Polypropylene pipe is a cost-effective and durable material used in industrial settings due to its chemical and thermal resistance. It is also used in residential and commercial waste streams. It is primarily isotactic and can handle caustic streams, but not strong oxidizing agents. It is also used for conveying distilled water and in heating and cooling systems. It is recyclable, has a lifespan of approximately 50 years, and does not conduct electricity. It is also used as barriers or guard rails in extreme environments.
Polypropylene pipe is used in many industrial settings due to its chemical and thermal resistance, accessibility and cost. It is often used in waste streams of all types, including residential and commercial environments. A byproduct of the distillation of petroleum products, polypropylene was discovered in the early 1950s and, due to its relatively simple manufacture, went into production within seven years. New uses have often been developed for this resilient and recyclable material.
This material is a straight-chain thermoplastic made up of methyl groups on every other carbon with an empirical formula of C3H6. The polypropylene used for tubing is primarily isotatic, where the methyl groups are all in the same location on the carbon skeleton, resulting in an average molecular weight and degree of crystallinity between that of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene. density (HDPE). These properties produce a hose that is resistant to acids, bases and solvents and which is excellent at carrying industrial streams between processes. The material is colored black or gray to reduce ultraviolet (UV) light degradation of the tube and its contents.
Strongly caustic streams, including potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide solutions, can be transported in polypropylene tubing. The use of solder joints prevents caustic attack from solvent-based adhesives. A glass additive is required to make polypropylene capable of handling biodiesel fuels (methyl oleate). This type of tubing is not used with strong, concentrated oxidizing agents such as nitric acid.
In addition to harsh environments, polypropylene tubing is employed in conveying distilled water in all but the most stringent requirements. The lack of reactivity of the pipe and the ability to weld fusion joints without adhesives maintain the purity of the water. The hose can be used in pressurized applications up to 150°F (65°C) and up to 180°F (82°C) in non-pressurized uses. Without modifications, use of the hose is limited to 20 psi (138 kPa). Other liquid applications include service in the heating and cooling of buildings, providing an economical alternative to the use of air as a heat carrier.
Polypropylene is produced from low molecular weight natural gas components or petroleum distillation by-products using low pressure chromium catalysts, a low cost process compared to HDPE. Because polypropylene tubing is less dense than other thermoplastics and certainly much less dense than steel, iron, or copper tubing, transportation costs are lower. Polypropylene pipes are recyclable and have a life span of approximately 50 years.
The tube does not conduct electricity, which is another advantage over metal tubes in industrial environments. Homeowners sometimes find polypropylene piping in residential waste disposal systems to be quiet due to its natural insulating properties. The polypropylene pipe itself is very strong and not prone to cracking. Go-kart circuits and similar venues often use polypropylene pipes as low-cost barriers or guard rails due to their ability to withstand extreme stresses and temperatures.
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