The ability to assemble pipelines on your own is a definite plus of polypropylene products. Using convenient and lightweight material, you can build a sewer with your own hands, repair and modernize the water supply.
The main thing is to understand the specifics of connecting prefabricated elements to each other. Agree, this is an important part of the work, responsible for the tightness of the line and its trouble-free operation.
We offer you detailed information on how soldering is done. polypropylene pipes, what equipment is used in the work, and also list the most common mistakes of novice welders.
The information we offer will help to build trouble-free communications. For visual perception, the article is supplemented with graphic applications and a video guide.
The soldering process is carried out due to the pronounced thermoplastic properties of the material. Polypropylene softens when heated - it acquires a state similar to plasticine.
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This is what a soldering iron ("iron") for polypropylene pipes looks like. uncomplicated electrical device, semi-automatic, thanks to which plastic soldering is done
For butt welding, the designs of soldering irons differ increased complexity. Usually, such equipment includes not only a heating element, but also a system for centering the parts to be welded.
As a rule, direct welding equipment, like the technology itself, is rarely used in the domestic sector. The priority of use is industry.
More complex device, with the help of which the exact centering of the parts to be welded is performed with a further heating and soldering process. Used with direct welding technology
In addition to soldering irons, the master will also need:
- scissors - ;
- roulette construction;
- locksmith's square;
- shaver for pipes with reinforcement;
- marker or pencil;
- surface degreaser.
Since the work is carried out on high-temperature equipment, be sure to wear thick work gloves.
Polypropylene Welding Procedure
Important warning! Welding work polymer materials should be carried out in a well ventilated area. During heating and melting of polymers, toxic substances are released, which in a certain concentration have a serious impact on human health.
The procedure for welding polypropylene is simple, but requires accuracy and accuracy in work. Common mistakes should also be avoided, such as insufficient or excessive heating.
First of all, you need to prepare for work:
- Install blanks of the required diameter on the heater plateau.
- Set the regulator to 260ºС.
- Prepare mating parts - mark, chamfer, degrease.
- Turn on the soldering station.
- Wait for a set operating temperature– turning on the green indicator.
The mating parts (pipe - coupling) should be simultaneously placed on the blanks of the soldering station. In this case, the polypropylene pipe is mounted in the inner region of one blank, and the coupling (or socket of the fitting) on the outer surface of the other blank.
Usually, the ends of the pipe are inserted along the border of the previously marked line, and the coupling is pushed all the way. When keeping polypropylene parts on heated blanks, you should remember about important nuance technology - exposure time.
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Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Professionals always have something to learn. How to work with polypropylene can be seen in the following video:
Mounting pipelines made of polymers by soldering them “hot” is a convenient and popular technique. It is successfully used in the conditions of installation of communications, including at the household level.
People without experience can use this welding method. The main thing is to correctly understand the technology and ensure its exact execution. BUT technological equipment can be bought or rented.
Do you have experience in soldering polypropylene pipes? Please share information with our readers. You can leave comments and ask questions on the topic in the form below.
Polypropylene pipes in the cold water supply system will last 50 years, and in pipelines hot water- at least 25 years old. How to connect polypropylene pipes to each other or to a metal pipeline? You will find the answer to these questions in our article. Do not forget that when you are going to make a replacement water pipes hot or cold supply on your own, you must not only choose a docking method, but stock up on the right tool.
Connection methods
- Butt welding.
- Socket connection.
- With fittings.
When choosing a connection method, it must be remembered that welded pipelines cannot be dismantled.
Butt welding
Butt welding is used to connect pipes with a diameter of more than 50 mm. In this case, a professional welding machine is used.
How to properly connect polypropylene pipes with a diameter of less than 50 mm? A tool is used - a soldering iron for connecting plastic pipes (the so-called "iron").
Technological process for "ironing":
- Pipe preparation - cutting "to size", cleaning the ends, marking the immersion depth with a marker.
- Heating the soldering iron to a soldering temperature of 260-270 ° C.
- Pipes and connecting parts are put on the nozzles of the soldering iron strictly perpendicular.
- Time delay for the melt.
Heating parts on a soldering iron
- Elements and pipes are removed from the nozzles and connected to each other with light pressure, without twisting. It must be borne in mind that the size of the seam depends on the squeezing force. When brazing pipes of small diameter, it is important that the tubercle of the seam does not block the internal passage of the pipe. Excessive heating, which significantly impairs the quality of the seam, should also be avoided.
In order to “catch” the exposure time and the squeezing force, it is necessary to practice on pipe cuts, this will avoid marriage during the main work.
- Cooldown timeout.
Socket connection
For joining pipes with a diameter of less than 40 mm, socket soldering is used. For connection, a welding machine with special nozzles and centering device.
Stages of work:
- cutting the pipe using special scissors;
- end cleaning;
- heating the device to the desired temperature;
- welding (the operation must be performed quickly to avoid deformation);
- fixation of elements, excluding mechanical loads.
The quality of each joint should be checked immediately after the cooling time.
The socket connection can also be made in a cold way with the help of glue. With this type of connection, it is necessary to make a preliminary “fitting” - checking how the pipe enters the fitting. If the entry is too loose, the connection will not be tight, and if it is too tight, the pipe will move the adhesive layer when it enters. When pre-fitting, you need to mark the parts to be connected with a single line.
Performing work step by step:
- cutting;
- sweep;
- degreasing with a cleaner;
- application of glue (abundantly on the outer part of the pipe, on inner part connecting element with a thin layer);
- connection (the pipe is rotated when inserted into the fitting to evenly distribute the glue);
- removal of excess glue;
- holding time for the glue to harden.
With fittings
Another "cold" way of docking is with the use of fittings. The tool is a crimping wrench that comes with the fittings.
Docking of plastic and metal pipes
You can connect polypropylene pipes with metal pipes using fittings. This type of connection allows you to connect heating devices, water-folding equipment, switch to pipes of other diameters or from other materials.
Types of fittings:
- press fittings;
- crimp;
- push fittings.
When working with pipes with a diameter of more than 40 mm, the threaded connection is placed on the metal part of the pipeline.
The connection of polypropylene pipes with metal ones using special adapters greatly simplifies the work.
You can connect a metal-plastic pipe with a polypropylene pipe with a compression fitting.
After carrying out work on connecting pipes and fittings, it is necessary to check the pipeline for tightness. Water is supplied to the system and each connection is checked for leakage. If necessary, seal the joints or tighten the threaded connections. In the case of hot water supply, check the system by supplying hot water.
With polypropylene, it is important to know that High Quality when carrying out such work, it can be achieved only when the wall thickness of the products is taken into account. Modern technologies allow you to create quite durable and reliable communications from such pipes. They are not subject to corrosion processes, therefore they are so widespread. Such manipulations can be carried out in one of several ways, however, work can be classified into two categories:
- soldering method;
- fittings.
Connection methods
If you decide to find out how to connect a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, you need to figure out the methods. For example, thin-walled pipes can be threaded. If you need to equip a cold water supply system, the temperature of the medium in which does not exceed +20 ° C, then you should use products marked PN 10. The same applies to laying work warm floors where the temperature does not exceed +45 °C.
If it is necessary to arrange a cold water supply system that will be transported when high blood pressure, pipes marked PN 16 should be used. This recommendation is relevant for pipelines with reduced pressure. Most quality option connection is welding, it can be used for PN 20 pipes, which are able to withstand temperatures up to +80 °C. They have thicker walls compared to the previous ones.
The same connection method is also suitable for PN 25 reinforced pipes. aluminum foil, which are designed for systems central heating and hot water. Pipes with this marking will be able to withstand temperatures up to +95 ° C. Connections may be permanent when welding is used; as well as detachable, in this case a thread is used.
Threaded connection
Before connecting a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, you need to figure out which method is best to use. For example, for a threaded connection, you need to prepare threaded fittings, because you cannot thread threads on polypropylene products. The connection is carried out using a special tape, which will make the joint strong and reliable.
Used fittings
If you decide to use threaded connection then you will need:
- solder couplings;
- triple square;
- crosses combined;
- couplings;
- 90° elbows;
- combined squares;
- ball valves;
- soldering squares at 45 °;
- plugs;
- adapter with external thread;
- water outlet;
- fittings made of polypropylene with factory thread.
Welded connection
If you are thinking about how to connect a polypropylene pipe with a polypropylene one, then you can use the welded method. However, it is important to consider that the connection will be one-piece. When melting, the molecules of one part move to another, diffusion occurs. From heating by welding electric apparatus parts are organically interconnected, because they have the same chemical composition.
To carry out work, prepare:
- soldering iron;
- apparatus for welding;
- polypropylene fittings and pipes;
In addition to the listed tools and materials, you should prepare a hacksaw or scissors for metal, a tape measure, couplings like taps, corners and pipes. It is important to stock up on fum tape. As for the apparatus for welding, it will consist of heating element and welding nozzles, the diameter of which varies from 16 to 40 mm.
As soon as the indicator goes out, you can start working, because this will be a signal that the desired temperature of 260 ° C has been reached. This will take approximately 15 minutes. If noted subzero temperature environment, then welding work must be abandoned. If it is necessary to weld pipes with a diameter of 60 mm, the socket welding method should be used. For a more impressive diameter, butt welding is suitable, which does not involve the use of additional parts.
For pipes whose diameter varies from 16 to 50 millimeters, a hand soldering iron should be used. More impressive diameters will be connected by a mechanical welding machine. The ends of the pipes should be well heated with removable sleeves, then it remains only to press the elements together, applying little effort. This effect should last a few seconds.
Electrofusion welding acts as a more good option compared to the previous method, because the process is controlled by the program. The quality of the joint will be higher, and the need for fixation will disappear. Devices with electrodes are used to supply voltage to the heater inside the sleeve.
Before connecting two polypropylene pipes using the socket method, it is necessary to cut the products at a right angle.
Next, the master should put a mark on the depth of the socket, to which 2 mm should be added. The connection of products begins with heating with a special device. After the parts are connected to each other. And if polypropylene has an aluminum layer, then the connection can be made through perforated holes. This allows you to significantly increase the strength of the pipe marked PN 25.
Use of butt welding
Before connecting polypropylene pipes to each other, you should think about which method is best to use. Butt welding may be suitable, which will allow you to connect pipes together for outdoor sewerage. This approach is relevant if the pipe wall thickness exceeds 4 mm.
At the first stage, the welding spots should be trimmed to parallelism. After that, it is necessary to carry out heating and ensure accuracy with a centering device. Welding should be accompanied by ventilation of the room, because polypropylene emits carbon dioxide and water vapor, as well as smokes.
Connection without soldering
Quite often, novice home craftsmen are wondering how to connect polypropylene pipes without soldering. For this, fittings made of the same material as the pipes are usually used. If the heating system contains fiberglass reinforced highways, then other types of products will not work.
You should stock up on polypropylene fittings that are reinforced with fiberglass. An exception is the case when there is a need to combine polypropylene with another material. In this case, threaded elements are used, for example, "American". Before connecting polypropylene pipes without a soldering iron, you should ask what fittings can be found on sale for arranging water supply and heating systems, among them:
- Y-shaped;
- straight;
- T-shaped.
It is necessary to use these elements, taking into account the method of application and position. By type of connection, there are several varieties shaped products, namely:
- compression (crimp);
- welded.
Compression fittings made of polypropylene are supplied in ready-made, there is no need to collect them additionally. Compression fittings have advantages over welded fittings. They consist in:
- ease and simplicity of installation;
- no need to use welding equipment;
- installation possibilities polypropylene fittings under any weather conditions, because they are not afraid of negative temperatures;
- no need for the master to have special skills in installing compression fittings.
If you are thinking about the question of how to connect polypropylene pipes at home using fittings, then you should familiarize yourself with the technology. At the first stage, prepare construction tools, namely:
- gas and adjustable wrenches;
- screwdrivers;
- open-end wrenches;
- sealant;
- special scissors;
- pipe cutter;
- beveler;
- caliber.
You can think about the location of the pipes, which can be in the wall or on top of it. The diagram should not have hard corners. Product flexibility is achieved through building hair dryer. If you decide to use polypropylene pipes for heating, you should know how to connect them.
The connection point must be sealed in any way convenient for you. You can do this with fum tape. Then the system is assembled according to the principle of the designer, at the corners and in places where the flow is distributed into several parts, special elements such as angles and tees should be used.
Conclusion
Now you know how to connect polypropylene pipes with fittings. However, as practice shows, welded way is more reliable, because diffusion occurs in the process, which ensures the reliability and strength of the system.
Properly made connection of polypropylene pipes guarantees durable and very reliable communications that do not rust and have a number of other advantages.
We are interested in tubular products, which are characterized by low weight, simplicity machining and installation, as well as relatively low cost, are connected by detachable and one-piece methods. The latter is understood as welding performed according to one of two technologies: end-to-end or by socket (socket) technique.
Butt welding is ideal for polypropylene products with a cross section of more than 6.3 cm. In this case, their wall thickness must be at least 4 mm. The procedure is carried out by a stationary welding unit, providing a very precise installation with different geometric parameters. Before starting the operation, their ends are trimmed in order to obtain completely parallel surfaces. The butt welding machine has a special disk - it acts as a heating device.
Butt welding of polypropylene products
Also, when carrying out such a procedure, in most cases it is required to use centering elements. They give the connected polypropylene products the necessary coaxiality. Socket welding is recommended for pipes with a cross section of less than 6.3 cm. This type of connection requires the use of couplings and fittings. Without them, the procedure is not performed. Fittings, which have special sockets, form various docking nodes (including threaded ones). A coupling is installed between two pipes to be welded.
For socket welding of pipes with a cross section of up to 4 cm, it is allowed to use a manual unit. It is equipped with nozzles (elements for heating), which are made in the form of a mandrel (it is necessary for melting the inside of the socket) and a sleeve (fusing the outer part).
Heating elements are usually coated with Teflon. This non-stick composition perfectly protects the nozzles from failure during operation. Clean the hot tips after each individual welding operation.For this, scrapers made of wood or coarse rags (for example, canvas) are used. After the nozzles have completely cooled down, it is impossible to remove the layer of molten polypropylene from them. You will simply spoil the expensive Teflon layer.
Let's see how it is necessary to connect the tubular products in question using a welding machine. The scheme of work (it is approximately the same for butt welding and for the procedure using couplings) is as follows:
- Mount the nozzles of the required size on the welding device and place the device on a flat surface.
- Set the temperature required for welding polypropylene products on the welder (it is 260 ° C) and wait about a quarter of an hour (during this time, the nozzles heat up to a predetermined level).
- With a pipe cutter or scissors, cut the polypropylene product at a right angle, clean the pipes from dirt and dust, and remove grease stains from them (with soapy water or ordinary alcohol).
- Put a mark on the pipe (it shows the depth of the socket, in addition, you need to add another 2 mm to this value).
- Insert the pipe into a smooth sleeve (focusing on the mark made earlier), and pull the socket onto the mandrel.
- Wait until the structure warms up (the heating time is indicated in the instructions for the welding machine), remove the heated elements from the welder and connect them (it is very important to ensure the alignment of the coupling and the tubular product).
- Waiting for the structure to cool. During this period, it is forbidden to deform (bend, turn) the pipes.
Welding machine for connecting tubular products
Operation completed. You have received a reliable and durable welded joint. If there is a need to arrange wiring from the main pipeline, special welded saddles must be used. Mount them like this:
- For 30 seconds, heat the surface (external) of the main pipe and the saddle for welding with the welding unit (operations are performed simultaneously).
- Press (without turning) the saddle against the pipe, withstand the load for about half a minute.
- Leave the connection for 10 minutes.
Then drill through the wall of the polypropylene pipe and the bottom of the saddle with a twist drill to bring the required branch. It is advisable to use a special washer at this stage (it is called an adjusting washer) in order to accurately maintain the drilling depth.
The above methods for joining polypropylene products require the use of welding machines and plates for heating. Not every House master has similar devices. And it makes no sense to buy a welder and nozzles for him for the sake of installing one pipeline.
In such situations, detachable pipe connections can be made without welding. The operation is performed according to two methods: fittings compression type or composition cold welding. The second technology is suitable exclusively for which it is served cold water. cold welding applied to the products to be joined, strongly press them against each other for 5-10 seconds. You can give the connection additional tightness by coating the joint with a silicone sealant or by wrapping it with Teflon tape.
Detachable pipe connection without welding
If you decide to create polypropylene pipeline, connecting its elements with fittings, you will need a crimp wrench. It is easy to get it in any hardware store. But most often such a key is included in the fitting kit. You don't even have to buy it separately. To carry out work according to this method, you will need the following details:
- crosses, tees;
- Ball Valves;
- couplings;
- adapters;
- saddles for branches;
- plugs;
- squares with nuts (captive).
It is easy to work with fittings - install the required element and crimp it with a key. But at the same time, be prepared for the fact that pipe connection work will take you a very long time. It is necessary to carefully compress each structural element, check the quality of the resulting connection, and additionally seal it. It is for this reason that polypropylene product systems are usually assembled by welding.
True, in some cases it is impossible to do without fittings. For example, if you need to connect metal and polypropylene products. In such situations, special fittings are required - transitional. On one side they have a thread for entry steel pipe, on the other hand, a soldering sleeve (a propylene product is placed in it).
You can also assemble a metal and polypropylene pipe using: a fitting with a special union nut; couplings and Americans (in this case, a union nut is also used). Choose the connection method that suits you!
When arranging communication systems, it is necessary to dock individual elements, however, this process can be performed perfectly different ways. Connection deserves special attention. plastic pipes without soldering, because in this case it is possible to do without the use of a special apparatus, the price of which is quite high.
Docking with fittings
With this option, a set of shaped parts is used, which makes it possible to combine not only two, but also more elements. Every developer who does not have a soldering machine wants to learn how to connect plastic pipes in this way.
Advantages of the method
- The low cost of fittings allows you to reduce the cost of summing up communications.
- Ease of installation makes it possible to dock even non-professionals.
- The possibility of using parts in pressurized systems expands the scope.
Note! It should be borne in mind that this method is applicable for elements with a small diameter, and in other situations, it is docking with thermal action that is more often used.
Carrying out work
It's time to understand how plastic pipes are connected directly compression fittings. Of the tools you will need: sharp knife for cutting elements, a calibrator, as well as manual or automatic pliers for clamping operations.
Cutting is done first constituent parts communication system, if required in a particular case. The cut must be made strictly perpendicular so that bevels and other flaws do not form. After that, with the help of a calibrator, the ovality at the joint is eliminated.
Next, a special coupling is thrown on, and the fitting itself with sealing rings is inserted into the pipe. From above, crimping is carried out with cooked tongs. Thus, it is possible to join the plastic elements.
However, in some cases, you need to know how to connect a plastic pipe to a cast iron one. For this, a special adapter is used, the diameter of the sides of which corresponds to the dimensions of the pipes used. In the process of docking, it must be remembered that the coefficients of linear expansion of plastic and cast iron are noticeably different.
Bonding individual elements
In addition to the above option, there are other ways to connect plastic pipes. One of these is the gluing process, when the ends of the components are joined using a special chemical composition. In the course of work, it is possible to ensure sufficient tightness.
The principle of operation of the composition
Glue designed for plastic products, usually contains polyvinyl chloride, which dissolves in methyl ethyl ketone, tetrahydrofuran and cyclohexanone. Special additives that improve adhesion are also added to two-component formulations.
Advantages of the adhesive method
- Quality grip chemical agent with the surfaces of the elements allows you to get high tightness.
- Availability the main material makes it possible to apply it to a wide range of consumers.
- Invisibility of the joint positively affects the aesthetic perception of the components of the communication system.
Attention! The adhesive used must be stored at a sufficient distance from open flame because it catches fire easily. In addition, during work it is necessary to protect the skin from contact with the substance.
Application of the composition
You can carry out gluing with your own hands. Work should be carried out at temperatures from +5 to +35 degrees. In advance, you need to prepare a brush with natural bristles. In most cases, it comes directly with the adhesive.
Before starting the main steps, it is desirable to assemble the structure without the use of a chemical agent in order to perform a preliminary fitting. Before applying the substance to without fail the surface is degreased using solvents.
A thin layer of adhesive is applied to the prepared surfaces. The plastic product is inserted into the hole until it stops, while avoiding rotation or other manipulations. Within 15-20 seconds, the components are held so that the adhesive has time to dry.
Socket corral
The presented method is applicable mainly for, since pressure is not created in them. At the ends of the elements used there are special connections for plastic pipes - sockets. With their help, the fixation itself is made.
Positive aspects of technology
- Relatively high assembly speed guarantees installation in the shortest possible time.
- Eliminating the need to purchase additional components reduces costs.
- Possibility of implementation self assembly allows you to refuse professional help.
Important! For non-pressure systems, this option can be considered quite tight, because when installed, it is inserted inside rubber gasket, which at the same time makes it possible to compensate for the mismatch of the connected parts.
Description of the assembly process
After making sure before installation that there is a rubber ring in the socket, you need to clean it from various pollution then it will be possible to achieve good adhesion. To a smooth edge
