Polypropylene pipes reinforced with glass fibre (PP-RCT FG) are gaining increasing recognition in water supply, heating and industrial installations. They are a modern solution that offers a number of benefits in terms of strength, durability and energy efficiency. Thanks to their exceptional technical properties, these pipes are often chosen for both central heating installations and technological installations, including cold water transport systems.
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PP pipes with glass fiber - what is worth knowing?
Glass fibre reinforced polypropylene pipes (PP-RCT FG) are characterised by a three-layer construction, in which the middle layer of glass fibre reinforces the entire pipe structure. The outer and inner layers contain pure polypropylene, which ensures corrosion resistance and good durability of the material. Thanks to this structure, PP pipes with glass fibre are characterised by high stiffness, resistance to high temperatures and limited thermal expansion. This makes them more dimensionally stable in central heating systems, where temperature changes can cause deformation in traditional materials.
These pipes are perfect for drinking and utility water installations, offering safety of use thanks to their chemical inertness. Additionally, in heating systems, their resistance to high temperatures and low thermal expansion make them an ideal choice for transporting water in central heating systems. Thanks to these features, glass fiber stabilized pipes effectively replace other materials, such as steel or copper, which may have limitations in long-term operation in heating and water installations. What's more, the use of these pipes in technological installations allows for the safe transport of chemicals. Here are the main types of PP pipes:
- PP-R pipes (homopolymer polypropylene),
- PP-RCT pipes (polypropylene random copolymer),
- PP-RCT FG pipes (reinforced with glass fiber),
- PP-B pipes (block polypropylene),
- PP-R pipes with reinforcement (glass fiber, aluminum),
- PP-C pipes (polypropylene copolymer).
What are PP pipes with glass fiber and what are their uses?
Thanks to its higher resistance to high temperatures, the PP pipe is able to withstand the working conditions in domestic hot water installations, where standard pipes may deform or lose strength. Importantly, fiberglass pipes are resistant to corrosion and chemicals, which increases their durability and makes them reliable in long-term use, compared to metal pipes. Thanks to the use of such pipes in water and central heating installations, heat losses are significantly reduced.
PP-RCT FG pipes are widely used in various types of installations. Thanks to their high resistance to high pressure and extreme temperatures, they are suitable for central heating installations, where the requirements for materials are very high. Their properties mean that they are also used in cold water installations, where dimensional stability and resistance to temperature changes are of key importance.
In turn, air conditioning and cooling systems appreciate their low thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient energy management. In addition, thanks to their resistance to chlorine, PP pipes reinforced with glass fiber are ideal for cold water installations in swimming pools and spas, where the water may come into contact with large amounts of chlorine.
How is PP pipes with glass fiber installed?
The assembly of PP pipes with glass fiber and gaskets is a relatively simple and quick process, thanks to the use of thermofusion welding technology. The pipe and fittings are cleaned and then cut to the appropriate lengths. The next step is to heat the ends of the pipes and fittings to the appropriate temperature, which allows for their effective connection by welding.
The installation containing welded pipes undergoes a joint tightness test, which ensures that all are safe and reliable. This assembly method allows for a quick and precise connection of PP pipes, minimizing the risk of errors during installation. Additionally, welding PP pipes with glass fiber facilitates installation in hard-to-reach places.
Vesbo is a brand that offers the Vesbo PPR system , Vesbo PPR pipes and a selection of fittings made of materials such as polypropylene (PP), which are used in various installations, including water supply, heating, industrial and technological. Vesbo PPR fittings and Vesbo PPR accessories are widely recognized for their high quality, durability and ease of installation.