Asbestos pipe: features and application
There are disputes about the environmental friendliness of asbestos pipes - some say that they contain a large amount of carcinogens, others argue that they cannot cause any harm to their health. But be that as it may, asbestos pipes are widespread in the national economy. Therefore, we will further examine in detail their features, and consider for what purpose they can be used without touching on the issue of environmental friendliness.

Features of asbestos pipes
Merits
To date, in some cases, asbestos pipes are the best alternative to the steel counterpart.
This is due to a number of their advantages, among which are:
- Corrosion resistance;
- Non-sedimentation of sludge when used in sewer systems;
- Resistance to rotting;
- Low thermal conductivity;
- Durability (up to 40 years);
- A light weight;
- The ability to withstand significant mechanical loads;
- Low price, compared with steel or cast iron equivalent;
- Easy installation;
- Do not accumulate static voltage, and do not contribute to the formation of stray currents;
- Resistant to many chemicals.

disadvantages
Of course, along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages of these products:
- The temperature threshold of the material is 300 degrees Celsius. In the event of a soot fire in the chimney, the chimney collapses, which can cause a fire;
- Dimensions of asbestos pipes may differ from those stated by the manufacturer, due to the peculiarity of their production.
- When used as a chimney, soot quickly builds up inside the walls. In addition, the pipe absorbs condensate, which is transmitted to the walls and roof.
From this we can conclude that asbestos chimney pipes are not the best option. But, nevertheless, many use them for these purposes.
Tip! To increase the life of the asbestos chimney, it is necessary to insulate it with mineral wool. However, before insulating the chimney from an asbestos pipe, a galvanized casing should be made that will hold the insulating material.
Production technology
In the manufacture of asbestos pipes, in addition to asbestos, cement is also used. In some cases, coloring pigments may be added to the mixture. Therefore, they are also called asbestos concrete or asbestos cement pipes.
Perform them on the following technology:
- Initially, fluffing of asbestos fibers occurs, followed by mixing with water.
- Then the cementing mass is added to the mixture. The composition is thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mixture.
- After that, the formation of pipes on special machines. The application of the material occurs in layers with simultaneous removal of moisture. In this case, the straight-line orientation of asbestos is performed.

Types and sizes
All existing types of asbestos pipes are primarily distinguished into two types:
Free-flow | Designed for use in sewer systems, as well as for various construction purposes. |
Pressure head | The products have proven themselves well when used in various communications. In particular, they are widely used for the transportation of technical fluids and as heating mains. |
In addition to the working pressure, the products are distinguished by their diameter, which can range from 100 to 500 mm. True, for industrial purposes sometimes use pipes and larger diameter. As for the length of the product, it may be limited only by production capabilities.
I must say that cement - asbestos pipes 5 or 3.95 m long are the most popular. This length reduces the number of joints when installing the pipeline. However, there is a reverse side of this size - the weight increases significantly, which complicates installation.

Tip! Asbestos-cement pipes are used not only for their intended purpose, i.e. for installation of the pipeline or as a chimney. For example, you can make a heater out of an asbestos pipe, attaching legs to it and winding a nichrome spiral on it. In the people such heater is called "Goat".

Installation of asbestos-cement pipes
To lay a pipeline of large diameter, will have to use lifting equipment. But the usual sewer pipes with a diameter of 100-150 mm can be laid independently.
As mentioned above, the installation manual for the pipeline is quite simple and it looks like this:
- On the first pipe is coming coupling with seals. It is necessary to say that it is very difficult to make the connection with your own hands, therefore special jacks are used for these purposes. The device is connected to the engraved coupling and creates with it a force that contributes to the fitting of the connecting element.
- The second pipe is laid with a minimum clearance from the first.
- Next, you need to measure the depth of the coupling and using the same jack to connect to it the second pipe. It is necessary to check the straightness of the relative position of the elements, as this affects the quality of the joints. Distortions are the main cause of leakage.
- After the elements are connected, the gaps are sealed with a special mixture..
According to this scheme, all the further installation of the pipeline. It must be said that the shaped elements are made of metal, because the production technology does not allow them to be made of asbestos-concrete, however, the installation process does not differ.

Such a pipeline can be used as a stormwater or outdoor sewer system. Since the internal systems are usually plastic, there is a need to connect plastic with asbestos. For these purposes, rubber cuffs are usually used, as for installation of a toilet bowl.
Note! Before you connect the asbestos pipe with plastic, you must clean the surface of debris and grease with sealant.
That's all the features of asbestos-cement pipes and their use.
Conclusion
The use of asbestos-cement pipeline in some cases will provide significant savings. And even if we take into account that asbestos cement is unsafe for health, being in the ground, it will not cause any harm. True, it is better to refrain from using it as a chimney.
From the video in this article, you can get more information on this topic.