Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• Is it possible to use Ekoplastik PPR pipes in compressed air systems?
  Ekoplastik PPR pipes may be used for compressed air - the relevant standards state that they can be used under the same conditions as for water. In your decision about the use it will be, however, necessary to consider some filtration equipment beyond compressors as potential residual compressor oils may negatively influence PPR pipes.
  
  
• Is it possible to use Ekoplastik PPR pipes in distribution systems chemicals?
  Polypropylene is a material of high chemical resistance, which is specified in relevant standards and depends on chemical types, concentrations and temperatures. Final decisions in concrete applications must be taken by a subcontractor specialized in industrial piping systems, with sufficient experience and ability to evaluate available data in a complex way (i.e. material resistance, safety aspects as well as concrete application placements).
  
  
• How the new pipes are connected to the existing piping systems?
  Ekoplastik PPR System enables to connect to original polypropylene systems by welding or, in the case of metal pipes, by threaded flanges or reducing adapters. The adapters must be made of nickel-coated brass; adapter provided with plastic threads are used for temporary connections of construction sites or anywhere else for a limited period of time. We recommend (in particular if old galvanised pipes are involved) inserting a mechanic filter at the connection point as a precaution against mechanical particles that may damage pipe fittings and/or contaminate water.
  
  
• Is there a health protection certificate available?
  The originally used health certificate has been recently replaced by the Declaration of Conformity as required by Act No. 258/2000 Coll. on Public Health Protection and implementation rules of the Ministry of Health on materials coming into contact with foodstuffs (see Declaration of Conformity Z/1/2001/2).
  
  
• Why the expansion bends are not manufactured in diameters larger than 40 mm?
  Pipes of large diameters are too rigid and thus the use of expansion bends is not efficient. In larger diameters shaped compensation members are used (e.g. L-, Z-, U-shaped expansion pieces).
  
  
• Are Ekoplastik PPR pipes provided with the oxygen barrier?
  Ekoplastik PPR pipes have no oxygen barriers. Oxygen penetration is prevented by internal aluminium lining in Ekoplastik Stabi pipes. Even though we recommend both pipe types for heating systems as the oxygen concentrations penetrated through pipe walls into the distribution system are not significant for the system lifetime. If the system is often locked with air, it is necessary to search for troubles elsewhere and take consequently suitable measures.
  
  
• Can be Ekoplastik PPR pipes used for fire-fighting mains?
  As polypropylene pipes are classified as C3-class, their use in fire-fighting mains is not advisable but for pipelines running inside structures that can provide fire rating as such. In addition, any potential use must be consulted in advance with a fire protection engineer.
  
  
• How HT pipe expansions are handled on the site?
  The space for expansion movements is provided in the sockets. The pipe smooth end is inserted into the socket and consequently pulled back by approx. 10 mm. This dimension is used for future expansions in the system.
  
  
• What is the difference of connecting sockets for stench traps?
  As actual connecting sizes of stench traps in one dimension group differ by material and manufacturer, it is possible in separate dimensions to choose an element, where the rubber collar corresponds to its counterpart (i.e. stench trap piece).
  
  
• How are the pressure losses calculated?
  For the purposes of hydraulic calculations, tables of pressure losses are available; you can also download relevant freeware from the engineering portal www.tzb-info.cz.