Cross-linked PE Hot and Cold Water Plumbing Pipes with Expansion Ring Technology
Astral PEX-a PRO is a revolutionary flexible piping system that stands apart as a global leader in hot and cold water plumbing applications. Our PEX-a pipes are a marvel of modern engineering, renowned for excellent flexibility and longevity. The combination of cross-linked polyethylene plumbing pipes and expansion ring technology offers numerous advantages, including improved water flow, secure connections, and user-friendly installation.
Our PE plumbing pipes can join with brass or polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) fittings seamlessly by harnessing the inherent shrink-back property. This innovative technology eliminates the need for ‘O’ rings, guaranteeing an absolute watertight joint with enhanced water flow. Astral Pipes uses an infrared ray oven process to ensure exceptional quality and strength, which results in a system that surpasses conventional plumbing in every way.
Our versatile flexible piping system provides diverse installation options, such as a single connection, tee connection, pipe-in-pipe installation, and ceiling installation. It provides a conduit for superior water flow compared to alternative plumbing pipes and fittings. Astral PEX-a PRO hot and cold water plumbing system offers a comprehensive range of tools and accessories for safe and efficient installation.
- Supporting Fixtures: Astral PEX-a Pro flexible piping requires proper support to ensure a leak-proof water plumbing system. Horizontal and vertical runs should be cradled by pipe clamps or hangers, strategically positioned near the riser on the horizontal connections. Avoid rough or sharp edges on hangers to avoid damage to your PEX-a pipes.
- Pressure Test: Building codes require pressure testing water or plumbing pipelines before covering them. Due to the memory of PEX-a PRO plumbing pipes, contraction increases over time after expansion. To ensure accurate testing, allow a minimum waiting period before applying pressure.
Under normal conditions, Astral PEX-a PRO flexible piping joints can be tested 30 minutes after assembly. However, in extreme winter weather, the waiting time must be longer.
- Heat Loss: Heat loss in crosslinked polyethylene PEX-a pipes depends on factors like pipe size, material, installation type, insulation, and temperature difference. When buried, the enclosure’s materials also impact heat loss. The following graph illustrates the heat losses for crosslinked polyethylene pipes under varying conditions.
- Thermal Expansion: As desired with hot and cold water plumbing pipes, PEX-a pipes expand with heat and contract with cold. While expansion is a factor, practical issues are minimised due to the material’s properties. Astral PEX-a PRO plumbing pipes experience lower stress levels than metal or other plumbing pipes under similar temperature changes. This results in smaller loop requirements compared to copper systems. Expansion is a primary concern in hot water flexible piping lines and can often be accommodated by strategic plumbing pipe direction changes.
- Long straight PEX-a pipe runs require expansion loops or offsets to accommodate thermal movement
- One properly sized loop is sufficient per straight run, regardless of length
- Multiple smaller loops can be used instead of one large loop
- Use smooth straps to hang the PEX-a pipe and prevent movement restriction
Tables provide estimated loop lengths based on the plumbing pipe size, run length, and temperature. Use them as a quick guide for determining acceptable loop lengths for the plumbing pipe.
Standards and Specifications
Astral Pipes manufactures the best-in-quality PEX-A PRO plumbing pipe that meets international standards and certifications.
- ISO 15875-1: Plastic piping systems for hot and cold water installations-Cross Linked Polyethylene (PE-X)—Part 1: General
- ISO 15875-2: Plastic piping systems for hot and cold water installations-Cross Linked Polyethylene (PE-X)—Part 2: Pipes
These ISO standards are essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of cross-linked flexible piping systems used in hot and cold water installations. Additionally, these standards establish the general requirements that must be met to ensure the Astral PEX-a PRO plumbing system’s performance and safety.
How to Join?
Cut the Pipe
Make a perpendicular cut on the PEX-a pipe with a sharp plumbing pipe cutter. It helps to clean grease and pipe chips from the plumbing pipe end. Fit the plastic ring on the pipe and make sure the pipe is flushed with the upper edge of the ring.
Place the Ring Over the Pipe
Insert the pipe into the ring until the pipe reaches the safety stop which exists inside the ring.
Expand the Pipe
Attach the correct size expander to your battery tool. Insert the expansion head into the plumbing pipe and start trigger. Continue expanding until the tubing and ring shoulder meet on an expander head that follows the recommended expansion count. The head may rotate automatically to ensure even expansion. Making expansion are slightly different when using a tool that features auto rotation.
Insert Fitting Body
Release the plumbing pipe from the expander and insert the fitting immediately into the PEX-a pipe end. Press the fitting firmly for a few seconds until the PEX-a pipe shrinks to ensure that the plastic ring makes firm contact with the end of the fitting.
Advantages of Astral PEX-a PRO Joining System
- Watertight: Astral PEX-a PRO joints are designed and manufactured to be completely watertight, eliminating the need for additional inspections. Rigorous testing, which includes cycles of extreme hot and cold water, simulates real-world conditions.
It ensures the joints remain leak-free throughout the lifespan of the system. The strength and durability of the joint even exceeds that of our PEX-a pipe itself which provides a robust, reliable connection.
- Compact: The flexible piping accessories are designed with a low profile. That means they don’t protrude significantly from the plumbing pipe. This makes them ideal for use in narrow spaces, such as partitions or walls with limited plumbing pipes.
This streamlined design helps to minimise the impact on the overall aesthetic and provides installation flexibility.
- Recessed: Astral PEX-a pipe plumbing system is one of the few systems approved officially by the European Union for installation within walls. This approval signifies that the system meets rigorous safety and performance standards that ensure the reliability and longevity of the installation when embedded in walls.
- No Wait Time: The Astral PEX-a PRO cold and hot water plumbing system eliminates the traditional waiting period required for pressure testing after installation. This streamlined process means that the system can be put into operation immediately, saves time, and maximises efficiency for installers and users.
- Leak Protection: When installed properly, our PEX-a pipes and fittings are highly resistant to leaks. The innovative Pipe-in-Pipe technology that Astral utilises to manufacture this unique flexible piping system provides an extra layer of protection.
This allows for easy removal and replacement of the PEX-a pipe, especially on solid floors or walls. Any leaks are contained within the conduit which makes detection and repair simple and minimises potential damage to the surrounding structure.
- Easy Renovation: The PE plumbing system simplifies renovation and repairs, even in concealed plumbing pipe runs. In situations where a section of plumbing pipe is damaged, the damaged portion can be easily removed and replaced without extensive structural disruption.
This feature ensures minimal disruption during repairs which decreases the renovation time and cost.
Astral PEX-a PRO: Plumbing Systems Built for Your Lifestyle
Astral PEX-a pipes are flexible piping systems that offer versatile installation options to fit any home and need. It includes T-fitting, serial, and manifold methods. Regardless of your chosen design, Astral Pipes provides a comprehensive range of products and fittings to optimise resources.
- Single Connection Distribution: Simple, efficient, and ideal for standard installations, this system delivers water directly to your tap. It reduces circuit length and ensures quick hot water availability.
- Large Flow Distribution: This type of plumbing system is ideal for a large bathroom or kitchen. It utilises double hot water terminals and two pipes to ensure high volumes of water with minimal pressure loss.
- Closed Circuit: The ultimate in hygiene and efficiency, this system uses a single plumbing pipe for hot and cold water which eliminates stagnant areas and ensures consistent water flow. Closed circuit distribution is:
- Hygienically ideal due to free of dead sections
- Manifold with a reduced number of outputs
- Requires fewer units of pipes
- Having pressure balance and allowing large flow rates
Whether you opt for T-fitting, serial or manifold installation, Astral Pipes provides an extensive range of PEX-a pipes and fittings designed to streamline your project.
Areas of Application
Astral PEX-a pipes and fittings are designed to fit into a multitude of projects.
Apartments
- PEX-a pipes are flexible and allow easy installation in tight spaces and complex layouts commonly found in apartments.
- Ideal for new construction and renovations by providing a durable, reliable hot and cold water system.
Hotels & Resorts
- PEX-a pipes are resistant to chemicals and UV radiation, making them suitable for outdoor installations common in resort settings.
- Provides a robust, hygienic water system to accommodate high volumes of guests.
- Its ease of installation and low maintenance needs add up to more efficient operations.
Hospitals
- PEX-a pipes are non-toxic and bacteriostatic which makes it an ideal choice for hospitals.
- Maintains strict hygiene standards and delivers safe drinking water to patients and staff.
- Its smooth interior surface reduces the risk of bacterial growth and ensures clean, safe water delivery.
High & Low Rise Buildings
- PEX-a pipes offer flexibility and ease of installation, ideal for high-rise and low-rise buildings.
- Its high-temperature resistance enables it to handle hot water systems and radiant heating applications in tall buildings.
- Its long lifespan ensures minimal maintenance and reduced lifecycle costs.
Corporate & Commercial Houses
- PEX-a pipes can withstand high pressure and temperature fluctuations, suitable for commercial applications.
- Its resistance to chemicals and corrosion ensures long-term performance and minimal downtime.
Academic Institutes
- Astral PEX-a PRO flexible piping system is non-toxic and bacteriostatic, suitable for schools, colleges, and universities.
- Ideal for maintaining clean and safe water systems in educational facilities for optimal learning.
Home Applications
- Astral PEX-a pipes are flexible enough to allow easy installation in tight spaces and complex layouts commonly found in homes.
- Its corrosion resistance and scaling ensure long-lasting performance and clean water delivery.
- Provides a reliable and efficient hot and cold water system for residential properties.
Astral PEX-a Pro offers an advanced plumbing system integrating advanced expansion ring technology for fast and secure connections. It provides a strong, reliable joint without the need for O-rings, making it a safe, efficient, and durable solution for hot and cold water plumbing needs.
