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PEX Pipe

Purpose and general characteristics of PEX pipe

Sep 23rd, 2010
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PEX pipes combine the best qualities of metal and plastic pipes and at the same time, deprived of most of their shortcomings. The unique properties of these tubes offer tremendous opportunities for their application in various fields of technology: in construction, shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, rail, etc.

PEX pipe designed to create a system of central and individual heating and water in residential, public, office and industrial buildings. Thanks to the plasticity and technical parameters are indispensable for repair and reconstruction. These pipes are used in systems like hot and cold water and central air conditioning, process piping and water systems, as well as for heating open areas and stair assemblies, stadiums, swimming pools, the soil in greenhouses and hothouses.
Proposed by Everhot manufacturing concept allows to solve all the problems installing heating and plumbing. PEX pipe easy to install (using a standard type fittings), easily bent and retain a curved shape. Metal pipes make it possible to do without repair systems are not less than 50 years. These pipes are absolutely not subject to corrosion, chemical and electrochemical treatment-wells do not become clogged, they do not form toxic oxides of water, as in copper pipes, rusty or dirty, as in steel (even stainless steel). Their hydraulic resistance is much lower than in other types of pipes, because of low roughness. Metal pipes do not produce and do not make noise, electrical safety. For their pads do not need welders, benders, sleeves, couplings, corners, etc. You will not see them sticking out of walls, they never have to change, paint, etc. And most importantly – they are perfect in terms of hygiene, regardless of life. Metal plastic pipe is a five-layer structure of three major and two tie layers. The inner layer of tubes made of crosslinked polyethylene (PE-Xc), extruded pellets of high strength polyethylene (HDPE).
Maximum operating temperature for this material 95 ° C, short-term thermal load up to 110 ° C. In polyethylene medium (MD) and low (LD) the strength of the maximum operating temperature below 70 ° C. On the surface layer of special glue, connecting polyethylene with aluminum. Company HENKO apply glue with a safety factor 55N/10 mm (standard: 15N/10 mm).
Aluminum layer is made of a special foil thickness 0,4 mm, with butt weld along the entire length. The quality of welding is controlled electronically. Aluminum layer has a tensile strength 80N/10 mm 2. Welding of aluminum butt can get a pipe with a perfectly circular cross section. The quality of the weld is checked every 1 / 10 mm. On the surface of aluminum applied another layer of special glue, which connects with the aluminum outer layer of plastic PE-Xc. The entire tube is sewn through the bombardment of electrons, both internal and external layers. Coefficient cshivaniya is 60-65%.
There are three ways to cross-linking of polyethylene:

* Chemical method of peroxide (PEX a);
* Chemical method by force of (PEX b);
* Physical way electron irradiation (PEX c).

At the same time to achieve the same quality of peroxide cross-linking percentage should be 70% silane – 65%, by electronic means – 60%.
Crosslinking of polyethylene is the formation of transverse and longitudinal links between the long polymer molecules under the influence of intense bombardment by electrons.
Made in this way the pipe used for sanitary purposes, does not require rinsing and can be used in contact with drinking water. Moreover, after the procedure matching PEX pipe RE-Hs/Al/RE-Hs acquire additional properties:

* High strength;
* Thermostability;
* Resistance to multiple, sudden changes in pressure and temperature;
* Not being an absolute corrosion; exceptional plasticity;
* Maintaining a stable shape under bending;
* One hundred percent oxygen and water resistance.

Pex Pipes Spacing and Pressure Reducers

Sep 22nd, 2010
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The PEX pipes installation is different from the copper tubes. For every 100 feet the PEX pipes will contract with a 10-degree change in temperature.   The PEX pipes during installation must have enough spacing when expansion or contraction occurs within the pipes. In addition, a PEX pipe is useful in the connection of supports, fixtures and manifolds.
The advantage of the PEX pipes is that they are strong and can withstand and resist extreme temperatures without any damages.
Pressure test kit
The radiant heat manifold is the point where the kit is connected. This allows one to check the pressure drop or rise in the PEX pipes during and after installation. When there is a problem it is indicated by a pressure drop within the system. The kit comes ready for use and all one does is to connect it to shut off valve on the manifold. After close the other valve and test the pressure of the system. At thirty minutes the typical air testing pressure is between 60 -100psi.
Each kit for the pressure test has:

  • A manifold that is Chrome plated. In addition the manifold has an air valve
  • One ¾” x 1 bushing that connects to the manifold valve for shut off and one ¾” brass nipple.
  • One 100psi pressure gauge (steel case w/ shatter proof face)

When conducting the pressure test you should always use eye protection and safe installation practices. In concrete installation of the PEX pipes determine the circuits that are needed and the pipe coil that will be used. Later test the pressure within the pipes before you pour the concrete. This done with a test gauge and incase there is damage within the pipes the pressure will go down.
Use of PEX rails makes installation of the pipes that much easier and they are put in place first before the pipes are snapped to them. With the even PEX pipe spacing, one is able to achieve heat distribution that is much better in comparison with other fasteners.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the pressure kits. Never compress gas when testing for pressure as any damage to the PEX piping means the gas will explode and result in a catastrophic situation. Ensure the test kit is in good working condition at all times. Replace with another when faulty, as they are cost effective.

Doing a shift from Galvanized pipe to PEX pipes

Sep 18th, 2010
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It may be surprising why one will want to make a shift from the galvanized pipe to the PEX plumbing tubes. Well, probably the answer lies within a clogging in the pipes of your house. The reason why pipes get galvanized is because the coating in the galvanized area provides a certain protection of the metal from rust. The question still remains on how long this coating does last. More often than not we do come across some form of corrosion in the pipes, an evidence that these galvanized pipes do not really last as long as they should. Besides, some form of calcium starts building over inner surfaces of pipes, due to zinc galvanization, and causes clogging up of the pipe, making the whole system ineffective. Another reason why it is disadvantageous to use galvanized piping over PEX pipes is that they form certain types of corrosion with copper, if the union is not dielectric.

Replacing Galvanized Pipes with PEX Tubing

This might compel to change your system from what is in use to another form. Some of the steps that will be required to take are included below.

Step 1: Make sure all the water is well drained. Probably have to go to your building’s main supply in order to do this. Shut off all the water since it will definitely interfere with the replacement process.

Step 2: Remove the galvanized pipes that need replacement. This can be done by the use of hacksaws, tube cutters and band saws, according to the type of binding that was done on them.

Step 3: There is a threading transition that needs to be installed before fixing the PEX plumbing pipes. These transitions are those that make it possible to combine these two materials into to form one system. Depending on the PEX pipe used and its size, dielectric union should be necessary at this stage.

Step 4: It is now possible to connect the PEX plumbing tube with the fitting that has been provided. On doing this, make sure that accuracy is preserved. This is because it is quite a soft material, despite its durability and its tough plastic nature.

Step 5: Some tests to your replacements are mandatory at this stage, in order to verify whether the replacement does not leave any leaks. The pressure test is most accurate and will give us the best indicator.

Steps to which you are to calculate heat load

Sep 15th, 2010
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There are steps that are obviously taken before one gets himself to fix a Electric Heating Systems in his house. The dimensions of the house will mainly govern the amount of heating from the system that is required in order to make radiation of the room effective through the PEX pipe. For us to comfortably make the necessary calculations, the plan of each room must come into the picture. This is necessary since it can provide the wall, ceiling, and window dimensions of the room. It is conventionally better to start the whole process by taking the measurements of the windows and doors too a room that we have narrowed down to. There is a five step tutorial that is needed to calculate the amount of heat needed by the PEX pipe:

Step 1: Calculation of delta T:

Delta T is conventionally known as the difference between the temperature of the indoor room T1, and the outdoor room T2. In most cases, a room made of the common materials, assuming windows and doors are closed ranges between 65-75F. In design, the outdoor temperatures are usually lower. The indoor design temperatures are usually constant, with figures very well known by the local utility companies near you. Just give them a call.  If for example T1is 71F and the consequent T2 is at -5F, then the values of delta T is calculated as
Delta T= T1-T2, therefore will be 71F- (-5F) =76F. Of course one needs to be careful of the double minus sign that appears between the variables.

Step 2: Calculating the surface area:

Surface area calculation is not so hard. The most important thing to consider in this case is that the window’s and the door’s surface areas are to be eliminated, owing to the fact that their heat loss rates are a bit different from the other areas. For this reason,

Wall area= Total height* total width- (Door surface area+ Window surface area)

We all know that surface area= Height (H)* width (W)

Step 3: Calculating U value:

In calculating this the formula for the U value will be given by,

U= 1/R value U- value

Step 4: Calculating total surface heat loss:

Surface heat loss= U value* wall area* delta T

Step 5: Calculating heat loss for the wall:

The simple way of achieving this is by summing up all the heat lost through different surfaces of that room. That is: Wall, window, door, and ceiling. Air infiltration through places like ventilation should be considered, where

Air infiltration= room volume* delta T*air change per hour* 0.018.

This is the general formula.

PEX Plumbing Supports That Are Used In Radiant Heat Installation

Sep 15th, 2010
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PEX plumbing is what to expect in the future of the plumbing industry. In radiant heat installation, we have to keep in mind the PEX fittings, plumbing tubing, the installation accessories and any other plumbing package that is available including the supports.

PVC, plastic and metal bend supports for radiant heat installation, allow easier turns with the PEX plumbing tubes. The PVC Bend Support used in plumbing specifically for radiant heat installations.
The plastic bends are for indoor plumbing on ceilings and walls. The plastics bend are light and do not cause an increase of stress in the PEX plumbing tubes. The drop ear used allows you to make an attachment on any surface and provides the support needed in plumbing installations.

The PEX plumbing steel band supports are manufactured from corrosion resistant galvanized steel. In plumbing, they are used for attaching the PEX plumbing tubes to concrete slabs. This is to enable them provide a very smooth 90 degree turn when needed. The plumbing steel supports are usually much heavier than those made of plastic are. They add weight to the PEX plumbing tubes and prevent the tubes from floating.
In the radiant heat installation the PEX lock clips are double clips and allow secure installation of FostaPEX and ViegaPEX plumbing tubes. The use of these in PEX plumbing a fastener can allow very neat installation of many multiple lines. They are very compatible with PEX compression press push fit.

The half an inch plastic bend for PEX plumbing is relatively cheap and is a good support for the plumbing tubes. It is also compatible with the PEX Compression press (Viega) push fit (Sharkbite)
PEX manifolds are very important. The number of circuits determines the number of radiant heat manifolds required. Always have enough space on the PEX pipes where fixtures and manifolds are connected.  With PEX pipes connections to the fixtures from the manifold are direct.

The suppliers of the supports that are useful in the plumbing radiant heat installation have a large stock available for very competitive prices. In the PEX plumbing websites of the companies, you will find catalogs that give more information on these fixtures.  If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact the representatives of the plumbing industry and get more details. Always go for the best and also the most experienced.

http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/category/pex-plumbing

PEX Pipes – An Outstanding Material for Plumbing

Sep 10th, 2010
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The PEX Pipes, also known as cross linked polyethylene pipes are tubing which are utilized in distinct plumbing applications. These are strongly crafted units which have been crafted by experts under heavy vigorous conditions. Tiny molecules of polyethylene are compacted together to create powerful bridges which form the basic internal structure of these pipes. The end product thus received, is highly durable, powerful and free from various sorts of chemical attacks both from air and water.

PEX Pipe vs. Copper Pipe – which is better?

Developed in 1960s, the PEX pipes are fit for varied applicability. They are ideal to be used in cold and hot water supply conditions. Since, a flexible structure is provided by them, so they are used for radiant floor heating applications as well as electrical plumbing. Not only this, it is also perfect to be brought in use for ice rinks, cooling refrigerants, snow melting and underground water supply. This makes one single product beneficial for diverse applicability which is good not only for constructers but for house owners as well. The strength at temperatures provided by this product ranges from below freezing level to 200 degree Fahrenheit.

The flexibility of PEX pipe make it useful for under slab constructions. It can be easily supplied in coils while installations can be extended in length without incorporating much connections and joints. This not only makes the installation simpler but also prevents further occurrence of leakages and breakages. Other than this, it is an ideal plumbing unit for underground cold water supply systems. This is because it can comfortably withstand even highest level of temperatures without any outer support. This applicability of PEX has been certified by AWWA C904 which recommends it to be used in all sorts of rigid and tough applications.

Insulating PEX Pipe for Plumbing Applications

Since, it is easy to install PEX tube, so it reduces the cost of labor required for its installation. This further reduces the cost to the owner. In addition to this, the water once heated in PEX pipes, remains as it is for long time. This saves the amount of power bills which occur due to continuous heating of water. Such mechanism makes these tubing suitable for use in both kitchen and bathroom.

How to prevent water from freezing inside the PEX pipes?

These are finest units which possess amazing durability and adaptability. It is compatible with varied installation systems and requires only few joints. Best fact is that these pipes are free from chlorination, corrosion and scaling.

The PEX tubing and pipes are without doubt, finest units for indoor and buried water plumbing applicability.

PEX pipes versus Copper Pipes

Sep 9th, 2010
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You probably might have or might not have come across this word “PEX pipe” before. You probably even have idea about its relationship with the copper pipe under your housing. Well, that’s ok! This is an article that will give you some insight about this whole plumbing material, and how it can compare with the normal piping in your house.

PEX pipe

As mentioned earlier, you probably have no idea what this is but from the context, you probably figure that it is some piping material, just like copper piping. You are right! Unlike copper, it is a flexible polyethylene material that in its manufacturing undergoes extreme temperatures, making it more durable than your normal plastic material. It has the ability of withholding extreme temperatures, extreme creep deformation and any effects of acidity or alkalis present in the water that’s in the pipe. It is exceptionally beneficial to areas where the temperatures go to as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. These simple, yet fundamental qualities make this material the ideal one for plumbing.

Some of the advantages that the material displays are that:

It can comfortably be used with both warn temperatures and  cold temperatures
It is easy to use this material when plumbing due to its flexibility.
Its burst resistance is quite high since it has some elastic capacity.
Repairing the piping system is quite easy since it is has a short off valve in the supply line.

Some of its disadvantages are:

It cannot be used outside. Ultra violet rays affect its characteristics.
It cannot be recycled due to the fact that it has a shorter life than copper
Its membrane might be permeable in some cases. This exposes the water to some possibility of contamination.
From these disadvantages, one can definitely see the advantages copper piping has over PEX pipes. Most of the disadvantages of PEX are the advantages copper piping has over the same.

Some of copper’s other advantages are:

Copper pipe

It has extra ordinary durability. Its lifespan goes way beyond that of PEX pipes. When it comes to natural disaster, it is safer to use copper than PEX. It is also resistant to corrosion more so than other metals.  Copper is not toxic. PEX piping can have the possibility of releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere when some reactions take place. Copper, unlike PEX is more stable. It does not release these toxins.

PEX pipe performance and quality at affordable prices

Aug 27th, 2010
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Production of PEX pipes is well established not only overseas but also in U.S. Therefore, the attention of the consumer a wide choice of PEX pipe performance and quality at affordable prices.

How to prevent water from freezing inside the PEX pipes?
In other words, PEX pipes and their varieties are increasingly replacing old metal pipes. And such a replacement is very beneficial both in terms of financial and health care. For hi-tech polypropylene pipes, absolutely harmless and non toxic.

That is why it is good to use pipes made of polymer materials for hot and cold water. In addition, the use of polypropylene tubes are much safer for humans than the use of metal pipes, which over time accumulate inside the layers of rust, sludge and other accumulations, were formed because of certain contaminants in water.

Also, many people probably noticed that the water is often carried out through metal pipes has a specific smell and flavor that exclude the PP tube. So do not be afraid to change their old metal pipes to pipes of polymer materials.

Types of pipe for best PEX plumbing

Aug 26th, 2010
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PEX plumbing insulation

Some types of pipes can be used for sewer taps in residential and nonresidential buildings. In addition, a certain type of PEX pipes are used in enterprises for the filing of technical liquids, flammable and combustible mixtures and so on.

In a variety of pipes made of polymer materials are also included and metal pipes, which are multi-layer structure, which in turn are connected by layers of metal and plastic. Typically, the internal layer of such a tube is a thin aluminum tube, no thicker than two millimeters, and is already above the pipe is covered with more than impressive with a layer of cross-linked polyethylene.

This method allows us to manufacture pipe made of metal-several times more durable, resistant to all sorts of influences. There are also different variants of layers – can be used three-layer technology execution pipes – metal, with two sides surrounded by plastic.

In addition, pipes made of metal-can be performed in more than three-layer version. Each of these kinds of pipes made of metal-designed for different applications, depending on requirements engineering, construction and other standards.

Application of PEX pipes

Aug 25th, 2010
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Thus, the most important quality characteristics of PEX pipes:

  • Ease of installation;
  • Ecology;
  • Long service life;
  • Great warranty.
  • Re-plumbing

For different applications use different PP tubes in appearance, durability and other parameters. PEX pipes, as well as PVC pipe can be used in any life support systems.

PEX pipes and PEX pipes and other pipes of polymeric materials have been used successfully for the hot and cold water in heating systems.

Plumbing tools parts

Installation of PEX pipes

Aug 24th, 2010
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Thus, having decided to replace old metal pipes in his apartment, office or enterprise, you should not worry that this process takes too much time and leaves behind a lot of dirt and debris. This is not true.
How do I know if PEX pipe is allowed by code in my area?

Technology mounting PEX pipes is very simple and the only thing that can bring discomfort and leave litter – is trimmed with old metal pipes. However, deciding once put in his apartment or any other premises PEX pipe or PEX pipes, which are very similar, you’ll forget about problems with the pipes for a long time.

Mounting PEX pipe costs, usually without the huge costs, as both the manufacturing material is more or less available to ordinary consumers, and work on their installation is less time consuming.

To connect the PEX pipes in the ground folds used polypropylene fittings, which have the same quality characteristics as the PP tube. In addition, they are suitable for the material structure of production, making them the most reliable grip during soldering.

Installation of the PEX pipes

Aug 17th, 2010
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Installation of the pipes PEX implemented in detachable and detachable versions. Demountable connections are made with brass fittings (couplings, angles, nipples, tees) with sealing devices in the form of captive nuts, collet devices, etc.

Permanent connection made by means of fittings and couplings compresses. The connection is sealed with gentle hand-pressing machine. Note that a reliable and durable connection can be achieved using only the fittings, especially the manufacturers of pipes.

Pipes PEX because of its plasticity not hold the shape and need fixing with clamps, they can also zamonolichivatsya in design (in this case is allowed only permanent connection pipes).

In the case of PEX pipes of great length appropriate to include them in a protective casing. In this case, their thermal expansion can be compensated by deformation of the pipe in the casing.

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