[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Re: [BULK] Sprinklers-and PEX

[William Updike]

Aquatherm (polypropylene) piping systems have a pipe
that is specifically made for sprinklers.  They're
using it in about 70 countries worldwide, but it
hasn't been approved for sprinklers yet in the U.S. (I
don't know about Canada).  They are working on it
though.  And yes, as Keith says it does not shrink the
ID when it is fused unlike some PEX systems (though
I've heard Rehau is different?).

Cheers,
Bill Updike

--- Keith Winston <keith at earthsunenergy.com> wrote:

> Pex can handle far above 120. But a solar thermal
> system, on a hot day, 
> let's say after a power outage to let things get
> really hot, might be 
> well over 200. PEX gets all wobbly around there.
> PEX-AL-PEX can work.
> 
> Once the pump is running, most flat-plate collectors
> won't deliver water 
> outside of the PEX range, so as long as you have a
> lead from the 
> collector (at least 6', for example, of copper) that
> will modulate the 
> first blast from an overheated collector, and keep
> conduction from 
> transmitting too much heat from a stalled collector.
> So in most cases 
> the PEX will likely work fine. For evacuated tube
> collectors, it's 
> dicier, though on smaller installations you're
> likely to be fine still. 
> However, it depends on how many collectors, how much
> storage, what kind 
> of pumping (PV pumps reduce stall chances!), etc
> etc.
> 
> Re: Sprinklers: As I noted in an earlier email,
> though I think I forgot 
> to send it to the list, PEX fittings typically
> throttle the ID down, 
> whereas PVC fittings don't. This would also be true
> of thermowelded 
> fittings, i.e. those on Polyethylene like Aquatherm.
> I think the 
> Aquatherm can handle about the same temp range as
> PEX.
> 
> Keith
> 
> 
> Lawrence Lile wrote:
> > Sacie sez:
> >
> >   
> >> I learned to my distress PEX can not be used in
> solar water systems 
> >>     
> > because it can't take the heat, distressed because
> I embedded it in 
> > my walls and to the roof in preparation for just
> this.  But 
> > otherwise, what is bad about it?   Sacie 
> >
> > Uh oh, I did the same rough-in.  If PEX will take
> 120F for domestic hot
> > water, why not solar?  Are you expecting more than
> 120F in a solar hot
> > water heater?  
> >
> > A newer vacuum collector might get so hot, the
> older, less insulated
> > collectors may not.  Any experiences?  
> >
> > --Lawrence
> >
> >
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