Corrugated pipe for heating is very popular due to the high degree of flexibility and properties of stainless steel. The ease of installation and repair allows the use of pipes made of this material to pull the heating system with your own hands.
Description of corrugated pipes
There are two types of corrugated stainless steel pipes:
- unannealed;
- heat treated.
During heat treatment, the material becomes more durable and reliable. Under the influence of high temperatures, and then their gradual decrease, the corrugation becomes plastic and soft. It will be better to maintain its shape, withstand the maximum number of bends. At the same time, their integrity is not violated. The disadvantage of this material is its cost - 1.5 times more expensive than ordinary.
Corrugation, which has not undergone thermal treatment, does not outwardly differ from the processed one. But at the place of bending, deformation will appear. If you buy such a corrugation in order to save money, it is recommended to lay only straight sections. If the system has a large number of bends due to turns, it is better to stop the choice on the processed material.
Specifications
The standard corrugated stainless pipe for heating is produced with a diameter of 15 to 32 mm. The operating temperature for the material varies from –50 to +180 degrees. The maximum pressure is 50 atmospheres.
Experiments were carried out, which showed that the material can withstand even 200 atmospheres, but at 210 it will completely collapse.
Advantages and disadvantages
The metal corrugation for heating has gained its popularity due to its technical characteristics.
Positive sides of stainless steel pipes:
- Without loss of technical properties, corrugated pipes can be used at temperatures from -50 to +110 degrees.
- Material well tolerates pressure surges.
- They have a high degree of elasticity. The pipes are easily bent without requiring special tools for this. Due to this property, they can be given any shape, while saving on the corners and fittings.
- Corrugated pipes are not susceptible to corrosion, do not collapse due to moisture, no growths form on the inner walls, which can violate the throughput.
- The material is very durable, its service life is unlimited.
- The pipes are absolutely silent, as the inner surface is perfectly smooth. Thanks to this, water moves with minimal resistance.
- This heating system is easy to repair. Only the damaged portion of the corrugated pipe can be replaced.
- The material is frost-resistant, it does not deteriorate if it is necessary to defrost the system in winter.
Despite a huge number of advantages, corrugated pipes have several disadvantages:
- They have a low impact resistance property. During installation, it is recommended to protect the most vulnerable areas with a duct.
- Many consider the appearance of the corrugated pipe unaesthetic, in addition, due to the corrugated surface there are problems with caring for it.
- The wiring must not be concreted into the wall, as special fittings are used to connect to radiators and boilers. They should be provided with free access.
One of the drawbacks is the high electrical conductivity, so it is necessary to do grounding.
Purpose and use
Corrugated pipes are widely used in the field of construction and repair. They are often used in the following areas:
- rainwater drainage equipment;
- organization of the disposal of municipal sewage;
- drainage assembly;
- conducting a heating system;
- ensuring the flow of water into the apartment under pressure;
- gas supply indoors;
- connection of air conditioners.
A corrugated pipe for heating determines its purpose, since the surface has a large heat transfer, thick rings on the pipe can act as a radiator.
Corrugated pipes have found their application in the industrial and domestic sectors for laying electric and television cables. Pipes reliably protect from mechanical damage, the influence of weather conditions.
In the construction of private houses, corrugated pipes are widely used for water supply and heating systems.
Installation specifics
Despite the elasticity of the material, do not abuse its strength. It is not recommended to bend the pipes several times in the same place. If you repeatedly change shape, cracks may appear at the bend, which will lead to leaks in the future.
Since the pipes do not have rigidity, during their installation it is necessary to make many fasteners on horizontal sections. Pipeline elements are interconnected by fittings without fittings. To achieve even cuts, you need to use a special pipe cutter. It is not recommended to use a grinder, as it can deform the walls.
Connection is made as follows:
- If you need to dock the corrugated pipe with a conventional steel pipe, fixing is done from the side of a smooth part.
- Connecting the battery to the heating system is carried out using a hand tool - milling machine.
- Having cut off the necessary piece of pipe, it must be carefully cleaned so that the edge is smooth.
- One section is inserted into the roll, two turns of pipe should protrude from it, they must be expanded using a hammer.
- A flare nut is fitted with a pre-inserted gasket.
As soon as the fittings are fixed on the radiator and riser pipes, tighten the nuts on the corrugation. It is important to control that there is no twisting of the flexible pipe.
In order for the installation to be carried out correctly, it is recommended to take into account the following nuances:
- Defective pipes that are damaged must not be installed.
- It is important to check that there is no twisting and stress.
- Pipes with bends and cracks are not commissioned.
- When mounting a corrugated stainless steel pipe, only plastic joints should be used for heating.
The installed system must be checked immediately. To do this, water is supplied under strong pressure. If leaks are observed, tighten the nuts.
Major manufacturers
The leading mass of corrugated pipes is produced in South Korea, but manufacturers are also found in other countries.
Japanese company Neptun
The homeland of corrugated pipes is Japan. One of the main manufacturers of corrugations is the company Neptun. Digging offers a wide selection of pipeline elements from corrugations, fittings and all necessary components for installation. Since 2014, a branch was opened in Russia, it is located in the suburbs. Production is organized on modern European equipment. Fittings comply with international environmental safety standards. Products are supplied to 40 countries.
Pipes from the company Neptun - universal purpose. They are used for running water and organizing a heating system in homes.
KOFULSO Company
This is a manufacturer from South Korea. The company is famous for the impeccable quality of its products. KOFULSO corrugation is appreciated by builders as the highest quality.The manufacturer produces a multifunctional corrugation with a diameter of up to 50 mm. All fittings are equipped with thick gaskets. This improves the quality of installation work. The assortment includes thermally processed and ordinary material.
Lavita
The manufacturer offers corrugated pipes of the middle price segment. A manufacturing facility located in South Korea specializes not only in annealed and untreated material, but also in sheathed products. In practice, there are cases of small leaks at the attachment points of the fittings.
Hydrosta
Another reliable supplier and manufacturer of corrugations from South Korea. The factory uses special polishing technology. This provides reliable surface protection against growths and deposits. Products are intended for the installation of plumbing, except for sewer wiring.
German company Maybas
All products comply with European standards. But finding production in the euro zone makes products expensive.
The increase in electricity and heating tariffs prompts owners of private houses to look for options for more profitable heating. Corrugated stainless steel corrugation for heating is an excellent choice of space heating, which allows saving on materials and installation.
