Pipes made of stainless steel, despite the fact that there are more innovative materials, retain relevance. They are used for the organization of the heating systems and water supply. Compared with products made of ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel has its own merits. At least, it is a hygienic material and its long service life (up to 400 years). But to achieve all the positive qualities, it is necessary to understand how the installation is carried out pipes made of stainless steel, which tools will be useful in the work and what subtleties need to know.
variety of products
Stainless products are used in many industries, so when it is selected should build on a set of parameters. For example, by using corrosion-resistant species laid internal and external piping, erected monumental and lightweight construction, and they are used for decoration designer projects. Choosing the right material, you need to know how it will be subjected to stress during operation.
Different pipe cross-sectional shape. For example, the water mains, which is conveyed the fluid collected from the products with the usual circular section. A load-bearing elements of the frame should be mounted using the products of square or rectangular cross-section.
Stainless metal surface also varies, depending on the characteristics of finishing abrasives or electrochemical reaction. As a result, products manufactured pipe is smooth or rough, matt or glossy finish.
There are 2 methods of production of stainless steel pipes:
- Hot rolled steel. This method reduced to two basic operations: first, a round billet is warmed until it becomes plastic, then it is treated with a piercer. The resulting hollow shell is crimped, stretched, and flaked. Further finished product is cut into segments, in accordance with the GOST 9940 81.
- Cold and warm rolling. The technology is similar, but immediately after the EEPROM product was cooled with water. The minimum length parameter - 300 mm maximum - 12.5 m.
Profile water pipes are made from sheet metal blanks. They are cut and rolled in the forming mill, where the sectional shape is changed from round to square or rectangular. At this stage the welded seam.
Advantages of the stainless steel piping
Any product has both strengths and weaknesses. In the case of pipes made of stainless steel, they have more advantages than disadvantages.
Benefits:
- Withstand high temperature and pressure. The normal level of pressure - 15 atm, wherein the limit should not rise above 50 atm. Use is allowed at the operating temperature from -50 to +110 degrees Celsius. Here a reservation: the maximum temperature - a conditional value. If it rises above the spoil seals and joints, and the stainless steel itself only starts to break down when in 800 degrees.
- Application. With stainless products divorce radiator and water heating systems, are settling "Warm floor", installed gas and water pipes, sprinkler systems, air conditioning and so Further.
- No susceptibility to corrosion.
- Stainless steel is chemically inert to the other metals. So, if in the next room-mounted pipes are made of copper or aluminum, nothing bad will happen.
- A high level of strength. This means that they successfully resist high mechanical stress.
- Easy installation. All works are carried out, if desired, with their own hands. Of course, you will need skill to quickly collect the compound as well as a couple of tools for the installation: handsaw and wrench.
- Flexibility. The minimum allowable bend radius is equal to the cross section of pipe that makes stacking easier.
- Life time. On the duration of the work does not affect the temperature of the circulating coolant.
Advantages they have enough. But the perfect product does not exist yet, so even stainless types of inherent disadvantages.
Minuses:
- High price. For example, to install a system of black rolled cheaper.
- Oxidized when in contact with chlorine. If the water circulating in the pipeline, contains a lot of chlorine, then eventually on the inner surface of the pipe begin to appear foci rusting. To prevent recommended from time to time flush the system with plain water.
At the moment, produced a variety of stainless products such as corrugated pipe, which has become an excellent analogue than hard goods. Thanks to the foldaway free form they are installed more easily, especially in tight spaces. They are not afraid of subzero temperatures and hammering.
mounting methods
There are several methods to build water or other communication using stainless steel tubes.
Possible types of connections:
- welding;
- by means of flanged couplings;
- crimping.
Welding - most complicated way connection. In addition to the availability of special equipment is required to invite a specialist to perform the work. To implement the procedure using a tungsten electrode, and the welding process is carried out in an inert gas environment. Now there is another, more advanced method called plasma welding. But also require special and expensive equipment for him. For everyday work, this method is not always relevant. Therefore, increasingly prefer other connection options - either with flanges or fittings.
Two annular flanges referred to as the element used for compounds which studs or bolts. Applying the flanges, should ensure sealing compound, so in the course are further sealing rubber (or polymer) materials. Flange dimensions differ. The method is a compound claimed in cases where may eventually be necessary to remove or maintenance of the pipeline. The only drawback of this mounting method is that the sealing materials poorly resist temperature changes, losing its properties.
A more reliable way to - use fittings with silicone gasket, which provides the necessary level of tightness of the joint. The collected water is allowed to dismantle, with the fittings did not happen.
mounting Features
Installing stainless steel tubing, it is necessary to adhere to certain nuances. For example, the corrugated products are famous for that well bent, but abuse it is not necessary: at reusable bending in one and the same place there is a possibility that a crack will appear and, as a consequence, leakage. For flexibility, too, there is a norm, thus giving the necessary form of the product is no longer recommended to change its configuration.
Installing corrugated product is similar to the way the system are connected by means of compression fittings. The only connecting elements is not provided for the fitting of the sleeve. swaging process is carried out by the internal fitting gaskets. Corrugated pipes are flexible, so they require less installation time.
Important! Choosing fittings to connect, refer to the recommended list, which offers the manufacturer. You should not skimp on the connecting elements, which can cause an emergency.
The sequence of works:
- Detachable piece of the desired size of the pipe, which use a pipe cutter or other cutting tool. Before starting this operation is recommended to measure the distance of the pipeline, taking into account the kinks.
- On fitting weakened union nut. This will require spanner. The fixing element to lock the segment tube is inserted.
- Using the same key, the union nut is tightened up until the product completely locks in the fitting.
- At this stage it is possible to bend corrugated, reaching a desired configuration. Further it carried out its wall mounting.
- The final stage - a leak test. That is, the water is turned on and if leakage is detected - the installation was successful.
Installation of corrugated stainless steel pipes - a simple procedure, with which the strength to cope everyone.
Professional advice
Durability and quality of installed water supply depends, therefore, necessary to select the appropriate products carefully.
What to consider:
- inspect the purchased product, it should not have cracks, bends or other visual damage;
- product should be easy to bend, while maintaining its strength - it allows you to perform the installation in confined spaces;
- do not skimp and buy cheap products - better choose reputable manufacturers, high quality stainless pipe can have a price of 1 to 3 thousand rubles, depending on the type of product and type of steel;
- during the installation process follow the instructions;
- installing the system, be sure to check its integrity, for what it is required to set maximum allowable pressure;
- Make sure that the fittings are complete package;
- if needed to combine with the corrugated stainless steel pipe of another material, use reinforcement made of brass;
- if you want to systems last longer, do not install fittings cheap poor quality;
- tightening the plastic parts do not need to overdo it, otherwise they simply would burst;
- Prepare in advance the necessary tools: open-end wrench, scissors for metal fittings.
Corrugated pipes - a durable and reliable products, demand for which is growing gradually. They are popular in the fields of construction and repair: of them collect gas and water pipes are installed heating system and even the chimney construction. In addition, they are quite easy to install. The only requirement for a long service life of the assembled system - materials must be of high quality, so the approach to buying deliberately.
