PPR pipe is a straight, rigid cylindrical pipe made from polypropylene random copolymer plastic and produced through a continuous extrusion process. They are usually green or white in color and vary in outside diameter size from 20 mm to 110 mm, making the pipe wall much thicker than PVC. PPR pipes come with a range of fittings, parts and accessories for a variety of pipe diameters.
PPR pipe features
Low thermal conductivity
PPR has a low thermal conductivity, which means that temperature is not easily transferred from the external environment to the liquid inside the pipe, and vice versa. This factor reduces heat loss or heat gain during the transfer of hot or cold fluids, respectively, resulting in an energy-saving system and reduced insulation costs for PPR pipes.
Long life and durable
PPR piping systems remain functional for over long-term durability according to standards across a wide range of fluids and ambient operating temperatures. In addition, PPR pipes exhibit excellent durability in both hot and cold water systems. First, it can withstand the temperature and pressure strains of a hot water system.
At the same time, unlike other common types of plastic pipe, PPR pipe is structurally capable of withstanding impacts without any risk of cracking or breaking, even in cold weather installations.
Efficient inner surface
Compared with traditional types of pipes, the inner surface of PPR pipes is very smooth and the friction coefficient is very low. This reduces pressure losses during fluid transfer and distribution, further increasing the energy efficiency of PPR piping systems. Additionally, unlike metal pipes, PPR will not peel or scale, making it safer to use.
Chemical and mechanical durability
PPR has a very high resistance to abrasion from hard particles compared to traditional plastic piping systems. This is especially important in well water or industrial applications where the fluid being transferred may contain abrasive particles.
Additionally, unlike traditional metal pipes, PPR is inert to most electrolytes and chemicals over a wide temperature range. This electrolytic and chemical inertness allows PPR pipe to be used safely in situations with high water salinity (for example, in swimming pool applications using seawater) or even highly corrosive chemicals (for example, in industrial applications).
Ecological and economic efficiency
Because PPR pipes are lightweight, their transportation, handling and installation do not require a lot of energy consumption or physical labor. At the same time, they are very easy to cut, connect and use, making them more economically sustainable.
Additionally, joining PPR pipes and fittings is performed solely through heat and does not require any additional chemicals or materials. All of these factors help PPR reduce environmental impact and cost of use.
PPR pipe application
The durability, affordability and ecological advantages of PPR have led to its use in an increasingly diverse range of applications in recent years.
The most common PPR pipe applications include:
Hot and cold water pipes in residential, industrial and public facilities. Industrial pipes used to transport water, sanitary liquids, liquid foods, compressed air and corrosive chemicals. Strongly acidic or alkaline solutions. The central radiator of the building heats water, usually arranged in circular circulation pipes.