Flexible stainless steel pipe: characteristics, features of

Most of us think about how to install the plumbing system in an apartment or a private house, so that it does not take up much space, and at the same time remains reliable. In this article we will tell you what are flexible corrugated stainless steel pipes, what is their scope and what are the features of their installation.

Features of use

Any water and gas pipeline systems constructed with the use of rigid pipes are potentially unreliable communications, which, if poorly installed and not professionally carried out, can flow in one of the joints. Therefore, the installation of rigid water pipes has always provided for the need for a professional approach to implementation, in the use of high-quality fittings and tools.

The situation changed dramatically when the stainless flexible flexible corrugated pipe appeared on the market. With the advent of such products, both the method of installation and the approach to the implementation of the installation with their own hands has changed.

The main advantage of flexible pipes, in comparison with rigid analogs, is the possibility of constructing a complete system with two points of connections, regardless of the number of bends. At the same time, a rigid water supply system with two points of connections is, in most cases, a straight pipe.

Main advantages

Among the main advantages of corrugated stainless steel pipes, we note the following properties:

• the ability to change the system configuration during operation, what is impossible on rigid pipelines;
• bending thin-walled stainless steel pipe is done by hand without the use of specialized bending equipment;
• simplicity and ease of installation due to the small number of used connecting elements;
• reasonable price of the finished result due to the small number of fittings used;
• the ability to perform installation work inexperienced plumbers;
• ability to work in cramped conditions (for example, in kitchen sinks);
• aesthetically appealing look of the finished system.

Application area

The stainless flexible pipe with a corrugated surface was developed in the 80s of the twentieth branch and since then it has been used for the construction of domestic water and gas pipeline systems.

Thanks to these products, it became possible to build pipelines in those conditions where the use of rigid metal and plastic pipes is difficult or impossible. In addition, a corrugated joint is used in cases where the leakage of the transported medium is unacceptable.

For example, the distance from a rigid gas pipe to a stove or a heating boiler is small, but flexible connectors have always been used for its passage. Not so long ago, for these purposes, an oxygen hose was used, which, for all its reliability, did not have sufficient durability and after a certain time was covered with microcracks through which gas appeared through.

The solution to the problem of safe connection was the use of corrugated stainless steel pipes.

Important: High-quality corrugated connectors are specially certified, and it is they that are allowed for use when installing heating equipment or kitchen stoves using natural gas.

Another field of application where flexible stainless steel water pipes are used is mobile fitting.

For example, transportation of water from the mixer to the watering can in the shower or bathroom is carried out on a corrugated hose made of stainless steel. According to statistics, the tightness of such a connection of pipes with a regular movement of the shower head is maintained for at least 5 years, which you will agree a lot.

Production specifics

The instruction for the production of corrugated metal hoses provides for the use of stainless low-carbon steel grade AISI (SUS) 304. This alloy contains nickel 8% and chromium 18% of the total volume of the material.

Such a composition of components provides long-term resistance of the alloy to corrosive processes and mechanical stress due to increased strength properties.

The production process is as follows:

• stainless steel sheet is cut into ribbons of the appropriate size;
• cross-section of the ribbon is given a semicircular shape;
• a corrugation is formed from a metal tape with a given profile;
• joints are boiled by automatic TIG welding;
• laser check of seam integrity is performed;
• short-term heat treatment (up to +1150? C) of corrugations is performed in order to give it additional flexibility;
• end fittings are attached;
• a final test is performed on a test bench with a liquid under pressure.

Depending on the modification and the brand of the manufacturer, the distance between the middle rings and their thickness may vary within the technological limitations given in GOST 10705 and 15763.

Important: Products intended for gas supply over metal are covered with polymer insulation to form a complete dielectric compound. If, when choosing a gas supply hose, you purchased a product with smaller dimensions and plan to build up an additional piece of pipe, the connection of the fittings should be insulated with tape.

Parameters of finished products

Most manufacturers of stainless corrugated hoses supply products to the market with the following parameters:

• wall thickness from 0.25 to 0.3 mm;
• minimum bending radius of at least 30 mm;
• operating pressure up to 65 bar;
• short-term maximum pressure up to 200 bar;
• maximum operating temperature up to +100? С.

Features of the installation work

Installation instructions using special corrugated pipes do not imply the use of special equipment, such as crimping pliers or a welding machine.

In order to make such a connection with your own hands, you will need an appropriately sized open end wrench. If there are no keys with the desired size, you can use a monkey wrench.

The pipe ends are equipped with special brass fittings, most often in the form of a cap nut with internal thread (female). The inside of the fitting is equipped with a thread and a rubber O-ring. As a result, the use of tow or fum-tape is not mandatory.

Installation consists of screwing a cap nut onto the end of a rigid pipe with an external thread. The fitting is tightened all the way, but without excessive force, which can lead to damage to the sealing ring. After one of the fittings is fixed, the pipe is deformed manually to obtain the desired configuration, after which the second fitting is screwed on. (See also the article Pipe crimping: features.)

Important: Water or gas flexible corrugated stainless steel pipe is implemented in segments with a fixed length. Therefore, it is always better to choose a segment with a small surplus than to build up a short pipe with an additional piece during installation work.

Conclusion

So, we have considered the main characteristics inherent in corrugated stainless steel pipes. It's time to decide on the choice of the desired size and purchase the product that you need to perform a particular installation.

There are questions that need clarification? In this case, watch the video in this article.