Soldering of polypropylene pipes occurs in a fairly short time, this is the most attractive side polypropylene pipe. Due to its low price, manufacturability and ease of joining, it has taken a leading position among pipes made from competing materials. Mainly used when laying water pipes and partially thermal utility network. And even though the strength is inferior to communications made from metal pipes, when undertaking renovations in an apartment or house, preference is given to this material. Pipes are reliably, firmly and quickly connected by soldering in a matter of minutes.

Polypropylene pipes are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of installation and reliability.

Types of polypropylene pipes

The plastic used to make the product is highly durable. It does not rust, does not accumulate salt, and limescale does not stick to it. Networks assembled from polypropylene are designed for a long service life (up to 50 years). In fact, the service life of pipelines is not limited if the technical operating conditions for temperature or pressure are not exceeded. The material of the parts is capable of working for a long time for a sufficiently high blood pressure at low liquid temperatures, and vice versa.

Polypropylene pipes are produced in four color types, color does not mean anything other than color. Polypropylene is allowed to be used in water supply, sewerage and heating systems. It is allowed to connect plastic with metal and make transitions.

Polypropylene products are divided into categories: PN10 - this category is established for thin-walled products. Application is limited to operating temperatures of 45° and for cold water. PN16 - category approved for use in pipelines with high pressure on cold water or on a heating system without pressure. PN20 is the most universal option; this category is used for both cold and hot water - up to 80°. PN25 is a reinforced category of polypropylene pipe, aluminum foil is introduced into the composition, due to this the application is expanded to a temperature of 95°.

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Soldering technology for polypropylene pipes

According to the technical manual for welding work on polypropylene pipes, if the diameters of the pipes being connected are less than 63 mm, then soldering using the socket welding method is used. A fitting is installed at the junction; this is a special part to which both pipes are welded. For pipes with a diameter larger than the specified one, a fitting is not required; they are butt welded. This connection is considered more reliable.

Produced by the machine manual welding- “iron”.

When welding is performed on pipes of 40 mm and above, it is better to use welding machines with a centering device.

The work is somewhat more difficult, but it is necessary.

The welding machine is designed as follows: it has special removable nozzles for pipes, which are heated by electricity. The nozzles are made like a sleeve that melts the outer edge of the pipe or heats the inside of the parts being connected.

Nozzles are carried out various diameters– from 14 to 63 mm. To prevent burning, the heating parts themselves are coated with Teflon. When performing welding work, constantly monitor the cleanliness of the nozzle. It is necessary to erase traces of plastic after each welding, preferably with special rags or wooden scrapers. You need to clean it before the heating element cools completely; trying to clean cold elements can damage the Teflon layer.

Welding polypropylene is one of the ways to connect water and sewer lines. In this case, hermetic joints are obtained, since the products are cross-linked at the molecular level. If the soldering of polypropylene pipes is done correctly, the service life of the water supply or drainage system increases many times over.

Specifics of soldering polypropylene pipes

Welding of polymer products is carried out using technology, which is realized through the use of material properties. Polypropylene is flexible. However, PP products acquire this property when the temperature changes. Its increase to a certain level helps to soften the material.

Cooling of a heated pipe joint also occurs quickly. For this reason, soldering/adhering time is reduced. If you perform actions to connect communications slowly, the quality of the connection decreases. In this case, it is difficult to ensure the tightness of the seam.

Welding of polypropylene pipes is possible due to the properties of this material. Melting point – from +149°С. Soldering irons are used for soldering polypropylene. They provide heating of PP products to a level of +320°C, but at home a less intensive operating mode is used (up to +300°C).

PP pipes must not be exposed to a heat source heated to critical temperatures. It is also not recommended to use a soldering iron on the pipe for too long. Under such conditions, the material loses its properties, and the product will become wrinkled as a result.

General description of technology

The process of welding PPR pipes is called polyfusion.

There are 2 methods of recording communications:

• coupling;
• butt.

The first technology for welding polypropylene pipes with your own hands is more suitable for beginners, because it requires less skill. The work can be completed even if the pipeline has not been installed in this way before.

Coupling soldering: 1 – polypropylene pipe, 2 – coupling, 3 – heated part of the soldering iron, 4 and 5 – nozzles (blanks)

The coupling method is based on the need to use special connecting elements that completely encircle the end part of the communications. Inside the coupling there is a connecting seam of 2 products. For domestic water supply this installation method is more suitable.

If it is not possible to use a shaped part, you can make a semblance of it. To do this, use a straight section of communications and trim it. Take into account that products are inserted into the fitting from 2 sides to a certain depth. The coupling method is used for joining communications with a diameter of up to 63 mm.

Direct soldering: 4 – heated soldering iron pancake, 5 – area of ​​the plastic pipe undergoing melting.

The direct fixation method requires heating only the end sections of the pipes. In this case, a fitting is not used, the seam connection is not closed with anything. This technology is used for welding polypropylene pipes large diameter, is rarely used in everyday life.

The disadvantage of this option is the difficulty of correctly positioning communications in accordance with the axis. Even small deviations to the sides can slow down the flow of fluid through the pipeline. For direct installation, a centering system is additionally used.

Tool for installing polypropylene pipes

Photo of the instrument	Name
	welding machine, for work at home it is recommended to use units designed for welding PP pipes of small and medium diameter - up to 63 mm.
	The pipe cutter is an ideal device for cutting polypropylene.
	Shaver - designed to remove a layer of reinforcement.
	A trimmer is needed for high-quality pipe joining
	Marker for marking pipes.
	With help building level and use a pencil to draw the direction of the pipes on the wall
	A tape measure is one of the main tools in construction.
	A degreaser is needed to remove impurities from the surfaces of welding joints.

A soldering iron can be purchased or rented. You don’t always have a trimmer or shaver at hand. However, these tools will be needed to work with reinforced pipes. So, the shaver is designed to remove reinforcement. Its knives are located parallel to the axis of the pipe. Thanks to this, the middle layer of communications is removed. The trimmer is used to prepare pipes and remove the reinforcement layer. Such a tool processes the end; in addition, it creates a chamfer.

When studying information on how to properly solder polypropylene pipes, you need to take into account what is first compiled in an apartment or private house. This must be done to calculate the amount of materials and determine the exact length of communications.

A marker and tape measure are used to mark. Moreover, it is necessary to determine not only the places for cutting products, but also the areas that will be inserted into the nozzles welding machine

Soldering machines for pipe welding

Such devices are designed quite simply. Main nodes:

• temperature regulation and control unit;
• handle for fixing the device;
• support to avoid direct contact between the surface on which the welding machine is installed and the heating element.

The kit includes nozzles that differ in diameter, as well as gloves and small tools. The equipment varies depending on the model of the device. The wider it is, the higher the price.

Types of soldering irons for polypropylene

There are manual and mechanical soldering irons. However, in everyday conditions the first option is used. This is due to the simplicity of the design, ease of operation, and small dimensions.

Do-it-yourself soldering of polypropylene pipes is done using 2 types of devices:

• sword-shaped soldering iron;
• cylindrical.

Soldering irons differ in the shape of the heating element. There are several holes on the plate of sword-shaped devices, which allows the installation of various attachments, which consist of 2 parts: a mandrel and a sleeve. They are designed to heat the end sections of communications. So, a connecting element is mounted on the mandrel; the sleeve is designed to heat the end section of the pipe.

Heating of products using nozzles must be carried out simultaneously. When studying the question of how to weld polypropylene pipes, it is necessary to use devices that include Teflon-coated nozzles. This prevents the molten material from sticking to the metal.

Cylindrical devices differ in design from sword-shaped ones, which is due to the presence of a heating element in the shape of a cylinder. In this case, crimp-type nozzles are used. They are put on a metal cylinder and firmly fixed. On both sides of such nozzles there is a mandrel and a sleeve. The soldering principle is the same as in the case of the sword-shaped analogue.

Criteria for selecting welding machines

1. Power. To work with communications with a diameter of no more than 75 mm, you should purchase a device with a power of up to 1000 W. Its capabilities are sufficient to ensure high quality seams. However, in everyday life, the soldering method is more often used to fix pipes with a diameter of up to 50 mm. In this case, units with a power of up to 700 W can be used. Moreover, it must be remembered that starting currents when turned on, it is much higher, so a power reserve (20-30%) must be provided.
2. Type of heating element: plate, cylinder. In everyday life they use the first option; it is easier to work with. This is important if you have no experience in installation work of this type.
3. Number, type and size of nozzles. Determine which products need to be soldered. The diameter of communications is taken into account. In the most simple models it is possible to simultaneously solder 2-3 pipes and even more, the same number of fittings. In this case, the heating element has 2-3 holes.
4. Manufacturer.

On construction market production equipment can be found different countries: Russia, China, Turkey, Czech Republic. The latter option is more expensive; such devices are distinguished by high build quality and reliability. Welding machines may have errors when measuring temperature. As a result, the actual indicator often does not correspond to the target one.

Czech technology wins according to this criterion; the error of such soldering irons is minimal. However, in everyday life, beginners should use Russian or Chinese models, since they are cheaper, although they have a significant error, which for some models is 10°.

How to solder polypropylene correctly - instructions

You need to act consistently, in this case the likelihood that a mistake will be made is reduced.

Step-by-step instructions for soldering polypropylene pipes Soldering instructions:

1. Preparing the room. Considering that toxic substances are released during soldering, effective air circulation should be ensured.
2. After cutting, the edges of the communications are processed with a trimmer or chamfer. They make chamfers, this makes it easier to join the pipes.
3. The materials are degreased: cleaned of dust, treated with white spirit. You need to continue working when the surface is completely dry.
4. Turn on the soldering iron, having previously set the temperature to the required level (+260°C).
5. When the green light on the body of the soldering iron lights up, you can proceed to soldering. A pipe is installed in the sleeve nozzle, and a fitting is placed on the mandrel.
6. At the same time, 2 elements of the future pipeline are heated: a fitting, a pipe.
7. After waiting the time indicated in the table above, the pipe and the shaped element are removed from the nozzles and joined to each other. In this case, the parts must be held motionless. Communications are connected to a previously drawn longitudinal line. The slightest displacement of polypropylene that has not yet hardened will lead to the destruction of molecular bonds. This may cause a leak in the future.

Soldering table for polypropylene pipes

The heating and holding time of PP pipes at a given soldering iron temperature allows us to ensure high quality seam joints. Low heating will not allow softening of communications. In this case, it will be impossible to join the pipes.

Connecting pipes by soldering with reinforcement

The operating temperature of communications for cold water supply varies within -10…+90°C. Under the influence of the coolant, the pipeline bends, as intense linear expansion occurs. This means that for heating you need to use pipes that differ more suitable characteristics.

1 – cut off the required length of pipe. 2 – remove the reinforcement with a seamstress. 3 – direction marking. 4 – heating of the pipe and fitting. 5, 6 – connecting the pipe with the fitting and fixing it.

Thus, in conditions of exposure to high temperatures, products reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum are used. Such pipes are multilayer products: on top of a polymer product thin layer fiberglass is applied and covered with a layer of PP. Advantages:

• relative stability of linear expansion, even under the influence of high temperatures the geometry of the product changes slightly;
• ability to withstand pressure up to 10 atm, for comparison, in apartment buildings communications are subject to less intense influence (6-8 atm);
• due to the presence of a reinforcement layer, the service life of the pipeline increases;
• pipes with internal reinforcement exhibit resistance to high temperatures, at which classic version communications begins to melt.

The technology for soldering reinforced pipes does not differ from the method of joining unreinforced communications with the only exception: on preparatory stage The ends of the products must be cleaned of the reinforcing layer, for which a trimmer or shaver is used. After preparation, the pipes are degreased, then heated with a soldering iron and connected.

Rules for soldering PCB to avoid mistakes

• The diameter of the polypropylene pipe is selected;
• before work, prepare everything necessary, since welding is performed quickly, there will be no time for preparation during the installation process, the soldering iron is turned on when the communications are already cut;
• the welding machine must be securely fixed on a horizontal surface, the quality of the seam will depend on this, such units are equipped with special stands, but some models are not installed firmly, so they need to be additionally secured;
• the melting temperature of polypropylene is much lower than the value set in the welding machine settings, this difference is due to the need to quickly soften the pipe; a temperature of +260°C is considered sufficient;
• You should not change the temperature regime when using larger products, when soldering PP pipes, the heating temperature does not change with an increase in the diameter of the communications, from the table above you can find out that the dimensions of the products only determine the duration of heating of the material;
• you need to navigate by the indication: a red light indicates that the heating element has turned on, a green light indicates that the set temperature value has been reached;
• Often users skip the stage of degreasing the material, however, the presence of dust or drops of water in the cut area can cause the seam to weaken, since in this case the structure of the material becomes more porous;
• when installing a pipeline of complex configuration, it is necessary to connect the pipes under different angles, they are also rotated relative to each other; in order not to disturb the alignment of the products, it is recommended to first determine the exact position of the communications, then perform their preliminary installation (without using a soldering iron), at this stage you need to draw a marking strip along the center line through the 2 parts being connected.

It should be taken into account that thin-walled pipes warm up faster. This means that the period of operation of the soldering iron is reduced by 2 times. If you are studying the question at what temperature to solder such pipes, you need to remember that the value of this parameter does not depend on the dimensions of the product. Thin-walled communications are connected to each other at the same temperature as thick-walled ones.

Impact of errors on welding quality

This is what happens if you solder PP pipes incorrectly!

The most common violations of the soldering process:

• surfaces are not degreased, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the seam joint;
• The cut angle of the pipe and fitting does not correspond to 90°;
• insufficient deepening of the pipe into the fitting or, conversely, communications are brought into the shaped element all the way, as a result, a large seam is formed inside, which impedes the flow of liquid;
• violation of the heating technology: the pipes were on the nozzles for too little or, conversely, a lot of time, in both cases the quality of the seam joint will be low;
• when connecting reinforced pipes, the reinforcement layer at the end section was not completely removed, as a result, this material will prevent the melting of polypropylene, such a seam will be weak, or it will not be possible to complete it at all;
• after joining, the position of the parts was adjusted, which led to a decrease in the reliability of the seam; To avoid such consequences, you should wait a while after connecting the pipe and fitting, ensuring that the parts do not move.
The gas burner method is less preferable.

If a torch is used, it will not be possible to heat the polypropylene evenly. As a result, the seam joint will look sloppy, in which case the reliability of the seam is reduced. Over time, a leak may appear in this area. This method can be used as a last resort and only when installing cold water supply systems.


Connecting a pp pipe with a compression coupling

The compression coupling provides a reliable connection of communications and is used as a complete replacement for a welding machine. However, the cost of such an element is high. As a result, costs will increase, since a large number of compression fittings will be needed to distribute pipes throughout the room.


Method for gluing polypropylene pipes.

The cold welding method is also effective. In this case, a two-component epoxy composition is used. This material allows you to obtain a reliable connection without special equipment.

To fix the communications, you need to apply an adhesive substance to the cleaned and degreased surfaces of the products. Then the pipe and fitting are joined, holding tightly. The glue sets within 10 minutes. It takes 1 hour to completely harden. This option can only be used when installing a cold water supply system.

Conclusion and useful video about soldering polypropylene

When soldering polypropylene communications, you need to properly prepare the material (mark it, cut it), and tools. Work is performed sequentially. For example, if you skip the degreasing step, the seam will not be reliable enough.

Video instructions for soldering polypropylene pipes:

It is important to follow the rules for heating and joining pipes, otherwise, after putting the pipeline into operation, it may be necessary to repair it. You can learn about the intricacies of soldering from the video.

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 at home, 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 you begin, 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 machine is popularly called an iron, which is largely due to its 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.

Included soldering devices nozzles must be included. 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 is expected professional work soldering related problems, you'll 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

To make a 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 set; 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 several pipelines were welded with such a homemade apparatus. The quality of 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, the outer side of the part is heated, on the other, its inner 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. Application 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:

• the mating surfaces are melted: the outer wall of the cylindrical product with the inner part of the fitting;
• special heating parts are used;
• The assembled elements are cooled.

According to professionals, socket joints are 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 outer surface pipes, the second - the inside 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.

The size of the nozzles depends on the dimensions of the flat part. In other words, a pipe section is selected that will be freely soldered. In addition, you need to take care of the right amount heating couples for simultaneous installation. To work with a large plate you will need a powerful unit.

Additional parts (couplings, mandrels) must be secured so that their supporting surface tightly touches the plate.

At good contact will be achieved desired temperature(260 °C). 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. On technical specifications The shape of the head does not affect it.

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 to date 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 of different power. Each part is equipped with a separate switch.

These products are able to independently achieve the desired temperature. 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 the welding machine comes with everything 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, inner diameter less than the nominal cross-section of the pipeline.

Let's 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, melting of the outer part occurs. 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.

The general technological process of 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 these zones that are the weak point of 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 remove the 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 socket welded, 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, the pressure must be stopped, otherwise the end of the pipe can be damaged and the fitting stop can be dented. 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 plastic pipes We have developed special tables that indicate the heating time for a certain 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 above conditions are quite difficult to follow without additional device– a special centralizer. It is equipped with an electric drive that creates a certain compression force. In addition, this device is equipped with a trimmer.

In other words, to carry out butt welding of small-diameter polypropylene pipes, you will need a larger amount of special equipment compared to the previous joining 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.

Installation work with a plastic pipeline involves cutting and connecting operations. Due to the technical properties of the material, such problems are easier to solve than in the case of metal pipes. But for the most part, only experienced craftsmen are familiar with the same cutting technologies, although it does not cause any particular difficulties. In essence, it requires soldering of the material, as a result of which it is possible to change the parameters of the structure or a separate segment of the pipeline.

Polypropylene? As with metal welding, you will need a special apparatus. This can be a small manual thermal cutter or a massive professional installation. But in both cases the operating principle is the same.

Soldering tool

There are specialized single-format and multifunctional pressing machines, through which soldering is carried out. In this case, this process can be considered both as a cutting method and as a joining operation. The device itself, in its simplest versions, is small design with electromechanical filling and equipment formed by metal clamps.

How to solder polypropylene using such a device? For the most part, the user is only required to correctly guide the workpiece according to the requirements technical process. The operating principle of the equipment itself is to melt the pipe. The two parts heat up upon contact with metal surfaces, after which any joining operations can be performed with them. In other words, the presser provides two technological functions. Firstly, this is the achievement of temperature effects for melting polypropylene, and secondly, clear positioning of the edges of the pipes for their correct alignment.

Preparing for work

The handling of materials is very delicate. In the molten state, plastic is very sensitive and susceptible, so foreign particles can easily penetrate into its structure, the presence of which in the future can negatively affect the strength qualities of the pipeline. Therefore, both the workpieces themselves and the cutting apparatus must be thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and dried.

Additional devices are also prepared that should be at hand during the operation. For example, the question of how to solder polypropylene in hard-to-reach places often involves the mention of special hooks and LED flashlight. The hook will allow you to hang the device if you cannot get to the work site with your whole body and conveniently position the tool, and the flashlight will provide visibility if other light sources do not penetrate to the work site.

Stages of the operation

The complete soldering process includes 4 stages - cutting, heating, joining and cooling. Each stage requires special actions from the operator, which depend on the result that should be obtained.

Cutting is not done in every case, but it can be used to make a neat cut with the same precise subsequent connection. The advantages of thermal cutting over by mechanical means include eliminating the risk of deformation of integral parts of the workpiece.

How to solder polypropylene pipes to maintain their original shape? To do this, it is enough to correctly fix the pipe in the clamping rings - then the cutting plate will carefully carry out the cutting and final soldering. The final stage of aging is the most critical. When performing this, it is important to correctly secure the finished part of the pipe and allow it to cool exactly as much time as required by the standard.

Soldering technology

The soldering technique is worth considering separately. In a shortened form without cutting, this operation is performed more often, so most devices have a design optimized specifically for this task. So, the essence of the process is that the two ends of the pipe are installed on opposite sides in fixing rings.

Polypropylene? Unlike a welding machine for metal, soldering irons for plastic form a seam without user intervention. Maximum intervention is provided by manual models, in which the user simply presses a lever that brings two pipes together. This is done smoothly and without unnecessary pressure - the soft molten plastic should mix, forming a single structural mass at the connection point.

Industrial soldering irons for plastic

Help may be required in complex and responsible activities professional equipment for soldering plastic. Such models are distinguished by the ability to work with large diameter pipes, as well as high heating intensity. Accordingly, such units are superior to manual models both in size and in electric motor power. At the same time, you should not consider an industrial soldering iron as a universal one. It is designed specifically for medium and large sizes, but is not suitable for small diameters.

How to solder polypropylene onto industrial equipment? The technology and operating principles are generally the same, but each operation is performed on a separate modular station. One modular unit prepares the pipe with countersinking and trimming, another directly cuts the plastic, the third provides heating, and the fourth is responsible for positioning the workpiece.

Soldering parameters

It has already been said that the quality of the result will depend on how correctly and accurately the final stage with cooling. The complexity of this stage lies in the fact that it is necessary to observe the exposure time regime at several stages. Usually there are two stages - during the heating process and during final hardening. Time intervals depend on the thickness of the pipe. Another factor due to temperature conditions is also taken into account.

At what temperature should polypropylene be soldered? Standard devices manual type operate at 250-270 °C. This is enough to bring an ordinary household plastic pipe to the required condition within 15 minutes. As for the relationship between diameter and cooling time, the minimum standard size of 12 mm will require 4 seconds of waiting for direct connection, and 120 seconds for final curing.

The maximum pipe diameter of 50 mm for hand soldering irons requires a 6-second wait when soldering, and hardening occurs after 240 seconds.

Features of soldering in hard-to-reach corners

Working in hard-to-reach and complex areas requires not only the use of auxiliary equipment (as already mentioned, flashlights and devices for holding a soldering iron). Corner connections They also provide for a special implementation of the technology itself using special consumables. But first of all, it is important to remember that cutting is carried out only at right angles, and after cutting, the surfaces and ends of the ends must be degreased and cleaned with a soft abrasive.

Now we can move on to another question - how to calculate and solder angles. In this case, polypropylene is connected using additional nozzles, which makes adjustments to the waiting period for soldering. That is, to form an angle you will need a fitting or adapter made of the same polypropylene. This addition also increases the time for singing the connection section. With a minimum pipe diameter of 12 mm, this interval will be 5-6 s, and when working with a 50 mm workpiece, it will be about 20 s.

Is it possible to solder metal-plastic pipes with polypropylene?

Operations during which dissimilar pipes are combined are considered undesirable. Such designs are initially inferior to homogeneous analogues in reliability, however, there are cases when traditional metal-plastic must be introduced into a pipeline with polypropylene. Threading will not help in such situations, so you will have to resort to soldering. However, this connection will only act as an auxiliary tool.

Installation is carried out using a flange into which the ends of two pipes made of different materials. Soldering is needed just to prepare for such integration. To do this, using a soldering iron, the end of the plastic pipe is heated, the same fitting is put on it, after which you can begin connecting to the metal-plastic circuit through the flange.

Soldering errors

Errors mostly relate to violations in soldering technique and the choice of inappropriate materials. A common technology violation is deviation from the specified position when connecting pipes. Deviation from a straight line by a millimeter already means that the connection will be of poor quality.

How to solder polypropylene pipes correctly so that the position of the workpieces is not disrupted? In this sense, hand-held devices are the most problematic, since the lightness of the design does not contribute to protection from vibrations of the working equipment. Additional securing of the device using heavy devices will minimize the risk of deviation.

Conclusion

Theoretically the connection method plastic pipes through thermal action is flawless. Its main advantage is that intervention in the structure of the material itself does not entail a reduction in its performance properties. The resulting seam has a uniform structure and will not be a weak point in the contour. The imperfection of this method depends on the practice of application. Therefore, the question arises as to how to solder polypropylene in order to achieve optimal results.

The success of the operation essentially depends on two factors. Firstly, on the quality of the technical organization of the work process - on the choice of materials, model of the device, consumables, etc. Secondly, on the experience of the operator himself. The user of the soldering iron must quickly manage the workpieces, observing both time intervals and the accuracy of pipe positioning.

Good day, dear reader! Assembly or repair of heating, water supply, and sewage systems from modern types of polymer products is carried out easily and quickly, thanks to the soldering technology used to connect parts. You can do this work yourself if you know and prepare the necessary tools and equipment in advance.

The following types of pipes can be soldered.

1. polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
2. polypropylene;
3. copper pipes;
4. polybutene;
5. made of polyethylene with increased heat resistance;
6. reinforced plastic products.

Necessary tools and materials for soldering

To work at home, you will need to prepare in advance all the necessary tools and materials:

• electric soldering iron;
• nozzles and stands for a soldering iron of the appropriate size;
• a file or sharp knife for removing burrs;
• measuring ruler or tape measure;
• marker;
• pipe cutting scissors;
• shaver - a device for removing the reinforcing layer;
• special tool for chamfering;
• solder for soldering;
• fluxes and fittings;
• alcohol composition for degreasing.

Solder for soldering

Solder comes in the form of wire, foil, rod, etc. It is necessary to obtain a stronger weld on copper structures. It is made on the basis of tin, silver, zinc, lead, antimony or copper.

Depending on the melting point it is divided into:

• fusible;
• medium fusible;
• high fusible solder.

Fluxes and fittings

Fluxes are used in soldering to protect the metal surfaces being joined from oxidation. They are available in the form of a liquid, a dry mixture or a paste and differ in chemical composition, properties and purpose. For example, to clean the surface of rolled copper and increase the fluidity of solder, it is used boric acid, zinc chloride, hydrochloric acid.

A protective film can be created using rosin, wax, and various resins.

Fittings are small-sized products that are placed on the ends of pipes that are connected by soldering. These include couplings, tees, crosses, contours, plugs, corners, etc. They must be made of the same material as the pipes themselves. And of course, it’s no secret that you can buy fittings at any plumbing store.

Cutting scissors

This type of tool has other names - pipe cutter, pipe shears or. It is designed for fast cutting of plastic products, providing a burr-free cutting edge, which simplifies preparation for the welding process.

There are 4 types of pipe shears, differing in design and price:

• precision pipe cutter with ratchet mechanism. The device is used for cutting pipes with a diameter of no more than 75 mm;
• roller shears;
• automatic pipe cutter in the shape of a pistol;
• pipe cutter - guillotine.

Tips for choosing and using a pipe soldering iron

Its technical parameters should be taken into account:

• power. Powerful machines are needed for welding large diameter pipes, for systems household use, in which the diameter of the products does not exceed 50 mm, you can purchase a device with a power of 0.6 - 0.8 kW;
• quality of coating of nozzles and technology of their use. The products to be welded can be easily removed from Teflon-coated nozzles, so it is advisable to choose a soldering iron equipped with just such nozzles. In addition, you should pay attention to the possibility of heating not only one, but two or three nozzles at the same time. This will significantly speed up the work;
• type of temperature controller. The soldering iron can be equipped with an electronic, capillary or bimetallic thermostat. It is better to choose a model with an electronic temperature controller, since the other two have too large a discrepancy between the set and actual heating temperature of the products.

The essence of the process and soldering methods

Soldering is used for hermetically connecting pipeline sections to each other, installation shut-off valves, control, measuring and safety devices.

Three soldering technologies are used to connect the ends of pipes and pipe fittings:

• diffusion method. Welding is carried out by heating and squeezing the connecting elements without melting the base material of the parts and the use of additional substances;
• soldering using electrical fittings. For connection, special fittings with a heating element are used. The soldering process occurs due to partial melting of the internal part of the electrical fitting under the influence of electric current;
• cold way. The heat pipe elements are connected using additional material- solder.

Step-by-step instructions for soldering plastic pipes

It consists of three main phases - heating, docking, fixing and cooling of elements, the implementation of which requires certain preparation, compliance with temperature conditions and safety rules.

Security measures

During the soldering process, you need to follow basic safety precautions for working with power tools:

• the soldering iron must be protected from precipitation, dirt and splashes;
• Before connecting the device to the network, you must make sure that it is in working order and that the power cord and plug are intact;
• During work, you should ventilate the room and use thermal gloves;
• Do not touch exposed skin to heated surfaces.

Preparation of elements and parts

At this stage you need to do:

• cutting products into pieces of the required length;
• cleaning the cuts from burrs and thoroughly polishing them;
• degreasing the sections with an alcohol solution;
• drawing a notch by which it will be possible to control the depth of insertion of pipes into the apparatus;

Preparing the soldering iron

The device must be connected to the network in advance, the thermostat must be set to the desired position and the product must be heated to operating temperatures, depending on the type of plastic.

Typically, the heating time of the soldering iron is 30 minutes until the light goes out. The device will be ready for operation 10 minutes after reaching the set temperature.

When preparing the apparatus, it is also advisable to additionally control the temperature of the fittings and sleeves with a surface electric thermometer.

At what temperature should plastic pipes be soldered?

For soldering polyethylene products, the temperature regulator on the device is set to 220ºС, for polypropylene products - to 260ºС. If there is no regulator, you can adhere to the heating parameters of the parts from Table 1.

Table 1.

Docking rules

When assembling joints, it is necessary to ensure that the edges are aligned so that the surfaces of both products coincide and the axis of the pipeline does not shift. The gap between the edges should be uniform over the entire diameter with a size of 2 - 3 mm.

Pipe connection

The heated parts are removed from the soldering iron nozzles and connected to each other, lightly pressing with their ends. The polymer will harden in 2-3 minutes.

Cleaning and cooling connections

The connection point must remain stationary until the plastic cools to a temperature of 38 - 42 degrees. To do this, the connected parts are fixed in a clamp or clip until cooling.

Cleaning of the deposits is carried out with a sharp knife after the joint area has completely cooled.

Checking the connection quality

At the end of welding, all joints are subject to visual inspection. A high-quality weld should have Smooth surface, without traces of porosity, cracks, folds and excessive shine that occur when overheated. The bead in the weld area must be continuous and uniform along the entire circumference of the joint and rise above the outer surface by no more than 2 mm - for products with a wall thickness of up to 10 mm.

The maximum bead height for pipes with larger wall thicknesses is 4 mm.

Soldering video

How to solder a pipeline on a wall can be seen in the video:

Common mistakes

Soldering plastic pipes does not require special skills, but if you do not adhere to established norms and rules, you can still ruin the connection. Typical mistakes novice masters are:

• using dirty attachments. If drops of molten polymer remain on the nozzles, then during the next welding they can wedge between the edges of the products and sharply weaken the connecting seam;
• residual water and dirt on outer surface. They will prevent close contact of the surfaces of parts over the entire area;
• applying excessive force when combining parts. Part of the melt at excess pressure can be squeezed inside the pipe and reduce its permeability;
• an attempt to clean up the sagging of molten plastic before the joint has completely cooled, which inevitably leads to deformation of the pipe;
• insufficient heating or overheating of the joint.

To ensure maximum reliability of pipeline connections, experts advise adhering to the following requirements:

• it is correct to start welding work 10 minutes from the moment the soldering iron warms up;
• perform welding or soldering operations only at above-zero ambient temperatures;
• sections of pipes connected by welding must be allowed to cool, preventing them from moving relative to each other or twisting;
• For wall thicknesses greater than 6 mm, butt welding of products is performed using a double seam. With a smaller wall thickness, the joint can be sealed with one seam;
• all structural elements fixed by soldering must be from the same manufacturer, since they may differ in the composition of the ingredients in the raw materials, which will negatively affect the quality of the weld.

Soldering in hard-to-reach places and corners

When soldering pipes located in hard-to-reach places, for example, close to the surface of walls or ceilings, a special technique is used, which consists of sequential heating of the direct and counter sections of the connection with a soldering apparatus. It is necessary to warm up the flange of the straight section for a longer period of time so that it does not have time to cool down while the counter part of the workpiece is in operation.

A smooth line at corner joints of pipes can be achieved by using special corner adapters and fittings. In this case, it is important to very accurately mark in advance on the supply pipes the depth of their entry into the body of the corner piece.

Connecting plastic pipes without soldering

Plastic pipes do not have to be welded; they can be joined using a special adhesive. It is applied to the entire pre-degreased surface of the pipe section that will be inserted into the socket. In the bell, the inner surface is also degreased and covered with glue, but only 2/3. For better adhesion, the surfaces of the pipes under the adhesive joint are treated with sandpaper before degreasing.

The prepared part of the pipe is inserted into the socket until it stops and rotated 90 degrees. In this position, the parts to be glued should be held for 1 - 1.5 minutes until the glue sets.

The adhesive will dry completely within a few hours.

Plastic sewer pipes leading to the Tank septic tank can be connected using a compression fitting. With this method, the process of connecting pipes consists of the following steps:

• cleaning the top layer of the pipe from contaminants;
• chamfering at the end;
• loosening the union nut on the fitting and installing the end of the pipe into it;
• tightening the nut in the reverse position, at this moment the pipe is clamped (compressed) by the ferrule ring.

Fittings are fixed manually or using an open-end wrench. The applied force should not be excessive, otherwise the pipes may burst.

The socket method involves the use of a highly elastic sealing ring. The tightness of the connection is ensured by compression of the gasket between the walls of the socket and the smooth end of the pipe.

Welding large diameter plastic pipes

To connect pipes with a diameter of more than 50 mm and a wall thickness of 4 mm or more, butt soldering technology is used, which consists of simultaneously welding the ends of 2 segments along the entire plane. The most difficult thing in this welding method is to correctly align the joints and ensure the required length of the gap between the parts.