Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass for heating

Contours are necessary for the coolant to circulate in any water-type heating system. These "pipe highways" link the boiler to every heat transfer device, including the farthest-flung heating radiators. Because of this, the general system in a building or even an apartment spanning a large area may have a very complicated branching appearance, and the length of the pipe laid may be tens or even hundreds of meters.

Fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating

The steel pipes of the VGP had virtually no substitutes not too long ago. However, you have to acknowledge that their procurement, transportation, and installation are noteworthy, highly challenging, and not available to everyone for the autonomous execution of the event. To be honest, these pipes have a lot of other drawbacks. Another item is polypropylene pipes, which are lightweight, affordable, easy to install, and visually appealing. It’s true that due to the characteristics of the manufacturing material, not all of their varieties are appropriate for such uses. However, the polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass here will be a great choice for heating.

You might want to know more about the different kinds of plastic pipes and their benefits.

Furthermore, polypropylene pipes are constructed with aluminum reinforcement; thus, it is necessary to compare them in order to determine which is superior. It will only be feasible to assess and categorize the distinctive qualities of the various kinds of these products in this manner.

Why heating needs reinforced polypropylene pipes?

If the "correct" pipes are chosen for the heating system and they fulfill specific requirements, the system will operate with reliability. These requirements include the products’ resistance to high temperatures, baric loads, and the harsh effects of coolant circulation. If the pipes and the components that connect them are to be installed in a system that is connected to a central heat supply, it is especially crucial to consider these requirements.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes with varying wall thicknesses, constructed from different quality materials with varying resistance to temperature increases, UV exposure, and linear expansion coefficients can be found in specialty stores. Therefore, you need to know the approximate requirements that must be met by the materials used for these purposes if it is decided to install a new contour or replace the old pipes with polypropylene.

Therefore, pipes that satisfy several crucial requirements must be chosen for the installation of the heating circuit.

• The temperature of the coolant in the central heating system is usually 75 ÷ 80 degrees, but sometimes it can reach higher indicators close to 90 ÷ 95 ºС. Therefore, when purchasing these products, it is worth choosing them with a margin of thermal stability, that is, in their characteristics a temperature of at least 95 degrees should be indicated.
• Polypropylene is an excellent material for pipes, but it has a characteristic quality – a too significant linear expansion coefficient when temperature changes (according to tabular data – 0.15 mm/m × ºС). A little? But what if you look at this matter “through the prism” of absolute values?

Assume that +20 º was the temperature at which the heating circuit installation was completed. The feed pipe’s intended temperature is only 75 °C after the heating system has been turned on. Therefore, the difference has an amplitude plus 55 degrees. Given the coefficient of thermal expansion mentioned above, our contour will get 8.25 mm longer every meter. This will already result in a 2.5 centimeter lengthening on a rather short straight segment of 3 meters, not to mention longer areas. However, this is getting really serious!

Several illustrations of the consequences of "penny savings" include the heating circuit’s use of non-articulated pipes.

The pipes that are exposed as a result flex, deform, and leap out of their clip mounts. Consequently, in this situation, the fittings’ threaded joints may become less tight, the tension in their walls increases, and the connecting nodes become overloaded. The system manifestly fails not only in terms of overall dependability but also in terms of aesthetics.

What would happen to these pipes if they were installed rigidly in the floor or walls? It is difficult to even fathom the extent of the internal tensions that exist within their walls. It is evident that such a heating circuit’s durability is unimportant.

However, the linear expansion coefficient in reinforced pipes is nearly five. The three-meter section will only be extended by 4.95 mm using the same source data, so it is no longer critical. Naturally, this does not mean that linear expansion on very long segments needs to be compensated for; however, the compensators themselves—loops or bellows—will require a lot less, and they can be positioned in their inaccessible locations.

Compensation for polypropylene pipes of the bellows type (on the left)and loop (on the left)

• In addition to high temperatures, the central heating system does not differ in the stability of pressure, since especially at the beginning of the test measures after the summer season, it usually arises in it uncontrolled leaps, up to powerful hydraulic pickers. Therefore, pipes should be resistant to baric overloads, and only products reinforced with aluminum or fiberglass have such qualities to a much greater extent.
• The life of pipes declared by the manufacturer should be comparable with the durability of other devices and elements included in the overall contour. And in this position, it is a clear advantage that reinforced polypropylene pipes possess.
• A good property of propylene is inertia to the aggressive environment of the coolant, since the material of the walls should not be subject to corrosion and destructive from the effects of various chemicals, the presence of which, alas, cannot be excluded in the central heating system.
• Perfectly even surfaces of the internal walls of polypropylene pipes make it possible to freely circulate the coolant along the heating contour.
• Polypropylene has the ability to drown out the sounds of the coolant circulation inside the system, which distinguishes it from traditional steel. Pipes reinforced with fiberglars have such a dignity in a more pronounced degree.

Marking of polypropylene pipes

Every single polypropylene pipe should have a letter-cypharic marking on its surface that identifies its primary functional, technical, and physical attributes. It is advised to thoroughly examine the markings when buying pipes in order to avoid selecting the incorrect option.

Consider the marking with the following example for clarity:

An illustration of labeling a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipe

A – The marking inscription usually starts with the material’s manufacturer’s name or logo. In any case, the businesses that are truly in charge of this production sector don’t think twice about sticking their name on every product. In that case, considering whether to buy such a product or whether it’s a cheap imitation should be warranted if the manufacturer was "reproached" and nothing of the sort is indicated in the marking.

B: The next acronym refers to the pipe’s structural makeup. Typically, these designations can be found here:

– PPR, a polypropylene pipe without any reinforcement within;

-PPR-FB-PPR-Fibreglass reinforced pipe;

-PPR/PPR-GF/PPR or PPR-GF: a composite material, such as fiberglass and polypropylene, reinforced pipe;

-PPR-PPR pipe with aluminum foil reinforcement.

-PP-RCT-PPR: This intricate acronym implies that the pipe is composed of multiple layers, each of which is composed of a distinct material. Thus, PPR is the outer layer, PP-RCT is the inner layer, which is modified polypropylene with enhanced thermostatic properties, and AL is the middle layer, which is aluminum foil.

The following designation, IN, refers to a type of pipe that primarily describes its operational features and potential areas of use. The numbers represent the system’s nominal working pressure (in bars or technical atmospheres):

-PN-10: These pipes can handle up to 10 bar of pressure and are intended for temperatures no higher than +45 degrees. As an exception, they can be used to install eyeliner to the warm floor’s contours while still maintaining the appropriate temperature regime.

The PN-16 products are intended for use with cold and hot water supplies that have a maximum temperature of +60 degrees and a maximum working pressure of 16 bar.

The most widely used option is PN-20, which is referred to as universal since it can be used for heating system contours as well as hot and cold water supply. This marking indicates that the pipe can withstand pressures up to 20 bar and temperatures up to 95 degrees.

PN-25 pipes are the strongest; they can withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures up to 25 bar. They are employed in riser installations, including those contours linked to the central heat supply, to install hot water and heating systems.

The following table lists the primary standard dimensional parameters for pipes based on this classification:

Ø nr, mm	PN -25		Pn -20		Pn -16		Pn -10
Ø VN, mm	TS, mm	Ø VN, mm	TS, mm	Ø VN, mm	TS, mm	Ø VN, mm	TS, mm
16	–	–	10.6	2.7	eleven.6	2.2	–	–
20	13.2	3.4	13.2	3.4	14.4	2.8	16.2	1.9
25	16.6	4.2	16.6	4.2	18	3.5	20.4	2.3
32	21.2	3	21.2	5.4	23	4.4	26	3
40	26.6	3.7	26.6	6.7	28.8	5.5	32.6	3.7
50	33.2	4.6	33.2	8.4	36.2	6.9	40.8	4.6
63	42	5.8	42	10.5	45.6	8.4	51.4	5.8
75	50	6.9	50	12.5	54.2	10.3	61.2	6.9
90	–	–	60	15	65	12.3	73.6	8.2
110	–	–	73.2	18.4	79.6	15.1	90	10
Ø nr – external pipe diameter
Ø V – The diameter of the inner channel of the pipe (conditional passage)
TS – Pipe wall thickness

G: The pipe’s exterior diameter and wall thickness, measured in millimeters, are the next indicators.

The recommended scope of this type of pipe is indicated by the class of operation (D), which is a parameter installed by GOST for pipes produced domestically.

Operating class of polypropylene pipes	Fluid temperature (working / maximum), ºC	The purpose of the pipes
HB	up to 20	Cold water supply systems+
1	60 /80	Hot water supply system with a maximum temperature of 60 ºC
2	70 /80	Hot water supply system with a maximum temperature of 70 ºC
3	40 /60	Floor heating systems with low -temperature operating mode
4	60 /70	Ground heating systems with high -temperature operating modes, classic heating systems with maximum coolant temperatures up to 60 ºC
5	80 /90	Heating systems with high temperatures, including with central heat supply

E: The parameter that follows indicates the highest pressure that the system is allowed to exceed and still support this pipe.

AND-The final letter in the digital designation must point to the GOST, ISO, or other regulatory document that specifies the standards by which these products are manufactured.

Once you know the pipe’s classification, you can determine how long it could operate for under the intended circumstances right away. This will benefit the subsequent table:

The temperature of the coolant, ºС	The estimated service life	Types of pipes
PN-25	PN-20	PN-16	PN-10
Maximum working pressure in the system (kgf/cm²)
20	10	33.9	21.7	21.7	13.5
	25	33	26.4	21.1	13.2
	50	32.3	25.9	20.7	12.9
thirty	10	9.3	23.5	18.8	eleven.7
	25	28.3	22.7	18.1	eleven.3
	50	27.7	22.1	17.7	eleven.1
40	10	25.3	20.3	16.2	10.1
	25	24.3	19.5	15.6	9.7
	50	23	18.4	14.7	9.2
50	10	21.7	23.5	17.3	13.9
	25	20	16	12.8	8
	50	18.3	14.7	eleven.7	7.3
60	10	18	14.4	eleven.5	7.2
	25	15.3	12.3	9.8	6.1
	50	13.7	10.9	8.7	5.5
70	10	13.3	10.7	8.5	5.3
	25	eleven.9	9.1	7.3	4.5
	thirty	eleven	8.8	7	4.4
	50	10.7	8.5	6.8	4.3
80	5	10.8	8.7	6.9	4.3
	10	9.8	7.9	6.3	3.9
	25	9.2	7.5	5.9	3.7
95	1	8.5	7.6	6.7	3.9
	5	6.1	5.4	4.4	2.8

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

The structure of polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement

As was already mentioned, the purpose of reinforcing polypropylene pipes is to make them resistant to high temperatures and baric loads while also significantly lowering the linear thermal expansion indicator. It is worthwhile to compare the key features of the pipes reinforced with fiberglass and aluminum in order to determine which option is preferable.

Which type of pipe reinforcement is better to buy, fiberglass or aluminum?

Polypropylene pipes were strengthened with fiberglass much later than with aluminum foil. The enhancing layer of products reinforced with this material is sandwiched between two layers of polypropylene, forming a three-layer structure.

Only fiberglass or composite materials made of fiberglass and polypropylene may be used to create "Armopias." Layers in any of these configurations have superb interlayer adhesion, nearly forming a monolithic structure.

It is even theoretically impossible for the walls of a qualitatively constructed pipe to stratify due to such a strong adhesion.

This is merely a plan for structure. However, break up the pipe’s wall design into layers since it is unlikely to work out in the long run.

Because the fiberglass effectively controls thermal expansion, pipes cannot sag and deform as a result of temperature increases.

There are several dimensional parameters available for the production of these reinforced polypropylene pipes. Therefore, products with a diameter of less than 17 mm are primarily used for installing "warm floor" systems; pipes with a diameter of 20 mm are ideal for hot water supply wiring inside homes; and pipes with a diameter of 20 to 32 mm (or more) are used for arranging heating system contours.

Welding is the primary method of joining polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement, though alternative methods of installation are occasionally used. Additionally, these pipes don’t need to be stripped, which saves a lot of time during welding, which makes the process much easier and faster. The lack of metal components in the construction of these pipes prevents the formation of rigidity salt seals, and the connections between every component of the heating system become entirely monolithic.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass and aluminum reinforcement PPR tube

• The first thing to say about that the coefficient of thermal expansion in pipes with aluminum and fiberglass reinforcement is almost the same, and is from 0.03 to 0.035 mm/m × ºС. Thus, both types, from this point of view, are equivalent.
• The fiberglass reinforcing layer closes the entire space between the outer and inner layer of polypropylene. Therefore, these pipes racks to ruptures are reliable and durable, and the estimated period of their operation is about 50 years. In pipes reinforced with aluminum, the strengthening layer has a welded seam (and sometimes, in inexpensive products, even just fitting foil edges are laid out), which makes them more vulnerable to elevated temperature and pressure.
• Pipe reinforced with fiberglars are a good antidiffusa layer that does not let oxygen to the coolant.

Diffusion will inevitably cause the heating system’s metal equipment, such as the boiler, pump, shut-off regulator, reinforcement, and other components, to corrode more quickly.

Because the foil layer in products reinforced with aluminum isn’t always continuous, there’s a greater chance that it will penetrate into the coolant. Furthermore, aluminum is extremely prone to oxygen corrosion.

• When installing pipes with fiberglass layer, the density and the strength of their compounds do not require regular control and maintenance. If products are installed, strengthened by aluminum, the reliability of the connection will depend on the quality of calibration and cleaning them before installation.

In actuality, pipes that have an aluminum reinforcing belt are made of glued walls. The process of wall stratification can start here if there is still a metal portion in contact with the coolant during the soldering process on the cut. And this will almost certainly result in bloating initially, followed by a pipe body breakthrough.

An increased vulnerability plot in aluminum foil-reinforced polypropylene pipes

Furthermore, this "Achilles heel" is not present in pipes reinforced with fiberglass, which have a structure that is nearly monolithic.

Yes, and it is getting easier and easier to weld pipes without stripping, particularly since these tasks don’t require the use of a special tool like a shaver.

• Pipe reinforced with fiberglars have good thermal insulation qualities, which minimizes thermal losses. In pipes, strengthened by aluminum foil, thermal conductivity is slightly higher.
• All materials used in the manufacture of polypropylene reinforced pipes for heating are non -toxic and do not distinguish harmful fumes both in cold form and when heated. This equally refers to both types of pipes.
• Resistance to chemical influences, which allows both types to withstand the “aggression” of low -quality coolant, is not at all.
• The temperature range, within which these types of pipes are normally operated, is from – 10 to +95 degrees. But even with a short -term increase in temperature above the indicated, the pipe can sag slightly, but there should not be damage to it.

We can determine that PN-20 and PN-25 pipes with diameters of 20 ÷ 25 mm are the best options to be installed in the heating system for the coolant to the radiators based on the characteristics of the considered data. However, the internal seam created during the soldering process may hinder the coolant’s free flow when smaller-diameter pipes are installed in the heating system.

Pipes with a minimum diameter of 32 mm are typically chosen for riser installation; smaller pipes may not allow the coolant to flow through them completely. Larger diameters, or the range of products displayed on the sale of products, can also be used on collector areas of the system.

You might be curious to know which pipes are better suited for heating.

Manufacturers of polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass

A brief summary of premium polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement, both domestically and internationally produced, that have received favorable evaluations from experts is included at the conclusion of the publication.

"Metak"

"Metak" is a Russian company that manufactures a range of polypropylene products for cold and hot water supply systems, including fiberglass-reinforced pipe sold under the "Metak Fiber" brand. Installing these products in heating systems with a lot of load is excellent.

The high caliber of Metak’s domestic pipes is evident.

The white-designed pipes have a maximum operating temperature of 95 degrees and are intended to operate at 25 bar with a destructive pressure of 50 bar.

Metak’s fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes and fittings are manufactured in compliance with GOST standards. These pipes are used for installing wiring systems, technological pipelines, warm floors, cold and hot water supply pipelines, and more. They come in a variety of diameters.

Every product, pipe, and required component is made strictly in compliance with GOST regulations.

The sizes of the pipes made by this company with fiberglass reinforcement are shown in this table. All products have the same length, which is 4000 mm.

External pipe diameter, mm	Inner diameter, mm	Wall thickness, mm
20	13.2	3.4
25	16.6	4.2
32	21.2	5.4
40	26.6	6.7
50	33.2	8.4
63	42	10.5
75	50	12.5

These products are excellent for multi-story buildings’ heating systems in apartments and country homes. Since all METATA products are manufactured using advanced machinery under the close supervision of trained professionals, they all meet all applicable national and international standards as well as the specifications set forth for them.

"FV plast"

FV Plast, a Czech company, specializes in the development and production of polypropylene pipes meant for use in heating systems, hot water supply systems, and cold drinking water systems via pressure water pipes. The company manufactures gray polypropylene pipes and fittings with layers of fiberglass and aluminum reinforcement.

Gray-colored product sample and company logo

One of the first companies to produce fiberglass-reinforced products was "FV Plast"; this product line is known as "Faser."

Pipes made of polypropylene Costs of FV Plast Polypropylene

reinforced polypropylene pipes FV Plast

Fiberglass-reinforced FV Plast Faser pipes:

• The operating temperature of the coolant – up to 80 degrees.
• Short -term temperature increase is allowed to 90 degrees.
• The working pressure of the system – 20 bar.
• Maximum acceptable pressure – 36 bar.
• The life of the products declared by the manufacturer is 25 ÷ 50 years.

Members of the "family," reinforced with "FV Plast Faser" fiberglass pipes.

Apart from the pipes, the company also sells all the parts that are required for them, so materials from a single manufacturer can be used to create complex heating contours with a guarantee of dependability.

"Kalde"

Leading Turkish producer of contemporary water supply and heating systems put together using PPR pipes and components is "Kalde." This company’s products stand out for their maximum protection against growths and pollution inside the pipes for the duration of their dependable, lightweight, comfortable, long-lasting, and affordable "Kalde" systems, which are also resistant to corrosion and chemical effects. produced in diameters ranging from 20 to 110 mm.

Excellent ratings are worthy of the goods produced under this Turkish brand.

"Kalde Fiber" is a three-layer pipe reinforced with fiberglass and composed of polypropylene on the outside white surface. It stands out for having exceptional heat resistance, as evidenced by the coolant’s upper limit of 95 degrees. The manufacturer guarantees a minimum service life of 50 years, even at this temperature in a pressure system not to exceed 10 bar.

Kalde’s polypropylene pipe prices

reinforced polypropylene pipes Kalde

Apart from the aforementioned, the company also manufactures various types of polypropylene pipes:

• PN10 and PN20 made of polypropylene, PPRC – Without internal reinforcement.
• PN20 and PN25 reinforced with aluminum foil – pipes for heating and heat supply, air conditioning systems and similar industrial use.
• Al-Super-polypropylene, reinforced in the middle layer of aluminum foil pipe, which does not require ending and cleaning.

The Kalde Company supplies a full range of coupling components and shut-off-regulating reinforcement with its pipes.

A wide range of Kalde components are available to accommodate various heating contours, including the most intricate ones.

"Banninger"

German manufacturer Banninger creates goods that are distinct in their genuine European quality and unquestionable dependability. The company manufactures polypropylene pipes as well as the full complement of parts required to install the hot and cold water supply and heating contours. The unusual "Banninger" green color of the polypropylene pipes is one of their distinguishing characteristics.

One authentically German quality is the assortment of Banninger.

Due to their high plastic content, products respond to temperature changes calmly. The specifications for polypropylene components are chosen with consideration for research on the material’s fatigue properties over a 50-year operating life at a constant temperature of 70 degrees and pressure of up to 10 bar.

An example of a Banninger WaterTec brand polypropylene pipe reinforced with fiberglass

The company offers polypropylene pipes both with and without an aluminum or fiberglass layer for reinforcement. Examples from the "WaterTec" and "Climatec" series are included in this article. By using them, the developed heating contour will offer assured signs of dependability and longevity.

Here is some information about selecting pipes for the water floor that may be of interest to you.

A few words in conclusion

Finally, the topic would like to advise against buying pipes from unidentified manufacturers who do not even list their company name on product labels. If you have a little extra cash, you can purchase a product that will be purchased at the worst possible time and won’t even last one heating season. In this case, the cost of repairing your apartment and perhaps one next door, as well as replacing the heating system’s pipes, will be far higher.

One more brief observation. "What information is the color of the reinforcing stratum pipe located in the wall?" is one of the most commonly asked questions. It’s easy to say no to that. The manufacturer chose the color of the reinforcement more on a "whim" to draw attention to their products in comparison to the surrounding area.

You won’t learn anything helpful from the color of the reinforcing belt or the thickness of the polypropylene pipe’s wall.

Most polypropylene pipes that are reinforced with fiberglass are made to withstand high temperatures by default. Hence, whether the "ring" is gray, blue, green, or red doesn’t matter; it will serve as reinforcement. The primary information can be found in the pipe’s alphanumeric marking and technical documentation, which you should, incidentally, familiarize yourself with in the store before selecting a material. The link will tell you more about a long-burning furnace.

Finally, view the video that is attached below to "consolidate" the knowledge that has been received regarding polypropylene pipes.

Video: Recommendations for the correct choice of polypropylene pipes

Information about how to select an electric boat for heating may be of interest to you.

Afanasyev Evgeny, Chief Editor

The publication’s author on October 14, 2016

Today’s consumers looking for cost-effective home heating options clearly favor polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass. Fiberglass strength combined with polypropylene durability makes these pipes a dependable and long-lasting choice for heating systems. Because of their light weight, installation is simple, and they can tolerate the rigors of heating applications because they are resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. Their smooth interior surface also reduces friction, which maximizes heat transfer throughout the system and minimizes energy loss. Homeowners can benefit from an economical and effective solution for heating their homes, guaranteeing comfort and warmth for years to come, with polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass.

Did I enjoy the article? Save to avoid losing!

Video on the topic

Installation of plastic pipes reinforced in the center

Easy stripping reinforced polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene pipe reinforced with fiberglass PN20 Roturplast Video Convings (Review) Anton

Welding polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass.

Polypropylene pipes. Which to choose better