PP-R

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Last updated: Apr 14, 2021 by Former user (Deleted)

Table of Contents:

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].

Image of PP-R pipes, fittings, and connectors.

Diagram depicting the atomic structure of polypropylene.



Advantages and Disadvantages of PP-R

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Long lifespan; up to 50 years under normal operating conditions [2]
  • Hygienic and non-toxic
  • High temperature resistance
  • High pressure resistance + high flow rate
  • Good heat preservation properties
  • Convenient, lightweight, and easy to install [4]
  • Good wear resistance
  • Easy to recycle
  • Can easily be damaged through contact [4]
  • Impact resistance and rigidity is worse than metal piping
  • Few accessories and connection types available
  • Poor UV resistance
  • Prone to aging when used in exposed environments



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].

Image of PP-R pipes in an industrial setting.





Pipe Sizing Chart

Figure 4: PP-R pipe sizing chart/specifications [6].

Image of a PP-R pipe sizing chart.

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.



References


Contributors:

UserLast Update
Former user (Deleted) 1348 days ago
Former user (Deleted) 1349 days ago

Faculty Advisor: Rachel Malevich