What is PPRC?
A sight on different type's plastic Raw Materials discovery
Year Type
1862 Parkesine, the first man made plastic
1926 PVC or Vinyl
1930 Polymers
1933 Polyethylene
1954 Polypropylene, by an Italian scientist "F.J. Natta"
About Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene or polypropene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer. This Raw material made by the chemical industry and used a wide variety of applications, including food packaging, textiles, plastic parts, thermal pants, and shirts made for the military, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers etc. Its melt temperature is 176o. PP has high chemical resistance and hardness as compare to others.
About Random Copolymer (RC)
Physical properties: Generally, Random copolymers are more flexible and less hard. They have better impact strength at temperatures 0 - 25oc.
Chemical Resistance: Random copolymers are highly resistant to attack by such chemicals as acids, alcohols, low-boiling hydrocarbon solvents, and many dead chemicals.
Types of Raw Material
Raw Material of Polypropylene is grouped within 3 classes as to their characteristics:
Type-1: PP-H (Polypropylene Hopolymer)
Type-2: PP-BC (Polypropylene Block Copolymer)
Type-3: PP-RC (Polypropylene Random Copolymer)
About 100% pure Type-3 Raw Material
Type-3 PPRC Raw Material is superior to others as to the resistance to temperature, pressure, and chemical materials. PPRC type-3 Raw Material does not have any material injurious to human health and give colour, taste, and smell different from the normal
Frequently asked question(FAQ'S PP-RC)
What is Polypropylene?
Propylene (PP) is a type of plastic known as a polyolefin. It is produced by polymerizing propylene with suitable catalysts. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic meaning that it can be heated to a molten state and when cooled returns to a solid state.
What are the uses for Polypropylene?
Polypropylene (PP) is used in both industrial and commercial products. Its characteristics, some of which are: high melt point (320 F), hydrophobic, and durable, make it ideal for many applications including food containers, fibers (such as carpeting), car parts, and compressed air piping systems.
What Polypropylene products are used for piping systems?
PP-RC (Polypropylene Random Copolymer) is ideal for a variety of piping systems like compressed air line and has been used throughout the world in plumbing and heating systems for more than 20 years.
Where can PP-RC pipe be used?
Polypropylene pipe can be used anywhere where copper, steel, or stainless steel pipes are used. PP-RC pipe is a better choice in many applications where chemicals are transported via piping systems. It is not recommended for systems that exceed 180 F, or steam systems.
Which of a temperature can a PP-RC piping system withstand?
PP-RC with the fiber composite layer is rated up to 180 F. However as temperatures increase the permissible operating pressure decreases.
What is the life expectancy of polypropylene pipe?
Depending on the application PP-RC systems will give a service life of 50 or more years. High temperatures combined with high pressures will reduce the service life of the pipe. However, a system using 1 inch to 4 inch pipe will have a service life of 50 years at 140 F and 92psi with a safety factor of 1.5.
How is PP-RC pipe assembled?
PP-RC is assembled through a socket or butt fusion process. Socket fusion is used on pipe 4" (125mm) and under. Butt fusion is used on pipe over 4" (125mm). The socket fusion process melts the outside surface of the pipe and the inside surface of the fitting to be joined (both to a specific depth). After specific heat and time requirements are met the two surfaces are pushed together to form a permanent, seamless, leak free bond. In the butt fusion process the ends of the pipes and/or the fitting are melted and then joined together.
What tools are needed to assemble PP-RC pipe and fittings?
The smaller diameter sizes of PP-RC pipe and fittings can be assembled with tools called a heating iron and fusion heads. For sizes between 1.5" and 4" it is recommended that fusion machines be used. For butt fusion a butt fusion machine and a heating iron are used. Due to the high temperature of the heating iron it is necessary to wear all appropriate safety equipment.
Can PP-RC pipe be glued?
No, you do not glue PP-RC pipe. Socket fusion and/or butt fusion creates a permanent, monolithic, leak free bond that is stronger than the pipe.
Are there fittings available to transition from PP-RC to other types of piping systems?
Yes, a complete line of brass or steel transition fittings and flange adapters are available for transition to other types of piping systems.
How safe is PP-RC pipe?
The material can be certified as safe for drinking water. It is hydrophobic meaning that it does not leach into or react with water. If burned, it releases only water vapor and CO2. In a fire situation fire fighters are recommended to wear respirators. According the USCG, 1999 there is no apparent toxicity.
How should PP-RC pipes be handled?
PP-RC is light weight and can be handled manually or mechanically. Care should be taken to insure that the ends are not damaged when moving and when in storage. Care should be used when moving pipe in temperatures below 40 F. A fork lift truck should not be used by putting the forks in the ends of the pipes or by draping the pipe across the forks.
What are the benefits of polypropylene pipe versus steel, or copper?
Corrosion resistant Scaling resistant - lower pumping costs Chemically resistant Inert to water - no leaching of taste or odour into water Lightweight - quick and easy installation Leak free systems via fusion No glue or solder used - no VOCs released, no open flame Does not support biological growth - opaque nature inhibits light penetration Low expansion coefficient - 100' of fiber composite pipe expands 2.3" at 100 F △T Low thermal conductivity - k = 0.139 for PP-RC, k = 227 for copper. Absorbs noise Low coefficient of friction - lower pumping costs
