PEX, otherwise refereed to as Cross-linked polyethylene, is a form of tubing formed from a high density polyethylene substance to make tubes or pipes commonly used in a wide range of domestic as well as commercial applications. The technology used to create PEX tubing makes the appliances to be resilient against very high as well extremely low temperatures, making them ideal for plumbing and radiant heating.
Some of the common areas where you would PE Schaumstoff need to use PEX include hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems in homes and industries, electrical cables with high voltage, in refrigeration systems and also in water piping. Due to their ability to resist chemical wear-down, PEX pipes are also idea for transporting chemicals, offshore oil, natural gas as well as slurries and sewage.
Classification of PEX Pipes
Basically, there are 3 types of PEX pipes; PEX-a, PEX-b and PEX-c. Although the types are not based on the rating of their application, having some basic knowledge about each can help you choose the best type of PEX pipe to suite your specific needs.
PEX-a
PEX-a is manufactured through a peroxide (or Engel) process by cross-linking the polyethylene molecules. The process is done on a high temperature, normally above the melting point of the peroxide crystals. The result is a material which is very strong and resilient to any sort of mechanical tear. PEX-a pipes are very strong yet flexible. They have fewer joints and require little fittings, making them most suitable for plumbing and radiant heating.
PEX-b
PEX-b is processed through a method called moisture cure, which uses Silane. Cross-linking of the substance elements is facilitated by a chemical agent under optimal temperature and moisture. The resultant PEX is a strong material, but which is a bit more stiff than PEX-a.
PEX-c
PEX-c is made through an electronic beam or radiation. The process involves passing the polyethylene through an electronic beam several times so as to achieve the needed degree of cross-linking. PEX-c is made through a much energy-conscious process, and so, the resultant material is not as resilient as PEX-a and PEX-b; it is a bit fragile. Consequently, PEX-c materials are less expensive than the other PEX tubing. These pipes are more suitable in environments where there are no extreme temperatures or high probability of mechanical hostility.
Advantages of PEX
PEX (X stands for cross linking) or cross-linked polyethylene is an entity of water supply piping systems. It vows to replace metal pipe alternatives (copper, iron, brass) and the like (PVC, PE and other plastic materials). PVC still dominates in terms of usage of material for making pipes and pipelines. PEX fits in where other alternatives start wearing. So why PEX? Sounds like an obvious question.
Why PEX :
- It fulfills the first criteria that any plumbing/piping material has to fulfill-It doesn’t corrode as quickly as other materials in the same category do.
- Compared to manufacturing techniques used to build pipes, PEX tubes are drawn out using process of extrusion, which offers significant advantages by reducing shipping, storage as well as handling costs.
- Workers in the area of plumbing and fittings can start to smile now, flex completely removes the risk of health hazards that are common place when performing activities like soldering, forming fluxes etc, which are usually part of installation and fitting operations when using other materials.
- Flexibility is one area where all the other competitors of PEX don’t compare at all. The numerous fittings, joints that are needed to get the whole piping working can lead to quite a lot of work. Hurrah! Not any more, PEX tubes turn and twist like snakes (exaggerating), which allows a long run of pipe in your place to be finished by using just a couple or no fittings.
- Zero decibels; yes, that is the amount of noise to expect from the water flowing through PEX tubes, affinity of water for PEX is great.
- Cost, A struggling market needs products like these, PEX is relatively low priced than all the other “equivalent” alternatives.
The X factor in PEX:
As mentioned before, X is cross-linked, i.e. PEX PE Schaumstoff uses cross linked polyethylene, cross linking makes PE more durable, and resistant to cold temperature cracks, X is the magic behind the show, well almost.
Various manufactures offer variety of tools, which help in establishing the plumbing process when using PEX. Selecting such tools depends on the kind of task at hand. These tools can be a bit expensive for ones liking, but as they say -“You reap what you sow”, so investing in PEX might not be a bad idea after all.
