200m X 20mm Coil £182.37 + VAT
175m X 20mm Coil £159.58 + VAT
150m X 20mm Coil £136.78 + VAT
120m X 20mm Coil £109.42 + VAT
100m X 20mm Coil £91.19 + VAT
200m X 16mm Coil £145.90 + VAT
150m X 16mm Coil £109.42 + VAT
120m X 16mm Coil £87.54 + VAT
100m X 16mm Coil £72.95 + VAT
80m X 16mm Coil £58.36 + VAT
60m X 16mm Coil £45.59 + VAT
Polybutylene pipe is widely used for heating and plumbing applications in domestic, commercial and industrial properties. Its principal uses include hot and cold water services, central and underfloor heating installations.
It is also specified for combined underfloor heating and cooling systems and for embedded coil technologies.
Pipes used for hot and cold water services, often referred to as ‘Standard’ pipes, are normally single layer extrusions. For central and underfloor heating/cooling applications and embedded coil technology applications it is essential to specify a ‘Barrier’ pipe. Such pipes need to incorporate an internal oxygen barrier.
The lower the figure, the greater the flexibility.
| Cross-linked Polyethylenes | PE-RT | PB | |||
| Cross-linking method | PE-Xa Engel Process |
PE-Xb Silane Process |
PE-Xc Irradiation |
||
| Flexural Elasticity Modulus Method ISO 178 |
400 | 550 | 350 | 550 | 250 |
Polybutylene flexibility assists in routing pipe runs through and around building elements. In underfloor heating applications this feature is of importance in easing the installation of heating circuits in concrete, timber and suspended floors. Pipe flexibility is even more important in heating and cooling projects as it allows sufficient pipework to be installed to meet design criteria and performance requirements applicable.
In hot and cold water services applications, pipe is jointed by means of advanced technology, push fit joints which provide exceptional joint security.
The use of joints in underfloor heating systems, however should be avoided where possible and underfloor heating industry guidelines and industry best practice advise against joints in the floor. However in circumstances where site damage has occurred, Polybutylene pipe systems can be jointed.
It is imperative not to put a joint in any building element that is inaccessible ie structural slab, post tensioned floor or below reinforce floor etc.
Oxygen barrier pipe is not required in potable water applications. Barrier pipes were originally introduced for central heating applications to comply with British Gas requirements. They are now also used in underfloor heating applications. Barrier pipe construction ensures that oxygen cannot permeate through the pipe wall over time and enter the circuit. The introduction of oxygen into the system could potentially contribute to corrosion within metallic parts associated boilers and control manifolds.
Polybutylene has an unrivalled balance of properties to satisfy the demands of the hot and cold pressurised water pipe market. The main aspects which distinguish it from other candidate materials are its flexibility and superior resistance to stress over long periods of time at high temperatures.
Flexibility is a key factor because it eases installation across a broad range of internal temperature conditions. The relative flexibility of different plastics is indicated by the table top right showing typical flexural elasticity values for different Polyolefin pipe materials.
Polybutylene is non-corrosive, resists frost damage and is unaffected by hard, soft or aggressive water conditions. It is creep resistant and offers high impact strength meaning that if it is ‘crushed’ on site – for example due to operative walking over it – it will return to its original shape.
The performance of Polybutylene pipe has been proven through long standing, trouble-free service in applications worldwide. Polybutylene has been used successfully on pipe applications for over 30 years.
International standard protocols now specify a minimum performance for Polybutylene hot water pipes of 70°C, 10 bar pressure for 50 years.
Product warranties vary according to manufacture. Warranties up to 50 years are available on Polybutylene pipes, reflecting their proven long-term performance even in the most arduous applications.
Recycling of Polybutylene is possible because the molecular structure of the material is not altered by the production process. This is in contrast to some alternative materials where the manufacturing process alters the chemical structure of the plastic making it impossible to retrieve the original molecular state.
| Features and benefits of Polybutylene | Physiologically safe – will not taint water |
| Standard and barrier pipes available | Minimal internal resistance reducing hydraulic pumping head |
| High flexibility even at low temperatures | Safe installation procedures – no requirement for pre-tempering of pipe |
| Resistant to stress | Pipes can be fusion welded of required |
| Non-corrosive | No flame, specialist tools or chemicals required during installation there for no risk to installers |
| Resistant to frost damage | 50 year warranty |
| Inert to water hardness/softness | Readily recycled |
| Unaffected by chemical inhibitors | Recycled material has same recoverable heat energy as heating oil |
| Pipework does not encourage micro biological growth | Does not produce toxic or corrosive gases when burnt |
| High impact strength | Proven in installations since 1970s and on many high profile construction projects |
| Creep resistant | Suitable for heating and cooling applications |
| Fully protected internal barrier | No intrinsic resale vaule |
| Low energy comsumption in manufacture | Multitude of coil lengths for economical installation with minimal waste |
| Produced in compliance with ISO 14001 | Size and type of coil specifically engineered for embedded coil technology |
| Low environmental impact in terms of soil, water and air pollution | UK manufacture, reducing whole life cost due to transportation |
Polybutylene pipe systems have been used in many of the world’s most prestigious buildings, as well as numerous commercial, industrial and domestic properities.
They are extensively used in hospital and healthcare environments and widely specified for local authority, government and defence-related property developments.
They are a preferred form of heating in many educational establishments and over 1000 school in the UK now benefit from underfloor heating installations utilising Polybutylene pipe systems.
Thousands of commercial and industrial developments, from prestige office developments to warehouses and production facilities, achieve high levels of comfort, combined with significant energy savings, as a result of specifying underfloor heating.