Choosing the Right Type of PEX Pipe

PEX is a cross-linked plastic (polyethylene) material that makes it softer and more flexible. It has been used in drinking water and many other manufacturing applications around the world since the 1960s. And gained significant attention in Europe in the 1980s.

PEX pipe comes in many arrangements, with a variety of diameters, and in versions with specialized layers suitable for different applications. For example: PEX-Al-PEX, O2-Barrier PEX and non-Barrier PEX. It also often comes assembled in bundles for easier installation and has upgraded features such as: insulation (using radiant barrier foil, closed-cell foam wrap, and expanded foam), protective sheathing (including polyethylene cover and shingle pipe). And bundled aggregate usually comes with multiple PEX pipes in the same bundle. For hydronic and manufacturing process applications. It is common for pipes with similar temperatures to be in close proximity but separated by some insulation. PEX also comes in several standard colors: red, blue, clear and gray. The vast majority of applications use red, blue, and transparent colors. Depending on the application, it is sometimes convenient to bundle different colors together for easier installation and maintenance.

Common applications of PEX

Drinking water
Cyclic heating and cooling
Cold beer system
Food processing
Irrigation and nutrient dosage
Ice/snow melting system

Barrier and non-barrier PEX

1.(O2) Oxygen Barrier PEX contains a special barrier layer that prevents oxygen from entering the water/liquid flowing inside. Oxygen in many systems can cause oxidation (rust) and premature failure. This type of PEX is most commonly used in high temperature boiler/heating applications and industrial processes where food is not moved.

2.Non-Barrier PEX is not suitable for use in drinking water, food/beer service, or food production systems.
Accessible PEX, on the other hand, is intended for use in drinking water, food/beer service, and food projection processes. Sometimes the two types can be bundled together as long as the difference between them is clear to the end user. For example, it is very common and reasonable to bundle a beer supply PEX line with a chilled glycol loop. Most customers tend to use red and blue PEX for glycol liquids and clear PEX for beer lines.

Hydronic cooling systems typically use the same O2-Barrier PEX as heating. However, the lower temperatures and possible use of glycol with anti-corrosion additives means that any oxygen entering the system will cause problems than heating systems. For these reasons, barrier-free PEX is ideal for use in hydronic cooling systems.

Choose the right PEX

There are so many different permutations of PEX pipe aggregates that it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. But as long as you handle your application well, it’s pretty simple!

The main determining factors for choosing the right PEX are:

Pipe diameter: depends largely on flow requirements and equipment connection ports.

Barrier or non-barrier: O2 barrier for non-potable water applications (eg: heating/boiler systems). Non-barrier for potable water and food safety systems
Insulation: There are three main options:
Radiant Foil: Typically used as a layer on closed cell foam packaging.
Closed Cell Foam: This is essentially an insulating blanket wrapped around the PEX pipe. It provides both insulation and isolation between the PEX pipes in the aggregate.
Expanding foam: Typically the best insulation choice, expanding foam fills all voids within the protective sleeve and provides some rigidity and support to the pipe.
Protective casing: Tile pipe or polyethylene casing – Polyethylene casing is mainly used with aggregates with expanded foam insulation
Color Coding: Once you’ve narrowed down the more critical features, some consideration of color might be the icing on the cake. While colors are not important for durability and performance, they can make installation and future maintenance easier.

If you have read this article and have any questions, please feel free to contact IFAN. Below is our contact information: