Using pex tubing and fittings (cross-linked polyethylene) when upgrading the plumbing in your home is much easier and affordable than using copper pipes and fittings. You will not have to do any soldering and deal with any of the heat and fumes associated PE Schaumstoff with this process.
One of the most popular processes that involves cross-linked polyethylene involving a proprietary product.The cross-linked polyethylene tubing and fittings are connecting using a special tool with rings made of the same product as the tubing.
The process is as follows:
- Cut the tubing at the appropriate place with a tool designed to achieve this task. Remember the cuts must be square
- Place the ring on the end of the tube you wish to attach the fitting. Make sure the end of the ring is flush withe end of the pipe
- Expand the end of pipe you want to place the fitting into with appropriate power tool. You will not have to force the tool into the pipe. Just let the torque of the power tool do the work.
- Insert the fitting onto the end of the tube. Ensure the tubing completely inserting into the fitting, The fitting will have a ridge to indicate when this has occurred.
- This system utilizes a process known as “shrink back”. This mean the connection works by using cross linked molecular chains within the connection. When you expand the pipe and insert it in the fitting it initial shrinks back pipe and the ring shrinks back to the pipe and makes a water tight seal.
- There is no need for any glues or hot work with solder. The movement of the tubing is far less restrictive when considering various aspects of how a building is framed. However you will have consider various building codes with regards to using this method to plumbing your potable, heating and cooling lines.
These connections are very durable. Tests have shown they can endure up to 1300 kilograms of force.
This system is great for all potable water systems. This includes both hot and cold water lines. This system is also great when considering the potable water-lines in the construction of a new home or small apartment complex.
The key part to this system is the expansion tools.
These tools can be purchased as cordless devices. This means you will not have to drag around a power cord as you and other workers move around the project that needs the required plumbing.
There are many ways to complete a plumbing project in your home. Some of these projects can be quite simple. However the completion of more advanced projects will require a plumbing professional.
PEX Tubing for Potable Water Plumbing
PEX or Cross-linked polyethylene is a form of polyethylene with crosslinked bonds. It is formed into plumbing tubes used for potable plumbing applications as a replacement to copper and PVC, and CPVC piping. PEX tubing ranges in size from imperial sizes of ¼” to 4″ in diameter however ½” ¾” and 1″ are most commonly used. PEX tubing works directly with PEX fittings. Metric PEX is 16/2025/32/40 mm in diameter. PEX tubing for plumbing has been used for much longer in Europe but is not becoming the plumbing material of choice for the North American market as well.
Almost all PEX is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE). PEX contains cross-linked bonds in the chemical polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic characteristics to a thermoset state. Crosslinks are accomplished at the point of or directly after the extrusion of PEX tubing. The degree of cross-linking, (to comply with ASTM Standard F 876-93, is from 65 to 89%. A higher degree of cross links could result in brittleness/stress-cracking of the PEX.
Adequate strength to 120-150°C maintains by reducing
The high temperature properties of the PEX are improved by cross links. Adequate strength to 120-150°C maintains by reducing the flow tendencies. Chemical resistance is enhanced by dissolution resistance. Tensile strength, scratch resistance, and brittleness fracture resistance are also enhanced. PEX cables have a maximum conductor temperature of 90°C and a high PE Schaumstoff rating to 140°C. This rating is the same on PEX fittings as well.
PEX material for plumbing projects was first prepared in the 1930s. The process was to irradiate the extruded tubes with electron beams. The beam-processing method was made developed in the 1970s but was still quite expensive. In the 60s, Engel PEX-linking was deployed. With this method, a peroxide chemical is mixed with the HDPE before extrusion, the cross-linking happens during the passage of a melted polymer through a long heated die. In 1968, the Sioplas process incorporating silane was patented, followed by another silane process called Monosil in 1974. Also a manufacturing process using vinyl-silane was developed and used in plumbing supplies in 1986.
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