PE pipes, made of plastic - polyethylene, are the most commonly used piping during the construction of water installations. There are various types of PE pipes to choose from. There are two main types: PE 80 and PE 100. The PE pipe has unique physicochemical properties, which allows for its versatile use. Where exactly are polyethylene pipes used? What thickness should their walls have? And how should PE pipes be connected to ensure effective transport of water or another medium in the installation? All these questions are answered by an expert from the Onninen plumbing wholesaler. We invite you to read!
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Application of PE pipes
Polyethylene is a modern construction material obtained in the process of ethylene polymerization. It determines the unique properties and thus the numerous advantages and very wide range of applications of PE pipes. They are:
- light – much lighter not only than steel and cast iron pipes, but also than those made of other plastics, e.g. PVC;
- easy and quick to install – efficient connection of PE pipes is possible thanks to quick clamp connectors;
- resistant to abrasion, corrosion and chemicals – they are resistant to most chemical compounds;
- resistant to high and low temperatures - they can work in virtually all conditions, even down to -25 °C;
- easy to maintain - they do not attract dirt, sediment, bacteria and fungi, so they do not require any maintenance;
- flexible – effectively dampen water hammer waves (impacts often occur at the installation stage);
- durable – they ensure high strength of connections even in difficult environmental conditions, their service life is up to 50 years;
- neutral for nature – they are non-toxic, do not cause environmental pollution, and are recyclable after use;
- compatible – suitable for connection with elements made of other materials using fittings and connectors.
PE pipe is commonly used in the construction of water and sewage systems and irrigation systems. The transported medium can be not only drinking water, but also sewage or chemicals. PE pipes are also used to build gas and technological installations. They co-create installations inside the building and are suitable for outdoor installations. They are able to survive in the soil for many years. It is necessary to distinguish a PE pipe from a PEX type pipe, which is made of cross-linked polyethylene. PE-X pipes are very durable and resistant to extreme temperatures, which is why they are ideal for central heating and domestic hot water installations.
What wall thickness should a PE pipe have?
When selecting PE pipes for an engineering project, it is important to pay attention to their geometric dimensions, i.e. diameters and wall thicknesses. The pipe's resistance to internal pressure or external loads depends on the diameter and wall thickness. Manufacturers often provide the SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) value for their solutions, which specifies the ratio of the pipe's outer diameter to the wall thickness. It is worth remembering that the higher the wall thickness, the greater the product's strength, but also the smaller the clearance.
If you need PE pipes and fittings with extremely high load resistance, be sure to consult your choice with a specialist.
Solid connection of PE pipes
Various methods are used to connect PE pipes. Due to the thermoplastic properties of the material, welding is often used – electrofusion, butt or polyfusion. This method provides uniform and durable connections, independent of ground movements. Electrofusion welding uses a welder and PE electrofusion fittings with heating elements. Finally, the fitting is fused to the pipe. Butt welding is used to connect pipes and fittings of large diameters. Polyfusion welding, on the other hand, requires the use of a welder with a sleeve and polyfusion mandrel. The heated ends of the elements are pressed into each other.
The elements of the installation can also be connected using the compression technique, using a compression PE fitting. The connections created are relatively easy to dismantle. PE water pipes, characterized by small diameters, are suitable for screwing using screwed fittings, without the need for specialist tools. This is a simple method, resulting in a detachable connection.
The connection of a PE gas connection with an installation made of another material is provided by threaded transition connectors. On the other hand, the connection of PEX pipes (cross-linked polyethylene) is usually based on compression fittings. The method requires an automated device - a crimper.
PE pipes in the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen hydraulic wholesaler you will find PE pipes carefully selected for their strength and variety of applications. These are modern, solid elements, the quality of which translates into the durability and functionality of the water installation being performed. We cooperate with the most valued manufacturers and suppliers on the market, such as Geberit , Ingremio , Kaczmarek , KAN-therm and Kopos . We offer PE pipes with many different diameters, wall thicknesses and properties. Both the PE 32 pipe and the PE 25 pipe are available in the permanent assortment.
Too much choice? Contact us! At Onninen we not only sell, but also help customers choose the optimal solutions for standard and non-standard installation projects. Do you install or sell plastic pipe systems? Ask about our special offer for professionals.