What is Polypropylene Pipes?

Polypropylene is one of the most widely used and basic polymers in the world. Polypropylene pipe is made of random type 3 copolymer. This pipe is one of the lightest and most durable polymer pipes. There are two types of polypropylene pipes in the market, green and white. This pipe has different characteristics, which we will explain in the following. Also in the market, it is called by several names such as pp pipe (PP), green pipe, white pipe, white water pipe and in very rare cases, single layer white pipe.

What is Polypropylene Pipes?

Polypropylene is one of the most widely used and basic polymers in the world. Polypropylene pipe is made of random type 3 copolymer. This pipe is one of the lightest and most durable polymer pipes. There are two types of polypropylene pipes in the market, green and white. This pipe has different characteristics, which we will explain in the following. Also in the market, it is called by several names such as pp pipe (PP), green pipe, white pipe, white water pipe and in very rare cases, single layer white pipe.

Pros

Firs Advantage
The PP-R pipe system is the only plastic pipe system where both the pipe and fittings consist of exactly the same material thereby reducing the chances of failure.
Second Advantage
Green status can be awarded due to the following: The system has a life expectancy of more than 50 years. Product manufactured from crude oil waste(plastic is a by-product) PP-R is fully recyclable. Insulation is 35 times better than that of copper thereby making it an energy saving product.
Third Advantage
Theft: There is no demand as yet for the material to be used in recycled products in South Africa. Scrap value (when a demand arises) will be in the region of R1-20/kg compared to copper reaching up to R32-00 p/kg. The weight ratio to rand-value does not make this a financially viable theft.

Cons

First Disadvantage
PP-R pipes, like all plastic products, are not for outdoor installation where exposed to direct sunlight. If installations are done as such, the product must be painted with PVA to protect from the sun drying out the oil content present in all plastics.
Second Disadvantage
Additions or repairs to PP-R pipes systems can only be done by making use of a fusion-welding tool.