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Rubber-plastic pipes (rubber-plastic insulation pipes) are widely used in air conditioning chilled water, refrigerant pipelines, and water supply and drainage systems due to their good flexibility and stable anti-condensation performance. However, in actual construction, if the process control is not in place, a series of quality problems can easily occur, directly affecting the insulation and performance.
I. Joint Cracking or Delamination
This is one of the most common problems in rubber-plastic pipe construction. The main causes include uneven joint cutting, uneven glue application, improper glue drying time, or stretching the material during installation.
During system operation, temperature changes cause slight shrinkage of the material. If initial stress exists at the joint, cracking or delamination can easily occur.
Key control points are: the joint cut must be perpendicular and flat; the glue must be applied evenly and allowed to dry as required; and the material should be kept in natural contact during installation, avoiding stretching.
II. Unsatisfactory Anti-Condensation Effect
Condensation appears on the pipe surface after some projects are put into operation, often related to insufficient selection of rubber-plastic pipe thickness, poor joint sealing, or localized damage.
Especially at irregularly shaped parts such as valves, flanges, and tees, improper handling can easily create channels for moisture penetration.
During construction, ensure the thickness of the rubber-plastic pipe meets design requirements, and perform segmented cutting and sealing reinforcement at irregularly shaped parts to avoid "weak points."
III. Material Compression and Deformation
At supports, clamps, or wall penetrations, rubber-plastic pipes are easily compressed and deformed due to excessive force. Compression reduces the effective thickness, significantly decreasing insulation and anti-condensation performance.
The spacing of supports and hangers should be set appropriately. Clamps should not directly compress the rubber-plastic pipe; gaskets or protective sleeves should be added to ensure the material is under light or no pressure.
IV. Uneven Cuts and Loose Joints
Dull cutting tools or inaccurate measurements can lead to uneven cuts in the rubber-plastic pipe, resulting in gaps during splicing. Gaps not only affect appearance but also become channels for moisture entry.
Specialized cutting tools should be used during construction. Accurately measure the pipe diameter and length before cutting, and conduct trial splicing if necessary to ensure a tight joint. V. Rough Treatment of Elbows and Irregularly Shaped Areas
In some construction projects, to improve efficiency, the entire length of rubber-plastic pipe is stretched and wrapped directly around elbows and tees, easily leading to wrinkles and hollow areas. After operation, these areas are often the first to show condensation or delamination.
The correct approach is to cut the pipe into sections according to its structural shape and apply it section by section, ensuring a smooth fit and continuous seal.
VI. Inadequate Protection Leading to Aging or Damage
In outdoor or machine room environments susceptible to mechanical damage, if the rubber-plastic pipe lacks a protective layer, it is prone to aging and cracking due to ultraviolet radiation, foot traffic, or impacts.
In such environments, a metal outer sheath or other protective measures should be used to extend the service life of the rubber-plastic pipe.
VII. Insufficient Control of the Construction Environment
High humidity, low temperature, or construction on a humid substrate will all affect the adhesive bonding effect. Some joints may appear firm during construction but gradually loosen after operation.
Construction should be carried out in a dry environment as much as possible. If necessary, the substrate should be dried to ensure that the adhesive conditions meet the requirements.
In summary, most problems in the construction of rubber and plastic pipes stem from insufficient attention to detail. By standardizing cutting and bonding processes, avoiding installation under stress, strengthening the protection of irregularly shaped parts, and implementing protective measures, the probability of common quality problems can be significantly reduced, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the rubber and plastic pipe system.
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