About Hep2O

The Hep2O® system consists of polybutylene pipes with an external diameter of 10, 15, 22 and 28 mm, as well as a wide range of fittings and auxiliary elements. The pipes are produced in two versions: standard and barrier. The fittings are connected in a unique way. The pipe is inserted into the fitting by hand, resulting in a stable watertight and secure connection without the need for glue, soldering, heating or tightening. Polybutylene (PB) is a type of plastic known as a copolymer. in the polymerization of butylene gas. Its density is about 0.9 g/cm3, shows a 340% elongation at break and does not melt at temperatures up to 120 °C. Polybutylene was invented in 1965 by the German company Chemishe Werke. but it was only later research by Shell Chemicals on this material that led to its use in water transmission systems. In Europe, polybutylene was adopted in the early 1980s, after Shell Chemicals developed an improved material that expanded the range of its use to maximum parameters: 70º C / 10 atm. for water systems and 95º C / 6 atm. for heating systems.

Guaranteed high quality - The system complies with many international norms and standards. High quality is proven, for example, by the ISO 9000 series certificate.

Elasticity - The elasticity of polybutylene, even at negative temperatures, allows for easy transportation and installation of pipes. This feature facilitates the installation of the system in niches, channels and around obstacles. Thanks to the elasticity of the pipes, you can form bends without fear that the pipe will break or crack. By using this quality, we avoid the use of elbows, which negatively affect the water flow. This advantage also partially neutralizes the problem of thermal expansion. Due to their elasticity, the pipes do not crack if the water in them freezes. One of the biggest advantages of polybutylene pipes is their exceptional elasticity - the Young's modulus is the lowest.

Low cost - polybutylene is a high-quality material. Despite the relatively high cost of individual components, the final product, i.e. the entire Hep2o system, is relatively inexpensive. The reduction in the final price is influenced by the already mentioned advantages, such as minimizing material losses (the elastic pipe is rolled up), the use of a smaller number of fittings. The expected time of trouble-free operation of 50 years excludes the costs of repairs required for other systems.

Long system life - the longevity of the installation overlaps with the life of the building itself (over 50 years). It can be said that the Hep2O system has achieved optimal longevity. It has been manufactured in the UK for 25 years and is known in many other countries and shows no signs of aging.

Low thermal conductivity - The material used to manufacture Hep2O - polybutylene, has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, which results in low heat losses in the existing central heating system, and also requires a smaller thickness of insulation. The thermal conductivity coefficient (k) of polybutylene is 0.22 W/mK, which is close to that of copper. This property, together with the thickness of the Hep2O pipe of almost approximately 2 mm, means that: - the pipe is safe to touch, even when carrying water at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

- The pipe does not radiate heat quickly and will not cool down quickly when transporting hot water. The melting point of polybutylene is 125 degrees Celsius. The softening point of the Vicat, 116 - 117 degrees Celsius, is much higher than the combustion temperature of gas and oil boilers (approximately 95 degrees Celsius).

Quick and easy installation/disassembly - The lightness and elasticity of the pipes, as well as the wide range of fittings, allow easy design and installation of the installation, adapting it to the needs of individual customers. The fact that no special tools are required for installation and the possibility of reusing the same fitting facilitate the work of the installer and reduce costs for the customer. Thanks to the push-fit method, there are no roughnesses or solder residues on the installed pipes that interfere with the water flow. Simple and reliable pipe installation reduces installation time by five times compared to traditional technologies. The fittings used make the joints extremely strong and tight. Connections to any other installations are possible, even in hard-to-reach places.

Silent operation of the system - Noise problems often arise in systems that have built-in rigid pipes. The advanced design of the system and the sound insulation properties of polybutylene lead to quiet operation, even in the event of accidental water hammer.
Very low pressure losses - The inner surface of the Hep2o system elements is even, dense and without roughness. This leads to low pressure losses and an increase in water flow.

Resistance to corrosion and limescale - Polybutylene is resistant to both acidic and alkaline environments. Since the material used in the Hep2O system does not exhibit electrically conductive properties, problems with corrosion or pipe rupture caused by turbulence are excluded. Small diameter pipes can be used safely, as there is no danger of clogging with corrosion products. Due to the high speed of the water flow and the smooth surface of the pipes, no sediment formation is observed. Hep2O are resistant to the permissible concentration of chlorine in water. For polybutylene it is 2mg/l. The chlorine content in drinking water is about 0.2-0.5 mg/l.

Resistance to bacteria and microorganisms - Polybutylene does not favor the development of bacteria and microorganisms. Compared to iron and other plastics, it has been proven that polybutylene and copper have the highest productivity according to this criterion. On the inner wall of the plumbing installations, biolaboratories are formed, even entire colonies of microorganisms dangerous to human health. The dangerous Legionella Pneumonia develops, a bacterium that can live for 3 years. Thousands of people get sick from this bacterium. The type of material used for plumbing is extremely important.