Mechanical Installation Pipes: Types, Areas of Use and Advantages

Mechanical installation pipes are an indispensable part of modern buildings and industrial facilities. Choosing the right pipe is critical for the efficiency and safety of the installation. The most appropriate choice should be made by considering the characteristics of the pipe material, application requirements and cost factors.

Maintenance and repair extend the life of the installation and reduce costs. Regular maintenance and timely repair ensure that the installation operates safely and efficiently.

Future trends include smart pipe systems and sustainable materials. Smart pipe systems can be used to optimize the performance of the installation and increase energy efficiency. Sustainable materials are important for reducing environmental impact and preserving natural resources.

Mechanical Installation Pipe Types

Pipes used in mechanical installation systems are produced from different materials and have various properties. This variety aims to meet the needs of different application areas. Here are the most common mechanical installation pipe types:

Steel Pipes: There are different types such as carbon steel, galvanized steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel pipes offer cost advantages, while galvanized steel pipes increase corrosion resistance. Stainless steel pipes are ideal for applications that require high hygiene and durability. The cost of carbon steel pipes is 30% lower than stainless steel pipes. The corrosion resistance of galvanized steel pipes is 5-10 times higher than carbon steel.

Copper Pipes: There are two main types: hard and soft copper. Copper pipes are frequently preferred in heating and cooling systems due to their high thermal conductivity. In addition, their corrosion resistance and easy shaping properties also provide advantages. The thermal conductivity of copper pipes is 8 times higher than steel pipes (400 W/mK). The service life of copper pipes can be up to 50-70 years with the right application.

Plastic Pipes: Pipes produced from different types of plastic such as PVC, CPVC, PPR and PE-RT stand out with their lightness, corrosion resistance and low cost. While PPR pipes are widely used in hot water installations, PE-RT pipes are ideal for underfloor heating systems. The maximum operating temperature of PPR pipes is 95°C. The flexibility of PE-RT pipes is 200% higher than PVC pipes.

Composite Pipes: Composite pipes such as PEX-AL-PEX combine the advantages of plastic and metal. They are preferred in both residential and industrial facilities thanks to their high pressure resistance, low thermal expansion and easy installation features. The pressure resistance of composite pipes is 3 times higher than plastic pipes (25 bar). The thermal expansion coefficient of composite pipes is close to metal pipes (0.026 mm/m°C).

Pipe Usage Areas

Mechanical installation pipes have a wide range of uses in different sectors and applications. Each application requires special selections according to the characteristics of the pipe material and system requirements:

Heating Systems: Pipes used for hot water and steam distribution can be an average of 100-200 meters per apartment in central heating systems. Insulated pipes should be preferred to increase energy efficiency (15% energy savings can be achieved).

Cooling Systems: The diameters of the pipes used in cold water and air conditioning systems are generally smaller (1/2" - 2") compared to heating systems. Corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel, copper) are used to ensure longevity of the system.

Plumbing: Pipes used for transporting clean water and wastewater must have a capacity to meet an average daily water consumption of 150 liters per person. A minimum of 2% slope is provided in wastewater pipes to prevent blockages.

Fire Extinguishing Systems: Pipes used in sprinkler and fire cabinet systems must have a fire resistance of at least 30 minutes. Pipe pressure in sprinkler systems is at an average level of 8-12 bar.

Industrial Applications: The material selection of pipes used in chemical transportation and process lines is made according to the properties of the fluid being transported. Safe and efficient transportation is provided by choosing materials resistant to corrosion and high temperatures (PTFE, PVDF).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pipe Materials

Different materials used in mechanical installation pipes have their own advantages and disadvantages. These features are taken into consideration during pipe selection and allow the most suitable material to be determined:

Steel Pipes: While they have advantages such as high strength and high temperature resistance, they have disadvantages such as tendency to corrosion and weight.

Copper Pipes: They have advantages such as high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and easy shaping. However, disadvantages such as high cost and low strength should also be considered.

Plastic Pipes: They offer advantages such as low cost, lightness and corrosion resistance.