2 Material and pipe properties
Note
Technical specifications for mechanical, thermal and
electrical pipe properties are available in the chapter
"Technical data".
2.1 Hygienic and non-toxicological
Uponor Aqua pipes have been tested at a number of laboratories
throughout the world and are approved for tap water distribution, i.e.
the pipes release neither taste, odour nor unhealthy substances
regardless of water quality
.
Tests in laboratories have shown that Uponor Aqua pipes do not
provide any growth environment for bacteria. The pipes comply to the
requirements for microbiological growth according to the DVGW
standard W270.
2.2 Long-term stability
Few materials have undergone such extensive endurance testing as
Uponor PEX. T
en years of continuous pressure testing at 95 °C and
an uninterrupted endurance test since 1972 are just a couple of
examples. Stress tests show that at a temperature of 70 °C and a
pressure level of 1 MPa in continuous operation, the pipe has an
estimated service life of more than 50 years.
2.3 Thermal memory
When a Uponor PEX pipe is heated to its softening temperature
(129-131 °C), the material returns to its original shape. This
characteristic is used to give a very reliable method for shrink
mounting sealing devices, for example.
2.4 Temperature resistance
The pipes can be used at a temperature up to 120 °C within time and
pressure limits. Uponor PEX has unchanged impact strength even at
temperatures below -100 °C.
Freezing
However, Uponor PEX pipes, like all water filled pipes, must be
protected against freezing. The material is elastic and can normally
tolerate freezing. In the event of freezing, the pipe expands, but
returns to its original shape once the ice plug melts. Repeated
freezing weakens the pipe.
Uponor PEX pipes without conduit, cast in concrete, will not tolerate
freezing. Small air bubbles or cavities are always present in concrete.
If the cavities are touching the pipe and freezing occurs, the pipe wall
is forced into these cavities and the pipe is perforated, which results
in leakage.
2.5 Low friction
The extremely low friction coefficient of Uponor PEX yields low
pressure drops and minimises the risk of deposits.
2.6 Resistance of abrasion
The abrasion characteristics are very good: erosion corrosion does
not occur even at high water velocity
. Consequently Uponor PEX
pipes are used to transport highly abrasive sand slurry, for example.
2.7 Chemical resistance
The Uponor PEX pipe has a very high resistance to chemicals.
Building materials such as concrete, mortar
, plaster, etc. do not affect
the pipes negatively.
Tape, paint or sealing compounds containing softening agent must
not be used directly on the pipe; softening agents have a negative
effect on the pipe’s long-term properties.
If in doubt about the chemical resistance, please consult Uponor for
further information.
2.8 Scratch resistant
Uponor PEX can withstand minor scratches without being weakened,
because the material is resistant to crack growth. This property
makes it possible to lay pipes directly in stony ground without costly
preparation.
2.9 Sound absorbing
The material in Uponor PEX pipes is elastic and provides a shock-
absorbing function in the event of rapid shut-of
f of a solenoide valve,
for example. It absorbs sound and can transport solid materials, e.g.
woodchips without the risk of loud noise levels.
2.10 Vibration absorbing
Uponor PEX can absorb and withstand vibrations. Thanks to the
elasticity action of the PEX material, the surge is reduced to 30 %.
2.11 Electrical insulation
The electrical insulation properties of Uponor PEX are in the same
class as the best insulating materials. The material is non-polar and
totally free of impurities.
2.12 Low environmental impact
Uponor PEX is a material with minimal environmental impact in both
production and energy recovery
. In the event of complete
combustion, only carbon dioxide and water are formed.
2.13 UV light
Uponor PEX pipes must not be stored or fitted where they are
exposed to direct sunlight. UV radiation af
fects the material, impairing
its long-term properties.
Uponor PEX piping systems
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T
echnical information
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