[Greenbuilding] Al Pex for Solar Heating System

[Sacie Lambertson]

Rob, below, the sort of interesting off the wall thinking that I've 
come to expect of you.  I would like to know now if anyone thinks a 
radiator hose won't work?   If so, it should be fine for the glycol 
that will flow through it.   As for using Roxul,  I think it would be 
very good around the Armaflex insulator that  has been suggested, 
with all inside a blueboard box (see excellent suggestion below Rob's).

Why high density Roxul?   Presume you suggest it were the box not to 
be used.
Thanks,   Sacie


>  I can't help but think about the rad
>hoses on the autos that are sitting outside in minus 20 degree weather
>(and sometimes in minus 40 degree weather)
>
>Is there something wrong with using the same material for the lines of
>active solar systems ?
>
>As for insulation, (I saw that someone mentioned EPS might melt) would
>high density Roxul mineral wool work ?

____________________________
Use safe copper in Armaflex 7/8" wall for 3/4" pipe and create box
channel in ground using 'blue board' or some other rigid foam for under
ground use.  8" to 10" square and set armaflexed  pipe inside.  Check
Ph of glycol yearly and change when it goes acidic.  The acid will
attack sweat solder joints.  Cheap shiny foam pipe insulation will melt
off the hot side(return) pipe.
   Added insulation with spray foam is the highest insulation value and
performance.  Yes, some foam is from petroleum.   Much better use,
though, than burning it in the propane burner.  Cap with foam board and
cover.