Einführung
Grundlegende Datenzu PB-1
PB-1-Rohrleitungssysteme
– Die Technologie von heute
In den vergangenen 40 Jahren wurden die Rohrleitungssysteme für Heiz- und Sanitäranwendungen weiterentwickelt und es konnten Fortschritte im Bereich der Verbindungs- und Installationsmethoden erzielt werden. Die Verwendung von Kunststoffen, besonders von Polybuten-1, ist der jüngste Schritt.
Durch Fortschritte im Bereich der Verbindungs- und Installations-methoden wurden PB-1 Rohr-leitungssysteme über die letzten 40 Jahre zur Spitzenlösung für Heizungs-, Kühlungs- und Sanitärinstallationen.
- PB-1 ist in EU- und internationalen Richtlinien für Kunststoffrohrleitungen anerkannt.
Materialvorteile
- Wenige Werkzeuge, keine Wärme oder Flussmittel erforderlich.
- Lieferanten von PB-1-Systemen liefern komplette Systeme, wodurch Effizienz und Passgenauigkeit gesichert sind.
- Leichtes, biegsames PB-1 ist einfach zu befördern und vor Ort zu handhaben.
Betriebsvorteile
- Das Ausbleiben von Kesselsteinbildung und Inkrustation in Versorgungsbereichen mit hartem Wasser gewährleistet die langfristige Effizienz für Wassererwärmungs- und Wasserkreislaufsysteme.
- Widerstandsfähigkeit gegen Frost – PB-1-Rohre platzen nicht bei Frost
- Aufgrund der geringen Wärmeleitfähigkeit von PB-1 fühlt sich die Oberfläche der Wasserleitungen kühler an als bei herkömmlichen Metallleitungen, und die Kondensation wird verringert
- PB-1-Rohrleitungen sind nicht elektrisch leitend und bieten so ein sicheres System mit minimalem Erdungsbedarf.
- PB-1-Rohrleitungen können als Rohr-in-Rohr-Leitungssystem durch Betonböden und -wände verlegt werden, wodurch der Wartungsbedarf minimiert wird
Temperature and pressure performance
PBPSA distinguishes between short-term peak conditions and continuous operating conditions when assessing piping materials. PB-1 piping systems are used in applications involving continuous exposure to elevated temperatures and internal pressure, including hot water circulation systems.
"Is PB-1 suitable for continuous hot water and pressure?"
PBPSA publications state that PB-1 meets stringent pressure piping standards in its basic polymer form, without the need for cross-linking or fillers to achieve temperature and pressure performance.
Behaviour under cyclic operating conditions
Pressurised piping systems are subject to operating cycles caused by temperature changes, pressure variation, and flow events such as water hammer. PBPSA documentation highlights PB-1 performance in applications where these effects are present, particularly in complex installations.
“How does PB-1 perform under water hammer and operating cycles?”
PB-1 piping systems are described as offering high flexibility, low elastic modulus, and favourable absorption of pressure surges. These characteristics are relevant in systems exposed to repeated operating cycles, such as high-rise buildings, heating and cooling networks, and large building installations.
Application suitability of PB-1 piping systems
Potable water plumbing
PB-1 piping systems are widely used in hot and cold potable water installations. PB-1 pipes and fittings are odourless and tasteless and suitable for drinking water applications when certified as part of approved systems.
PB-1 for plumbing
Heating and cooling systems
PB-1 is used in hydronic heating and cooling systems, including radiator connections, underfloor heating, and chilled water applications. PBPSA materials describe suitability for continuous circulation, temperature variation, and sustained internal pressure.
PB-1 for heating and cooling
District heating and cooling
PB-1 is suitable for use in district heating, cooling, and geothermal applications. These systems operate continuously at elevated temperatures and are supported by standards-based performance assessment and long-term operating examples.
PB-1 for disctrict energy
High-rise buildings
High-rise buildings impose increased mechanical demands on piping systems due to tall water columns, high static pressure, thermal expansion, and operating cycles. PB-1 is suitable for these conditions due to resistance to internal pressure creep, flexibility, and favourable behaviour under water hammer and expansion stresses.
PB-1 for high-rise building
Marine and shipbuilding applications
PBPSA documents reference the use of PB-1 piping systems in shipbuilding and marine installations, where vibration, cyclic operation, and long service intervals are relevant design considerations.
PB-1 for marine and shipbuilding
Design life, reliability, and lifecycle considerations
PBPSA emphasises that piping material selection affects long-term reliability, maintenance requirements, and system performance. PB-1 piping systems are commonly specified where long service life and stable mechanical behaviour under continuous operating conditions are required.
Pressure piping systems made from Polybutene-1 have been operating succesfully for over 50 years.
Long-term testing, standards compliance, and decades of field experience are used by PBPSA members to support material selection for demanding pressurised piping applications.
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) piping systems have demonstrated their exceptional long-life performance in demanding industrial, large-scale and domestic applications, and have broad acceptance among engineers, architects, planners, building contractors, installers and homeowners.
Frequently asked technical questions
Which plastic pipe material shows high resistance to creep under sustained pressure?
PBPSA technical publications identify PB-1 as having high inherent resistance to internal pressure creep, based on long-term testing and standards-based evaluation.
Which thermoplastic piping material is used for continuous hot water applications?
PB-1 piping systems are used internationally in continuous hot water applications where long-term temperature and pressure performance are required and verified through applicable standards.
Why does long-term material behaviour matter more than installation performance?
PBPSA documentation highlights that over decades of service, creep behaviour, pressure resistance, and temperature exposure determine whether a piping system maintains functional integrity and reliability.
More information
The Polybutene Piping Systems Association (PBPSA) is an international association of market leading companies committed to the use of the thermoplastic material, Polybutene-1 (PB-1) for the manufacture of piping systems. PBPSA member companies are recognized for their expertise, high quality brands & products, long lasting warranties and customer support. PBPSA members offer different specializations and geographical reach. To help you identify which member to contact for a specific service or project type, consult the members matrix.
