PPR pipes, the name comes from its 1962 launch in France, which means ‘Plastic Pipe Revolvy.’ But since then, these pipes have been used around the world as these save costs on energy spending and also save installation costs due to being extremely lightweight. These pipes are made from polypropylene random copolymer plastic material. These are similar to those used in the manufacturing of water supply materials. But PPR pipes and fittings can be deployed for cold and hot drinking water and heating purposes.
Features of PPR Pipes
Here are some of the common features of PPR pipes:
- These pipes can also be installed or placed underground, which is made possible by their resistance to chemicals. Thus, they are extensively employed in the plumbing industry for their benefits, including energy efficiency.
- These have a long shelf life. They do not corrode and rust as a result of excellent manufacturing materials. It is one of the reasons they do not cause problems when installed under the ground.
- These are cheap and readily available due to high demand and supply.
- These hold their shapes, making it possible to avoid extra joints.
- These are not toxic and don’t hold on to toxic chemicals, making them the safest option for drinking water supply systems.
Uses of PPR Pipes
These pipes have many different use cases. These pipes can be used in the following applications:
- Sewage Systems
- Water Supply
- Heat Insulation
- Gas Supply
PPR Fittings
The everyday use of PPR fitting is in handling and transporting different liquids. They usually send liquids between other mediums, such as tanks, sails, drums, kegs, etc. Pumps commonly used with polypropylene tubing are diaphragm pumps, peristaltic (rubber) tube pumps, and plunger/piston pumps.
Uses of PPR Fittings
Following are some of the uses:
1. Management and distribution of compressed water, stream, and air. These generallyuse the pumps mentioned above to move liquids and gases through the pipelines at different pressure head conditions.
a). E.g. Cylinders employed by local shop owners having compressed air, such as auto parts and tire stores.
b) Water supply systems for transfer of hot and cold water at homes.
c). Farming functions on the field.
d). Companies making use of recycled water, such as the paper industry.
e). Large shopping malls have cooling towers.
f). Aquariums that deploy pumps to filter and circulate water.
2. Companies that need non-metallic piping accessories also make use of PPR fittings.
a). E.g. Dairy industry, where milk is transported through different stores and locations. These pipes are generally installed close to animal waterers or hose bibs. Thus PPR pipe gives the safety of no erosion and rusting.
3. To guarantee easy cleaning of difficult-to-reach regions around these valves without harming ceramic floors or porcelain fixtures, bathroom filling and flushes valve in commercial and residential buildings where stringent code compliance rules are being observed.
4. Systems for fire suppression need tubing made of a material similar to polypropylene to transport fluids or gases from containers to nozzles or sprinklers placed throughout the building.
5. PPR Pipe fittings are used in many large stadiums, shopping centres, theatres, resorts, and other locations where fire codes are strictly enforced due to the high occupancy rate during peak hours since they exceed UL criteria for this type of application.
6. PPR pipe fittings are also utilised by model makers who build various models, including radio-controlled vehicles (RC cars) and aeroplanes, to drive pumps or compressors necessary for tasks like creating customised tyres or fuel cells to run engines effectively.
Benefits of PPR Pipes and PPR Fittings
PPR pipes and fittings offer flexible, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant structures. Some of the expected benefits of using PPR pipe are:
Resistant to corrosion in the long term – THese pipes have a low corrosion rate in aqueous conditions or when subjected to ageing agents such as air oxygen and carbon dioxide. Their corrosion rate is between 10-1110-9mm/year, unlike a steel pipe, which erodes at around 10-610-5mm/year under normal circumstances. Products have good anticorrosive properties that allow them to outlast metal materials in the same environmental conditions.
Lightweight to use and install – Most plastics have a density lower than water’s, but PPR pipe material is half water thick. It makes PPR pipe fittings easier to use, handle and install during operations.
PPR pipes are flexible – PPR pipes and fittings can be wrapped or bent around the corners, making these easy to use and install.
Durable – They are durable and have a long shelf life and an overall life span. They resist long-term corrosion. Being lightweight doesn’t make them susceptible to break, and they can even stand bending and wrapping.
Conclusion
PPR pipes have long-term strength and durability, making them an easy option for various purposes. These are used in multiple industries instead of steel and PVC pipes. PPR fittings offer greater benefits than regular PVC pipes and can be wrapped and bent at different angles without causing damage to the pipes. PPR pipes and fittings are corrosion-resistant in the long term, and their lightweight material makes them easy to install and is frequently used in challenging locations, such as the underground.