Since its invention in the early 90’s, the use of PPR pipes has become more common as these pipes are more durable, cost-efficient and sturdy for the long term of use. You might be wondering as to why some manufacturing companies and even plumbers choose to produce and install the PPR pipes compared to the PVC pipes and others. In this article, we will cover the basic introduction of PPR pipes, the comparison between PPR pipes and PVC pipes and the most common and suitable places to install PPR pipes. To know the local supplier for any pipe and PPR pipe, click PPR pipes Malaysia .
The Basic Introduction of PPR Pipe
PPR pipe is a pipe that is made from Polypropylene Random Copolymer plastic and is produced through the extrusion process in continuous times. It is produced in a straight and cylindrical shape as the common shape. Regarding the colours and also diameter, PPR pipe is usually offered either in white or green colour and it has a thicker range of outer diameter than PVC pipe as its outer diameter ranges between 20mm to 110mm. On a side note, a different series of connection fittings, parts and accessories are available for the varied diameter of PPR pipe.
The Comparison between PPR Pipes and PVC Pipes
Although PPR and PVC pipes are almost identical, PPR pipes have the distinct characteristics that distinguish them from PVC pipes. These characteristics of PPR pipes influence the choosers and make them more preferred to install PPR pipes than PVC pipes in certain places for specific use.
Difference of materials
PPR pipes are made from polypropylene random copolymer, whereby PVC pipes are made from polyvynil chloride.
Thickness
PPR and PVC pipes have varied wall thickness. You can check their wall thickness through the label on those pipes. Generally, the PPR pipes are more sturdy and tougher to use than PVC pipes as the wall thickness become one of the factors in comparing the aspects of toughness and resistance between both types of pipes.
Level of Acidity
Let’s look at the level of acidity between the PPR pipes and PVC pipes. PPR pipes are way more safer to use as it is produced from non-toxic materials. That is one of the reasons PPR pipes are more preferred to be installed in drinking water systems and for transferring hot and cold water. In comparison to PPR pipes, PVC pipes are more likely to be riskier to use as they are more acidic. Besides that, PPR pipes will not transfer and carry the harmful substances that are contained in water supply as these pipes and their fittings are usually made from harmless raw materials.
Level of Conductivity
In terms of conductivity level, PPR pipes have very low thermal conductivity than PVC pipes. Therefore, nowadays PVC pipes are slightly seldom used for transferring cold and hot water supply. The low thermal conductivity of PPR pipes make PPR pipes more ideal to transfer cold and hot water.
Smooth Inner Surface
The PPR pipes are built with a smoother inner wall or surface compared to the PVC pipes. Due to the smoother inner surface of PPR pipes, the PPR pipes are less affected by frictional resistance and only have a minor effect when they face the issue of frictional resistance. Other than that, the PPR pipes are able to reduce the pressure during transferring and distributing liquids due to the contribution of smooth inner surface of PPR pipes. Besides that, PPR pipes are not damaged or cracked easily compared to the PVC pipes and the metal pipes. Thus, this aspect makes the PPR pipes shine again (more preferred) than PVC pipes and other traditional pipes to distribute and flow drinking water.
The most common and suitable Places for PPR Pipes
PPR pipes are usually installed:
- In residential area or in the house for hot and cold water piping
- In the factories for hot and cold water piping
- In the public area for hot and cold water piping
- In the places that are transferring water, liquids for sanitation, liquid food products, compressed air and aggressive chemicals such as alkaline solutions, acidic solutions and any chemical substance
