Compared with traditional cast iron pipes, galvanized steel pipes, cement pipes and other pipes, PPR pipes have the advantages of energy saving and material saving, environmental protection, light weight and high strength, corrosion resistance, smooth inner wall and no scaling, simple construction and maintenance, and long service life. It is widely used in construction, municipal, industrial and agricultural fields such as building water supply and drainage, urban and rural water supply and drainage, urban gas, electric power and optical cable sheath, industrial fluid transportation, agricultural irrigation and other fields.

PPR pipe is a straight and rigid cylindrical pipe, made from Polypropylene Random Copolymer plastic, produced through a continuous extrusion process. They are commonly offered in green or white color, and in outer diameter sizes ranging from 20mm to 110mm making the pipe walls far thicker than PVC. PPR pipe is accompanied by a series of connection fittings, parts, and accessories available for every pipe diameter.

PPR Water Pipes

PPR Market Prospects

In recent years, with the continuous increase in market demand in the construction industry, municipal engineering, water conservancy engineering, agriculture and industry and other industries, China's PPR pipe industry has shown a rapid development trend. In 2009, the production volume of plastic pipes was 5.804 million tons, an increase of 18.9% year-on-year. From January to September 2010, the production volume of plastic pipes was 5.528 million tons, an increase of 28.23% year-on-year. At the same time, as consumers continue to improve product quality requirements for environmental protection, health, durability, etc., while the output of plastic pipes in my country has increased, the product quality level has been continuously improved, the technological progress of the industry has been accelerating, and the number of brand-scale enterprises has continued to increase. Varieties of materials and new structures are constantly emerging, advanced system design concepts are emerging one after another, the functionality of products is more obvious, and the application fields are further broadened. Analysis believes that the market share of China's plastic pipes has exceeded 30% of all pipes.

By 2015, plastic pipes will be used for 85% of construction drainage pipes, 80% of construction rainwater drainage pipes, and 50% of urban drainage pipes will be used in urban drainage pipes. Water supply and hot water for buildings will be used by 2015. 85% of supply and heating pipes use plastic pipes, 80% of urban water supply pipes (below DN400mm) use plastic pipes, 90% of rural water supply pipes use plastic pipes, and 40% of urban gas plastic pipes (medium and low pressure pipes) are used for construction wires. 90% of the threading and sheathing tubes are made of plastic tubes. According to forecasts, during the Twelfth Five-Year Plan period, my country's plastic pipe production will maintain a growth rate of about 10%. By 2015, the national plastic pipe production is expected to be close to 12 million tons, and the market share of plastic pipes in all types of pipes in the country will exceed 60%.

PPR Pipe Characteristics

• Low Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of PPR is very low, meaning temperature cannot easily be conducted from the outside environment to the liquid in the pipe, and vice versa. This factor reduces heat loss or gain during the transferring of hot or cold fluids respectively, resulting in energy efficient systems and lower insulation costs for PPR piping.

• Long Service Life & Durability

PPR piping systems can remain functional for over 50 years, at a wide range of fluid and environmental operating temperatures. Moreover, PPR pipe exhibits excellent durability in both hot and cold water systems. Firstly, it can endure the temperature and pressure strain of hot water systems.

At the same time PPR pipe is able to structurally withstand impacts even in cold weather installations without any risk of cracking or breaking, unlike other common types of plastic piping.

• Efficient Inner Surface

The inner surface of PPR pipe is very smooth and boasts a very low friction coefficient, compared to traditional types of piping. This results in a reduction of pressure losses during fluid transport and distribution, further contributing to the energy efficiency of PPR piping systems. Moreover, unlike metal pipes PPR does not flake or scale, making them safer to use.

• Chemical & Mechanical Endurance

Compared to traditional plastic piping systems, PPR offers very high resistance against abrasion by hard particles. This is especially important in cases of well water or industrial applications, where the transferred liquids may contain abrasive particles.

Moreover, unlike traditional metal piping, PPR is inert to most electrolytes and chemicals, over a wide range of temperatures. This electrolytic and chemical inertness makes PPR piping safe to use in cases of high water salinity (eg. in pool applications that use sea water) or even highly corrosive chemicals (eg. in industrial applications).

• Ecological & Economic Efficiency

Due to the low weight of PPR pipe, their transport, handling, and installation doesn’t require high amounts of energy consumption or manual labor. At the same time they are very easy to cut, join, and work with, making them even more economically sustainable.

Moreover, joining PPR pipe and fittings is performed solely through heat and doesn’t require any additional chemicals or materials. All of these factors contribute to PPRs low environmental impact and usage cost.

PPR Water Pipes

PPR Pipe Applications

DN25 PPR water pipes for kitchen

The durability, economical, and ecological advantages of PPR has resulted in it being used for an increasing number of diverse applications in recent years.

Most common PPR pipe applications include:

Hot and cold potable water piping in residential, industrial, and public installations. Industrial piping for transferring water, sanitary liquids, liquid food products, compressed air, and aggressive chemicals eg. highly acidic or alkaline solutions. Building central radiator heating water, usually in a circular loop piping arrangement.