DIY installation of a water supply system from a corrugated stainless pipe

Corrugated stainless steel pipe has become a real breakthrough in plumbing engineering. Thanks to a number of advantages and a wide range of applications, this innovation has rapidly gained popularity in the construction industry. It is used to lay a variety of communications. Practicality and flexibility allow the use of corrugation in a variety of, even the most difficult conditions.

Corrugated stainless steel pipe

Corrugated stainless pipe: the history of invention

An invention such as a stainless steel corrugated pipe appeared at the end of the twentieth century. Its authors are Japanese scientists who were looking for the best option for laying communications in conditions of increased seismic activity on the islands. This is how a versatile product was created that combines the flexible qualities of rubber and the strength of steel. It took world experts very little time to come to the general conclusion that flexible metal pipes have a number of advantages over their counterparts made from cold-rolled sheet steel, as well as over polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes.

Flexible stainless pipes instead of steel and plastic pipes

In this regard, almost immediately after the invention of corrugated pipes, their serial production began in Germany, and then in South Korea, which is currently the leader in the production of flexible stainless steel pipes. Gradually, enterprises in different countries began to specialize in the production of corrugated products, and their use became ubiquitous in the installation of engineering networks and other communications.

Features of Corrugated Stainless Steel Pipe

Flexible stainless pipes gradually replaced steel and polypropylene structures, as well as metal-plastic communications used in the creation of plumbing, heating, ventilation and even gas systems. The strength of the material is ensured by the fact that only high quality stainless steel with impurities of nickel, chromium and carbon is used in the production process.

The degree of concentration in the alloy of additional elements such as nickel, chromium and carbon is calculated with the utmost precision. This guarantees the strength, durability of the corrugated pipe and its corrosion resistance.

The material must comply with a certain list of characteristics that guarantee certain product quality standards, in particular:

Normal operating pressure is 10 atmospheres with a permissible maximum load of 60 atmospheres.
During operation, the corrugated stainless steel pipe withstands the temperature of the passing substance from 0 ° C to 100 ° C. In this case, the maximum limit can reach 150 ° C and above.
Pipelines for the organization of construction work and individual repairs, depending on the scope, are produced with a diameter of 15, 20, 25, and 32 mm.

High-quality steel is used in the production of corrugated pipes

How to make a stainless steel corrugated pipe

The raw material is SUS (AISI) 304 stainless steel metal strip. This strip is fed into the forming machines from which the cylindrical workpiece emerges. Further, it is welded automatically in an environment of special gases, which prevent the burning out of alloying metals (it is they who give the "stainless" properties of steel, and when welding in an oxygen-containing environment, they evaporate, which is why the seams collapse in several years, and maybe months, depending on the conditions operation and transported environment).

The resulting pipe can be used and is called unannealed because the next stage is annealing. In this case, the corrugation is heated to high temperatures and then cooled. It turns out an annealed corrugated stainless steel pipe. It has the best strength characteristics (it holds its shape better, the metal becomes more plastic, bends / unbends a large number of times without deformation and destruction), but it also costs more. Outwardly, there are no differences, but when unannealed products are bent, distortions may appear, but this does not happen with annealed products. It is impossible to distinguish them in appearance, but the lack of marking on the pipes is also upsetting, and how, in fact, it is possible to put inscriptions on a "wavy" surface. Covers for coils are marked, but they are easy to replace, and the difference in price is quite decent. So, in this case, you can only hope for the decency of the seller (well, try to bend it several times and see what will come of it and, on this basis, determine the type of product).

In this video, a section of a corrugated pipe is pressure tested. Impressive.

Corrugated Flexible Pipe Manufacturing Process

The versatility and high quality indicators of stainless steel corrugations are due to strict adherence to the technology of its manufacture, which, surprisingly, is quite simple. The production process itself includes the following stages:

The pipe is formed using a special steel tape.
Workpieces are cooked using tungsten electrodes. At this stage of production, special automatic TIG equipment is used. The process takes place at high temperatures, which can reach 1150 ° C.
The reliability of the seams is checked on a special laser installation.
Corrugation is formed using special shafts of various diameters.
Heat treatment of parts is performed. Different types of pipes lend themselves to a certain degree of temperature exposure, since the annealed pipe has a higher degree of flexibility.
Products are packaged. Pipes are divided into sections of a certain length. Products with a small diameter are rolled into coils, and thick parts are packed in groups.
They check the quality and filter out defects in the form of products with microcracks. For this purpose, a metal corrugated pipe is placed in a liquid under high pressure. At the same time, a special device is attached to each bay and the pressure is gradually increased to 10 atmospheres, then it is gradually reduced.

Production technology

High-precision technology is used to create corrugations from stainless steel. The pipes are made of alloy steel, the high content of nickel and chromium provides the coating with anti-corrosion properties.

The technology includes several stages:

installation on equipment of the required dimensions and configurations;
cutting of elements and their connection;
creation of a corrugated surface;
packaging.

The structure is created from steel sheets, pipes of a given configuration are formed on special devices. The edges of the elements are welded together. The quality of the connections is checked with a laser device.

The corrugated surface configuration is created by passing through a set of rolls of different diameters.

The strength and plasticity of the products is given by means of heat treatment. Finished products are cut to a standard length and packaged.

The process is completed by quality control, which includes testing the product in water and under pressure. Identified defective products are subject to re-processing.

The main advantages of flexible stainless steel pipes

The special design in the form of a corrugation provides this type of pipe with a high degree of flexibility at different bending radii, which does not entail a narrowing of the flow and does not lead to deformation of the product. Moreover, after unbending, the pipe does not bend, but takes on its original flat appearance.Installation of a corrugated stainless steel pipe does not require special efforts and the organization of additional manipulations using bending equipment. In the process of work, you only need fittings to connect parts and special fasteners.

Installation and connection of corrugated pipes

In addition, the stainless steel pipe provides a high degree of wear resistance. Products can be used in a wide temperature range. In this case, the minimum indicator is -50 ° C, which allows substances with a low temperature to pass through them, for example, liquid nitrogen. The upper temperature mark can reach 150 ° C.

Specifications

Corrugated metal culverts, according to the standards, do not lose their functional characteristics at temperature conditions of -50 ... + 110 ° С.

The pipes are resistant to pressure drops. The average indicator reaches 50 atm, products of higher quality can withstand short-term exposure to 210 atm.

The corrugated structure provides plasticity to products, which does not lead to deformations and a decrease in water flow. In accordance with the indicators of the diameter, the bending radius varies from 25 to 150 mm. When bent, the pipes do not deform, do not break, and retain their structure.

The standard thermal conductivity characteristics of corrugated pipes are about 17 W / m * K. The average roughness coefficient of the coating reaches 0.008 n, this indicator indicates a low level of siltation of pipelines.

Common pipe diameters range from 1.5 to 3.2 mm. Models with a diameter of up to 1 mm are optimal for transporting various substances in factories. Pipes are made to order in the sizes required for the construction project.

The technical indicators of the products ensure simple installation of pipes with connecting fittings, selected by diameter.

Disadvantages of corrugated flexible pipe

In addition to the listed technical characteristics, it is worth mentioning the convenience of transportation, storage, installation of structures, as well as the advantages of the pipe during operation, which consists in environmental safety, resistance to the effects of rodents, the appearance of fungus and mold. At the same time, do not forget about the weak points that this versatile and practical product has, the main ones are as follows:

Due to the small thickness of the pipe walls, there is a risk of damage in places where strong impacts are likely. Therefore, as a precaution, sometimes a protective cover should be fitted.
The high degree of heat transfer, characteristic of a corrugated stainless pipe, will be a plus for heating, but in places of heat supply, installation of thermal insulation will be required in order to save thermal energy.
The corrugated surface is quite difficult to clean, so a simple sponge or cloth will not work here - you need to do this with a special brush.
Corrugated stainless steel, despite all its anti-corrosion properties, can still be unstable to the effects of a number of substances, and also undergo electrochemical corrosion, therefore, during its installation in such places, it is necessary to use neutralizing screens. In order to protect against stray current, it is worthwhile to provide grounding and install dielectric gaskets.
The appearance of corrugated pipes is not very attractive, and therefore it is advisable to hide them behind the decoration on the walls, and the radiators should be covered with decorative panels.

Disadvantages of corrugated stainless steel pipes

Advantages and disadvantages

Corrugated pipes have advantages, since they can be used to solve many problems. Corrugation made of stainless steel has:

flexibility, thanks to which no effort is required from a person, the use of special tools and the creation of many connections for bending the pipe, while the stainless steel corrugation is very durable;
inertness to chemical influences and anti-corrosion properties - the working environment and atmospheric phenomena, pressure and temperature drops will not damage the corrugated pipes, the possibility of electrochemical corrosion is easily reduced by grounding or a protective shell - all this seriously increases the life of the pipeline, and also allows the use of such pipes in regions with frosty long winters and for transporting environments with low temperatures (liquid nitrogen, for example);
simple installation: an open-end wrench or an adjustable wrench is enough to connect or replace any section;
stainless steel corrugated pipes have a low roughness coefficient (0.008), which saves the system from contamination;
corrugated pipes are light - the weight is almost the same as that of polymer pipes, the noise level is low, and the price is reasonable (much cheaper than copper pipes);
A separate advantage for large-scale works is the length: a standard 50 m of corrugation in one coil is enough for the construction of any pipeline, and if necessary, a longer coil can be ordered from the manufacturer.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with: How to correctly calculate the load on a profile pipe using tables

As for the disadvantages, they cannot cover all the advantages in any way, and when choosing pipes they rarely affect the decision of buyers.

However, it is important to know about the disadvantages of corrugation in order to take these features into account, first of all, when servicing pipes:

The shock resistance of the stainless steel corrugation is low, and if it is mounted in an area where the risk of mechanical damage is high, you will have to protect the pipeline with a special casing.
Such pipes are more difficult to maintain than smooth-walled ones: they are difficult to clean from dust, you need a brush, and even better - a protective screen that will protect the product from dirt.
Outwardly, the corrugation looks unattractive, so it will have to be hidden, but access to the fittings must be left, which means that it will no longer be possible to mount the pipes in one piece.
Access to corrugated pipes must be open because the fittings need maintenance: regular tightness checks, tightening or replacing the insert, etc.

Criterias of choice

All the necessary information about the product is on the marking, which is not located on the pipes themselves, since the corrugated surface does not allow inscriptions, but on the coil wrapper. Therefore, the first thing worth paying attention to is the integrity of the container.

It is important! There are unscrupulous sellers: they replace packaging and sell lower-quality pipes at a higher price. It is important not to fall for this trick and not buy pipes from sellers whose reputation is untrustworthy.

Corrugated stainless steel must be carefully examined, paying attention to the following points:

step - the same along the entire length, without damage;
the seam is necessarily even and not broken anywhere;
there should be no fractures, cracks or chips on the product.

In addition, the corrugation must be bent and unbent: if it is of high quality, it will return to its previous position.

When buying, it is of great importance to correctly calculate the length of the pipe, which is calculated using data on the amount of coolant per running meter.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with: How to independently unclog a water pipe from a blockage?

Product diameter	Heat carrier quantity
15 mm	0.22 l
20 mm	0.45 l
25 mm	0.71 l
32 mm	0.98 l

As for the manufacturers, the Korean brands Lavita and Kofulso enjoy great confidence, whose products have shown themselves to be excellent in practice. Lavita pipes are cheaper than Kofulso, but also lower in quality. German manufacturers are also considered reliable, but their stainless steel corrugation is very expensive.

It is not recommended to buy pipes from unknown companies at a surprisingly low price, since the wall thickness in them is most likely much less than necessary.

Note! When buying pipes, you need to choose the right fittings - they are important for the performance of the system: the surface of a good fitting is smooth and even, and there are no cracks or other types of damage on the O-rings.

Classification of stainless steel corrugated pipes

Corrugated stainless steel pipes have their own classification. Pipes are divided into types depending on the diameter, scope and degree of flexibility of the corrugation. In the installation of household communications and for industrial needs, as mentioned earlier, pipes with a diameter of 15, 20, 25 and 32 mm are mainly used. These are the most popular models, but they are no exception.

Products of different diameters are produced, including pipes with a meter section. Such products are used to transport various liquids in production. Models of other sizes can also be made to order, but the price of corrugated stainless steel pipe made in this way will be much higher.

Depending on the purpose of the pipe, its properties are determined, products are classified into the following types:

corrugated annealed stainless steel pipe - characterized by increased flexibility, to achieve this effect during production, it is subjected to a special heat treatment;
unannealed pipe - does not lend itself to heat treatment, therefore it has less elasticity and weighs a little more;
stainless corrugated pipe with a protective polyethylene coating - designed for gas supply, for systems that are subject to concreting, and also it is used for laying communications underground.

Depending on the purpose, corrugated pipes in household construction are used for the installation of heating, water and gas supply.

Scope of application of corrugated stainless steel pipe

Corrugated pipes are distinguished by their versatility, therefore they are widely used in the installation of both centralized and autonomous water supply and heating. This is possible due to the properties of stainless steel to withstand high pressure, although the walls have a maximum thickness of 0.3 mm.

With the help of flexible corrugated pipes, you can implement a system of any complexity

Corrugation perfectly tolerates high temperatures, under the influence of which it does not deform. In this regard, corrugated pipes outperform analogues made of polypropylene and metal-plastic. Therefore, a corrugated pipe for heating and hot water supply is the best fit. In frosty conditions, such a stainless steel product does not suffer from contraction and expansion of the material, therefore freezing and thawing does not affect its flexibility. The flexibility of the material is so high that the hoses, depending on the diameter, can bend with a radius of up to 30 mm.

Thanks to these unique advantages, stainless steel pipelines are used in a wide variety of applications. They are used by builders, repair workers, electricians and utility mechanics as:

flexible pipes for heating;
wall and floor insulation systems;
corrugated pipes for plumbing and hot water supply;
pipes for piping boilers;
channels for connecting meters;
heat exchangers;
gas distribution pipes;
corrugated pipes for ventilation, chimney and air conditioning.

Rules for choosing a corrugated stainless pipe for a heating system

To select flexible pipes for heating, you need to check the reliability of the supplier. Counterfeiting of products is irrelevant, since the manufacturing process is complicated, but there is a risk of buying a product with a factory defect. The main rule of choice is the absence of visible defects and damage on the pipeline. If, after bending, the segment does not return to its previous position, the pipe is defective.

Advice! It is important to decide on the length of the segment, it makes no sense to buy extra meters, since the pipe is only suitable for forming short sections of the thermal system.

To calculate the volume of the coolant to fill the system, you need to know the diameter of the corrugated product.

Standard parameters:

Types of plastic pipes for heating and their characteristics

Corrugation with a section of 15 mm has a running meter area of 0.064652 m2. The volume of the circulating coolant is 0.22 liters.
A corrugation of 20 mm Ø with an area of one running meter of 0.0954004 m2 supports the circulation of the coolant in a volume of 0.45 liters.
A pipe of 25 mm Ø with an area of 0.121394 m2 per 1 running meter requires 0.71 liters of heating medium for circulation.
With a cross-sectional index of 32 mm and an area of 0.15218 m2, 0.98 liters of water coolant are needed per linear meter.

When calculating the volumes of the coolant, the total length of the pipeline must be taken into account.

Corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating

The corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating began to be used relatively recently, but it has already managed to prove itself perfectly in this area. Due to the fact that the product has the ability to adapt to temperature and pressure changes, it is installed both at the heat supply inputs and directly in heating systems.

A special advantage of the corrugated pipe is that the installation is carried out without the presence of special equipment and tools. In this case, the products are bent at different angles without narrowing the ducts.

When purchasing a corrugated pipe for heating, you should heed some expert advice, in particular, it is recommended to study the markings on the coil label and indicate the scope of application, since it is impossible to apply it to the pipes themselves. If the integrity of the package is violated, you must beware of substitution. The real price of a fake corrugated pipe can be an order of magnitude less than the cost of the original.

Corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating

Thus, high-quality corrugated products are distinguished by the following properties:

the price of heating pipes is slightly higher than the cost of water pipes and is an order of magnitude higher than the price of products for chimneys;
pipes have a very high degree of flexibility;
the seams must be even, without visible violations;
it is difficult to detect defects by visual inspection.

Installation specifics

Despite the elasticity of the material, you should not abuse its strength. It is not recommended to bend pipes several times in the same place. If you repeatedly change the shape, cracks may appear at the bend, which will lead to further leaks.

Since the pipes do not have rigidity, during their installation, it is necessary to make many fasteners on horizontal sections. The elements of the pipeline are connected to each other by fittings without unions. To achieve even cuts, you need to use a special pipe cutter. It is not recommended to use a grinder, as it can deform the walls.

The connection is made as follows:

If it is necessary to dock the corrugated pipe with a regular steel pipe, fixation is made from the side of the smooth part.
The battery is connected to the heating system using a hand tool - a roller.
Having cut off the necessary piece of pipe, it must be carefully cleaned so that the edge is smooth.
One piece is inserted into the roller, two turns of the pipe should protrude from it, they must be expanded with a hammer.
The union nut is put on with a pre-inserted gasket.

As soon as the fittings are fixed on the radiator and riser pipes, tighten the nuts on the corrugation. It is important to control that there is no twisting of the flexible pipe.

In order for the installation to be carried out correctly, it is recommended to take into account the following nuances:

Defective pipes that are damaged should not be installed.
It is important to check that there is no twisting or tension.
Pipes with kinks and cracks are not put into operation.
When installing a corrugated stainless steel pipe for heating, only plastic connections should be used.

The mounted system must be checked immediately. For this, water is supplied under strong pressure. If leaks are observed, tighten the nuts.

Stainless steel gas corrugated pipe

To connect heating boilers, gas stoves, gas-type water heaters to the gas supply system, flexible connections are most often used recently. There are several types of products that differ in size, material and price of corrugated stainless steel pipe. Flexible gas connectors can be manufactured:

made of elastic material and braided with stainless steel;
made of stainless steel, and have the form of a bellows.

Experts advise using a flexible hose of minimum length to connect gas appliances, which guarantees reliability and safety. It is better to move the slab as close as possible to the pipe than to use a long corrugation.

Flexible hose for connecting gas appliances

The braid of the corrugated stainless steel gas pipe is marked with a yellow stripe. This is done due to the fact that externally flexible hoses for water and gas are very similar to each other, therefore water pipes are marked in red and blue, and gas - in yellow. An inch stainless steel liner is usually equipped with special fittings, which are fixed with nuts at the connection points, and copper or aluminum washers are used for additional tightness.

The price of a stainless steel pipe for gas is slightly lower than the cost of rubber-fabric analogs, but at the same time it is no less reliable. This feature has influenced the increase in demand for corrugated steel products.

The price of a bellows-type stainless steel pipe for water is higher than the cost of products for gas equipment, which is justified by their reliability. By itself, the bellows is in the form of a corrugated pipe with fastening nipples at the ends. Connect the bellows line using washers and nuts. The connection can withstand a pressure of 6 atm.

Important criteria for the selection of corrugated pipes

Please note that the corrugated sleeve marking is applied only to the packaging, so you should not throw it away immediately. In case of a complaint, it will come in handy, together with the purchase receipt. Rarely, but there are times when, instead of annealed stainless corrugations, a material is sold that has not undergone thermal hardening. The quality characteristics of the uncoated pipe are lower by an order of magnitude, as well as the price, but they look almost the same. You can distinguish them by bending. After annealing, the corrugation bends easily, keeping its shape, it is more elastic. For confirmation, it is better to ask if the seller has a certificate of conformity.

Selection criteria for corrugated pipes

The length of the corrugation in the package must match that indicated on the package. In the event that a piece of pipe is acquired, then its edges are cut off exactly, at an angle of 90⁰. Cutting at a different angle may damage the fitting gasket.

At external examination of the surface, along the entire length, there should be no visible defects.

Check the brass fitting is complete. The kit should include: connection body, silicone seal ring, brass clamp ring. Next comes the gasket (silicone comb ring) and the crimp nut.

Metal corrugation for ventilation and chimneys

Stainless steel pipes are used as connectors between hoods and ventilation ducts, as well as chimneys. At the same time, the steel product largely outperforms aluminum pipes, although the price of stainless steel and aluminum is almost the same.

Stainless steel exhaust and ventilation pipe

A conventional corrugated stainless steel chimney pipe in diameter ranges from 10 to 15 cm with a compressed length of 60-70 cm. Inside, it is reinforced with a thicker steel wire, which gives it the desired configuration. In expanded form, the pipe can reach three meters. In this case, you can select the required chimney length.

Corrugated stainless steel pipes can withstand temperatures up to 900 ° C, so they can be used in heating systems with various fuels, including coal and wood. It is quite easy to remove combustion products from such pipes. In addition, harmful condensate containing sulfuric acid, which forms inside the chimney, does not have a damaging effect on steel, since it is resistant to chemicals.

Positive and negative sides

The reason for the attractiveness of stainless corrugated pipelines is their numerous advantages:

pipe material is not subject to corrosion;
judging by the technical characteristics, the product calmly withstands temperature and pressure drops, water shocks and does not collapse when the coolant freezes;
the pipe bends calmly by hand without disturbing the permeability, therefore, some of the traditionally used fittings (bends) are no longer needed;
installation couldn't be easier. No other type of material is assembled as easily and quickly as corrugation for heating pipes;
smooth inner surface: due to this, the frictional resistance of the fluid flow is reduced to a minimum, the flow area will not "overgrow";
according to the manufacturer's assurances, the service life of the corrugated pipe during operation within the operating characteristics is unlimited;
the weight is almost the same as for some polymer pipes.

Note. This is not to say that flexible corrugated stainless steel pipes are forever. The service life of the heating or water supply system depends on the quality and reliability of the connections - fittings. However, in case of problems, these elements are easily replaced with new ones.

Corrugated Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings

Success in arranging a water supply or heating system using corrugated stainless pipes depends on the tightness of the joints. The smallest leak can not only entail financial costs, but also pose a danger to the health and life of people. To ensure maximum reliability of the connections, special fittings for steel corrugations are used.

Corrugated Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings

Fittings are mounting parts of connecting fittings that perform a number of functions:

ensure tightness at the joints of the pipeline;
play the role of adapters between pipes of different diameters;
change the trajectory of the laying and improve the existing system;
regulate the flow of fluid in networks;
make it possible to increase the length of the system without interrupting its operation;
allow you to create new branches in any system while it is running.

Pros and cons of corrugated pipes for heating systems

The advantages of a profile pipe for heating are as follows:

No tools are required to bend the pipeline. It is enough just to bend the pipe with your hands. In this case, its lumen will not narrow. But it is worth remembering that the smallest bend diameter should not be less than three pipe sections, for example, when a corrugated pipe section is 1.5 cm, the minimum bend diameter is 45 mm. The indicator depends on the lumen of the pipeline. It is determined in each case separately.
Since the element can be bent, a minimum of connections are used when wiring. As a result, the cost of wiring is reduced, and the reliability and tightness of the system is increased.
Corrugation is sold in bays of 50 m. However, a longer pipeline can also be ordered.
High corrosion resistance of stainless steel is its main advantage.However, the pipeline must be grounded to protect against electromechanical corrosion. With a hidden laying of the wiring, the pipes are laid in a special shell, which is needed to protect against corrosion.
Corrugated stainless steel pipes withstand pressure and temperature drops. The line is able to withstand even the defrosting process, which makes it possible to use it in the northern regions.
Simplicity and speed of installation, as well as dismantling is called another advantage of the material. For docking with heating devices and other areas, brass fittings with silicone or fluoroplastic sealing rings are used. The connections are tightened with an adjustable or wrench, achieving the desired tightness.
The inner surface is almost smooth (roughness coefficient is 0.008). This provides protection against the formation of deposits and silting of the contour.
Corrugation made of quality material will last a very long time. It is important to use reliable and durable fittings.
To the advantages of the material, you can add a low specific gravity and the absence of noise during the circulation of the coolant.
The cost of a corrugated pipeline is lower than that of copper elements.

There are also many disadvantages of corrugated pipelines:

The material does not tolerate mechanical damage. Because of this, with open wiring, pipes in some areas are placed in special protective casings.
Externally, corrugated lines are less attractive than elements made of metal-plastic, polyethylene and polypropylene.
The wiring is assembled using detachable fittings, and not welding, so there is a high probability of leaks at the junction. Because of this, you need to monitor dangerous areas and periodically change the gaskets.
The corrugated surface of the pipes collects dust well, and it is not so easy to clean it. To do this, use a brush, not a rag. In this regard, it is better to lay corrugated pipes in special boxes or use a hidden gasket.
Elements are susceptible to electrocorrosion because steel conducts electricity well and is not resistant to certain chemicals. To solve the problem, the line is grounded, dielectric gaskets and protective screens, neutral to aggressive media, are installed. In this case, the chemical composition of the liquid inside the heating system can be controlled.
Steel has a high thermal conductivity, so some of the heat is lost during the transportation of the coolant. To protect against this, the wiring is isolated. However, there is a plus in high heat transfer at the same time, because a heater can be made from a pipe.

Many material flaws can be eliminated thanks to the measures used. Corrugated pipes are gaining popularity due to their many advantages.

Types of fittings for corrugated stainless pipe

There is a wide range of fittings. They are conventionally divided into two main groups:

Seamless fittings. These are solid-cast products with a high degree of reliability. When installing them, special equipment should be used, in particular crimping pliers.
Electrofusion fittings. They are a set of parts that are precisely matched to each other, which allows you to create minimal clearances.

The type of connecting fittings is selected according to the goals set, in accordance with the total cost of the project, taking into account the diameter of the pipes and the installation conditions. The material for the manufacture can be metal or plastic. Metal fittings are more convenient and practical, therefore they are especially popular. For their production, stainless steel and brass are used. Plastic fittings are used at the junction of combined systems, as well as for connection to central highways. For example, they are used to connect corrugated pipes with polypropylene.

Depending on the functions performed, the valves are divided into the following types:

connecting sleeve - serves for joining straight segments;
adapter - used for splicing pipes of different diameters;
pivot angle - helps to change the geometry of the piping system;
plug - installed in order to cover a part of the system or a certain working circuit;
tee - allows you to evenly distribute the flow in two directions from the central line;
cross - used to branch the central fluid flow in several directions.

Corrugated stainless steel pipe installation technology

It should be noted that the installation of corrugated pipes is easy to process. Due to the variety of types of fittings, it is quite possible to assemble any system on your own, without the involvement of specialists. The main thing is to observe the sequence of technological stages and the correctness of the work performed during the installation process, which ultimately will allow you to get a strong, reliable and durable pipe connection.

The installation technology itself assumes a clear sequence of certain actions:

Connecting fittings to pipes and mixers. At this point, make sure that the union nut on the side of the pipeline connection is not tightened.
Cutting off the required amount of material. This is required to be done using a special tool - a roller pipe cutter. The cut should be neat, without burrs.
The pipe is inserted into the fitting and the union nut is tightened.
The pipeline is fixed in the desired position, using for this purpose special fasteners in the form of clips and clamps.
Checking the health of the system. If a leak is detected, tighten the union nuts a little more.

Tips for the selection and installation of corrugated stainless steel pipes

When buying pipes and accessories for a pipeline system, you should remember that its high-quality installation and long service life depend on a number of factors, which must be taken into account even in the process of purchasing materials. In this regard, the following should be considered:

When purchasing a product, it must be carefully inspected for mechanical damage and bends.
The pipe must be strong and bend easily to the desired shape.
It is better to give preference to proven and well-established brands in the construction market; you should not be seduced by low cost. The average price per meter of high quality stainless pipe ranges from one to three thousand rubles, depending on the type of product and the type of steel used in production.
During installation, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the algorithm of actions, follow the instructions.
After installing the system, it is imperative to check it for integrity using the maximum allowable pressure.
Fittings must be complete.
When it becomes necessary to connect a stainless corrugated pipe with another material, it is recommended to use brass fittings.
The use of cheap, poor quality fittings at corrugated pipe joints can lead to a significant reduction in the service life of the system.
You should not make any special efforts while tightening the plastic elements, as the plastic will simply burst from excessive pressure.
To organize the installation, it is necessary to prepare in advance special open-end wrenches, as well as metal scissors for cutting pipes at right angles.

Tips for the selection and installation of corrugated stainless steel pipes
Corrugated stainless steel pipes are characterized by practicality and reliability during operation, therefore the popularity of such products is growing rapidly.They are successfully used in various areas of repair and construction: in the arrangement of water supply and heating, as chimneys and connections to gas appliances in the ventilation system. Their installation is quite simple, so if you approach the process responsibly and do not cheapen on materials, you can independently and quickly install a reliable and durable pipeline.

Production technology and scope of use

For the manufacture of corrugated pipe rolls from stainless steel, special alloy steel is used, in which the content of chromium and nickel is increased. It is the combination of these elements in the composition of steel that provides it with exceptional corrosion resistance.

Remarkable is the technology for the production of corrugated stainless steel pipes, which consists of several stages:

forming a pipe from a stainless steel strip;
joining the edges of the rolled blank, performed by automatic welding;
checking the quality of the welded seam, for which a special laser installation is used;
transformation of the resulting smooth steel pipe into corrugated, for which it is passed through a system of shafts of different diameters;
heat treatment of the pipe (as a result, it becomes annealed, and therefore flexible);
cutting the pipe into products of the required length;
compact folding into bays.

A mandatory procedure after the completion of all technological operations is the quality control of the finished product. At this stage, it is checked under pressure: it is placed in a liquid medium and monitored for the presence of microcracks in their walls.

Homemade heating radiator made of corrugated pipes

The popularity and variety of spheres of use of pipes of this type are explained both by the unique technical and operational characteristics of such products, and by their affordable cost, as well as by the efficiency and simplicity of their installation.

All the advantages of corrugated pipes made of stainless steel have been fully appreciated by specialists in the construction industry, where these products are most actively used. Thanks to corrugated pipes, it is possible to install serviced communications for various purposes (electrical wiring, water supply and communications for gas supply, underfloor heating system, elements of climate systems and security systems). If earlier, for the repair of such communications, it was necessary to hammer and then restore the walls, then when using corrugated pipe-rolling, the need for such labor-intensive procedures does not arise. Corrugated pipes are no less successfully used as chimneys, elements of gas communications, ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems.

In housing and communal services, corrugated stainless steel pipes, the connection of which is carried out using special fittings, are also widely used. With their help, they carry out the reconstruction and repair of old engineering networks, carry out the installation of new communications, more reliable and durable. The strength of steel and flexibility, comparable to the mobility of rubber products, as well as the reliability of the fittings used made stainless steel corrugated pipes an indispensable element of equipment for enterprises operating in various industries: chemical, food, medical, agricultural, etc.

Water heat-insulated floors made of flexible stainless pipes