Vitodens PB repipe-PGP

Paul Pollets

We've spent the past week repiping a system that is 8 years old. PB pipe in radiant slab and as distribution to CFT baseboard on 2nd fl. The orig WM boiler was severely corroded and filled with red mud. We've repiped the distribution manifolds, chemically cleaned the piping, and added 4 Buderus WPRads to rooms that were heated with electric cadet units. We're keeping the home warm with elec radiators and will set the Vitodens on Monday. The revisions in the mech room required several days of piping, wiring and cabling rerouting.

Instead of a Low Loss Header, a flat plate heat exchanger has been installed to separate the PB system from the boiler system. The HX was sized to handle the flow rates. Built the basic distribution piping on the wall while waiting for the sheetrockers. I'll post the final setup pics when we commision the new system late next week.

<A HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=104&Step=30">To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"</A>

Ken_8

Hey Paul,

What's your opinion of using PB as tubing - as long as an O2 isolating HX is inserted?

The stuff seems to be under utilized because of total lack of marketing hype by the manufaturers, but it seems to be very durable and simple to install and extremely cheap/L.F.

With a HX, why not?

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

kevin coppinger_4

well....

it is almost impossilbe to get PB in the US now that Shell pulled out all of the resin to make it. It was/is a desent material to work with. I installed miles of the stuff back in the 90's for my former employer as potable water pipe. kpc

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Paul Pollets

PB

PB is very durable. It still uses an oil based resin, and as long as it hasn't been in too long (and very brittle)or used at very high temps, we've always been able to restore the system. I noticed the high temp piping supplies were much harder than the radiant side. The difference between using the PEX and the FPHX is at least $1000. with a Vitodens 8-32 (which has an internal pump) or $1500. with other boilers. That cost would make PEX the obvious choice. The more obvious question is why was this system installed in a very expensive home without O2 concerns???

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Mark Eatherton1

Good question...

You will be glad to know that I will be teaching 50 code enforcement officials for one day of Radiant Basic training at the ICC conference being held here in Denver. You can BET that I will address the issue of non barrier tubing and the 3 methods of compliance...

Maybe once the enforcement officials are aware of it, the contractors who don't think it really matters will become aware of it:-)

Great work as usual Paul.

ME

Paul Pollets

Thanks

Mark, do you need some slides of PB corrosion? I imaginge you have some of your very own "re-do's"!! Or is it Re-Do-Doo?"

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"