Table of Contents:
Table of Contents maxLevel 4
What Is PP-R?
Polypropylene Random Copolymer or PP-R is a copolymer of propylene and at least one comonomor, where more than 50% of this materials composition is propylene. This high temperature capable plastic is used for piping in plumbing and heating applications. Exterior reinforcement layers can be combined with PP-R piping to further enhance it's thermal capabilities. Other advantages such as high pressure capabilities, cleanliness, and resistance to acid makes PP-R a viable material for piping in many industrial applications. However, being a relatively new material; first used in the 2000s in Europe and the 2010s in North America, it is not as extensively used compared to other materials of similar capabilities [1].
| Figure 1: PP-R pipes, fittings, and connectors [2]. | Figure 2: The formation of polypropylene makes the material tough and long-lasting [3]. |
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Advantages and Disadvantages of PP-R
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Applications
PP-R piping are usually rated at a standard temperature of 82 °C for continuous operations, along various pressure ratings based on their reinforcement wall types. In addition, this piping material is very sanitary, resistant to multiple chemical processes, and offers good thermal properties. As a result, there are multiple applications for PP-R piping in areas of commercial buildings, industrial and processing plants, and potable water [1][2].
Types of Applications
- Plumbing and water distribution [1]
- Hydronic piping for thermal applications (radiators, HVAC, fan coils)
- Industrial and food processing piping
- Compressed air applications
- Low temperature heating systems [2]
- Air conditioners (cold water piping)
- Potable hot and cold water
- Hot and cold piping for solar energy systems
- Reverse osmosis/deionized water systems [5]
| Figure 3: PP-R piping are used for compressed air and reverse osmosis processes [5]. |
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Pipe Sizing Chart
| Figure 4: PP-R pipe sizing chart/specifications [6]. |
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PP-R Pipe Suppliers
PPI (Plastic Pipe Institute) Members With PP-R and PP-RCT Piping
Links to suppliers that are members of the Plastic Pipe Institute can be accessed through this plasticpipe.org article about PP-R piping [1].
Other Suppliers
Connection Types/Joining Methods
The connection methods for PP-R can be found on the Connection Types - Pipes page in the ChE subwiki. More specifically, refer to Plastic and PE Pipe Connection Types/Joining Methods.
Contributors:
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Faculty Advisor: Rachel Malevich