Choosing a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes
Polypropylene pipes today have almost completely replaced the previously used metal pipes. However, if the latter were connected exclusively through threaded connections, then to connect plastic parts Today they use special equipment and tools. One of them is a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes (it is sometimes called an iron).
This device is especially popular among craftsmen who independently install heating systems and plumbing, without the help of specialized companies. What characterizes this popular instrument today?
Types of soldering irons
The design of the machine for soldering polypropylene pipes is quite simple. It consists of a heating element that transfers heat metal plate having holes for nozzles.
The main task of the soldering iron is to maintain the required temperature at a constant level. The main difference between these devices is the method of attaching the nozzle to the heating surface.
In Russia, sword-shaped soldering irons and corresponding nozzle designs are more common. This is due to the relatively low price and large assortment. However, among professional tools you can increasingly find cylindrical heating devices.
Soldering iron for soldering sword-shaped polypropylene pipes
Another main criterion when choosing a soldering iron is constant temperature. The reliability of the pipe connection depends on this characteristic. On sale you can usually see a whole set for soldering pipes. It includes the soldering iron itself, several attachments, and sometimes the kit is supplemented with scissors for cutting pipes.
Soldering iron power for polypropylene pipes
The heating speed depends on its value. All tools of this kind are designed to use a 220 volt network. For installing pipes at home, a soldering iron with a power of 700 to 1200 watts is suitable.
The minimum power is sufficient for soldering pipes with a diameter of 16-63 mm. When connecting pipes with a diameter of 75 mm, you will need a soldering iron with an output of at least 850 W. And 1.2 kW must be used when soldering products with a diameter of up to 125 mm. In any case, if you are connecting yourself, you will need a soldering iron for soldering polypropylene pipes with a power of no more than 1.5 kW.
Any soldering machine is equipped with a thermostat located directly on the body.
The optimal temperature for soldering is +260C. At a lower temperature, the pipe fits into the nozzle for too long and too tightly, which does not ensure a good connection between the fitting and the pipe.
The thermostat automatically turns off the tool when the set temperature is reached (this is indicated by a light bulb or LED).
Iron attachments
The most effective use of a soldering iron is possible only if several attachments are installed on it at the same time. And indeed, change them when the soldering iron is hot #8212; a very dubious pleasure. Produced nozzles for soldering iron polypropylene pipes allow you to connect products different diameters.
Welding machine complete with nozzles
In the manufacture of nozzles, to increase their strength and durability, they use various coatings. Most often this is Teflon (or metallized Teflon, which is a more durable option).
To extend their service life, before starting soldering, be sure to remove any melt residue remaining from previous work.
Cost of the device and fittings
All manufacturers recommend using a soldering iron for plastic pipes with a diameter of 16-63 mm, having a power of 680 W. If it is necessary to connect pipes with a diameter of up to 75 mm, then the power should be greater - up to 850 W. When working with large diameters, up to approximately 125 mm, experts recommend using soldering irons with a power of 1200 W.
Soldering iron attachments
Soldering iron attachments for pipes. The size of the nozzle depends on the diameter of the plastic pipe
As a rule, when connecting polypropylene pipes in large volumes, ready-made blocks are attached. But this is not always beneficial for the home; there may be a need to install only a few separate pipes, so when choosing a soldering iron specifically for home use It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of all attachments.
You also need to pay attention to the material of manufacture; it can be metallized Teflon or regular Teflon. At the same time, the first one is higher, it requires a careful, careful attitude. They must be wiped before use. isopropyl alcohol.
Temperature level adjustment
When choosing a soldering iron for installing plastic polypropylene pipes, you need to pay close attention to the ability to adjust the temperature level. Adjustment accuracy from one to five degrees can be achieved using only a professional soldering iron, but it will be needed when the volume of work is very large. At home, you can often get by with cheaper models, but you should still choose them carefully.
The temperature when connecting parts should not be equal to or greater than 270 degrees, since at this value the thermal degradation of polypropylene pipes begins. Optimal value is to support a temperature value of 260 degrees, so when choosing, make sure that the rhythm of the difference is not too large.
When choosing, remember that attention should be paid to the temperature not on the soldering iron regulator, but on the nozzle. Experts recommend purchasing an additional special thermometer, which will allow you to accurately determine the temperature value so that the soldering is of high quality and the pipe itself is not damaged. In addition, modern models of devices have a sound alarm: when a certain value is reached, a signal turns on. Such devices allow you to monitor the condition in three modes (for heating, for connecting polypropylene pipes, for fixing).
When buying a soldering iron for plastic pipes, you need to pay attention to every little detail, since the quality of installation and the pipe itself often depends on them. A soldering iron for plastic pipes must not only be reliable, but also have the ability to control temperature, be easy to use, and have all the necessary attachments.
Soldering iron for plastic pipes
Quite often, when carrying out repairs or during the construction of buildings, it is necessary to carry out pipelines. Modern technologies allow the use of plastic pipes in almost all communications. made from durable polymers. Water supply plastic pipes with high strength have low price, are not afraid of corrosion and do not become overgrown with salts and lime deposits inside.
Hot and cold water supply in the apartment, laying water supply on summer cottage and installation of pipelines when installing heating systems - plastic pipes are used everywhere. Special soldering irons are used to work with polymer pipes. which perform heating of pipes and other pipeline elements (angles, tees, crosses). The connected heated parts of the pipeline are soldered into a single whole and do not allow water to pass through, which is what is required from the plumbing or heating system.
A soldering iron for plastic pipes is sold in almost any hardware or construction store. Their cost is relatively low, especially when you compare their price and the cost of work on laying water lines in an apartment or house, which the craftsmen will require from you. Of course, if you need to add a tee to install a washing machine, then there is no point in purchasing a soldering iron - it’s easier to call a mechanic from the housing office. But if the renovation of an apartment or house is major, then a soldering iron for plastic pipes will pay for itself quite quickly.
The principle of operation of a soldering iron for plastic pipes is simple - inside it there is a heating element, which is heated by a voltage of 220 V, and from it the nozzles for pipes and other elements are heated. The nozzles, which are sold as a set along with the soldering iron, have a diameter of #189; up to 2 inches and allow you to perform necessary work With various pipes. The nozzles are screwed onto the soldering iron from different sides, which allows you to simultaneously heat the pipe from the outside and the connecting element from the inside.
However, it is best to work with a soldering iron with a partner, when one holds the soldering iron and the second heats it up required areas pipeline. But if there is no partner, then you can do it yourself, but this will require skill and work gloves - so as not to get burned. Special scissors are included with the soldering iron. which allow high-quality cutting of plastic pipes various sizes. Of course, you can cut the pipe with a hacksaw, but scissors will do it much faster.
When buying a soldering iron for plastic pipes, you need to pay attention to the presence of a rheostat on the soldering iron, which serves as a temperature regulator. At the maximum temperature level, a soldering iron that is turned on will not only generate extra kilowatts for you, but can also unnecessarily melt plastic pipes. This usually happens in hard to reach places, where it is not possible to work comfortably and excessive use of a soldering iron greatly melts the pipe or the joining element (tee, angle, cross, joining barrels). During operation, it is better to regulate the set temperature than to redo a certain section of the pipeline several times.
Of course, when carrying out repair work Other power tools will also be required. and the tools. But a soldering iron for polymer pipes will come in very handy when carrying out plumbing work or installing a heating system.
Welding machines for plastic pipes
Are you looking for where to buy a soldering iron for plastic pipes inexpensively in Moscow? We're cheap!
In this catalog you will find a soldering iron for plastic pipes, characterized by excellent functional and technical characteristics. The presented equipment meets the most modern requirements for equipment of this class, has proven itself in practice and is in great demand in Moscow and throughout Russia in general. Indeed, the soldering irons for plastic pipes presented in the catalog are designed taking into account many years of experience in operating pipe welding equipment in practice. The developers have made every effort to ensure that each soldering iron for plastic pipes meets the requirements for it and gives excellent results when using it. If we evaluate the characteristics of the proposed models, we can note that the soldering irons have a wide welding range, are easy to use, light in weight and economical in operation. All this allows you to successfully use this equipment for performing work on welding plastic pipes. An additional advantage of the presented models of soldering irons is their small sizes and the presence of a variety of attachments for welding pipes of various diameters.
According to reviews of experts working in the market for equipment of this class, in terms of price/quality ratio, these models are among the best on the market. You can take advantage of the offered equipment right now by choosing the soldering iron for plastic pipes you are interested in and placing an order from our company.
We offer affordable prices
The most important advantage of our company is the affordable price of the supplied equipment. We supply soldering irons directly from the manufacturer, which means that you will not overpay to intermediaries and will receive quality product By affordable price. In addition, well-functioning and modern supply logistics can significantly reduce the costs of delivery and storage of equipment; all this, naturally, allows us to offer equipment in Moscow at lower prices than on the market. If you want to buy a high-quality soldering iron for plastic pipes at an affordable price, our offer is one of the best in Moscow.
We offer a long warranty period
Experts know how important it is for the equipment to be reliable and return the investment on it. The models presented in the catalog have been checked and tested at the factory, developed taking into account operating experience, and are also made from quality materials. This ensures a long service life and gives great warranty period for each product. If you are looking for equipment with a long warranty period and reliable operation, take advantage of our offer.
We provide free consultation on the selection and operation of equipment
Situations often arise when customers do not know which soldering iron for plastic pipes is best to buy, they need additional information and consultation. To simplify the process of choosing the model you are interested in, we offer a free consultation related to the choice of a soldering iron, the features of its use in practice, etc. Take advantage unique opportunity ask questions to experts and do right choice.
Section tags: buy soldering iron for plastic pipes, soldering iron for plastic pipes price
DIY soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
Description:
For pipe soldering summer water supply It’s kind of expensive to buy a soldering iron for 1,500 rubles. I found this way out of the situation.
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The ability to assemble pipelines yourself is a definite plus of polypropylene products. Using convenient and lightweight material, you can build a sewer system yourself, repair and modernize the water supply system.
The main thing is to understand the specifics of connecting prefabricated elements to each other. Agree, this is an important part of the work, responsible for the tightness of the highway and its trouble-free operation.
We offer you detailed information about how polypropylene pipes are soldered, what equipment is used in the work, and also list the most common mistakes made by novice welders.
The information we offer will help you build trouble-free communications. For clarity, the article is supplemented with graphic applications and a video guide.
The soldering process is carried out due to the pronounced thermoplastic properties of the material. Polypropylene softens when heated - it acquires a state similar to plasticine.
Image gallery
This is what a soldering iron (“iron”) for polypropylene pipes looks like. Simple electrical device, semi-automatic, thanks to which plastic soldering is done
The designs of soldering machines for butt welding are characterized by increased complexity. Typically, such equipment contains not only a heating element, but also a system for centering the parts being welded.
As a rule, direct welding equipment, like the technology itself, is rarely used in the domestic sphere. Priority of use is industry.
A more complex device, with the help of which precise alignment of the parts to be welded is carried out with the further process of heating and soldering. Used with direct welding technology
In addition to soldering irons, the master will also need:
- scissors - ;
- construction tape;
- bench square;
- shaver for pipes with reinforcement;
- marker or pencil;
- surface degreasing agent.
Since the work is performed on high-temperature equipment, you should definitely wear thick work gloves.
Polypropylene Welding Procedure
Important warning! Welding work polymer materials must be carried out in conditions of good ventilation of the room. When heating and melting polymers, they release toxic substances, which in a certain concentration have a serious effect on human health.
The procedure for welding polypropylene is simple, but it requires precision and accuracy in work. You should also avoid common mistakes, such as insufficient or excessive heating
The first thing you need to do is prepare for work:
- Install blanks of the required diameter on the heater plateau.
- Set the regulator to 260ºС.
- Prepare the mating parts - mark, chamfer, degrease.
- Turn on the soldering station.
- Wait for dialing operating temperature– turn on the green indicator.
Place the mating parts (pipe - coupling) on the soldering station blanks at the same time. In this case, the polypropylene pipe is inserted into the internal area of one blank, and the coupling (or socket of the shaped part) onto the outer surface of the other blank.
Typically, the ends of the pipe are inserted along the border of the previously marked line, and the coupling is pushed in until it stops. When holding polypropylene parts on heated blanks, you should remember important nuance technology - holding time.
Image gallery
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
There is always something to learn from professionals. You can see how to work with polypropylene in the following video:
Installing pipelines made of polymers by hot soldering is a convenient and popular technique. It is successfully used in the installation of communications, including at the household level.
People without extensive experience can use this welding method. The main thing is to correctly understand the technology and ensure its execution exactly. And technological equipment can be purchased or rented.
Do you have experience soldering polypropylene pipes? Please share information with our readers. You can leave comments and ask questions on the topic in the form below.
Wonderful material - polypropylene!
I use it to make various homemade items for myself and for friends.
Recently they asked me to make a small homemade project, or rather a stand. In total, it was necessary to solder six fittings and a couple of meters of pipe.
But here’s the problem: I just lent my soldering iron to friends, but I didn’t ask for it back so quickly.
I started thinking about what else I could use to solder polypropylene. I know they are soldering gas burner, but I don’t have it.
Materials and tools
But I have an old “bucket” soldering iron, which I haven’t needed for a long time. So I decided to make something out of it.
I needed a few more details.
Aluminum wire and plate;
PCB sheet;
Thermostat and iron indicator lamp;
Ceramic insulators;
Thermal paste;
Thermal tape;
Nozzle for welding polypropylene pipes (25mm);
New electric plug;
Various bolts and nuts.
Making a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes
Two blanks were made from an aluminum plate: a substrate for a thermostat and a holder for a polypropylene nozzle.
The legs and parts of the body for the thermostat are made of PCB.
I connected an indicator light to the thermostat terminals. And connected the insulators using thermal tape.
I connected the top and bottom of the case with screws and nuts through insulators. Bottom part the body does not touch the boiler tubes.
To connect the thermostat in series, a break was made in the power cable. I soldered and insulated the wires with electrical tape along with the kettle handle.
I made the legs from aluminum with insulators from PCB plates at the end.
The 25 mm nozzle fits perfectly inside the boiler spiral. A U-shaped aluminum plate is already placed on top of the nozzle. The connection points are coated with thermal paste.
For soldering I needed a 20 mm nozzle. I connected it homemade screw made from an 8 mm bolt.
Al was also wound on top as an additional radiator. larger diameter wire.
Testing a homemade soldering iron
During the first test, one drawback was revealed, not counting the smoke and smell from the burning of the new “device” - not quite convenient work indicator. The light is on when the soldering iron is turned off and off when it is running. But this is not scary, it’s just a matter of habit. Perhaps I will upgrade it in the future.
Soldering pipes with a homemade soldering iron
The thermostat was set to low. Heating occurs quickly. I didn’t notice any difference in the quality of soldering, since the nozzle itself remained the same, only the heating element changed.
So I managed to make a couple of welding joints with my experimental soldering iron.
The welded connection of polypropylene pipes is characterized by higher reliability compared to other methods of combining products with each other. This connection technology does not have any differences when working with polypropylene. The only exception is reinforced products: their installation requires some specific features.
This technique is quite simple. Welding can be carried out in living conditions, observing the requirements of the technological process and having the entire arsenal of necessary tools.
There are several options for connecting polypropylene pipes:
- diffusion soldering;
- soldering with electrical fittings;
- cold welding.
In this article we will talk about each method of combining cylindrical products in more detail, consider their advantages and disadvantages, and also learn how to properly solder polypropylene pipes.
Before starting work, you need to prepare the installation tool. To create a reliable joint between the structures and all additional parts, you will need a special soldering iron.
It is worth noting that sometimes the connection of products made of polypropylene is called welding. However, this process has many varieties, so it is important to remember that polypropylene pipes are connected in only one way - soldering. For the installation of such a system, threaded fittings and metal-plastic are not used.
Soldering polypropylene pipes requires the use of welding machines. There are several types of devices on sale:
- heater with a round cross-section;
- flat unit.
The second type of soldering apparatus began to be popularly called an iron, which to a greater extent related to his appearance. Such devices differ only in their design.
For the first model, Teflon nozzles are put on the heater and fixed with parts similar to clamps. In the second device, the same nozzles are screwed to the heater on both sides. The rest of the design elements are no different. The main function of the device is to perform high-quality and reliable soldering of polypropylene products.
The set of soldering devices must include nozzles. The most inexpensive device, the set of which includes a minimum number of elements, is considered to be a Chinese soldering iron. Its power does not exceed 800 W. It is presented for sale together with a stand, as well as attachments that allow soldering of PP pipes with a cross-section of 20-32 mm.
When the heating system of a private house is made of cylindrical products of this diameter, this kit will be quite sufficient. But if more professional work involving soldering is expected, you will need a better device.
For pipes with a cross-section of 40-63 mm, a different soldering kit is required. It will have to be purchased separately. The most expensive sets, characterized by increased reliability, are manufactured in large European countries. Their kit includes the following parts:
- soldering iron;
- stand;
- Teflon nozzles of different diameters;
- scissors that allow you to cut pipes at 90 degrees;
- hexagon;
- Phillips screwdriver;
- roulette;
- gloves.
Since you have to work with hot equipment to solder polypropylene pipes, you must wear gloves when performing the operation. Beginners often get burned when touching the heating element.
The design of any soldering iron is designed so that it is possible to install several nozzles at once for connecting small-diameter pipes, which saves time, especially when working with products with a cross-section of 20-40 mm.
Soldering machine power
To evenly and quickly heat a pipe with a diameter of 63 mm, greater system power is required. For domestic purposes, a device with a value that determines the amount of energy not exceeding 0.7-1 kW will be sufficient.
If the power of the iron is more than 1 kW, it becomes professional. Its cost is much higher than the price of an ordinary soldering iron.
Method one
For making homemade soldering iron you will need:
- a broken old iron that still has a heating element;
- children's metal construction set;
- rubber handle;
- toggle switch;
- asbestos cord;
- duralumin;
- insulating tape.
Manufacturing technology
- use a grinder to cut off all unnecessary parts from the bottom of the iron;
- an aluminum cover is made;
- a box is assembled from the construction kit; a light bulb and a rubber handle are installed in it;
- a toggle switch and a soldering iron regulator are connected to the wire;
- all parts are combined into one whole;
- cables are soldered;
- The heating element is bolted to the body, having previously placed an asbestos gasket.
Thus, after spending a little time using available material, you become the owner of a homemade soldering iron for welding PP pipes.
Method two
To make the tool you will need a pair of attachments costing 215 rubles. and a discarded, set fire iron. It takes approximately two hours to assemble.
First, the heating device is installed vertically. The fitting is placed on the heating nozzles simultaneously with the pipe. To make it possible to carry out operations on the wall, the iron needs to be slightly modernized: cut off the “sting” of the sole and slightly round it. It would be a good idea to use thermal paste.
It is known that such homemade device Several pipelines were welded. The quality of the work turned out to be quite high.
After heating the iron, holding it by the handle, remove the pipe first. There is no need to remove the fitting immediately, since its thickness prevents it from melting quickly. All that remains is to hold the pipe with the iron with your hand and remove the fitting.
To connect the products, you need to apply little force until an even flash is formed around the entire perimeter of the fastener.
You need to hold the connection in this position for about 15-20 seconds until polymerization begins. Welding on the wall is simple: hold the heating device with one hand, and the pipe with the other.
Method three
We manufacture an iron equipped with a temperature controller, which will act as a special power control device assembled on a thyristor. For soldering work a voltage of 170V is supplied. Aluminum or copper plates are used to create the device. The photograph shows a part with a thickness of 0.8 mm, but the value of this value may vary upward.
Flat elements are needed so that the heater does not begin to cool the moment the pipe is put on. For operation, a heating element (1 kW) from an outdated Mechta stove is used. Since the radiator hardly heats up, it can be reduced. No spacers are required to install the thyristor and diode. The design of the iron itself can have any shape, it all depends on your imagination.
Below is power regulator circuit.
On each side of the spiral you can install aluminum spacers in the form of round pancakes. A handle with a regulator and a fixed toggle switch is attached to the body. In other words, you can do tuning.
The principle of all devices is always the same: to solder PP pipes, you need to maintain a certain temperature.
How to choose nozzles
When selecting heating nozzles, it is necessary to take into account the diameter of the pipes being connected and other important points:
- strength;
- how well the shape is retained after temperature changes;
- thermal conductivity.
Almost all welding machines are suitable for various attachments. This is very convenient when you need to install a complex highway.
Each wearable element has two ends. On one it heats up outer side details, on the other - its internal part. All nozzles are coated with Teflon, which protects the surface from the adhesion of molten material. The dimensions of the parts are in the range of 2-6 cm, which corresponds to the common diameters of cylindrical products.
Normal temperature for soldering
For durable welding of structures, the soldering temperature of polypropylene pipes should not exceed 260 °C. Otherwise, this will lead to loss of stability of the plastic base, as a result of which the pipe simply will not be able to connect to the fitting. Moreover, the heated connecting element will begin to stick to all the parts surrounding it. However, a lower temperature is also not suitable for soldering.
It is important to remember that the viscosity and plasticity of the polypropylene structure must have certain values, otherwise diffusion processes will not begin and the connection will lose its reliability. The service life of such pipelines will be minimal. You will have to forget about the 50-year warranty. It is better to look at the table at what temperature to connect the products.
Pipe soldering time
If you correctly follow the technology requirements for the duration of the process of connecting structures using a special tool, you can get a fairly airtight joint. Polypropylene will not begin to spread after overheating. Heating time depends on certain parameters. The main ones are:
- pipe section;
- welding belt seam width;
- ambient temperature.
Below is a special table that shows the recommended soldering time for PP products, taking into account all the values mentioned above:
Socket welding of polypropylene pipes
The main method of installing plastic, when it is necessary to connect small cylindrical products of different sections, is the use of a socket. When welding a PP structure, additional parts must be used:
- corners;
- tees;
- bends.
They are all made from the same material from which the pipes were made. The use of additional elements to create a high-quality connection is not considered a disadvantage of this method. The parts in question, in addition to the connecting function, help change the direction of the pipeline.
This process consists of several operations:
- mating surfaces are melted: outer wall cylindrical product with internal part fitting;
- special heating parts are used;
- The assembled elements are cooled.
According to professionals, a socket connection is considered much more reliable than butt welding. Due to the fact that when combined, the pipe enters the fitting with force, high strength is created. In this case, alignment does not require the use of a special tool. Even a beginner can combine cylindrical structures in this way.
Socket welding machine
Devices designed for connecting PP products into sockets are called soldering irons or irons. The main element of such a device was the heating head. All replacement parts are attached to it:
- couplings;
- dorns.
The first elements are designed to heat the outer surface of the pipes, the second - the inner part of the fittings. The shape of the heater in most soldering irons remains a triangular plate. Devices of other designs can be found on sale.
From dimensions flat part depends on the size of the nozzles. In other words, a pipe section is selected that will be freely soldered. In addition, it is necessary to take care of the required number of heating pairs for simultaneous installation. To work with a large plate you will need a powerful unit.
Additional parts (couplings, mandrels) must be secured so that they bearing surface tightly touched the plate.
With good contact, the desired temperature (260 °C) will be achieved. In this case, the power of the soldering iron does not matter much.
Today, devices are produced equipped with a heating head in the form of a rod. Their main advantage can be called compactness. The head shape does not affect the technical parameters.
For high-quality operation of the iron, the accuracy of the functioning of the temperature sensor, which maintains the required temperature, is important. If its fluctuations become minimal, this indicates high quality soldering iron
The most advanced today are electronic thermostats. These thermistors are capable of displaying an accurate temperature value even at work surface couplings.
The use of such parts makes it possible to reduce the temperature inertia of the iron. As a result, the true readings of the heating head will be displayed on the device scale.
Bimetallic relays work more roughly, as well as capillary thermostats, whose values are inaccurate. If compared with the data from thermistors, the discrepancies will be quite large. Whatever the thermostat, when the device reaches operating mode (judging by the indicator data), you must wait a few minutes. During this time, the temperature of the nozzles will be compared with the one shown by the device.
Now you can start welding. Manufacturers also produce soldering irons that have two heating elements different power. Each part is equipped with a separate switch.
These products are capable of independently achieving the desired temperature regime. The master himself selects the required power.
The second part becomes a spare in case the first one fails.
The device provides the ability to simultaneously turn on both heaters in order to quickly achieve operating mode.
The equipment can be equipped with auxiliary tools, including:
- chamfer;
- calibrator;
- trimmer;
- pipe cutting scissors.
In some kits you can even find a special cleaning liquid. However, not all of the listed parts are included in the basic package. Often they have to be purchased separately. It is important that welding machine had everything in the set necessary tools for working with any pipe diameters and materials.
Technological process of socket welding
The outer diameter of a cylindrical product is always slightly larger than the nominal cross-section. The fitting, on the contrary, has an internal diameter less than the nominal cross-section of the pipeline.
Take, for example, a 20 mm pipe. The actual size of its outer diameter will be in the range of 20.3-20.5 mm. A fitting designed to work with a 20 mm product will have an internal cross-section of 19.5-19.7 mm.
Moreover, the middle part of the coupling surface will exactly correspond to the nominal diameter. For a conical plane, 5 degrees are taken.
It becomes clear that if the fittings are not heated, they will not be able to be connected to the coupling.
When the pipe is combined with a hot coupling, the outer part melts. All excess is squeezed out to the top, creating a kind of roller. Next, the inner layers are heated. They begin to compress, and the pipe is able to get into the hot sleeve. A similar effect can be achieved when the fastener element is connected to a hot mandrel.
When the pipe is combined with the fitting, it is elastically compressed, and the connecting element begins to stretch. Heated surfaces are compressed, displacing air. The result is uniform mixing of the molten material.
General process Connecting PP pipes into a socket has several sequential operations:
- cutting of products;
- preparatory activities;
- installation of a welding machine;
- achieving operating mode;
- warming up parts;
- assembly;
- line cooling.
Manually possible without special effort connect the pipe to a heated tool if small parts are welded, the cross-section of which is in the range of 40-50 mm. To combine cylindrical structures with a diameter exceeding 50 mm, you must use a special centralizer designed for socket welding.
Since soldering polypropylene pipes is not particularly difficult, the work can be done alone.
To cut cylindrical products, special scissors are used that do not allow the pipe walls to wrinkle.
Before starting to solder polypropylene products, the surfaces of the parts are thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Reinforced structures undergo special preparation. Workers installing such products must remember this.
Composite pipes made of PP, which are reinforced with aluminum, are characterized by low thermal expansion. Therefore, a heating system made from such products does not require the installation of additional temperature compensators. Only in such products reinforced with aluminum is oxygen diffusion possible. After air enters the system, the water is actively saturated with oxygen. As a result, the process of cavitation of valves, as well as other parts of the structure from cylindrical structures, begins.
In the absence of a reinforcing layer, there is no need to carry out additional special preparation.
Technological map for socket welding of polyethylene pipes
How to solder reinforced polypropylene pipes
In this case, contact of aluminum with liquid is strictly prohibited. This alloy begins to deteriorate, and buying new products is unprofitable. The appearance of small internal distortions in the joints is difficult to notice with the naked eye, however, it is precisely these zones that are weak point the entire system. Here it is possible for water to get on the metal surface.
To prevent this, the reinforced layer is carefully cleaned. Such an operation is mandatory if the surface of the pipes is wrapped in foil.
To delete metal sheet a special device is used - the so-called shaver. It has to be purchased separately.
The end is inserted into the device, similar to sharpening a pencil, and they begin to turn.
When working, do not forget about cleaning the aluminum layer. Welding will occur without this procedure, but the reliability of the resulting connection will be quite low.
You can get rid of this human factor by installing fiberglass-reinforced pipes.
If the aluminum reinforcing layer is located in the center of the wall, the surface is trimmed using a special tool. It helps remove the edges of aluminum that cover the end of the pipe. If such an operation is not carried out, water can get into the center of the wall, moving along microcracks in the reinforcing layer, which will inevitably lead to swelling. 
In the photograph you can see the soldered connections of the cuts: the incorrect execution in the picture without trimming and the correct one - with trimming.
To achieve the best results, special couplings are used. They seem to “brick up” the ends of the reinforcing layer, which helps to avoid contact of the metal with the liquid.
Some manufacturers give their own recommendations on how to prepare pipes before welding. Even if there is no reinforcing layer, it is necessary to calibrate the outer diameter and then remove the chamfer.
The sizing operation removes the ellipse of the pipe, making it completely round. Chamfered facilitates the work of connecting to the coupling. Unfortunately, when PP pipes are soldered independently, these operations are completely ignored.
How to prepare a soldering iron for use
First, the welding machine must be firmly secured. When heating begins, the parts are subjected to pressure, which is transferred to the soldering iron. To make it more convenient to work, it is important to ensure that the device remains stationary.
A heating couple is placed on the instrument. Next, the desired heating temperature is set and voltage is applied. When PP pipes are welded into sockets, the heating temperature should be within 260±10 °C, which exceeds the values at which polypropylene becomes viscous and fluid.
In this way, the top layer of the pipe together with the fitting quickly melts. As a result, the part can be easily removed without heating the entire wall thickness. At a different temperature, when the elements become soft, the connection will not be possible.
We put the parts to warm up
When the welding machine reaches operating mode, the light will light up. The pipe is inserted into the coupling, and the fitting is inserted into the mandrel. If it is quite difficult to carry out such work at the same time, a heavy connecting element is installed first.
Welding parts necessarily have a small allowance, which begins to squeeze out during their installation. This creates a ring-shaped roller (burr). To move such a ring, you need to make some effort, but this should be done smoothly and slowly so that the burr takes on the correct shape. A fitting that fits loosely onto the mandrel and does not form an annular bead is considered defective.
When installing the part, be sure to monitor the installation depth. As soon as the element rests against the top of the mandrel, you need to stop applying pressure, otherwise you can damage the end of the pipe and crush the fitting stop. To control the depth of immersion of the part into the coupling, a corresponding mark is made at a certain distance from the end. However, this procedure is not necessary since the fitting is basically inserted into the mandrel until it touches the stop.
After the parts have been installed in the apparatus coupling and its mandrel, you need to wait a few seconds until the surfaces are well melted. It is important to determine the heating duration correctly. This time should be enough to obtain a viscous and fluid state of polypropylene.
If the heating period is too long, the parts will become very soft. Manufacturers of plastic pipes have developed special tables that indicate the heating time for a specific brand of polypropylene. In this case, the wall thickness and cross-section of the pipe are also taken into account.
When fittings are combined with cylindrical products, the angle of rotation of the parts should not exceed 5 degrees. If the joint is made correctly, the flash will have the same thickness on all sides.
Cooling the connection
If it is necessary to correct the work performed, the technology allows this to be done within a few seconds. The parts should not be subjected to any pressure until the material has completely hardened, which lasts approximately 2-4 minutes.
Approximate parameters for the duration of welding operations can be viewed in a special table. More accurate values are indicated by manufacturers of fittings and PP products.
When soldering PP products end-to-end, the ends of the parts are heated with a hot tool until they melt. Then the elements are pressed with force until the seam cools. This technology is distinguished by its simplicity.
In this case, there is no need to use additional devices. If everything is done correctly, the result is a fairly reliable seam, not inferior to the strength of the pipe. The technological operation is performed in a certain sequence:
For all its simplicity, butt welding only seems so accessible. In practice, this requires solving several problems, which is almost impossible to do in everyday conditions.
The pipes must align exactly along their axis, with only a 10% deviation from the wall thickness allowed. Pressure on parts pressing cylindrical products to the plane of the heating mirror when exposed to high temperature, should only be available for a certain time. This is the only way to achieve a high-quality connection. When performing trimming, it is necessary that the end has perfect perpendicularity.
The conditions listed above are quite difficult to follow without an additional device - a special centralizer. It is equipped electric drive, which creates a certain compression force. In addition, this device is equipped with a trimmer.
In other words, to butt weld polypropylene pipes of small diameter, you will need a larger number special equipment compared to the previous connection method. Considering the fact that when socket welding, a better joint is obtained due to lock connection, home craftsmen prefer to use this particular method of combining pipes.
Butt welding of PP products is mainly used in production, when it is necessary to connect structures of large cross-section when installing a straight section of an engineering structure made of cylindrical products.