5 tips on how to safely process plastic pipes in winter __

5 tips on how to safely process plastic pipes in winter
10. October 2023 3 min.

In the cold season, you face the same challenge over and over again: When temperatures drop, your construction sites come to a standstill or your projects are delayed. The reason for this is that building materials can no longer be processed properly as soon as they fall below certain minimum temperatures. But there is often uncertainty here. Are you fully aware of the manufacturer's guidelines for proper processing? Did you know, for example, that the majority of building materials can also be processed at temperatures of ≤5 degrees Celsius?

Processing of polypropylene pipes during the cold season

This also applies to your pipeline construction with plastic pipes. But it depends on the material. Contrary to popular belief, plastic pipes can no longer be processed in the cold, but the material polypropylene (PP-R) proves the opposite. You can reliably install the PP-R piping systems from aquatherm, even at outside temperatures of up to minus 5 degrees Celsius. This gives you peace of mind and offers an excellent solution to keep your winter construction sites running and avoid additional costs.

 

Five basic tips for you

Find out here how you can optimally process plastic pipes even in winter conditions.

1. Choose the right material and find out more

With its PP-R piping systems, aquatherm offers you a range of solutions that enable you to work efficiently even at temperatures of ≤5 degrees Celsius. Find out more directly at aquatherm. Email your enquiry to enquiries@aquatherm-uk.com and you will receive valuable information and specific processing recommendations.

2. Pay attention to the temperature level of the pipes and fittings

For the successful processing of polypropylene, it is essential that the pipes and fittings that are to be connected have an identical temperature level. Different temperatures can cause problems with the joint and affect the stability of the weld.

3. Prepare all parts properly

Before you start welding, it is important that all parts are free of frost, ice and moisture. This applies not only to the pipes, but also to the fittings. Frost and moisture can affect the quality of the compound and should therefore be removed thoroughly.

4. Check the welding process

Nothing beats the certainty that everything is working correctly. Test welds allow you to ensure that the conditions for the welding process are optimal and that the joints meet the desired requirements.

5. Protect the material

At low temperatures, the impact resistance of polypropylene may decrease. Therefore, it is important to protect both the pipes and the fittings from mechanical stresses such as blows or shocks. Treat the material with care to avoid damage and potential weak spots.

With these tips, you will be well equipped to implement your plastic pipe projects successfully and safely even in winter.

 

Concrete practical example at sub-zero temperatures on a large construction site

Oliver Geupel, Senior Project Manager Plant Engineering at Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH, confirmed the efficiency and reliability of the aquatherm red PP-R system: "We have used aquatherm red several times in frosty conditions. By strictly adhering to the manufacturer's specifications regarding the processing temperature, there were no problems with welding or damage to the material."

For example, Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH used aquatherm red on a project in Frankfurt in December 2022 at sub-zero temperatures of around -2 degrees Celsius. It was a challenging construction project: four high-rise buildings were built in the heart of the banking district, the tallest of which reaches a height of 233 metres. For fire protection in one of these buildings, the aquatherm red system was chosen as the stationary fire extinguishing device.

Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH has successfully and safely installed around 300 sprinkler connections with the associated fittings and piping at the low temperatures. This practical example shows that with the right material, the know-how of the installation companies and professional installation, successful and safe results can be achieved even under adverse temperature conditions.

Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH

The aquatherm red sprinkler system made of polypropylene was installed in a high-rise ensemble in Frankfurt.       

Credits: Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH

Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH

The installation was carried out at -2 degrees Celsius - no problem for the polypropylene material.   

Credits: Systeex Brandschutzsysteme GmbH

 

Find out now before it gets cold

Find out here in clear videos how easy it is to process aquatherm pipe systems: 

More info on processing

 

Further information

If you are looking for detailed information on the processing of plastic pipes, we also recommend guidelines from the German Association for Welding and Related Processes (DVS). In particular, the guidelines DVS 2207-11, DVS 2208-1, DVS 2212-1, DVS 2281 and DVS 2282 support you in your proper work with plastic pipes.