Flexible Central Heating Pipe
Flexible heat pipes are designed with bellows that are positioned between their evaporator and condenser sections. This configuration allows for a dynamic and flexible motion that can accommodate various situations involving heat intake and output. The flexibility of these heat pipes provides an increase in the range of motion between their ends, contributing to the overall durability and reliability of the entire assembly and extending its mean time between failures.
Are flexible pipes OK for central heating?
A person is planning to add a radiator to their existing 15mm central heating system but the plumbing is complicated and the only option is to make the connection with a flexible pipe. Although they have used flexible pipes successfully in the past for hot and cold water, they want to confirm if it is safe to use them for central heating systems. They have sought advice from the Screwfix Community Forum.
What is a flexible pipe?
A flexible pipe refers to a type of pipe that has the ability to bend, making it ideal for connections in small, tight, and awkward spaces. They are commonly used for plumbing and HVAC applications. Screwfix is a retailer that supplies flexible pipes.
Which PEX pipe is best for hot or cold water?
PEX pipes come in four colors - red for hot water, blue for cold water, white for both hot and cold water, and gray (not always available) for both hot and cold water.
Is PEX pipe good for radiant floor heating?
Yes, PEX pipe is a popular and effective choice for radiant floor heating systems. While there were some issues with early versions of PEX pipe when exposed to high chlorine levels in US water supplies, these issues have since been resolved. PEX pipe has been widely used for water supply systems in Europe since the 1980s and has become increasingly popular in the US for its durability, flexibility, and ease of installation. When used for radiant floor heating, PEX pipe offers efficient and effective heat transfer, making it an excellent choice for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Red PEX pipes carry hot water, blue PEX pipes carry cold water, and white and gray PEX pipes are suitable for both hot and cold water.
Is PEX hot or cold?
PEX pipes are used to carry both hot and cold water in residential and business properties. The pipes are color-coded, with red indicating hot water and blue indicating cold water. PEX can withstand high and low temperatures but is susceptible to damage from sunlight.
What color PEX pipe is used for hot water?
The color red is used for PEX pipe that carries hot water.
Is Pex a good material for plumbing?
Yes, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a reliable and durable material for plumbing purposes. Its flexibility and ability to bend without breaking make it easy to install in various locations, including tight spaces. Furthermore, PEX resists corrosion and freezing, which increases its longevity and reduces the likelihood of leaks. PEX is also a cost-effective and energy-efficient option, as it doesn't lose heat as much as metal pipes. Overall, PEX is a popular choice for many homeowners and builders for its convenience and reliability.
What is the best pipe for hot water?
It is important to choose the right pipes to accommodate fluids of high temperature for hot water systems. Through research and observations, PEX is the best choice for hot water lines in domestic environments.
A flexible pipe is a multi-layered product consisting of thermoplastic barriers and steel wires. Its high-pressure resistance and flexibility are achieved through the use of helically wound steel wires, making it superior in dynamic behavior.
What is an exhaust flex pipe?
An exhaust flex pipe is a component of a car's exhaust system that is made of stainless steel and provides the necessary flexibility to prevent cracks from occurring. This helps to maintain the integrity of the exhaust line while the vehicle is in motion. There are different types of flex pipes available, and they can be replaced if needed.
Expert Take On Flex Pipe For Car Exhaust: Are They Good?
Aftermarket flex pipes typically have a shorter lifespan than standard pipes. Cheaper options may only last between 2 to 5 years due to their inferior materials.
The use of Flexi hoses on central heating is safe only if they are WARS certified. Tap connectors should not be used on radiators or boilers. In case of an emergency, they can be used temporarily. WARS-certified hoses like SMITH'S are recommended for use.
Are plastic central heating pipes safe?
The Superwarm blog states that plastic central heating pipes are actually wonderful and more than capable of heating a home safely. The flexibility of the pipes allows for them to be run up to 25m under the floor without needing any joints and without requiring soldering or flames.
Can you use flexible hoses on central heating?
The use of flexible hoses on central heating systems is debated due to potential risks such as failure at high temperatures and causing damage to the system. Some suggest using copper piping instead to avoid such risks.
Do plastic central heating pipes work underfloor?
Yes, plastic central heating pipes can work effectively when fitted underfloor. In fact, plastic pipes have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their flexibility, durability, and ease of installation. When installed correctly, plastic pipes provide a reliable and efficient heating system that can help lower energy bills and reduce the risk of leaks and corrosion. It is important, however, to ensure that the pipes are installed by a professional with experience in underfloor heating systems to ensure proper fitting and functionality.
Copper pipes vs plastic pipes: which are better for central heating?
Flexible copper pipes are suitable for underfloor heating and are durable enough to require less maintenance work compared to plastic pipes. They can be shaped to fit around corners in the floor.
What is flexible heat pipe?
Flexible heat pipes offer increased range of motion, durability and MTBF for assemblies that use them, allowing engineers to create innovative cooling systems for challenging applications by combining them with other thermal management technologies. This is according to Boydration's offerings of flexible heat pipe assemblies.
What is a flexible exhaust bellows?
TRU-FLEX's Flexible Exhaust Products division is involved in the research, development, design, and application of various exhaust technologies, particularly exhaust bellows. These bellows are also known as corrugated flexible pipes, and the company offers a range of products centered around them.
How does the bellows work?
The bellows works by utilizing its inherent flexibility and elasticity to absorb movement and vibrations that may occur in the pipe system. This is accomplished through the expansion and contraction of the bellows in response to changes in pressure, temperature, or other external factors. The bellows can also convert the linear movement of pipe growth into angular rotation through the use of pinned units in 2-pin or 3-pin arrangements, allowing for greater control over expansion in multiple directions and planes. Overall, the intelligent use of bellows in a pipe system can provide significant benefits by reducing stress on pipes and equipment and improving overall efficiency and reliability.
How does a heat pipe work?
A heat pipe is a device that transfers heat from one location to another through a closed loop system. It typically consists of a hermetic container, a working fluid that readily evaporates and condenses, and a wick structure that helps to circulate the fluid. When heat is applied to the evaporator section of the heat pipe, the working fluid vaporizes and travels to the cooler condenser section where it condenses and releases the heat. The capillary forces in the wick structure draw the condensed working fluid back to the evaporator section, completing the heat-transfer cycle loop. This process allows heat to be efficiently transferred without the need for external pumps or fans. Overall, a heat pipe provides an effective, low-maintenance solution for managing heat in a variety of applications.
Can you use PEX pipes for radiant floor heating?
PEX tubing has become increasingly popular among DIY radiant floor heating enthusiasts due to its flexibility and lightweight compared to traditional pipe systems. Using PEX pipes for radiant floor heating is a viable option for homeowners looking to install a more efficient heating system.
What is PEX tubing?
PEX tubing is a type of plastic piping made from cross-linked polyethylene. It is widely used in the plumbing industry as a flexible alternative to traditional copper and PVC piping. PEX tubing is known for its durability, flexibility, and ease of installation, making it a popular choice for various applications, including radiant floor heating systems.
Is PEX more efficient than one pipe?
The article discusses the efficiency of different pipe options in a radiant floor heating system. While some argue that PEX distribution is more efficient due to its lower fluid temperature, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding how heat is transferred and distributed in a radiant floor.
