Can the PE pipe be heated?

As a commonly used plastic pipe,

PE pipe is widely used in water supply, drainage and other fields because of its corrosion resistance, light weight and convenient construction. But many people will ask: can PE pipe be used for heating? This needs to be analyzed from the performance characteristics of PE pipe and the needs of heating system.

First look at the temperature resistance of PE pipe. The long-term use temperature of ordinary PE pipe (such as PE80, PE100) is generally between -20 ° C and 40 ° C, while the water temperature of the heating system is usually between 40 ° C and 60 ° C (low-temperature floor radiant heating may be slightly lower, about 35-50 ° C, but the water temperature of central heating is sometimes higher). If it is in an environment that exceeds its temperature resistance limit for a long time, PE pipe will soften and reduce its strength, which will affect the service life and even cause the risk of water leakage. However, with the development of technology, the temperature resistance of some modified PE pipes (such as PE-RT, that is, heat-resistant polyethylene pipes) has improved. The long-term use temperature can reach about 70 ° C, and the short-term can even withstand high temperatures of 95 ° C. This type of PE pipe is more suitable for heating scenarios.

Look at the pressure requirements again. The heating system will have a certain pressure (generally 0.3-0 MPa) during operation, and the pressure level of the PE pipe (such as SDR11, SDR13.6, etc.) needs to meet the system pressure requirements. When choosing, choose the PE pipe with the corresponding pressure level according to the working pressure of the heating system to avoid pipe rupture due to pressure mismatch.

connection method is also key. PE pipes usually use hot melt connection or electric fusion connection. This connection method can integrate the pipeline, have good sealing performance, and reduce the hidden danger of water leakage. However, during construction, it is necessary to operate in strict accordance with the specifications to ensure that the welding temperature, time and pressure are appropriate, otherwise there will be problems such as virtual welding and desoldering, which will affect the reliability of the heating system.

So, can PE pipes be used for heating? The answer is: to choose the right type. Ordinary PE pipes are not suitable for high temperature heating, but heat-resistant modified PE pipes (such as PE-RT) can be used for low temperature floor radiant heating, household heating and other medium and low temperature scenarios. For high temperature heating systems with water temperature exceeding 60 ° C (such as the main pipe of traditional central heating), it is not recommended to use PE pipes. It is more suitable to choose metal pipes or high temperature resistant plastic pipes (such as PPR pipes).

Use PE pipes for heating to pay attention to these matters: 1. Confirm the type of pipeline: Be sure to choose the PE pipe marked "heat-resistant" or "special for heating" to check whether its temperature resistance and pressure resistance parameters meet the needs; 2. Standardize construction: find professionals for hot melt connection to avoid hidden dangers due to improper construction; 3. Regular maintenance: check whether the pipeline is aging and deformed before the heating season, and replace it in time if problems are found; 4. Avoid direct sunlight: PE pipe will accelerate aging when exposed to sunlight for a long time, and thermal insulation or protective measures should be taken when laying.

In short, PE pipe is not completely unusable for heating, but choose the appropriate type according to the specific scene and strictly follow the specifications. If you choose the right one, the corrosion resistance and lightweight advantages of PE pipes can bring convenience to the heating system; if you choose the wrong one, it may affect the use experience and even cause safety problems.