When it comes to the "look" of PP-R water pipes, the first thing to consider is the color. High-quality PP-R pipes are soft and uniform in texture, with no mottling or discoloration. While white is commonly perceived as the best color, it's important to note that color alone isn't a reliable indicator of quality. PP-R pipes can come in various colors like gray, green, or yellow, and these are typically achieved through the use of color masterbatches. As long as the masterbatch is stable and doesn’t degrade the material, the color doesn’t affect the performance of the pipe. In fact, according to national standards, opaque pipes—such as gray ones—are better at blocking light, which is more relevant for outdoor installations. However, in most home plumbing systems, where pipes are buried underground, the color doesn't significantly impact performance. Another visual check is the opacity of the pipe. Genuine PP-R pipes are completely opaque, while counterfeit versions may appear slightly transparent or semi-transparent. White PP-R pipes are usually made from pure raw materials, whereas pipes made with recycled or scrap materials tend to have uneven textures and colors. Additionally, the inner and outer surfaces should be smooth and free from bubbles, depressions, grooves, or impurities. Any visible defects could indicate poor quality or substandard manufacturing processes. Touching the pipe can also help determine its quality. A genuine PP-R pipe is made entirely from PP-R raw material without any additives, giving it a smooth, soft feel. If the surface feels rough or gritty, it might contain impurities or lower-quality materials. The texture should be consistent and not overly hard or brittle. Smell is another key factor. High-quality PP-R pipes should have no noticeable odor, while inferior ones often emit a strange or chemical-like smell. This could be a sign that they’ve been mixed with polyethylene or other low-quality plastics, which compromises their integrity and safety. The hardness of the pipe can also be tested by pinching it. A real PP-R pipe is quite rigid and won’t deform easily under pressure. If the pipe is easily squashed or bent, it’s likely not genuine. However, keep in mind that PP-R can become brittle at temperatures below 10°C, so temperature conditions must be considered during testing. Wall thickness is an important aspect to check. Using a caliper, you can measure whether the wall thickness is even and meets standard requirements. Good-quality PP-R pipes are manufactured strictly according to national specifications, but this requires some knowledge of what those standards are. Listening to the sound when the pipe is dropped can also be helpful. A genuine PP-R pipe produces a dull thud, while fake ones tend to make a sharper, crisper sound. This difference can be subtle but useful in identifying lower-quality products. Testing the elasticity by “smashing†the pipe is another method. A high-quality PP-R pipe should rebound well after being struck, while a poor-quality one may break easily. However, it's important to note that PP-R can become brittle at very low temperatures, and some manufacturers may add excessive fillers like calcium carbonate to increase hardness. These additives can lead to brittleness over time, making the pipe less durable. Burning a small piece of the pipe can reveal more about its composition. A genuine PP-R pipe will burn cleanly, producing little to no smoke and leaving behind a clear molten residue. On the other hand, pipes containing recycled plastic or impurities will emit black smoke and a strong, unpleasant odor. You can also try pulling the melted material to see how far it stretches—it should be fairly elastic if it's real PP-R. Welding is a crucial test for PP-R pipes. When properly welded, the joint should form a smooth, fused bond. The welding temperature should be between 260-290°C, and the fusion area should be liquid-like. If the weld cools too quickly (within 10 seconds), it may indicate the use of non-genuine PP-R materials. One of the key properties of PP-R is its slow cooling rate due to its insulation characteristics, so a rapid solidification could be a red flag. Finally, checking the internal diameter is essential. A good PP-R pipe should not be stretched or deformed, and the inner diameter should remain consistent. Any distortion could suggest poor quality or improper manufacturing. To ensure accuracy, it's always a good idea to use specialized testing equipment. National standards specify several critical tests, such as aging resistance (tested at 110°C with 1.9 MPa stress for 8760 hours), system stability (5,000 thermal cycles), and impact resistance. Users can request these test reports from manufacturers or suppliers. Another important requirement is the melt index of the raw material, which should not change by more than 30% during processing. Industry guidelines also recommend that the melt index should not exceed 0.5g/10min. These standards help guarantee the reliability and longevity of PP-R piping systems.
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