Introducción
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) is a thermoplastic polymer used in pressurised piping systems for plumbing, heating, cooling, district energy, and specialist applications such as high-rise buildings and shipbuilding. PB-1 is a member of the polyolefin family of polymers and is recognised in international plastic pipe standards, including EN ISO 15876 and ISO 12230.
PB-1 piping systems have been used internationally for pressurised hot and cold water applications since the mid-1960s. PBPSA documentation describes a long record of service under continuous temperature and pressure conditions, supported by long-term testing and field experience in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.
Hechos básicos del PB-1
Sistemas de tuberías de PB-1
– la tecnología de nuestros días
Los sistemas de tuberías para aplicaciones de calefacción y fontanería han evolucionado en los últimos 40 años con avances en los métodos de instalación y unión.
Durante más de 40 años, los sistemas de tuberías de PB-1, con avances en los métodos de instalación y unión, se han convertido en los sistemas de vanguardia para instalaciones de calefacción, refrigeración y fontanería.
- Las pruebas ISO 9080 a largo plazo realizadas en tuberías de PB-1 prevén una vida útil de más de 50 años
- Los estudios realizados por expertos independientes no observan ninguna evidencia de defectos o degradación después de largos periodos de servicio
- El PB-1 está reconocido en las normas internacionales y de la UE para tuberías de plástico
Ventajas del PB-1
Ventajas del material
- El PB-1 es intrínsecamente flexible, fuerte, resistente y ligero, con una densidad similar a la del agua, de 0,92 g/cm3
- Las tuberías y accesorios de polibuteno-1 son inodoros e insípidos, y cumplen la homologación para materiales en contacto con alimentos.
Son ideales para aplicaciones relacionadas con agua potable.
- Se necesitan pocas herramientas y no se precisan materiales térmicos ni decapantes.
- Los proveedores de sistemas de PB-1 suministran sistemas completos, por lo que se garantiza el rendimiento y la integridad.
- Las tuberías de PB-1 ligeras y flexibles son fáciles de transportar y de manejar in situ.
Ventajas de servicio
- No se produce acumulación de cal ni incrustración en zonas de abastecimiento de agua dura, lo que garantiza una eficiencia a largo plazo de los sistemas de circulación y calentamiento de agua.
- Resistencia a temperaturas de congelación: las tuberías de PB-1 no estallan por congelación.
- Debido a la baja conductividad térmica del PB-1, las tuberías de agua caliente son más frías al tacto que las tuberías metálicas convencionales y experimentan menor condensación.
- Las tuberías de PB-1 no conducen la electricidad, por lo que proporcionan un sistema más seguro con mínimos requisitos de toma a tierra.
- Las tuberías de PB-1 pueden instalarse como un sistema tubo en tubo a través de paredes y suelos de hormigón para garantizar una baja necesidad de mantenimiento.
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.
