How to solder heating pipes correctly

How to properly solder polypropylene pipes for heating

To install heating or water pipes on your own, you need detailed instructions and special tools. In the process of cutting, routing and fixing pipes, attention is required to the junction of the elements, since the reliability and strength of the line depends on this. shows how to solder polypropylene pipes so that unforeseen situations do not arise during operation.

Technological principles of soldering

Craftsmen use polypropylene in construction. But the material has disadvantages. When overheated, the pipe melts, which means the strength of the connection will be lost.

Before soldering polypropylene pipes for heating, we thoroughly study the temperature regime of the working environment. If it exceeds the threshold of 120˚C, the line will fail.

Docking rules

1. By connecting elements made of polypropylene, they can withstand temperatures of 95˚C. If the pipes are reinforced with fiberglass, they are joined at 100-120˚C.
2. For pipe diameters up to 63 mm, it is recommended to use electrofusion welding.
3. Do-it-yourself soldering of polypropylene pipes is controlled by a stopwatch. Even an extra two seconds can ruin your work.

   Overheating will cause the plastic to simply melt, lose its shape and not fit into the opposite fitting. In order for the joint to take place, you will have to cut off part of the pipe.

4. The duration of docking and temperature conditions depend directly on the wall thickness and diameter.

5. To avoid any inaccuracies, refer to a special table that clearly indicates the temperature indicators corresponding to the desired diameter. Soldering polypropylene pipes with your own hands according to the table simplifies the work three times.

The connection of polypropylene pipes is completed in a matter of seconds

So, for a pipe diameter of 16 mm, 5 seconds of heating, 4 seconds of pause and 120 seconds are enough for complete cooling of the parts;

For a diameter of 25 mm - heating for 7 seconds, pause for 4 seconds, cooling for 120 seconds.

For a pipe diameter of 40 mm - heating 11 seconds, pause 4 seconds, complete cooling 240 seconds.

For 63 mm - heating 24 seconds, pause 6 seconds, cooling 360 seconds.

For 90 mm - heating 39 seconds, pause 6 seconds, cooling 360 seconds.

If you follow these technical indicators, the quality of soldering of polypropylene pipes will not suffer. But remember that the parameters are approximate. The duration is affected by the class of the working tool and the type of material. Therefore, before starting work, carefully study the technical specifications.

Stages of work

Before soldering polypropylene pipes, you should carefully prepare the workplace.

The initial stage of work is calculating the length of the pipe and cleaning the edges. Sandpaper or abrasive paper is used to process the joints.

The edges are smoothed and then degreased. Alcohol copes with this task. Before the next step, the ends of the pipes must dry.

The second stage is pruning. The areas that will later be soldered are cut at an angle of 40 degrees and installed in the coupling. It is important to fix them well, since incorrect installation in the coupling causes additional difficulties during soldering.

After this, a device for soldering polypropylene pipes is brought in. A fitting is put on the connection, and then an electric coupling, supplying power of 1800 W.

Once a certain period of time has been maintained, the coupling is disconnected and removed from the pipe. The joint area cools down: as soon as the temperature drops, the plastic will harden again. When the diffusion process is complete, the connection will become strong and reliable.

Installation is possible in hard-to-reach places

Soldering Iron Instructions

When installing communication systems, pipes with an inappropriate diameter are often used; sometimes it is necessary to solder polypropylene pipes in hard-to-reach places. To connect such elements you will need a soldering iron.

Both professional and household tools are used in the work. The first one has high power. Experienced craftsmen work with such a tool, clearly, with proven movements. If you need to solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands, you will need certain skills and experience. For beginners, this instrument is difficult to use.

Soldering gun connection

To connect the pipes, perform the following stages of work:

• joints are cleaned of dust and small particles of debris and degreased;
• the pipes are installed in a nozzle specially designed for heating;
• the pipes are heated according to the time interval;
• additional strength is provided (special attachments - rings made of plastic - are put on the joint);
• the mount is cooled, the pipe is removed from the nozzle (while the plastic is liquid, it must be carefully removed with a wooden spatula).

Recommendations for masters

To learn how to solder polypropylene pipes correctly, follow these recommendations.

Before joining, warm up the soldering iron for at least 5 minutes - this will allow you to correctly calculate the time interval in the future.

Remember that soldering polypropylene pipes in cold weather is strictly prohibited.

While the material is cooling, parts should not be allowed to move or rotate.

When working with plastic, it is advisable to take precautions: hands and face should be hidden behind special gloves, protective clothing and a mask.

If during installation you need to solder polypropylene pipes from different manufacturers, it is better to consult with professional welders who will tell you which adapters you should take for the job.

Using an electrofusion coupling to connect pipes

Soldering errors

When working with a soldering iron, the following errors are possible.

• The device did not warm up before operation or was disconnected from the network during soldering.
• The fitting's heating time has not expired.
• The pipe was overexposed, it became soft, so the hole was blocked.
• Incorrect connection sequence.
• The parts are of low quality, there are cracks, deviations from the required geometric shape, dirt, grease stains.
• Reuse of fittings.
• Parts are made by different manufacturers or from incompatible materials.

The master must do the work quickly, without fuss and clearly. Beginner welders are recommended to make several test polypropylene joints to get the hang of it. Installation work is possible only after acquiring the necessary skills. Read the technical specifications for the material, use the table, gain experience.

instructions for soldering plastic pipes

Source: http://trubsovet.ru/soed/svarka/payat-polipropilenovye-truby-dlya-otopleniya.html

How to solder plastic pipes correctly and reliably?

The range of construction products is growing every year. Modern materials are appearing on the market that make construction stages easier and increase worker productivity. Consumers tend to use pipelines with a long service life when planning internal systems in their homes. Plastic internal communications branches have become a suitable alternative that meets consumer needs. How to solder plastic pipes?

Another advantage of such technologies is the ability to independently repair or replace water supply and heating networks. How to solder plastic pipes for water supply?

Let's understand the types

Metal-plastic Polyethylene

Such communications are divided into subtypes:

1. Polyethylene - used for laying wiring inside buildings and external routes. They can be used on high-pressure pipe connections and at low ambient temperatures.
2. PVC is used to reduce the cost of repairs.
3. Metal-plastic ones are the most practical products, with a useful life of more than 50 years. Ideal option for replacing hot water supply.

The widespread use of this material is due to a number of reasons. Positive properties of such structures, in contrast to metal ones:

1. Long service life.
2. Low corrosivity.
3. Easy to install.
4. Does not require special skills.
5. Environmentally friendly material.
6. Economical and easy to use.
7. Lightweight and easy to transport.
8. Resistant to the harmful effects of microorganisms.

Your water supply

Coupling assembly Soldering

Polyethylene models are mounted using the welded method or using couplings/fittings (coupling assembly). How to solder plastic pipes for water supply?

For new water supply networks, products made of PVC and polyethylene without reinforcement or reinforcement are suitable. Preparation requires creating a diagram of the future water supply indicating the lengths of the branches, its position and all the fittings necessary for installing the structure. Correct calculation of the lengths and number of bends will simplify the technology, increase the speed of task completion and prevent rework.

Soldering iron Pipe cutter

To solder polyethylene connections you will need:

1. Soldering iron.
2. Pipe cutter
3. A trimmer for cutting pipes and trimming the edges of cut ends.
4. Fine sandpaper for cleaning edges
5. Connecting coupling (if coupling assembly)

The heating device is a special device with a sole with special nozzles of various diameters attached to it. There are devices that include two or more attachments at the same time.

The stages of technology for laying hydraulic communications will tell you how to learn to solder:

1. We measure the required length with a tape measure.
2. Use a pipe cutter to cut the measured length.
3. Trim the cut ends. This is an important step in soldering. The cuts must be smoothly sanded and cleaned. To be more sure, you can additionally degrease it with an alcohol solution.
4. We solder the ends. If a coupling connection is used when installing life support networks, then we install a coupling/fitting at one end of the structure and heat it together with the future return in a soldering iron nozzle of the required diameter. After warming up, immediately connect the ends and wait for the assembly to cool completely. The quality of welding is indicated by the presence of a shoulder.

Attention! When installing heat and water supply using a soldered seam, it is strictly forbidden for water or moisture to fall into the cavity or onto the surface. When heated, water, turning into steam, deforms the plastic structure, as a result of which it loses its strength.

What to pay attention to

Temperature conditions for soldering are described in the instructions for the tool. Modern products have an automatic heating mode depending on the size of the installed network and the welding depth. On previous brands, the heating strength was selected manually.

At what temperature should plastic pipes be soldered? When soldering polyethylene risers, we set the temperature regulator at around 220 ° C, for polypropylene risers - 260 ° C. There is an indicator on the heating mechanism that shows the device is ready for use. The indicator lights up only in heating mode.

The duration of soldering depends on the circumferential radius of the pipeline, and can range from 5 to 40 seconds. The ends should not be overheated. This can cause a blockage to form at the adhesion site.

If you need to install a water supply of the same size, you should not overpay for the number of nozzles and the presence of a temperature mechanism.

If you plan a large volume of long-term production using networks of various sizes around the circumference, then we purchase a universal device for connection with the latest technical capabilities and characteristics.

Soldering nuances

Knowing the technology for connecting autonomous communications is not enough. For high-quality installation, you need to know a number of features of laying and soldering housing branches. How to solder plastic pipes correctly? To ensure professional assembly of technological buildings, it is necessary to remember some connection nuances:

1. A warm-up time is provided for soldering assembly. This time ranges from 5 to 20 minutes.
2. The production of in-house life support should be carried out at temperatures above zero.
3. After soldering the ends, it is necessary to prevent them from scrolling or moving; it is enough to smoothly eliminate distortions. You need to let them cool. Turning the weld seam may cause a leak in the future. It takes the same amount of time to cool down as it does to solder it.
4. The required power of the soldering tool is 1200 W.
5. Home soldering irons are designed for soldering wires with a diameter of up to 32 cm. If you need to assemble products of large diameter, then we purchase a professional soldering device.
6. There should be no gaps between the edge of the pipeline and the internal thread of the fitting. Gaps can leak under high water pressure. Excessive force when compressing elements can lead to a decrease in the clearance in the cavity and impair the performance of the entire structure.
7. Residues of material from the nozzles should be removed after each pack produced. Since the nozzles have a special coating, carbon deposits should be removed with a wooden device so as not to damage the integrity of the surface. Scratches on the surface of the nozzle will worsen the technological characteristics of the device and render it unusable for further use.

Thinking about how to make heating?

Installation of heat supply has a number of difficulties. Heating models can be installed in rooms with low temperatures, which complicates the soldering process. For heat supply, systems are developed depending on the temperature of the water supplied to the system and the operating pressure. The use of plastic in construction has increased productivity and reduced costs for the necessary material.

Heating pipes are reinforced with fiberglass, which makes this material strong and durable.

Health protection and working conditions

When carrying out work related to heating heating main joints, we follow safety rules to prevent injuries and burns:

1. We solder using special protective gloves.
2. We monitor the cleanliness of the floor in the room. Dirt will negatively affect the quality of welding and the appearance of the entire structure.
3. The soldering iron is installed on a flat horizontal surface.
4. It is necessary to start working after the device has completely warmed up and after the readiness indicator has turned off.
5. We do not turn off the electrical outlet during the entire installation.

Soldering plastic pipes with your own hands is not difficult. The soldering process does not require professional skills or experience. Anyone can install life support networks in their own home.

The mandatory composition of the required tool includes only a soldering device. The remaining auxiliary tools can be replaced with improvised means, a pipe cutter - with a sharp knife.

A pipeline made of polyethylene structures and PVC is a reliable, durable and environmentally friendly system for supplying water and heating.

We recommend video: Secrets of installing polypropylene pipes

Source: https://VashPlastik.ru/santehnika/kak-pajat-plastikovye-truby

How to solder heating pipes: step-by-step instructions for plastic and copper with your own hands

Good day, dear reader! You can assemble a heating system using welding in a short time. Moreover, if welding metal pipes requires professional training, then even an inexperienced person in this area can weld plastic products with their own hands. This article will discuss how to solder heating pipes correctly in order to prevent depressurization of the seams during operation of the system.

Types of pipes connected by soldering

To assemble heating and hot water supply systems using soldering, in contrast to cold water supply, you need to use pipes only from heat-resistant types of materials.

• plastic reinforced with aluminum foil (PN 25) or fiberglass (PP-RCT);
• polypropylene (PN 16, PN 20);
• polyethylene with increased heat resistance (PE-RT);
• polybutene (PB);
• copper pipes.

Necessary tools and materials for soldering

To solder polymer pipes you will need the following tools and materials:

1. welding device - soldering iron with several nozzles;
2. tape measure or ruler, marker - measuring tools for marking;
3. solder for soldering. For soldering at low temperatures (up to +450ºС) it is produced in coils made of an alloy of silver, tin, lead and additives. In the form of a rod made of an alloy of copper, silver and other metals - for high-temperature soldering;
4. fluxes and fittings. Fluxes are used to clean the soldering area from oxidation, as well as to ensure better adhesion of the filler material and its uniform spreading. Fittings are selected according to the size of the pipe section. Depending on the configuration of the heating system, tees, turns, corner couplings, threaded transitions, crosses, etc. can be used;
5. cutting scissors - cutting tool for plastic pipes;
6. shaver - a device for removing reinforcement at the ends of products.

Tips for choosing and using a pipe soldering iron

When choosing a soldering iron, you should be guided by the following criteria:

• power indicator;
• number of seats for nozzles;
• the number of nozzles themselves and the presence of Teflon coating on them;
• presence of a temperature regulator;
• manufacturer country.

The essence of the process and soldering methods

The process of welding plastic products consists of creating a permanent connection by heating the surfaces to be welded to a viscous-fluid state and pressing them against each other under pressure.

Microparticles of one product penetrate into the structure of another, forming a solid structure. This process is carried out in three ways:

1. diffusion method. In the welding zone, the viscous-flowing material of both parts is mixed with the simultaneous displacement of air bubbles. After cooling, the products form a reliable connection that does not lose strength over time;
2. soldering using an electric fitting is a method of joining pipes using fittings with embedded electric heaters, while welding is carried out automatically;
3. cold way. Soldering is carried out using a special welding compound (solder), which is placed in the gap between the surfaces of the parts being welded. Solder has a lower melting point than the base material and, when melted, diffuses into it, forming a strong connection.

Step-by-step instructions for soldering heating pipes

Before installing the heating system, it is recommended to prepare a detailed diagram on paper, with which you can calculate the dimensions of the pipe sections and the number of fittings. This will allow you to perform the maximum possible number of joints of elements in a convenient position on the desktop.

Security measures

When soldering heating system elements, you must take into account that the work uses an electrical device, therefore the rules for protection against electric shock must be strictly observed. The room where soldering is carried out must be constantly ventilated, since molten solder and flux can release toxic substances.

To avoid burns, use protective gloves and protective clothing.

Preparation of elements and parts

Preparation of elements involved in the welding process includes:

• marking the required pipe length;
• cutting measured pieces;
• cleaning the edge of a solid plastic pipe with an iron file or a sharp knife to remove burrs. When connecting reinforced products, it is necessary to remove the top layer of plastic and the aluminum layer along the length of the entrance to the fitting using a shaver;
• further, it is recommended to chamfer at an angle of 35-45º at the outer end of the tube to avoid material scuffing when inserting the tube into the socket of the fitting;
• Mark on the product the length of its insertion into the fitting, based on the depth of the coupling plus 1-2 mm. This gap is necessary to prevent the pipe from narrowing at the joint by the bead weld;
• After marking, the surfaces of the parts must be cleaned of dust, dirt and degreased with an alcohol solution.

Preparing the soldering iron

The soldering iron must be placed on a flat surface, the necessary attachments must be secured to the seats, the thermostat must be set to the welding temperature and connected to the power supply.

Depending on the ambient temperature, the device’s nozzles heat up for 10–15 minutes. The first welding is performed 5 minutes after heating the soldering iron.

Cleaning and cooling connections

With any welding technology, you cannot resort to accelerating the cooling of the weld with cold air, water, etc. With rapid cooling, significant temperature differences occur in the weld area, which contribute to the formation of large stresses in the plastic.

The presence of high internal stress negatively affects the strength of the seam and can lead to the formation of pits.

Therefore, if welding is carried out at a low ambient temperature, the hot seam must be wrapped in thermal insulation material, which will slow down the cooling process and, accordingly, reduce the internal stress in the welding zone.

Checking the connection quality

In order to determine how well the seam of a welded joint is made, it is necessary to visually inspect it for the presence of defects in the form of cracks, cavities or folds that can form when the products overheat. The bead of melted material itself must be uniform and protrude beyond the end surface of the joined elements by 2-3 mm.

In addition, welded joints should not have misalignment of pipes by more than the thickness of their wall.

by soldering

How to properly solder polymer pipes on the wall can be seen in the video:

Common mistakes

Plastic welding is associated with a high probability of errors, which can lead to a poor-quality connection. Among the most common errors are the following:

• poor quality training;
• too much or, conversely, too little pressure when joining products;
• cleaning of deposits during the cooling stage of parts;
• attempts to weld pipes of different diameters;
• insufficient deepening of the pipe into the socket of a larger diameter product.

Expert advice

Soldering plastic pipes requires some skill. Therefore, the first advice from experts is to practice soldering small unnecessary pieces of pipe. In addition, it is recommended:

• choose a soldering iron with a power of no more than 1.2 kW;
• after soldering each part, clean the nozzle from adhering plastic, otherwise it will deform the seam of subsequent connections;
• To clean the heating element from molten plastic, choose only a wooden tool, since a metal one can scratch the surface of the nozzle;
• if any connection raises even the slightest doubt about its quality, it must be cut out and a new joint welded;
• the composition of the material of the pipe wall at the weld joint should be as uniform as possible, therefore it is advisable to use only pipes and fittings from the same manufacturer.

Soldering in hard-to-reach places and corners

The work of assembling a heat pipeline in hard-to-reach places is more difficult than in conditions of sufficient space. Such places usually include the ceiling area, corners of rooms and cramped conditions when it is not possible to install a soldering iron on a stand.

In such situations, they resort to secret tricks:

• the soldering iron is hung on a hook;
• special corner adapters are welded in the corners;
• if the pipe sections to be soldered are located too close to the wall, then the direct and mating sections of the joint are heated alternately. In this case, the first part is heated a little longer than it should be, and then the counter part is heated for a shorter time, but at a higher temperature on the nozzles (the thermostat is set to heat larger diameter pipes);
• In order not to keep the parts suspended when welding on the walls, it is more convenient to secure the pipe with clips and move them as needed.

Conclusion

Welding is one of the most popular methods of connecting individual elements of a heating system. The use of modern technologies allows you to independently make seams that are almost as strong as whole sections of pipelines. This point is very important, since the operating pressure and temperature parameters in heating systems can be quite high.

Share useful ideas on social networks with your friends, and they will definitely share with you. And don't forget to subscribe to our channel.

Source: https://vseotrube.ru/montazh-i-remont/kak-payat-sistemu-otopleniya

Do-it-yourself installation of a heating system from polypropylene pipes - we consider all the nuances

Polypropylene pipes are popular due to their affordable price and quality of the material. The low thermal conductivity of the polymer maintains the temperature of the coolant. Low equivalent roughness of the internal pipe walls does not reduce the flow rate. Simple assembly technology allows you to quickly install heating in a private house using polypropylene pipes with your own hands.

Armed with certain knowledge, you can install heating from polypropylene pipes with your own hands

Advantages of polypropylene products in the heating system

choosing pipe rolling for installation

Clutch. This is the simplest type, which is used for installing pipes of the same diameter.

Adapter. These are also simple devices that have different diameters at the ends.

Corner. It is used for installation in places where the pipe line contains a bend. With such a device, it is possible to make a highway corner without deforming it. The corners are equipped with external metal threads and will allow connection to faucets in the bathroom, as well as other plumbing fixtures.

Tee. These fittings allow the installation of several workpieces at the same time. Plastic connecting parts of this type can be selected for connecting dissimilar pipelines.

IMPORTANT! Contours are installed for the highway running around the facility. They help prevent the workpiece from bending.

The threaded method does not always allow achieving high joint strength; in such situations, “American” is used. This is a special type of fitting that has a metal thread on one side. On its reverse side there is a polypropylene base. This way you can join metal and plastic.

DIY plastic heating installation

When purchasing fittings, it is recommended to pay special attention to their diameter; it must exactly match the diameter of the pipes. This diameter is indicated in the marking.

Experts advise purchasing fittings from the same manufacturer as the pipes; only in this case the highest quality of connection is achieved.

Technical characteristics of polypropylene pipes for heating

An abbreviation with information about the operating parameters of the product is applied to the walls of the pipes. Basic marking of polypropylene (PP) complies with international standards:

• manufacturer's logo;

Source: https://kachestvolife.club/otoplenie/montazh-sistemy-otopleniya-iz-polipropilenovyh-trub-svoimi-rukami

How to properly solder polypropylene pipes for heating?

After listening to numerous pieces of advice, you decided not to hire craftsmen to install the heating system and make all the connections of polypropylene pipes yourself. If you are confident of success and are good at working independently, then feel free to start preparing and producing work.

For our part, we will tell you what tools and equipment will be required for installation and how to properly solder polypropylene pipes. By default, we will assume that all the materials have already been purchased, all that remains is to assemble everything according to the scheme.

Welding machines for polypropylene pipes

Let's start by preparing the installation tool. Since all connections of PPR pipes and fittings are made by soldering, you will need a special soldering iron for this purpose.

Note. The joining of PPR parts is sometimes called welding. In order not to get confused, remember that when it comes to polypropylene pipes, there is only one connection method - soldering, but it is often called welding. These systems are not installed using press or threaded fittings, like metal-plastic pipes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooY-UcQuIbU

The welding machine used for polypropylene pipes is offered on the market in two types:

• with a round heater;
•  flat heating element.

The latter was popularly nicknamed “iron” due to some external resemblance to this household appliance. Different welding machines have no fundamental differences, only structural differences. In the first case, nozzles for Teflon pipes are put on and attached to the heater like clamps, and in the second case they are screwed to it on both sides. Otherwise, there is not much difference, and the device has one function - soldering polypropylene.

Soldering machines are usually sold complete with attachments. The cheapest and minimal kit made in China is a soldering iron with a power of up to 800 W, a stand for it and nozzles for 3 sizes of the most common pipes - 20, 25 and 32 mm. If your heating scheme contains only such diameters and you do not plan to solder polypropylene pipes anywhere other than your home, or do it professionally, then a budget set will be quite enough.

If, in accordance with the calculation and diagram, you need to join pipes of sizes 40, 50 and 63 mm, then you will have to spend money and purchase another soldering kit, which contains the corresponding parts. Well, the most expensive kits are produced in European countries and are distinguished by their reliability and durability. Similar kits include the following tools:

• soldering iron with stand;
• Teflon nozzles for soldering iron of all the above diameters;
• scissors for cutting pipes at a precise angle of 90º;
• hex wrench;
• Phillips screwdriver;
• roulette;
• gloves.

Important! Since soldering polypropylene pipes involves working with heated equipment, it is strongly recommended to always use gloves, regardless of whether they are included or not. This is especially true for beginners, who in 99 cases out of 100 accidentally touch the heating element.

The working part of a soldering iron (heater) of any design is designed in such a way that 2-3 nozzles for small-diameter pipes can be installed on it. This allows you to save a lot of time when working with lines ranging in size from 20 to 40 mm.

A little about the power of the soldering machine. High power is necessary for quick and uniform heating of large diameter parts, which are considered to be sizes 63 mm or more. For home purposes, it is enough to have an iron with a power of 0.7-1 kW. Soldering irons with heaters above 1 kW are considered professional, and accordingly, they are more expensive than regular ones.

Installation recommendations

In addition to the iron, you should prepare another tool for soldering polypropylene pipes; its composition is given above in the list. If you don’t have scissors for cutting the pipe at an angle of 90º, then for this purpose you can use a hacksaw and a carpenter’s miter box, or make it yourself, guided by the drawing:

Note. When there are no scissors for polypropylene pipes and they are cut with a hacksaw, then the end must be cleaned of burrs outside and inside the product.

Before cutting a section of the required length, it must be accurately marked. The fact is that when connecting, part of the pipe fits into a tee or any other fitting; this is called soldering depth.

Therefore, to the required size of the area, determined using a tape measure, you need to add the value of this depth, measuring its value from the end and putting a mark with a pencil.

Since soldering technology provides for different immersion depths for different pipeline diameters, its values ​​can be taken from the table:

Note. The table shows soldering depth ranges, since it varies within these limits among different manufacturers of PPR pipes. The value can be determined by measuring several fittings with a depth gauge.

When installing heating systems, reinforced polypropylene pipes are soldered; they differ from conventional pipes by the presence of a layer of aluminum foil, fiberglass or basalt fiber. Moreover, this layer can be made differently in products from different manufacturers. When the reinforcement is not located in the center of the wall thickness, but near the outer edge, then stripping will be required before soldering the polypropylene pipes. There is a special device for this:

Welding process

Before you start working, you need to put attachments on the soldering iron that match the size of the pipes, and then turn it on and configure it. Here you need to know at what temperature to solder polypropylene pipes. Most manufacturers indicate an operating temperature of 260-270 ºС; you should not raise it higher, otherwise overheating cannot be avoided. Underheating is also fraught with poor-quality and leaky connections, where a leak will then quickly form.

It must be understood that heating time, product diameter and welding temperature are interconnected. In the table we indicate the welding time intervals at a standard temperature of 260 ºС.

Note. The duration of welding is the time until the plastic completely hardens, when the joint gains maximum strength.

When setting up the iron is completed, we proceed to welding, following the instructions for soldering polypropylene pipes:

1. Taking the pipe in one hand and the fitting in the other, we put them on the nozzle of a heated soldering iron on both sides simultaneously, without turning them around their axis.
2. We maintain the allotted time.
3. Carefully remove both connecting parts from the Teflon nozzle, again, without rotating.
4. Smoothly insert the pipe into the fitting up to the mark without turning and fix it for the time indicated in the table, at this point the joint is ready. The operation is shown in more detail in the video:

It is more convenient to use the soldering iron correctly when it is installed on the table, so it is recommended to solder several practice joints first. After this, you can assemble all possible nodes with short sections in a convenient position.

Next comes the laying of highways with the connection of tees locally; here it will be more difficult. A heated iron for soldering will need to be put on one side of the laid pipe, and the tee will need to be pulled on the other side, holding the device suspended.

Then the soldering iron is removed from both parts and they are joined.

When laying main pipelines, follow the order of installation of sections and elements.

Start assembling the system from the heat source and go to the end, and to connect two polypropylene pipes, try to use only tees, from which branches will go to the batteries. Use couplings for this purpose when it is impossible to do otherwise.

Avoid joints in hard-to-reach places, otherwise to make them you will have to work with two soldering irons at once in order to simultaneously heat the parts being connected.

Advice. Many manufacturers of polypropylene systems develop their own instructions for installing their products. You can get a lot of useful information from there, take advantage of it.

How to connect a metal-plastic pipe with a polypropylene pipe

Due to various circumstances, it happens that it is necessary to connect different types of pipes, for example, PPR and steel, metal-plastic with polypropylene, and so on. Such situations happen in apartments where it is difficult to change a section of a common water supply or heating riser laid with a steel or metal-plastic pipe, but you need to connect to it. This is not a big problem, you just need to take into account that all such connections are made through threaded fittings.

Since metal-plastic pipes can be connected using press and dismountable fittings, for joining with polypropylene it is more convenient to use a detachable fitting with an external thread. In turn, a fitting with an external thread is soldered to the end of the polypropylene pipe, after which the connection is twisted in the traditional way, with flax or fum tape wound up.

Detachable fitting for connecting pipes

When you need to cut into metal-plastic pipes, it is most convenient to install a tee with a threaded outlet, where you can subsequently screw the fitting, and then solder the polypropylene pipe to it. True, you will have to tinker with the installation of the tee: you need to turn off the water or empty the heating system, and then cut the metal-plastic and carry out the installation.

  Why is a hydraulic accumulator needed in a heating system?

How to properly solder plastic pipes with a soldering iron

Manufacturers of materials for laying utility networks offer a wide selection of modern solutions that have replaced traditional ones. In particular, this applies to pipes for installation in a house or apartment of a water supply system, a hot water supply branch, a radiator and floor heating system.

To lay or repair a local pipeline made of polymer pipes (polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene), you need a special tool and some skill in working with it.

Soldering plastic pipes is not a complex job, but it is important to understand the technology and take into account a number of points in order to get a reliable and durable result.

Tool for soldering plastic pipes

Pipe soldering machine

In everyday life, a special device is used, designed to connect a polymer pipe to the corresponding fitting or coupling. The maximum permissible pipe diameter that a home craftsman can handle is 63 mm. Larger diameter pipes are mostly butt welded using professional equipment.

A soldering tool for home use is a unit equipped with a stand, the working part of which is heated to a predetermined temperature. The heating element (sole) is equipped with holes for installing nozzles of various diameters (from 16 to 32 mm).

Apparatus for soldering plastic pipes

The devices differ in design:

• xiphoid;
• cylindrical.

There is no fundamental difference which one to use for soldering plastic pipes with your own hands. In any case, strictly following the instructions will help you get the desired result.

Secrets of high-quality soldering

Soldering of pipes should be carried out in a room with a positive temperature, and the colder the air, the more time it will take to warm up plastic or metal-plastic parts for a tight and durable connection.

Secrets of high-quality soldering

To avoid common mistakes when installing heating or water supply pipes, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• The power of a household tool should be 1200 W.
• The device for home use is designed to work with pipes with a diameter of up to 32 mm; in other cases, you need to use a professional soldering iron.
• Before you start soldering, warm up the device for at least 5–10 minutes so that the working part with nozzles warms up to the specified parameters.
• Having soldered the pipeline elements together, do not twist them or move the seam so as not to damage its integrity. It is only permissible to carefully straighten the distortions, otherwise the seam will leak under load.
• Do not squeeze the parts together too much. Since the melted plastic will be pressed inward and reduce the bore diameter of the fitting, which will worsen the operating parameters of the system.
• Do not leave gaps between the edge of the pipe and the inside of the fitting. Such a connection will leak under pressure.
• Be sure to allow the soldered area to cool completely before applying stress.
• After each soldering operation, clean the nozzles from traces of melted plastic. This will prevent the appearance of carbon deposits, as well as damage to elements that need to be soldered.
• Clean the nozzles using a flat wooden stick. This will protect the Teflon coating from damage. Metal objects cannot be used, as scratches will render the nozzle unusable, and the plastic will stick to it and burn.

Attention! Before you begin installing the pipeline, watch the detailed video instructions and practice on unnecessary scraps of plastic pipes.

Work progress

Let's take a closer look at how to properly solder plastic pipes at home. At the preliminary stage, you need to prepare all the necessary tools:

• tape measure and marker;
• needle file or file;
• fine grain sandpaper;
• pipe cutter;
• sharp mounting knife;
• soldering iron for welding plastic.

You will also need a rag and alcohol (or other degreasing agent) to treat the surfaces to be soldered.

Preparing elements

The pipes are cut to the required length using a special pipe cutter or a sharp mounting knife. Make sure that the cut is strictly perpendicular, otherwise you will not be able to make a tight connection.

Using a Shaver

Next you need to process the edge of the pipe. It is advisable to use a special tool - a shaver, but in its absence it is enough to use a mounting knife (used to remove burrs), after which the edge of an ordinary pipe made of propylene or fiberglass reinforced needs to be processed until smooth using a needle file and fine-grained sandpaper.

Important! For an aluminum-reinforced PVC pipe, it is recommended to remove the top layer of polymer and the foil layer at the edge to improve the quality of the connection.

After making sure that the smoothness of the treated edge is almost as good as the inside of a fitting purchased in a store, you can begin to solder the elements, having previously degreased the surfaces to be joined with alcohol.

Soldering technology

Let's look at how to use a soldering iron and what temperature mode you need to choose for different types of plastic pipes. Do-it-yourself installation of a polymer pipeline is carried out in several stages:

1. The soldering unit is securely fixed to the platform and installed on the working part of the nozzle of a suitable diameter.
2. The electric soldering iron is turned on after setting the required temperature. To solder polypropylene parts to each other, the working part must be heated to 260°C; when welding PVC products, heating to 220°C is required.
3. After the apparatus has warmed up, the fitting and the prepared edge of the pipe are put on the nozzles and the parts are heated for several seconds (the exact heating time is indicated in the table below, it depends on the diameter of the elements).
4. After waiting the required time, the parts are carefully joined together and left to cool completely. All other elements of the pipeline are fastened in the same way.

The depth of welding of the pipe corresponds to the parameters of the inside of the fitting - nozzles on the soldering iron ensure heating of the elements to the same depth to ensure maximum contact of surfaces for better adhesion.

Soldering process technology

The method of connecting polymer pipes using temperature welding is quite simple if you master the skill of accurately connecting heated elements and know how to solder the parts. Once the pipe is inserted into the fitting, it is not moved or rotated so that the heated polymer can form a monolith. If the joint is moved before the material hardens, the polymer will bunch up and the joint will depressurize.

Guide to proper soldering of polypropylene pipes

To install internal water supply and heating networks in a manor house or apartment, plastic pipelines are used. To combine individual sections into a single system, soldering of polypropylene pipes is intended. To perform the operation well, certain skills are required, but after some training you can do it yourself.

Pipelines made of polypropylene, their advantages

Polypropylene pipelines are suitable for hot and cold water supply and heating. Products with a reinforced layer of foil, fiberglass or aluminum can withstand temperatures up to 95 0 C, pressure 20-25 atm. They are used for internal water supply and heating, in the supply system from the main line.

The products have the following advantages:

• long service life;
• withstand high physical activity;
• are not destroyed by moisture or aggressive liquids;
• lightweight, making them easier to install;
• low thermal conductivity does not reduce the temperature of the coolant;
• do not impair the taste and chemical composition of the liquid;
• have low cost.

These characteristics of polypropylene pipelines make it popular in modern construction and when repairing water supply systems in residential buildings.

Types of plastic pipes, details of the soldering process

The concept of “plastic pipes” combines a number of products that differ in use and chemical composition. The following types are distinguished:

1. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Recommended for cold water supply. Lightweight, durable. Used for open laying.
2. Polypropylene (PP). They can withstand high temperatures and pressure, and are intended for the transport of hot liquids and in heating systems. Connections of individual elements are made by soldering propylene pipes.
3. Polyethylene (PE). Flexible, elastic, when heated they become soft. There are high pressure (HPV) and low pressure (LHP). Used for cold water.
4. Made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). They bend easily, withstand mechanical loads, high and low temperatures. Designed for hot and cold water supply.
5. Metal-plastic. Multilayer. Used for drinking water supply and heating.

Soldering of plastic is ensured by the thermoplasticity of the material. When heated, it becomes soft, like plasticine, and individual fragments are easily connected when pressed against each other. Cooling leads to the formation of a strong joint that does not allow liquid to pass through.

During the soldering process, polyfusion occurs—the mutual penetration of molecules. Since the seam is formed from the material of the product, its chemical formula is equal to the formula of the material and retains its physical properties. At the joint there is no boundary between the elements, which explains its strength.

Methods for connecting polymer pipes

There are several methods for carrying out such an operation as soldering plastic pipes. Let's look at each in more detail.

Butt soldering

This is a connection of a product with the same internal and external diameters. The sequence is as follows:

1. Adjusting the ends to ensure a tight fit; for this, use an edge trimmer.
2. A flat heater is pressed against the end. Allow a certain amount of time to melt.
3. Remove the heater and press the ends together, leave until cool. The process of polymerization and formation of a seam occurs.

To obtain a high-quality connection, special machine-type devices are used for butt welding. Such devices are chosen for work by professionals. At the household level, this method is practically not used for polypropylene compounds.

Sleeve soldering

Coupling soldering of polypropylene pipes is most often used for laying them in an apartment or residential building. Two parts are used here - a coupling and a pipe. The inner diameter of the coupling must match the outer diameter of the pipe. A coupling can be a piece of pipe, a tee, an elbow, a faucet, or another fitting.

Soldering is carried out using a device, on one side of which there is a coupling, on the other - a mandrel. A pipe is inserted into the coupling of the apparatus, a coupling is put on the mandrel, with the help of which the connection is made. The ends are heated simultaneously. It is important not to exceed the heating time so that the entire wall does not melt.

After heating, both workpieces are simultaneously removed from the heater, the pipe is inserted into the coupling to the marked depth. Further cooling leads to the process of polymerization of the contacting surfaces and their soldering.

Soldering using electrofitting

Soldering of polypropylene pipes using electrical fittings is carried out using a coupling apparatus equipped with an electric cable. The coupling fitting is put on the pipe and connected to the heater. It heats up to a temperature of 260 0 C, melts and they are soldered together. Next, the device is turned off and disconnected from the fitting. After the connection cools, a strong contact is formed.

Other soldering methods

One of the ways to connect polypropylene pipelines is the so-called cold welding. Performed using organic solvent glue. Its application to the surface of plastic causes the plastic to soften. The treated areas must be connected immediately, as the glue evaporates quickly. This method is used to connect PVC parts that are not very flexible when heated.

Devices and other tools for soldering polypropylene pipes

For home communications, plastic pipes with an outer diameter of 20-63 mm are used. For their soldering, small-sized devices are chosen. This is a soldering iron of simple design, often called an iron. The devices differ in the shape of the heating element; they are cylindrical and xiphoid. Attachments in the form of a mandrel and a sleeve are put on the xiphoid ones. They are designed for end soldering. The cylindrical heater uses a long, round, crimp-type nozzle.

In addition to the soldering machine, you will need the following tools:

• scissors for slicing;
• seamstress for trimming reinforced products;
• tape measure or ruler;
• marker;
• organic alcohol for degreasing;
• rags;
• gloves.

Having provided yourself with the necessary tools, you can get to work.

Choosing a soldering machine

Before deciding how to solder polypropylene pipes, you need to choose a suitable device. The first thing you should pay attention to:

1. Power. At home, pipes with a diameter of up to 50 mm are used. For their soldering, a device with a power of 0.7 kW is sufficient. If you plan to solder sections with a diameter of up to 75 mm, opt for a unit with 1 kW of power.
2. Type of heating element - plate or cylinder. The first option is easier to work with and should be used by an inexperienced plumber.
3. Number of nozzles and their sizes. Select several diameters, matching them to the sizes of the parts used.
4. Manufacturer. They give preference to well-known manufacturers who have proven themselves with quality products.

The quality of welding machines is determined by the error in the heating temperature of the part. Czech instruments are considered the best, but they are the most expensive. Russian-made devices are cheaper. For an installer who uses them for his own purposes, this is the most profitable option. Chinese products will fulfill the warranty period, but no more.

How to solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands

To connect pipes using soldering, the parts to be connected are heated and inserted into each other. After cooling, we obtain a single design. To know how to properly solder polypropylene pipes, you should read the instructions. The procedure is as follows:

1. Cut the required pipe size.
2. We mark the depth of its entry into the coupling.
3. Turn on the soldering iron for polypropylene pipes and heat the nozzles.
4. We put the parts on the nozzles. We maintain the heating time (we determine it according to table 1).
5. Remove the parts from the heater, connect them, press, hold for 4-6 seconds.
6. Checking the quality of the connection.

The heating time and temperature of polypropylene depend on the size of the pipes being welded; this is clarified according to Table 1.

Table 1

Pipe diameter, mm	Length of welded surface, mm	Heating period, sec	Welding period, sec	Cooling period, min
16,0	13,0	5	4	3
20,0	14,0	5	4	3
25,0	16,0	7	4	3
32,0	20,0	8	4	4
40,0	21,0	12	6	4
50,0	22,5	18	6	5
63,0	24,0	24	6	6

As we can see from the table, all the main soldering parameters depend on the diameter. The heating or cooling time must be respected; deviation in any direction will lead to a poor-quality connection.

Before you start soldering, you need to prepare a soldering iron. Nozzles of the required diameter are put on it. The device is connected to the network and heated to 260 0 C. This is indicated by a sound signal or a flashing green light. Next, we follow the instructions, observing the required temperature and heating time.

When the pipeline is located in inconvenient places, individual elements are heated one at a time. The first one should have a higher temperature; while the second one is heating up, it will cool down a little. After this, both parts are quickly connected and held for 4-6 seconds. When turning, corner couplings are used to ensure a right joint angle.

Features of soldering pipes with reinforcement

Before soldering reinforced polypropylene pipes, the reinforcement layer must be removed. The aluminum in the wall requires a long time of heating to melt, plus it increases the diameter, and it is not included in standard nozzles.

A seamstress is used for cleaning. This is a metal sleeve with built-in knives, which, when rotated, remove the reinforcement to plastic. If the aluminum layer is located inside the wall, use a trimmer.

Mistakes that are unacceptable when soldering pipes

The main mistakes are:

• underheating or overheating of polypropylene;
• violation of the alignment of joined parts;
• violation of the soldering process;
• wrong choice of material or size.

If polypropylene is heated for more than the prescribed time, an influx of plastic occurs inside the pipe, which reduces its throughput. If the temperature is insufficient, the polypropylene joint becomes fragile and will last a short time. If the axes of the joined workpieces do not coincide, the pipeline becomes distorted, which impairs its operation. When butt welding, the material of the joining surfaces must be the same, otherwise the strength of the seam is compromised.

Soldering polypropylene pipes is a difficult process, but doable. An important point is the choice of high-quality material, a convenient and reliable soldering iron. When carrying out work, you should follow safety precautions, have protective clothing and gloves, and be sure to ventilate the room.

Source: https://trubarik.ru/polipropilenovye/pajka-polipropilenovyh-trub

How to solder different types of heating pipes

If you are interested in the question of how to solder heating pipes, you need to study in more detail the technology for making seam joints. In this case, different equipment is used for welding plastic and metal products.

Soldering copper heating pipes

Solder for soldering

In its production, alloys of different materials are used: tin, lead. Used for connecting communications at temperatures up to +450°C. You can buy it in bays. Solder is a rod characterized by a small cross-section. If it is necessary to connect communications using the high-temperature method, a material containing copper is used. A silver alloy is used in each case. This is a universal type of solder.

Cutting scissors

The tool is used to work with polymer communications. It's called a pipe cutter. It is used to connect small diameter products. After this, you need to process the end sections of the polymer communications - remove burrs.

Fluxes and fittings

To avoid oxidation of seam joints, special materials are used. Flux helps prevent negative processes in the area where soldering is performed. It also improves the adhesion of the filler material to the surface of the communications.

Fittings are connecting elements that are used to join different sections of pipes. Special electric welded couplings are used. There are also tees, rotating elements, adapters, crosses, etc.

How to solder different types of pipes?

Working with steel communications requires special skills. The basic secrets of soldering polymer products are easy to understand, and extensive experience in performing such work is not required. At the initial stage, a diagram of the heating system is drawn up. Determine the length of communications and their diameter.

Soldering polypropylene pipes in hard-to-reach places: tips and tricks

Polypropylene pipelines (PPR), due to their affordability, physical parameters and ease of installation, are widely in demand in households when organizing cold and hot water supply. During self-installation, the greatest difficulty is caused by soldering polypropylene pipes in hard-to-reach places, which is quite difficult for a beginner to cope with without making mistakes.

Therefore, it is useful to study techniques - how to properly solder a pipeline near walls, the specifics of soldering in corners, it is advisable to be able to repair polypropylene sections of a pipeline in compliance with technology.

At the same time, it is very important to make the right choice of tool and know the most common mistakes made by beginners.

Fig. 1 Industrial apparatus for PPR butt soldering - principle of operation

Methods for welding polypropylene pipes

To connect polypropylene pipes, several welding methods are used depending on their diameter, wall thickness and area of ​​application:

• Stykova. The technique is used for joining large-diameter pipeline elements used in industrial and public utilities. The process occurs by simultaneous heating of pipe ends pre-cut at an angle of 90 degrees with a flat disk, after which their edges are forcefully pressed against each other on a special machine.
• Coupling. The technology is practically not used in welding polypropylene pipes (mainly with HDPE); the connection occurs using electric welded couplings, into which both ends of the pipe elements are inserted. When an electric current is passed, the inner casing heats up, becomes softer and loses its rigidity. As a result of this process, it is compressed under the pressure of the outer shell, forming a strong permanent joint between the connected elements (active hardening). After cooling, the active hardening effect remains, pressing the coupling tightly to the pipes.
• Bell method. The method, widely used in everyday life and in all areas of industry, consists of connecting the two ends of a polypropylene pipe using polypropylene fittings. For heating in everyday life and industry, special welding machines (irons) and heating nozzles are used, which simultaneously heat the surface of the pipe and the inside of the fitting, after which the elements are joined.

Rice. 2 Welding device - soldering iron

Necessary tool for soldering small diameter polypropylene pipes

The thermal diffusion method used for welding polypropylene elements is realized by heating them with special devices, usually called soldering irons or irons. Structurally, the unit is a steel body with a built-in heating element, to which cylindrical heaters (nozzles) are screwed, the dimensions corresponding to the standard outer diameters of polypropylene pipes.

The temperature is set by a mechanical thermostat and two switches; in more modern devices, an electronic temperature indicator with processor-controlled heating is installed. The majority of irons have a flat shape; a less common variety has a round heating element, the nozzles on which are fixed with double-sided clamping screws.

In addition to the iron, the following tool is required for welded installation of a polypropylene line:

• Scissors. Designed for cutting polypropylene pipes, they are often supplied with a soldering device.
• Pencil and tape measure. The tool, as well as a corner and a knife, are used to accurately measure and control the location of the cut areas and remove the internal chamfer.
• Set of connecting fittings. Includes straight and angle couplings, tees, taps, threaded fittings and other fittings used to change the direction or connect plumbing fixtures to the main line.
• Household chemicals. Substances may be needed to degrease the welded surface and clean it from dirt.

Rice. 3 Tools for working with PPR

Soldering polypropylene pipes in hard-to-reach places

When deciding how to solder polypropylene pipes in hard-to-reach places, the following factors should be taken into account.

Working with polypropylene pipelines in narrow places is more difficult than welding on straight pipe runs in conditions of sufficient space. Inconvenient places usually include areas near the top of the ceiling, spots in corners, and tight space conditions that make it difficult to install the soldering iron on the stand. In the latter case, you cannot do without outside help; an alternative solution is a special hook, prepared in advance in a convenient place, on which you can hang a soldering iron.

If the soldered pipe sections are located too close to each other on the wall, a special technique is used - the direct and mating parts of the joint are heated in turn. In this case, the first section is heated a little longer than the allotted time, and then the pipe is heated for a shorter time and, if possible, at a higher temperature (the regulator is set to a larger diameter).

The situation when the soldered sections must be of a certain length, but when welding them in line with a soldering iron, one of the parts will have to be cut to the width of two nozzles and a heating iron, can be solved in another way.

A similar nozzle is purchased, fixed on the heating platform, and each of the segments is simultaneously soldered in different planes, after which they are connected.

Using this method, you can mount not only straight sections, but also turns on walls, thereby ensuring a tighter fit of the line to the curved surface.

Rice. 4 Welding pipeline sections with an iron with two nozzles

Source: https://montagtrub.ru/payka-polipropilenovyih-trub-v-trudnodostupnyih-mestah-sovetyi-rekomendatsii-spetsialista/