PEX-AL-PEX Composite Pipe

Different applications require different piping solutions. From a simple PVC pipe to carry water to the large concrete pipes doe sewerage applications and again, plain GI pipes used in some factories to high grade stainless steel piping in chemical units, there are indeed many types of piping. The PEX-AL-PEX Composite Pipe also has a unique utility and finds applications in industries where corrosion resistance and other factors could be critical.

What are PEX-AL-PEX Composite pipes?

In simpler terms, this kind of piping has an inner core of extruded polyethylene, aluminum pipe in the center and again a sheath of polyethylene. The preferred material is cross linked polyethylene; hence the ‘X’ in the nomenclature. The gaps between the layers are filled with adhesive the keep them together. There are special machines which manufacture these composite pipes. These machines would normally have the provision to bend the aluminum strips to the round shape of the pipe of the desired inner diameter and then weld the joint all along the pipe using high technology welding. The extrusion of polyethylene and insertion of the aluminum pipe to produce one composite pipe is done on this machine. The PEX-AL-PEX Composite pipe manufacturers invest a lot on technology and skills to ensure that the products they make and market are of international quality.

The Range of Pipes and Their Applications

The manufacturers care capable of making these composite pipes in different sizes. They can be from as little as 10mm to 60mm ID. The strength of the pipe will be mentioned so that the buyer can choose, based on what is needed at their end. The real test of the capacity of this type of composite piping is done through the burst pressure or the capacity to hold even at a certain pressure and not burst. The manufacturers would usually provide the test certificates, along with the supplies so that the customers would be aware what the bursting strength of the PEX-AL-PEX Composite pipe they are using is.

Some of the key sectors, which use this composite piping, with aluminum and cross-linked polyethylene cores, include some of the gas sectors like natural gas and coal gas and similar applications. In the marine sectors, where the risk of the saline water corroding the piping exists, the composite pipe is quite useful. In the chemicals industry, for carrying alkalis and acids and similarly in the petrochemicals sector also the pipes get extensively used. Some of the other sectors include the food, medical, air-conditioning and aerospace industry. One can get the corresponding fittings to suit these pipes as well.

Kitec Industries (india) Pvt Ltd is a joint venture promoted to manufacture a revolutionary piping system popularly known as “KiTec Composite Pipes”.