[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
PEx-a PVC plumbing alternative
sorry to post so much promotional literature from one company, but it is
fairly informative stuff. Wirsbo (800-321-4739, wirsbo.com) is apparantly
the original & dominant developer of PEx, or at least its markets. (To be
a little fairer, the other supplier I know of is Plasco, spnwsupply.com in
OR). Tho commonly used in radiant (floor, "a cool head & warm feet")
heating, PEx is also marketed as an alternative to PVC & copper for potable
water supplies. Currently it sells around the upper price of Cu piping,
~$0.65/foot retail, which (Cu) can cost less than half as much. I imagine
greater demand for PEx would bring down the price a lot, either through new
competetive suppliers/producers, or through economies of scale. Whereas
PVC's low cost is made possible in part through the true costs being
externalized from its producers, to societies--O-Cl's, heavy metal u.v.
stabilizers, toxic plasticizers (though rigid plumbing PVC shouldn't have
the latter)... As you may know, PE is the simplest polymer, no toxic
ingredients, a hydrocarbon, just H and C. There may be significant
toxxicity differences (PVC v. PE) in the catalysts and anything else used
to polymerize, but my impression is that's not so.
----------
Comfort Begins Here
Our company was
founded over 375
years ago in Wirsbo,
Sweden. Today,
Wirsbo's North
American
manufacturing facility
is located in Apple
Valley, Minnesota. For
over 25 years, Wirsbo
has set the industry
standard for high
quality PEX tubing and
complete radiant
heating systems. With
over two billion feet
of tubing in place,
Wirsbo is the world's
most experienced
manufacturer of
radiant floor heating
systems.
WIRSBO For
Comfort,
Efficiency, And
Reliability, It's
The Name You
Can Trust.
----------
The Wonders of Cross-Linking
PEX is an acronym for
cross-linked
polyethylene. The "PE"
refers to the raw
material used to make PEX
(Polyethylene), and the
"X" refers to the
cross-linking of the
polyethylene across
its molecular chains.
The molecular
chains are linked into a
three-dimensional
network that makes
PEX remarkably durable within a wide range of temperatures, pressures
and chemicals.
There are several different methods used to cross-link polyethylene. It is
important to distinguish between the various methods of cross-linking
and the PEX products that result. A distinction should be made between
PEX produced above the polyethylene crystalline melting temperature, and
PEX produced below that temperature. Simply stated, there is a
difference between PEX that is cross-linked during extrusion and PEX
tubing that is cross-linked in a post extrusion process.
Wirsbo uses the Engel method to chemically cross-link polyethylene
during the manufacturing process when polyethylene is in its amorphic
state (above the crystalline melting point). The Engel method provides
more precise control of the degree of cross-linking resulting in a
perfectly uniform product. There is no chance that areas of the tube will
be unevenly cross-linked, and there are no weak links in the molecular
chain.
Engel Method PEX has what is known as shape or thermal memory. It is
this thermoelastic property that gives Wirsbo PEX (Engel) its incredible
flexibility, strength, and high temperature/pressure resistance. The
shape memory is also what allows the ProPEX Fitting system to work.
The other two common methods of cross-linking PEX are the Radiation
method and the Silane method. Radiation cross-linked PEX uses electrons
that bombard the tubing after it has been extruded. Silane PEX uses a
warm bath to cross-link, and then flushes the tubing to remove
contaminants. Silane PEX is not as evenly cross-linked as Engel PEX, nor
does it have the same degree of thermal memory.
Stress Resistance -- Tubing installed in panel heating applications must
be capable of withstanding the extreme stresses that result from
installation within a concrete slab, or on a structural wood floor. Typical
stresses include: Expansion and contraction that result from repeated
heating and subsequent cooling of the heat transfer fluid, mechanical
abrasion, shearing and stretching that occurs as a result of installation,
normal structural movement and heating and cooling from seasonal
weather changes.
Wirsbo PEX, because it is cross-linked, is uniquely capable of
withstanding the stresses that occur in radiant floor heating and
plumbing.
Standards, Listings and Certifications: Wirsbo PEX tubing is currently
manufactured to ASTM F876, ASTM F877 and ASTM F1960 as certified by
Hauser Laboratories and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). It is
rated at 73.4° F at 160 psi, 180 °F at 100 psi and 200 °F at 80 psi. These
pressure and temperature ratings are issued by the Hydrostatic Design
Stress Board of the Plastic Pipe Institute, a division of the Society of
Plastics Industry. Wirsbo PEX and fittings are certified to be in
compliance with the Canadian Standards Association Standard CAN/CSA
137.5M, "Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing Systems For Pressure
Applications."
Extrapolation of long-term testing on Wirsbo PEX tubing shows that
Wirsbo PEX will have a system life in excess of 100 years.
--------
Wirsbo AQUAPEX® -- The Future of Plumbing
Current problems with corrosive water, leaky fittings and disintegrating
pipe have left the plumbing industry looking for a reliable solution.
AQUAPEX® is the answer. AQUAPEX® uses AQUAPEX® tubing (Engel),
which is cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing for hot and cold potable
water service and distribution. Wirsbo PEX tubing has been used in
plumbing systems around the world for over 25 years, longer than any
other flexible plumbing system available. AQUAPEX® is a logical choice
for modern plumbing systems because it offers many advantages over
rigid metal and other plastic tubing.
Its light, flexible nature makes it installation-friendly, reducing
labor costs.
Its non toxic formula makes it completely clean, healthy and safe.
Concerns about lead, copper and other toxins leaching into drinking water
are eliminated.
Its smooth, cross-linked structure makes it resistant to corrosion.
AQUAPEX® tubing will not corrode, pit or scale.
A 25 year track record means it is proven effective in plumbing.
Its unique ProPEX® fitting system is the most reliable system on the
market. AQUAPEX® systems even come with a 25 year warranty when
they are installed by a Wirsbo trained installer.
The AQUAPEX® system boasts the best fitting system in the industry --
ProPEX®. ProPEX® fittings use the shape-memory of AQUAPEX® tubing.
Using the hand-held ProPEX® expander tool, the tubing and a PEX ring are
expanded and the fitting is inserted. The tubing then compresses around
the fitting as it tries to return to its original shape. The connection is
permanent, leak-proof and proven reliable. Wirsbo also offers an
electrically powered automatic ProPEX® expander tool for even faster,
easier connections.
A Home Run: The flexibility of AQUAPEX® tubing allows alternative
installation methods that minimize the pressure drops that result when
two fixtures operate simultaneously. Using the Home Run method,
centrally located manifolds distribute water to each fixture with
dedicated hot and cold water lines. The Home Run method requires fewer
fittings, helping to eliminate leaks and keeping overall material cost
competitive.
Wirsbo's AQUAPEX tubing has the incredible property of thermal memory.
If the tubing becomes kinked, heating it up with a heat gun will make it
transparent and return it to its original shape and strength. The tubing
returns to its natural opaque color when cooled.
AQUAPEX® BENEFITS BUILDERS AND CONSUMER
Proven Product
Installed without Joints in the Slab
Clean and Healthy -- No Lead in AQUAPEX
25 Year Warranty
Looks Professional
Lower Delivered Cost
Fewer Joints in the Walls
Excellent Freeze Resistance
Corrosion Resistant
AQUAPEX® BENEFITS WHOLESALERS
Proven product
Fast shipping
Experienced manufacturer
Sell the Entire System
Selective Distribution
Aggressive Marketing Programs
AQUAPEX® BENEFITS THE PLUMBERS
Proven product
Flexible
Easy to Install
Light-weight
No Flame Necessary
ProPEX Does not Leak
Inert to Aggressive Soil and Water
Excellent Freeze Resistance
Run in slab, or over head
Perfect for Retrofit, Remodeling Work
Provides a Professional Looking Plumbing System
Plumbers get Trained and Pass on 25 Year Warranty
Code Approvals: AQUAPEX tubing is manufactured and listed to ASTM
F876, F877, and F1960 for use in hot and cold potable water distribution
systems. It is approved by BOCA, CABO, ICBO 5142, SBCCI, IPC for potable
hot and cold water distribution, and by IPC and SBCCI for water service.
It has IAPMO Acceptance. AQUAPEX® is approved in many states, cities
and counties around the United States and Canada. Check with your local
code official for further code information.
AQUAPEX® tubing undergoes the most exhaustive testing of any material
on the market. Wirsbo PEX undergoes an extensive battery of tests
internally, and through an independent third party testing agency. Wirsbo
PEX tubing currently holds the unofficial world record for long-term
testing at elevated temperatures and pressures -- 23 years at 203 ° F at
152 psi, and still going. The record will be official when the testing is
complete.
AQUAPEX® tubing is rated at 180° F at 100 psi, 200° F at 80 psi and
73.4° F at 160 psi.
Introducing PLS ProPEX® Fittings for AQUAPEX® Professional
Plumbing Systems
To make the ProPEX® system even better, Wirsbo offers a revolutionary
addition to its fitting line: ProPEX® fittings made out of a durable,
affordable plastic called Polysulfone or PLS.
After 5 years of extensive research, Wirsbo partnered with Amoco
Polymers, who provides the resin for the PLS. Amoco introduced PLS to
the world over 10 years ago, and has used it extensively in harsh
plumbing conditions ever since.
PLS fittings offer many unique advantages:
10 year warranty for trained installers
Clean and Healthy-completely non-toxic
Resistant to high chlorine levels
Resistant to harsh chemicals
Resistant to temperatures as high as 320 °F and as low as -40 °F
Affordability
Proven in plumbing applications for over 10 years
AQUAPEX®, Wirsbo-hePEX plus, ProPEX® and RADIPEX® are
trademarks of Wirsbo Company.
For more information, call toll free 1-800-321-4739 or Email:
Information
----------
More Comfort and Convenience from Wirsbo
AQUAPEX® Plumbing Systems
Wirsbo AQUAPEX® systems use the same
dependable Engel method PEX tubing as Wirsbo's
Radiant Floor Heating systems. This sturdy
tubing, coupled with Wirsbo's Revolutionary
ProPex® fitting system, offers clean, quiet and
reliable plumbing that will last. AQUAPEX®
tubing is safe, freeze-resistant and resistant to
corrosion. AQUAPEX® tubing carries a 25 year
limited warranty when installed by a trained
AQUAPEX® plumber.
Radiant Ready
A growing number of builders and home owners
are choosing to install Wirsbo PEX tubing during
construction, even if they do not plan to complete
the system immediately. Installation of PEX
tubing adds relatively little to the cost of a
poured floor, but adds so much to the value of the
home or building. Planning ahead to make your
home Radiant Ready lets you complete
installation at any time in the future. It's an
investment in comfort that grows in value.
Wirsbo Turf Conditioning Systems
It's a fact... players prefer to play on natural
grass. Wirsbo Turf Conditioning systems used in
sports stadiums and soccer fields around the
world make natural grass playing fields a reality.
Miles of the same dependable PEX tubing used in
Wirsbo Radiant Floor Heating systems is used to
warm the turf and keep the grass green, healthy
and growing in the face of hard play and harsh
weather. The Baltimore Ravens, the Green Bay
Packers and the Denver Broncos are just a few of
the teams that enjoy playing on a natural grass
field thanks to a Wirsbo Turf Conditioning
system.
Wirsbo's Home Comfort Team
Installation is the key to effective radiant floor
heating. In addition to providing the finest
materials available, Wirsbo offers the most
complete installation training in the industry.
The Wirsbo Home Comfort Team program for
heating and plumbing contractors consists of
intensive classroom and practical training at the
company's North American headquarters and
manufacturing facility. Thousands of contractors
from around the country have completed the
rigorous hands-on program ensuring that Wirsbo's
quality components are being installed by the
most knowledgeable people in the industry. For
information on a Home Comfort Team member in
your area, call 1-800-321-4739
----------
AQUAPEX®: A
Superior Tube
The heart of the Wirsbo
AQUAPEX® system is the tubing.
Wirsbo's cross-linked
polyethylene (PEX) tubing is
unlike any other type of plastic.
Cross-linking makes it
extremely flexible, durable and
able to withstand high
temperatures and pressures.
Wirsbo AQUAPEX® tubing has
been used in radiant floor
heating and plumbing systems
around the world for over 25
years, longer than any other
flexible plumbing system on the
market. Its unique properties
give it many advantages over
rigid metal and other plastic
plumbing systems.
AQUAPEX® tubing is flexible,
eliminating many of the joints
necessary with rigid plumbing
systems.
AQUAPEX® is corrosion
resistant. It will not corrode,
pit, or scale like copper.
AQUAPEX® tubing uses the
ProPEX® fitting. Torches, glues
and gauges are eliminated.
AQUAPEX® tubing is the most
freeze resistant tubing on the
market.
AQUAPEX® tubing is price
competitive and stable.
AQUAPEX® tubing has no
reclamation value.
AQUAPEX® tubing comes with
our best limited
warranty when installed by a
trained installer.
ProPEX® and PLS... A
Perfect Fit
The reliability of ProPEX® has
always been available in brass.
Now Wirsbo introduces a
durable high quality plastic
fitting made out of a durable
material called polysulfone
(PLS).
Used successfully for over 10
years in plumbing applications,
PLS is proven clean, chemically
resistant, and able to withstand
extreme temperatures and
pressures.
AQUAPEX® tubing and PLS
ProPEX® fittings do not corrode
or scale, even in areas that
have aggressive water and soil.
This eliminates concerns with
the pinhole leaks that can occur
in plumbing systems that use
copper pipe.
WIRSBO's ProPEX®
Fitting System
The ProPEX® fitting
system, developed
specifically for
use with AQUAPEX® tubing, is a
revolutionary
advancement in fitting
technology.
ProPEX® technology
puts to work the shape
memory of AQUAPEX®
tubing. The result is a
simple, inexpensive
and incredibly strong
connection. In
fact, stretch tests demonstrate
that the ProPEX®
connection is stronger than
the tube itself.
The shape memory of
AQUAPEX® tubing reforms
the expanded tubing
to its original shape. The
AQUAPEX® tubing and
a PEX ring compress over
the ProPEX® fitting
for a connection that is
permanent, leak
proof, and reliable.
ProPEX®
installation is quick and easy. It
doesn't require the
use of a torch, messy glue,
or a go/no go
gauge. Best of all, ProPEX® allows
for visual
inspection, so plumbing professionals
can see immediately
that they have made a
successful connection.
ProPEX® fittings
are listed to ASTM Standard
F877, F1960, and
are CAN/CSA(B137.5)
approved for use in
AQUAPEX® potable water
distribution systems.
ProPEX® Components:
Expansion tool
Insert fittings
PEX rings
More than 3 billion
feet of Wirsbo AQUAPEX® tubing is
installed worldwide
for residential and commercial
applications.
That's enough to circle the globe 24 times at the
equator.
Wirsbo supplies a wide range of
fittings, tools and other
components to provide quality,
professional installation. These
products make it easy to install
AQUAPEX® in a variety of
different ways. Traditional
branch plumbing methods can be
used, or manifolds can be used
to run direct lines to each
fixture.
Faster installation
Light, easy handling
Flexible, bends easily
Requires fewer fittings
and tools
Total system security, no
joints behind the walls
Perfect for corrosive
water and soil
installations
Ideal for installations in
or below the slab
Stable, competitive
pricing
Eliminates call backs
NSF 14 and 61 certified
(AQUAPEX® tubing)
Listed to ASTM F877,
F876
Approved by BOCA, CABO,
SBCCI, IPC, ICBO, and
accepted by IAPMO
Made in the USA
Wirsbo quality, 25 year
limited warranty
For your area sales
representative call
1-800-321-4739
A Plumber's Dream
Wirsbo has
developed the AQUAPEX® System
with plumbing
professionals in mind, making it
the most
installer-friendly system on the
market today.
The convenient PEX
coil lengths are easily
handled by one
person - no small feat compared
to the handling of
awkward rigid copper pipe.
The excellent
flexibility and durability of
AQUAPEX®, together
with the advanced ProPEX®
technology, reduce
plumbing rough-in times to a
fraction of those
required for copper.
With Wirsbo's
dedication to quality, and our
unequaled long-term
testing program, plumbers
can rest assured
that they are providing their
customers with the
best plumbing system
available.