhere turned out crooked and with defects, then this piece of pipe is dismantled and a new soldering of parts is carried out. The finished pipeline can be used within an hour.
As you noticed, soldering polypropylene pipes on your own is quite simple and easy, if you do not neglect the above recommendations.
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On this I say goodbye to you. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. See you again.
At the first experience of do-it-yourself soldering of polypropylene pipes, a novice master will inevitably have many questions that will help to shoot an intelligent video
When we undertake to mount the heating system or its fragments on our own, we are faced with the question of how to correctly connect certain parts to each other in the right way. For example, two polypropylene (metal-plastic) pipes. It would seem that this is not such a fantastic task. But it takes some skill. Therefore, the masters say, try, training will bear fruit one way or another. At first, you may have to spend not only more time, but also spoil a certain amount of material. But experience will come - the same son of difficult mistakes.
To get started, buy a few couplings and corners, it can be cheaper, and pipes. By the way, buy fittings of the same brand with which you are going to solder plumbing, products different manufacturers behave a little differently, some are softer, some, on the contrary, are tougher.
What tool is required
To solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you will need some equipment and tools:
- A special electric welding machine for soldering pipes, soldering nozzles of the desired diameter, for apartment wiring are most often used with a diameter of 20.
Electric welding machine for soldering pipes
- A special tool (called a “stripping”) used to cleanly finish polypropylene pipes with an interlayer of “shtaby” metal;
- hacksaw / scissors for cutting polypropylene;
measuring instruments (roulette); - Marker (or just a pencil).
How to solder water pipes from polypropylene pipes
When soldering, keep a close eye on the soldered pipes and fittings so that they remain clean, leakage may occur if dust, dirt or water enters. If not immediately, then later.
1. We measure and cut off the required length of the pipe. There may be burrs on the pipe, you can clean them with a clerical knife. If the pipe is “headquarters”, then we remove the metallized part by special stripping. We work with a metallized pipe treated in this way in the same way as with a polypropylene pipe.
2. If we solder the usual water pipe, then it is advisable until you get used to marking with a pencil on the pipe to what depth the pipe is soldered into the fitting, tee or coupling, and if you use the “stab” pipe, then when using stripping, you still have the size that is needed to connect with fittings, because . stripping adjusted to solder size.
Of course, you will learn a lot by empirical means, but you should not refuse from the sensible advice of the masters who have already passed something in this matter. We offer you some good video materials that can be of great practical use to you.
How to solder pipes on your own
Not quite a standard method
Below is one of the atypical methods, non-standard soldering of polypropylene, this option is used among others by professionals
soldering poly propylene pipes
Modern repair technologies and materials allow you to assemble engineering communications with your own hands, without resorting to the help of specialists. It is very easy to find tutorial videos that clearly show how to do this. However, there are some subtleties that are best learned from detailed written reviews. We will analyze, for example, how to solder polypropylene pipes, how to follow all the stages of technology and avoid the most common mistakes during self-assembly.
Beforehand it is useful to familiarize yourself with technical features polypropylene pipes and find out how their heat resistance and thermal elongation can affect the operation of the assembled pipeline. And already taking into account such knowledge, carry out the installation of the highway.
Heat resistance and thermal elongation
Propylene is a strong plastic, but it loses its stability under certain technical conditions. The material loses its hardness, and hence its shape, if the temperature of the coolant rises to + 140 degrees. However, if you look at the technical data sheet, manufacturers give much more modest figures. They advise choosing propylene pipes for the installation of the heating system, where the temperature of the coolant does not rise above +95 degrees. Why such a big difference? Why do experts not recommend the use of polypropylene for the installation of supply heating mains?
Because with more high temperatures the described material changes its linear dimensions. When heated, the pipes sag greatly, and the stress that occurs in this case can lead to serious consequences in the form of dangerous utility accidents. There are some techniques to eliminate these disadvantages of polypropylene.
For example, it is necessary to use reinforced products instead of simple plastic pipes for installing a heating system. They have a coefficient of linear elongation 5 times less than that of ordinary plastic, so the pipeline assembled from them is able to withstand pressure 5 times greater.
But even in the case of using reinforced pipes, it is necessary to install expansion joints - special U-shaped bends assembled on straight pipe sections. With an increase in the temperature of the coolant, this will allow the elastic pipelines to remain straight due to the fact that the U-shaped outlet will narrow slightly.
Note! When assembling pipes, it is better to combine both approaches and use fiberglass reinforced options with U-shaped branches.
Reinforcement
Before soldering the described pipes, you need to find out what type of polypropylene they use:
- Reinforced with fiberglass.
- Reinforced with aluminium.
Do-it-yourself soldering is easier than the first option, and welding in this case is no different from welding ordinary plastic. Pipes reinforced with aluminum must first be cleaned. To do this, you need a special tool in the form of a sharp knife - a shaver. If black pipes are used, where the reinforcing layer is located between two layers of plastic, for stripping you need to take a trimmer - a narrow knife that will allow you to strip from the side of the end.
Choosing pipes for heating
Choosing a material for heating installation is actually not so difficult. The modern market offers four options, and each has its own marking:
- Polypropylene under the brand name PN 10 is intended for the assembly of the "warm floor" system and cold water supply.
- Mark PN 16 can be used for wiring cold water and installation of heating, in which the coolant circulates under low operating pressure.
- Brand PN 20 is a universal option that can withstand a working pressure of 2 MPa and a coolant temperature of +80 degrees.
- Brand PN 25 - reinforced polypropylene pipe suitable for installation of heating and hot water systems with a coolant temperature of up to +95 degrees.
Where to get a soldering iron?
The main tool for soldering is a soldering iron, with which sealed seams are created. It can be bought at the store, borrowed from friends, or rented from special construction companies. So in this regard, there will be no problems.
When buying a tool, you must choose one that will allow you to perform all the required operations. As a rule, when assembling plumbing and heating with your own hands, you do not need to buy fancy models with a large number of nozzles. The power of the soldering iron only affects the rate of its heating, but not the process itself, so there is no point in overpaying.
Note! Inexpensive models come with 3 nozzles for collecting plastic pipes with a diameter of 20, 25 and 32 mm. Pipes of just this diameter are used for the installation of internal communications wiring.
Devices for welding polypropylene pipes
The welding soldering iron has a fairly simple design. The main thing in it is the sole, equipped with heating elements. The sole is equipped with holes of various diameters. On them, you can fix nozzles with which pipes are soldered. The heating temperature is “controlled” by a thermostat located on the body.
With it, you can set degrees. Their values are noted in the instructions, and the table is published on the Internet. It is necessary to set the temperature depending on the type of materials to be welded. So, for example, for soldering polyethylene pipes, a mode of 220 degrees is selected, and polypropylene pipes - 260 degrees.
In addition to a soldering iron during operation, you may need:
- Roulette.
- Pencil.
- Hacksaw for metal.
- Sharp knife.
- Scissors for cutting polypropylene.
- Shaver.
Soldering technology
Welding technology
The simplest instruction detailing how to properly solder polypropylene pipes is as follows:
- The welding machine is equipped with special stand. A soldering iron is placed on it and plugged into an outlet. But first, a sleeve is inserted into the hole of the soldering iron.
- The ends of the polypropylene are prepared. If it is reinforced with fiberglass, it does not need to be processed. Aluminum-reinforced material will have to be cut by chamfering and marking with a marker. This will help control the depth of immersion of the pipe into the soldering iron sleeve.
- First, we measure and cut off the desired segment, adding 25 mm to it - they will be inserted into the fitting when soldering.
- When the soldering iron reaches the desired temperature, you will hear a characteristic sound. Then a coupling is inserted into the nozzle on one side, and a prepared pipe on the other.
- The time indicated in the table is recorded. Usually soldering takes from 4 to 10 seconds. While the sleeve and pipe are in the soldering iron, they cannot be rotated or moved. You can not touch them even after the parts are removed from the soldering iron. The selected temperature will allow you to perform a sealed seam.
As you can see, the technology for welding polypropylene pipes is quite simple. It is only necessary to follow certain rules for making seams.
Here are the main ones:
- Be sure to remove the chamfer. Otherwise, you can lift up the plastic when connecting, and the seam will not be airtight.
- When two parts are connected to each other, they cannot be scrolled.
- Both the fitting and the pipe must be inserted into each other until it stops.
- You can not clean the nozzle, which is on the included soldering iron. Melted plastic is best removed with a coarse cloth by pulling the cord from the outlet.
Soldering with electrofusion
You can solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands using an electric coupling instead of a soldering iron. In this case, the process is even more simplified, and productivity almost doubles.
Do-it-yourself soldering of polypropylene pipes
The edges of reinforced pipes are prepared in the same way. When connecting parts, clamps are used. The electric clutch is connected to the network. The device is accompanied by a table and instructions on how to solder and what time it is necessary to withstand. Electrodes are attached to the body of the coupling, and the heating time is set manually. There is a monitor on the body of the coupling, where information is displayed that the soldering time is over. Welding is done well. Marriage is possible only in one case - when there are defects in the spirals.
It is more convenient to use an electric clutch than a soldering iron:
- Firstly, with the help of it, it is possible to halve the assembly time of the pipeline, without losing its quality.
- Secondly, with the help of a coupling, it is easier to join joints located in hard-to-reach places.
- Thirdly, the described apparatus is cheaper, has more compact dimensions, and is more convenient to work with. There is only one drawback - it is impossible to weld pipes of small diameter using an electric coupling.
Generalization on the topic
After carefully reading the proposed material and watching the training video, you can easily assemble the pipeline for heating, cold and hot water supply with your own hands. Moreover, now you know how to solder polypropylene pipes. It is only necessary to take into account all the nuances of existing technologies and strictly follow the rules of welding.
Polymer pipes for the device of heating water supply have been used for more than a dozen years. They have many advantages, including the simplicity of connection technologies, which are strong and durable. The high quality of the connection of polymer pipes, namely, the tightness of the joints, is due to the characteristics of the polymer material and the installation technology based on these features. The process of connecting fragments of a heating pipeline, which is commonly called soldering or welding, is technically available for independent execution and does not require expensive tools. Therefore, the installation of plastic pipelines is often carried out on your own, acquiring soldering skills in the course of work.
In order to acquire these skills more easily and with fewer errors, we will consider the process of soldering polymer products in more detail.
The following types of polymer pipes are made of plastic:
- polyethylene (PE);
- from cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X);
- polypropylene (PP);
- polybutene (RV);
- from polyvinyl chloride (abbreviation in Cyrillic - PVC);
- fiberglass;
- from metal-plastic.
Of the listed materials, polypropylene, cross-linked polyethylene, high-temperature-resistant polyethylene, polybutene and metal-plastic are suitable for mounting the heating system. And of these five heat-resistant materials, only three can be joined by soldering.
Solder pipes for heating:
- polypropylene (RV);
- made of high temperature resistant polyethylene (PE-RT);
- polybutene (RV).
The welding technology of these types of tubular products has both components common to all materials, as well as individual features inherent in only one variety.
The essence of the process and methods of soldering polymer pipes
Welding of polymer pipes is used to connect pipeline fragments to each other, tie-in into the heating circuit stop valves, measuring, control and safety equipment. The joints of these components of the heating system are connected in three ways, each of which, in essence, is closer to soldering or welding, but for simplicity it can be called both terms:
- diffusion - a method of joining by applying a squeezing force at elevated temperature without the use of solder (welding);
- electrofitting - differs from diffusion only in the design of fittings and process automation (welding);
- cold - connection of fragments using an intermediate substance, solder (soldering).
The first two methods consist in the penetration of molecules of the surfaces to be joined into each other under a compressive load after heating them to a certain temperature, which is typical for welding.
The cold method consists in mechanical preparation, cleaning of the surfaces to be joined, applying the welding mass to them and connecting the products with a short-term fixation in the working position, necessary for setting the solder - an element of the soldering process.
The latter connection method is less reliable, but it is convenient when mounting fragments in hard-to-reach places.
Tool for connecting polymer heating pipes
For each method of mounting plastic tubular products, there is a certain set of tools, basic and auxiliary. Some of them, auxiliary, can be dispensed with by replacing them with similar ones for their intended purpose.
Tool for the diffusion method of mounting polymer pipes
To perform a diffusion connection of plastic pipe products, a set of tools is also required, each of which is designed for a specific operation. Consider these devices, placing them in the list in the direction of decreasing importance.
Plastic Pipe Welding Machine
This is the name of a special electric welding device, more commonly known as a pipe soldering iron or iron.
According to the shape of the body and platform, soldering irons are divided into xiphoid and cylindrical versions, and it's not just a visual difference.
Sword-shaped devices in domestic use are more common, since the arrangement of nozzles on such models is simple, and the price of the tool is therefore lower.
Soldering irons with a cylindrical body are more compact, the configuration of their nozzles is more complicated, and the fixation is more rigid. In addition, the operating temperature of cylindrical irons is more stable - its differences between cyclic switching on and off are smaller in value. Therefore, the cost of such a tool is higher, and it is used mainly by professionals.
Pipe soldering iron device
The apparatus for soldering polymer pipes consists of the following elements:
- case with handle;
- cast triangular (xiphoidal) or cylindrical platform with the possibility of attaching attachments;
- thermal electric heater (TEN) inside the cast platform;
- thermostat;
- Teflon-coated removable nozzles for various pipe diameters;
- indicator lamps for heating and readiness of the tool for work;
- tripod for installation on a horizontal surface;
- electrical power cord.
Characteristics of the plastic pipe welding machine
The main parameter of a pipe soldering iron is power, since it determines:
- the largest diameter of polymer pipes welded by this machine;
- iron heating speed;
- performance - as a consequence of the previous factors.
However, when buying a device for domestic use, one should not be guided by the principle “more powerful is better”. In this case, unclaimed excess power is unnecessary spending in the form of a higher cost of the device and an inefficient use of electricity. The optimal soldering iron power for household needs is determined by a simple calculation: the maximum diameter of the pipes used in mm is multiplied by 10 and the minimum value is obtained in watts, to which you need to add 10%. For example, for welding polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 40 mm, an iron with a minimum power of 400 watts is needed. If we take into account that in a private house plastic pipes with a diameter of more than 60 mm are not used for heating, then for welding, the optimal power of the device will be 700 watts.
If we take into account the likelihood of fulfilling third-party orders, then it is necessary to purchase a more powerful iron (1.5 - 1.8 kW), with which you can connect pipes with a diameter of 100 mm or more.
Approximate power values of the tool with reference to the diameter of the pipes:
Thus, the power of the welding machine and the diameters of the nozzles for it are interrelated factors.
Important! When purchasing additional nozzles of a larger diameter in a set for an iron, it is necessary to do this with reference to the power of the tool.
In addition to the diameter, the nozzles are also characterized by their design - the value of thermal conductivity (higher - better), as well as the thickness and quality of the Teflon coating. It is impossible to determine this visually, but the experience of using irons by other craftsmen will help - well-established models among professionals are quite well known, when buying, you only need to check the absence of mechanical damage to Teflon. As for the unofficial rating of countries producing pipe soldering irons, it looks like this:
- Germany;
- Czech;
- Russia;
- Turkey;
- China.
For professional use, it is better to purchase a tool of the first two positions, productive and durable. For occasional use, Chinese and Turkish products are suitable. Russian products are on the borderline between household needs and professional use, and right choice power will also last for many years.
Shears for cutting polymer pipes
This tool is simply called pipe shears, pipe cutter or pipe cutter. The pipe cutter provides fast cutting of polymer products without applying significant forces, making a burr-free cut edge, which simplifies the preparation of the pipe for welding.
There are 4 varieties of this tool, listed below in order of increasing complexity of design and cost:
- precision scissors with a ratchet mechanism - a simple and easy-to-use tool that differs in the maximum diameter of the pipes being cut (up to 42 and up to 75 mm in diameter);
- automatic pipe cutter in the form of a gun - a tool similar to the previous one in terms of the principle of operation, but requiring less effort, universal for pipe diameters and convenient for cutting and dismantling a pipeline fixed on the wall with one hand;
- roller pipe cutter - a very easy-to-use device that cuts a pipe by rolling it along a disk blade;
- pipe cutter-guillotine - a tool with a manual or electric drive that cuts a pipe fixed in a clamp.
Plastic pipe stripping tool
If it is necessary to weld a polymer pipe reinforced with aluminum foil, then the reinforcing layer must be removed, otherwise the solidity of the welding joint will not be achieved and the tightness of the joint will be close to zero.
The tool for this preparatory procedure is called a shaver, a stripping sleeve, or, according to the name of the operation, stripping, and it is produced for two types of reinforcement.
If the foil reinforcement is located close to the surface, then a shaver of another model is put on the pipe cut, which, when rotated by its blade located inside, removes the top layer of the product along with aluminum and ends the cut.
If the reinforcement is made in the thickness of the wall, then the foil is removed to a certain depth from the groove between the polymer layers. Such processing of the joint before welding is performed by another type of stripping sleeve.
Of the rest of the tools necessary for welding polymer products, we can mention a measuring tape and a marker for applying measured marks.
Tool for electrofitting installation of plastic pipes
The main tool and at the same time the installation detail in this case is an electrical fitting - one of the connecting elements (coupling, branch, tee), inside which there is an electric heating element with contacts brought out to the outside. Therefore, the description of the tool is at the same time a brief instruction on the use of this equipment.
The fragments to be connected are inserted into the electrical fitting and fixed in a special device, after which voltage from a special welding machine is applied to the fitting contacts through a time relay. Heating of the element inside the electrical fitting causes the polymer of the contact surfaces to melt and their strong connection through the fitting.
The advantage of this method is the simplicity of the technology and the high productivity of installation, which is important when performing large amounts of work.
The disadvantage is the high cost of the welding machine and electrical fittings of the connection, which makes this soldering method unpopular at home.
Cold welding of plastic pipes
Cold soldering of heating pipes made of polymers is carried out using a special welding mass (solder, glue). The composition of the solder includes components that soften the upper layer of the material of the contact surfaces of the parts to be glued.
The surfaces of the pipes are cleaned and degreased, after which the solder is prepared - depending on the consistency of the performance, mixed or softened, kneading by hand.
Then the welding mass is applied to the contact surfaces, and the products are connected. The connection is fixed in the working position for approximately half a minute (the fixation period is indicated in the instructions for use), after which the joint is released, but it will gain its final strength after a day.
The connection of polymer pipes by cold welding is not inferior in strength to the diffusion method, but has low heat resistance, therefore it is not used for heating - only for the installation of cold water supply systems, which, of course, is a disadvantage.
Advantage - ease of execution, which does not require the purchase of a special electric heating tool.
Making connections of polymeric heat pipes
Consider the technology for performing the most common type of connection of plastic pipes - diffusion welding, for which we will describe the sequence of soldering heating pipes made of polypropylene - due to the high characteristics of the polymer material that is widely in demand today.
The desired length of the pipe is measured with a tape measure, and a mark is applied at the place of the cut with a marker. Pipe shears make a control cut of an unnecessary piece of material to check the sharpness of the tool and the quality of the cut edge. Then the desired fragment is cut off with a pipe cutter, and the end of the pipe is treated with a trimmer - burrs, foil are removed and an external chamfer is performed.
Important! The cutting line of a pipe with a diameter of up to 50 mm is performed perpendicular to the axis of the pipe. With a diameter of more than 50 mm, the end is cut at an angle of 35-40% to prevent the pipe from collapsing when inserted into the fitting.
Select the desired fitting:
After an hour after soldering, the pipeline is ready for operation.
The necessary data on the duration of thermal processes with reference to the diameter of the pipes are summarized in the table:
Important! Table data are based on temperature environment at +20 degrees. At its lower values, the heating time will increase accordingly - one test connection will allow it to be corrected.
Conclusion
Welding polypropylene heating pipes is not a difficult operation, but a responsible one. An error in execution or negligence is fraught with serious consequences even during a trial run of the heating system, therefore it is better to perform it for the first time under the guidance of a mentor - the execution process has many small nuances that, in the absence of experience, may not be taken into account.
The main essence of the article
- It is important to determine the list of materials for the manufacture of plastic pipes for heating, the connection of which is possible by soldering.
- Choosing the right tool - save on installation work.
- Compliance with welding technology is the key to high quality welding and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Due to special climatic conditions In our country it is very difficult to imagine an apartment or a house without a heating system. Surviving the winter without radiators or batteries is very difficult. Therefore, this article, devoted to the installation of a heating system made of polypropylene pipes, will be very relevant, especially on the threshold of cold weather. Why we will use a polypropylene pipeline as the main material, you will learn from the next section of the article.
On the market building materials you will find many various kinds pipes, metal, plastic, etc. Polypropylene pipes are the most popular. Their use is advised not only by ordinary consumers, but also by professionals in their field.
The prevalence of the heating system from polypropylene pipes is directly related to these positive characteristics:
- they are environmentally friendly;
- durable and reliable;
- have a long service life, polypropylene pipes, if used correctly, can last up to 50 years;
- pipes are resistant to external influences;
- are not subject to corrosion;
- even after a long time, the pipes keep their inner surface smooth, which will allow water to circulate quickly and unhindered;
- ease of installation;
- do not require complex mechanical processing;
- polypropylene pipes have a low specific gravity;
- have a relatively low cost.
The only drawback of installing heating from polypropylene pipes is that the master must have certain equipment for soldering and the skills of working with a welding machine. A less critical disadvantage is the low fire resistance of polypropylene.
If you decide to install heating with polypropylene pipes with your own hands , It is not necessary to buy a welding machine, you can rent it or ask friends.
How to connect polypropylene pipes? Basic ways
To create a heating system from polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you need to understand how you can connect them. There are several types of soldering, they are divided depending on the size of the pipe.
If the pipeline has a diameter of up to 63 mm, then its parts are connected in 2 ways:
- socket welding technology;
- by socket welding.
The first way is the easiest. In simple terms, the connection principle is as follows: one end of the pipe enters the specially expanded end of the other.
Coupling soldering of heating with polypropylene pipes involves the use of a special part - a coupling, which includes two connected parts. If a threaded connection is provided for the pipeline, special socket fittings must be used.
Pipes with a large diameter can be soldered "butt". It is considered the most in a reliable way mounts.
- manual welding machine;
- polypropylene pipes;
- heating element - sleeve;
- nozzles different diameters;
- wooden spatula or rag.
The manual welding machine is suitable for connecting pipes with a diameter of up to 40mm. Wider pipes will require a fixed installation that will pre-align.
To transfer the initiating heat to the polymer elements, a heating sleeve is needed. It melts the outer and inner layer of the socket in order to obtain an expanded section of the pipe. Due to the fact that the sleeves are covered with Teflon, the melted material does not stick to the heating element. These parts are removable, so they can be easily removed after work.
Before starting work, the stationary apparatus is installed so that it stands still and does not sway. Before connecting, all nozzles are installed in advance. For an effective connection, the welding master must have enough free space, otherwise inaccuracies in work may occur. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to turn to a professional for help.
Experts advise to carefully monitor the working surface, cleaning its remaining polypropylene. You can remove it with a wooden spatula. This must be done immediately, while the polymer has not had time to harden.
Features of socket welding
The installation of polypropylene pipes of this technology requires the fulfillment of certain requirements:
- you need to cut pipes at an angle of 90 degrees, it is advisable to use a sharp knife or scissors for this;
- reinforced pipes, the metal sheath must be removed in advance;
- installation work involves the use of a welding machine, so you need to start the soldering process only with gloves on;
- then you need to warm up all the nozzles to a temperature of 260 degrees;
- you need to connect the fittings quickly and accurately, controlling the process. The appearance of an uneven seam or distortions is unacceptable.
- after soldering, you need to let the seam harden.
Requirements for the installation of heating with polypropylene pipes
- When working, it is necessary to use materials without contamination and damage, therefore, during transportation and storage, all the requirements of the norm must be observed. For men, only clean and dried parts can create an airtight and hermetic connection.
- The polypropylene pipeline must be stored in a dry place, away from open flames.
- When transporting, you need to be careful and protect the pipes from mechanical influences.
- High-quality soldering of pipes is possible in a room with a temperature of at least 5 degrees Celsius.
- When soldering pipes, it is imperative to use connecting parts.
- You cannot cut the thread yourself; when connecting pipes in this way, you need to use special fittings.
- A reliable connection of the pipeline will be ensured if you use Teflon tape or another type of sealing fabric during installation.
Installation of heating soldering with polypropylene pipes: video
Heating system design
The most common heating from polypropylene pipes in a private house . Usually, independent installation work begins with the design of a heating system. In houses, a separate room is provided for installing the boiler; in apartments, it is often hung in the kitchen or in the hallway.
Planning a heating system is a very important stage, the quality of its implementation depends on the efficiency of heating a house or apartment in the future.
First of all, a heating scheme is drawn up from polypropylene pipes. The figure indicates the number of radiators, the places where the walls pass and the number of turns in the pipeline. The heating system must be designed so that the return pipe is at the level of the boiler inlet. If it is below it, then the circulation of water will be difficult. Next, according to a schematic plan, you need to calculate the length of the pipes and the number of fittings for the connection.
The installation of the heating system can be carried out in one of 2 schemes:
- top filling technology;
- according to the scheme of the bottom spill.
The first heating system is based on the coolant flow due to the temperature difference. The top spill is very common in private houses and cottages, for its installation it is unnecessary to spend money and buy a pump. In addition, this scheme is the simplest and most reliable option, especially for those who plan to install the pipeline on their own.
The bottom filling technology is more complex. It requires a forced flow of water to the heating circuit. This is achieved by a special pump built into the heating system. Despite the additional costs, this scheme is popular in high-rise buildings. Plus, for its device, pipes of a smaller diameter can be used.
In addition to the classification of heating systems described above, one-two-pipe schemes are distinguished by lower and lateral connection to batteries or radiators.
Tips for installing a heating system made of polypropylene pipes
A nozzle is put on the device, it must correspond to the diameter of the pipe. The end of the pipeline is combined with a nozzle and heated. The heating time depends on the size of the pipe, for example, 20mm pipes heat for 5 seconds, pipes with a diameter of 63mm need to be kept for 24 seconds.
After this procedure, their parts must be pressed tightly against each other and held for several seconds. A tight connection will be obtained after the parts have cooled. Experts advise to control the process of heating parts, as overheating can provoke the appearance of adhesions inside the pipe.
After all installation work, after soldering, it is recommended to check the quality of the connection. To do this, the master must organize the blowing of the system. If no obstacles are found during the check, then the work is done with high quality, aswelding is without adhesions.
In this article, the process of installing a heating system from polypropylene pipes was described. Following the instructions, you can do all the work yourself without the involvement of specialists.