What is the oxygen barrier performance of PEX EVOH Pipe?

Hey there! As a supplier of PEX EVOH Pipe, I often get asked about the oxygen barrier performance of these pipes. So, I thought I'd take a moment to break it down for you.

First off, let's talk about why oxygen barrier performance matters. In heating systems, water can absorb oxygen from the air. When this oxygen - rich water circulates through the pipes, it can cause corrosion in the metal components of the heating system, like radiators, boilers, and pumps. This corrosion not only shortens the lifespan of these components but can also lead to reduced efficiency and costly repairs. That's where PEX EVOH Pipe comes in.

PEX, or cross - linked polyethylene, is a well - known material in the plumbing and heating industry. It's flexible, durable, and resistant to freezing and bursting. But on its own, PEX doesn't have a great oxygen barrier. That's where EVOH comes in. EVOH stands for ethylene - vinyl alcohol copolymer. It's a high - performance polymer that has excellent gas barrier properties, especially against oxygen.

When we combine PEX with EVOH in a PEX EVOH Pipe, we create a product that can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen that permeates through the pipe wall. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of a heating system.

Let's look at the science behind it. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is a key metric when evaluating the oxygen barrier performance of a pipe. OTR measures the amount of oxygen that passes through a given area of the pipe wall over a specific period of time. For PEX EVOH Pipe, the OTR is extremely low compared to regular PEX pipes.

The EVOH layer in the PEX EVOH Pipe acts as a physical barrier to oxygen molecules. Oxygen molecules have to diffuse through the EVOH layer, and due to the tight molecular structure of EVOH, this diffusion process is very slow. The PEX layers on either side of the EVOH layer provide mechanical strength and flexibility to the pipe.

One of the great things about PE - Xa/EVOH Pipe is that it meets or exceeds industry standards for oxygen barrier performance. For example, in many European countries, there are strict regulations regarding the maximum allowable oxygen permeation in heating systems. PEX EVOH Pipe easily complies with these regulations, which gives installers and end - users peace of mind.

Another advantage of the oxygen barrier performance of PEX EVOH Pipe is that it helps to maintain the quality of the water in the heating system. By reducing oxygen ingress, we can prevent the growth of aerobic bacteria in the water. These bacteria can cause unpleasant odors and slime buildup in the pipes, which can again affect the performance of the heating system.

In addition to its use in heating systems, PEX EVOH Pipe is also suitable for other applications where oxygen barrier performance is important. For example, in some industrial processes where fluids need to be protected from oxidation, PEX EVOH Pipe can be a great choice.

Now, let's talk about how the manufacturing process affects the oxygen barrier performance. During the production of PEX EVOH Pipe, it's crucial to ensure a good bond between the PEX and EVOH layers. If there are any gaps or delamination between the layers, oxygen can bypass the EVOH barrier and cause problems. At our company, we use advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure a strong and uniform bond between the layers, which maximizes the oxygen barrier performance of our pipes.

We also conduct rigorous quality control tests on our PEX EVOH Pipe. We test the oxygen transmission rate at different temperatures and pressures to make sure that the pipes perform well under various operating conditions. This attention to detail in the manufacturing and testing process is what sets our PEX EVOH Pipe apart from the competition.

When it comes to installation, PEX EVOH Pipe is very easy to work with. Its flexibility allows for easy bending and shaping around obstacles, which can save time and labor costs during installation. And because of its excellent oxygen barrier performance, there's no need for additional oxygen scavenging devices in the heating system, which further simplifies the installation process.

If you're in the market for a pipe with great oxygen barrier performance, PEX EVOH Pipe is definitely worth considering. Whether you're an installer looking for a reliable product for your clients or an end - user wanting to ensure the long - term performance of your heating system, our PEX EVOH Pipe can meet your needs.

We understand that every project is different, and we're here to work with you to find the right solution. Our team of experts can provide you with technical support and advice on the best way to use our pipes in your specific application.

If you're interested in learning more about our PEX EVOH Pipe or are ready to start a purchase, don't hesitate to reach out. We're eager to have a discussion with you and help you find the perfect piping solution for your project. Let's work together to ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

References

• "Handbook of Plastic Pipe Engineering" by William C. Moore
• Industry standards and regulations related to oxygen permeation in heating systems