Metal-polymer pipes: get acquainted with the advantages and

Metal-polymer pipes are a type of composite pipes that can consist of several components at once: a polymer pipe, a mesh metal frame or a reinforcing layer of aluminum foil.

There are many classifications of this type of nozzles, which may vary in materials, in production technology, as well as in their intended purpose and technical parameters.

The polymer body of the pipe is made from thermoplastics. The frame should consist of transverse and longitudinal elements. The longitudinal elements are arranged concentrically relative to the nozzle, the transverse ones with a certain pitch simply wrap onto the longitudinal ones, thereby forming spirals.

Main applications

The scope of such pipes is quite wide.

1. Branch pipes with a diameter of up to 40 millimeters, which are reinforced with aluminum foil, are usually used in the housing and utilities sector, namely, in water supply, heating and sewage systems.
2. Branch pipes of metal polymers of a larger diameter are used, first of all, for laying pipelines, as well as process pipelines that are used to transport various corrosive media (alkalis, acids, as well as products with a high salt concentration).

1. This type of pipe is used in underground and heap leaching of rare earth and non-ferrous metals.
2. Recently, the nozzles are used in the system of pneumatic transport and hydrotransport.
3. As a strength support for buildings, these elements are used in the maritime infrastructure.

Types of basic metal polymer pipes

First of all, it is necessary to identify the main types of those pipes that are reinforced with aluminum foil. The material for these elements is polyethylene of the type PERT and PEX, which is processed by a special extrusion method.

The thickness of the aluminum foil is only a few tenths of a millimeter, the foil is welded together using special ultrasonic welding.

Technical specifications

Multilayer metal-polymer pipes have a number of quality indicators, among which it is worth noting the following:

• aluminum foil weld strength;
• high adhesion of the polymer with a metal base;
• low surface roughness of the nozzle;
• roundness of the frame and uniform distribution of the polymer around the entire circumference, both on the outer and inner layers;

Benefits

Products reinforced with aluminum foil have a number of indisputable advantages:

• high rates of corrosion and chemical resistance;
• ease of installation and reliability of pipe connections;
• large temperature range. It is a question of repeated freezing to +95 degrees Celsius;
• high flexibility, as well as the ability to maintain a certain shape, including curved.

disadvantages

Among the disadvantages include:

• high probability of mechanical damage;
• low temperature resistance;
• low fatigue strength, especially for PEX pipes.

Tip! Please note that pipes that are intended for the heating system must have an additional certificate. The technical documentation should indicate resistance to penetration of gases.

Metal-polymer pipes reinforced with a rigid mesh frame

The production technology of this type of pipe may have insignificant differences. The common thing is the presence of a reinforcing frame, which is specially made from individual elements, including wires and strips and is distinguished by rigidity.

An automated production line may consist of the following technological components:

• an extruder that is used to process the polymer;
• special welding machine, which is necessary for welding the metal frame;
• cooling system of the outer and inner walls of the pipe;
• modern control system of the main geometrical parameters of pipes;
• Special pulling device for pulling the pipe along the conveyor;
• cutting device that allows you to cut products of the required length;
• roller table, responsible for the movement of finished samples.

Instructions for the manufacture of these products includes several basic steps. Longitudinal elements are constantly moving along the production line, the movement is carried out by a special pulling device.

The transverse reinforcement is wound on the longitudinal elements with a certain frequency. In those places where the transverse, i.e. annular, and longitudinal reinforcement intersects, pipes are welded (by the contact method).

Note! To realize this type of welding, a unique cylindrical roller electrode is used.

Already welded frame enters the extrusion cavity, which is already filled with molten polymer. In order to form an internal diameter of pipes with a very high surface quality, that is, with low roughness indicators, a polishing mandrel is used in production, which has autonomous cooling.

The cooling process is performed when the pipe passes the forming sleeve.

Among the quality indicators of metal-polymer tubes that are reinforced with a rigid mesh frame can be distinguished:

• the special strength of the metal frame elements of pipes;
• strength of all welded joints of frame elements;
• low roughness of the inner surface of the nozzle;
• uniform distribution of polymer around the circumference.

This type of nozzles has several undeniable advantages:

• high strength;
• resistance to corrosion and chemical attack;
• small weight;
• sufficiently long period of operation.

These pipes have a number of drawbacks, which also need to be mentioned:

• complexity in manufacturing technology;
• low flexibility;
• decrease in strength properties during increase and decrease in working temperature.

The price of these two types is slightly different, so the choice depends on other parameters. Metal products combine high strength and chemical resistance, which allows you to create sewage and heating systems with your own hands.

Conclusion

Today, metal-polymer pipes are used everywhere. Pipelines made of metal polymers can be operated for several decades. To maximize chemical and corrosion resistance of pipelines coated with special electroplating solutions.

The strength of such pipes is several times higher than polymeric ones; this is achieved due to a special reinforcing metal frame. In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic.