Processing Options
In the field of maintenance and restoration of chimney ducts, traditional materials have long ceased to be relevant. They are being replaced by polymer-based products. With their help, the sealing of the stainless steel chimney becomes as reliable as possible, retains the result obtained over a long period of operation.
Chimney treatment can be carried out in two ways.
The first method involves the application of PEK-1 paste, made on the basis of dianic epoxy resin, capable of turning into a polymer having a spatial, network structure, on the inner walls of metal pipes. The paste turns into a solid if a special hardener made with aromatic polyamine is used during the work.
On the surface of the chimneys, the application occurs as follows.
- Experts prepare the surface.
- A special primer is prepared and applied to the surface.
- A polymer paste is applied to the surface of the applied primer brought to working condition.
- Masters check the quality of the work performed.
Composite polymer paste is also characterized by increased resistance to aggressive environments, including sulfuric acid solution at an operating temperature of not more than 250 degrees Celsius.
However, the protective coating should only be applied by the worker. Accordingly, the use of this technology becomes possible in the presence of pipes with a diameter of at least 150 centimeters.
The second method is intended for those who use a chimney, the diameter of which is not more than 120 centimeters, where, accordingly, the worker cannot climb inside. Here we are talking about a pre-prepared composite sleeve.
The presented sleeve is a prepreg, the structure of which includes fiberglass for additional reinforcement. The prepreg is impregnated with a paste based on furan resin. Being rolled up, the sleeve is lowered into the chimney, which needs to be completely sealed.
Next, experts begin to use steam, with which the sleeve is inflated. Then the sleeve completely takes the form of the old channel. Under the influence of elevated temperature, hardening occurs, as a result of which a new surface appears. In other words, here we are talking about chimney sleeves using composite-based materials.
The procedure is performed in the following sequence.
- The chimney is inspected.
- The material is drawn along the entire length of the channel.
- The roll is inflated with steam to reach the desired size. There is a tight fit to the inner walls of the channel.
- The material is brought to a state of complete readiness for 2-4 hours.
- The correctness of the work is being checked.
Due to the unique installation technology, the material is optimally suited for both small and large diameter pipes. Due to the special properties of this product, an excellent installation possibility is provided, regardless of the slope, the number of irregularities inside the channel.
Heat resistant chimney sealants
This type of sealing material has a silicone base to which iron oxides are added. Such additives not only increase the temperature stability of the sealant, but also give it a reddish tint, which makes the composition invisible when processing brick chimneys.
When using heat-resistant silicone sealants, a number of important features should be taken into account, in particular:
- Such materials can release acetic acid, contributing to the formation of an acid reaction. This is the reason that they cannot be used for metal chimneys.
- Some types of heat-resistant sealants are not resistant to solar radiation, which limits their use for roof structures.
- Good adhesion with many substances and materials (brick, ceramics, glass, concrete, etc.) makes the scope of their application quite wide.
- Due to their high water resistance, they can be used to seal the upper sections of chimney structures.
- They have good ductility and strength, as a result of which they can be used in structures that experience significant wind loads.
- The curing process of silicone sealants takes from several hours to several days, and depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment. The optimal values for these indicators are 25 ° C and 50%.
- Silicone sealants are not recommended for deep seams or cracks.
- To improve the quality of sealing, before applying the composition, clean the surfaces of the seams from dust, dirt, grease and other contaminants.
- Application of silicone sealants is possible only on completely dry surfaces.
- Conventional silicone sealants used in construction are not heat resistant and cannot be used to seal chimney structures.
Stainless steel corrugated pipe installation technology
It should be noted that the installation of corrugated pipes is a simple 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 will ultimately allow you to get a strong, reliable and durable pipe connection.
The installation technology itself implies 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 piping connection is not tightened.
- Cutting the required amount of material. This is required 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.
Due to the variety of types of fittings, it is quite possible to assemble any system on your own, without the involvement of specialists.
Stainless Steel Corrugated Pipe Fittings
Success in arranging a water supply or heating system using corrugated stainless pipes depends on the tightness of the connections. 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 connections, special fittings for steel corrugations are used.
Success in arranging a water supply or heating system using corrugated stainless pipes depends on the tightness of the connections
Fittings are mounting parts of connecting fittings that perform a number of functions:
- ensure tightness at the junction of the pipeline;
- play the role of adapters between pipes of different diameters;
- change the laying trajectory and improve an existing system;
- regulate the flow of fluid in networks;
- make it possible to increase the length of the system without stopping its operation;
- allow you to create new branches in any system during its operation.
To connect the individual parts of engineering communications to each other, brass fittings are most often used, which, depending on the purpose, may have a different diameter, cross-sectional shape and configuration. Such products consist of a body, a union nut, a plastic or steel stop ring and a silicone gasket that tightly compresses the flexible pipe.
Types of fittings for corrugated stainless pipe
There is a wide range of fittings. They are conditionally divided into two main groups:
The fittings are divided into the following types: coupling, adapter, rotary angle, plug, tee, cross
- Seamless fittings. These are solid cast products with a high degree of reliability. When installing them, you should use special equipment, in particular crimping pliers.
- Electrofusion fittings. They are a set of parts that are precisely fitted to each other, which allows you to create minimal gaps.
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 installation conditions. The material for manufacturing can be metal or plastic. Metal fittings are more convenient and practical, therefore they are especially popular. Stainless steel and brass are used for their production. 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 pipes.
Depending on the functions performed, the reinforcement is divided into the following types:
- coupling - serves for joining straight segments;
- adapter - used for splicing pipes of different diameters;
- rotary angle - helps to change the geometry of the pipeline system;
- plug - installed in order to block part of the system or a specific working circuit;
- tee - allows you to evenly distribute the flow in two directions from the central line;
- cross - used to branch the central flow of liquid in several directions.
Fittings are conditionally divided into two main groups: seamless and electrofusion
Scope of use of stainless steel pipes
First of all, stainless steel pipes are used in the construction of water supply, heating and sewage systems. It is here that the pipeline is constantly exposed to water, ordinary metal products are destroyed and rusted. Lime deposits form on the inner walls of ordinary steel pipes, which gradually narrows their diameter. As a result, communications are subject to repair or replacement.
Stainless steel pipes are completely devoid of these shortcomings. The only thing that somewhat limits their widespread use is the high price. Therefore, they are more often used in large centralized supply pipelines.
In enterprises producing food for the population, food grade stainless steel pipes are in great demand. These products are not only resistant to corrosion, but also to the formation of plaque from microorganisms and fungi.
This useful quality is provided by a perfectly flat inner surface. Through the pipes 
move food solutions and ready-to-eat foodstuffs without any damage to their quality. Finished products, such as milk or lemonade, are poured through stainless steel pipes that cannot replace plastic or metal products.
Stainless steel pipes are used in the construction of large pipelines for the delivery of oil and gas. The well-known streams that transport fuel to many countries of the world are made using this technology. At chemical enterprises, many tons of aggressive chemical solutions, including alkali and acid, are distilled through these pipes without the slightest damage to them.
And it is now impossible to imagine the modern production of cars, ships and other vehicles without a stainless pipe. They are not only used as elements that protect the main components and assemblies from corrosion, but also create special strength with their help, combined with an attractive appearance.
In the construction and design of premises, a stainless profiled pipe has found application:
- On the street, with its help, stylish elements are created that not only decorate, but also withstand high mechanical stress.
- Inside commercial and residential spaces, beautiful and durable arches, railings and railings are made from it, which emphasize the overall style.
Railing made of profiled stainless steel pipe
In the manufacture of furniture, such products are indispensable, even the expression "furniture pipe" appeared. The load-bearing structures of beds, sofas and armchairs are assembled from it.
Separately, I would like to say about the use of stainless steel in the construction of stoves, fireplaces and other heating devices. Recently, a stainless steel chimney has been used more and more often. A small, lightweight stainless steel pipe is replacing bulky brick structures. The fact is that the combustion products of fuel are discharged through the chimney, which are characterized by high temperature and chemical composition, which negatively affects traditional metal and asbestos products.
The options for using stainless pipes are very wide, in order to list them all, a separate large review is needed.
Stainless steel products have undoubted advantages:
- high reliability and durability;
- resistance to corrosion;
- ability to withstand high temperatures;
- resistance to many substances whose chemical composition adversely affects conventional materials;
- high aesthetic qualities.
Production features
The production of these products differs from conventional materials in that elements are added during the melting process that give strength and other properties to steel. First of all, it is chromium, titanium, nickel and molybdenum. It is chromium plating that makes stainless steel products resistant to corrosion and gives a shiny look.
Stainless steel pipe is produced in two ways: seamless and welded.
With the seamless method, steel is poured into a billet in the form of a pipe, then the calibration process and surface treatment take place inside and outside. Processing can begin in the cold or hot state of the product, respectively, they are called cold-formed and hot-formed pipes. The advantage of this method is the special strength of products and the possibility of manufacturing pipes of any thickness.
The production of products by welding has become more widespread. Its essence is as follows - a flat sheet blank is taken, folded into a pipe, and the connection is made using a special welding device. Further, the products also go through the process of calibration and surface treatment.
By the way, profile stainless pipes - square and rectangular are produced in this way.
