• Bookmark and Share

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer
YES – in this case the universal use of the Uponor MLCP system is possible as no contact corrosion will appear.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Electronic controlled boilers can be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s data. Hydraulic steered, electric boilers or those using gas are not allowed to use. They can be used only if the manufacturer has given permission to use plastic pipes.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Basically yes. It has to be ensured that following parameters are not exceeded:
Heating: Operating temperature of max. 95°C for max. 100 hours at a maximum continuous operating pressure of 10 bar at maximum operating temperature (Tmax) of 70°C
Potable water: short term maximum temperature of 95°C for maximum 100 hours at a maximum continuous operating temperature of 70°C and a maximum continuous pressure of 10 bar. (for other pressure/temperature collectives please contact us)
Mounting/Installation has to be in line with manufacturer’s data.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
YES – Water supply lines containing cold water have to be insulated against possible warming and condensation water (for example with Uponor coatings made of HD-PE or by choosing the pre-insulated Uponor Unipipe MLC pipe, available with an insulation range between 4-26 mm).

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Compared with other energy saving methods such as building insulation, boiler replacement or solar heating, investing in an Uponor radio control system with DEM amortises up to three times faster.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
Intelligent individual room temperature control
DEM stands for Dynamic Energy Management. It is an intelligent individual room temperature control system for radiant heating and cooling in new buildings, for renovation and can also be retrofitted.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
DEM technology saves up to 12% in energy costs and also creates improved heat distribution. Response times are up to 25% faster when using DEM.
You can actually feel the room temperature being controlled much more accurately!
The comfort level increases automatically.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Only a few perfectly coordinated system parts – and your radiant heating and cooling system is state-of-the-art.
The basic DEM unit together with the wireless room thermostats and the actuators provide a perfect system balancing automatically at the manifold.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
In most cases DEM can replace the manual hydraulic balancing. The temperature in each of the rooms is adjusted automatically. Deviations from the set-point of the room temperatures are quickly minimised to increase energy efficiency. DEM has a much better energy saving potential compared to other renovation measures such as building insulation, total renovation or solar heating system. DEM pays off up to three times faster than the other activities.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
When incorporating into existing systems, the room controls require no cable slits. All they need is a power socket to plug the controller module in. Our local partner will be glad to examine your local situation and will come up with an own individual solution.



Need more help
Click here
Answer
In daily use the room temperature can be easily and comfortably set with the room thermostats. All the other settings are performed by the DEM interface module – even when you are on holiday.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
With DEM any existing Underfloor heating system can be retrofitted (renovated). The manifolds should be equipped with actuators 24V which have to be connected to the DEM controller C-56. Additional the respective interface I-76 and room thermostats are needed.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
For the installation of DEM control system no electrician is needed. Simply plug in the controller into a 230V socket. All other wired connections are based on 24V provided by the controller.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
The connection between room thermostats and actuators is done by programming the controller. You can connect as much actuators as needed to one room thermostat. Up to 14 actuators can be connected to one controller, up to 3 controllers can be connected to one interface.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
For wireless control system with DEM a dew point sensor can be integrated separately. For this the dew point control can be organised e.g. with Uponor dew point converter (item no. 100314) and Uponor dew point sensors (item nos. 1000312/1000313).

Need more help
Click here
Answer
DEM can be used for both modes - heating and cooling. To switch between heating and cooling mode an external signal has to be connected to contacts 11-12 on the controller.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Yes, if the pipes are not exposed to mechanical stress.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Normally bending the pipe at a 90° angle is sufficient – this is possible due to the low bending radius. In single instances where bigger dimensions are used, increasing the depth of the pipe trench at the required end is recommended.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
No, since the length extension caused by warming of the soil, is fully compensated for by the pipe insulation.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Yes. Due to the EVAL protection layer, the heating pipes are diffusion tight in compliance with German DIN 4726.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
A sand layer free of stones is mandatory. The granulation level of the sand should be 0- 2/3 mm. Sharp or sharp-edged items in the trench must be removed in any case. Careful embedding of the pipe into the trench (at a distance of at least 10 cm above and underneath the pipe coating + the distance to the trench walls) has a decisive influence on the durability of the pipe coating. When calculating the minimal covering layer, future building operations (over the entire life time) and possible subsequent damages must be taken into consideration. The filling material must be compressed in layers (if the coverage >500 mm, mechanically). Before filling up the trench, the warning indication must be mounted.
When covering ranges between h=0.5 metres up to a maximum of 6 metres, Uponor Ecoflex jacket pipes can bear soil and traffic loads of SLW 60. The required static verification is listed under regulation ATV-DVWK-A127 currently governing soil-embedded pipes. The verification is required for special mounting conditions only.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
The heat loss is influenced by various factors for which reason we have integrated the respective diagrams into our technical guideline for pre-insulated pipes.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
No, Aqua Twin pipes offer the solution of a hot water and circulation pipe within a single jacket pipe. If a single pipe is used as a cold water supply line, it may warm up and therefore favour bacterial growth.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
The jacket material of a pre-insulated pipe is UV resistant. For this reason, we do not see any problem in mounting the pipe ex-trench. Please ensure that the open pipe ends are not exposed to solar radiation, since the pipe inliner is not UV resistant.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
YES – for transporting fully desalinated water, the following Uponor Multi Layer Composite components can be used without restrictions:
Uponor Unipipe MLC pipes, dimension 16-25
Uponor composite fittings, dimension 16-25
Uponor screw connections MLC, dimension 16 up to 25-G3/4 Eurocone
Please note that all Eurocone connections already on site must consist of “FD-water” resistant material. For a reliable assessment of whether it is possible to use further components belonging to our Uponor MLCP system in combination with “FD-water,” a water analysis is required.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
YES – when antifreeze admixtures are used, the Uponor MLCP system can operate within a temperature range of -40°C to 70°C at a maximum permanent operating pressure. It must be ensured that the antifreeze admixture in use does not affect polyethylene, EPDM, PPSU or brass.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Uponor MLC pipes installed in stables are resistant to the normal atmospheric ammonia pollution which can occur in such facilities. However, installed press fittings are exposed to a high corrosion potential. For this reason, such fittings should not be used on surface installations. If an on-surface installation cannot be avoided, the fittings should be protected using the corresponding measures/methods (e.g. by using corrosion protection manufactured by companies such as DENSO or KEBU).

Need more help
Click here
Answer
YES – the Uponor MLC pipe can be frozen locally for repairing lines, without clearing the entire installation.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
We do not recommend the use of Uponor MLC pipes within solar installations, since the operating temperatures may damage the Uponor Unipipe MLC pipe. Should the Uponor MLCP system be used in a solar installation anyway, you must ensure that utilisation at the maximum temperature of 95°C does not exceed 100 hours.
Basically, a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar at a maximum permanent operating temperature (Tmax) of 70°C should be observed (for other pressure/temperature combinations, please contact us).
However, in some circumstances even these stress limits cannot be applied when using solar installations. If the inhabitant of a house equipped with a solar panel is on holiday, there is no usage of warm water. This may lead to a backlog of heat which may damage the Uponor MLC pipe.
Should the Uponor MLC system be used in solar installations, it must be guaranteed that the above-mentioned stress limits are not exceeded.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
The following values must be observed in the quick mounting of heat supply lines:
- Vmax < 0.3 m/s for radiator connection lines;
- Vmax < 0.5 m/s for radiator distribution lines;
- Vmax < 1.0 m/s for heating riser and cellar lines..
Additional information can be found in our technical guidelines.



Need more help
Click here
Answer
Yes, the Uponor MLCP system can be used without restrictions for potable water. Regulations according to DIN 1988 and the German directive on drinking water (TrinkwV) apply in correspondence with DIN 50930-6 (Influence on potable water quality). The German DVGW (German technical and Scientific Association on gas and water) and other approvals have been granted.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
A pressure test must be conducted according to German standard DIN 1988, part two for plastic pipes. Please refer to the corresponding values that must be taken into consideration when installing our system.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
YES – in such a case universal use of the Uponor MLCP system is possible, since no contact corrosion will arise.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Electronic controlled boilers can be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Hydraulic steered, electric boilers or those using gas may only be used if the manufacturer has confirmed that plastic pipes can be utilised.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Basically, yes. However, you must ensure that the following parameters are not exceeded:
Heating: operating temperature of max. 95°C for a maximum of 100 hours, at a maximum continuous operating pressure of 10 bar and at maximum operating temperature (Tmax) of 70°C.
Potable water: short-term maximum temperature of 95°C for a maximum of 100 hours at a maximum continuous operating temperature of 70°C and a maximum continuous pressure of 10 bar (please contact us for other pressure/temperature combinations).
Mounting/Installation must be in line with the manufacturer’s data.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
YES – water supply lines containing cold water must be insulated against possible warming and condensation water (for example, with Uponor coatings made of HD-PE or by choosing the pre-insulated Uponor Unipipe MLC pipe, available with an insulation range between 4-26 mm).

Need more help
Click here
Answer
A PE-X (crosslinked polyethylene) pipe is a specially designed plastic pipe with distinctive properties that make it ideal for radiant floor heating and plumbing systems. Uponor produces PE-Xa pipes, which are considered a superior type of PE-X.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Currently, three methods of producing crosslinked polyethylene
(PE-X) pipes exist:
• Engel or peroxide method (PE-Xa)
• Silane method (PE-Xb)
• E-beam (electron beam) or radiation method (PE-Xc)
All three processes generate pipes that are crosslinked to varying degrees, and which are suitable for potable water distribution applications.
Uponor manufactures Engel-method PE-Xa pipes. The PE-X pipe industry considers this pipe superior because crosslinking is performed during the manufacturing process, when polyethylene is in its amorphic state (above the crystalline melting point). Using this method, the degree of crosslinking attains around 85% (higher than other methods), resulting in a more uniform product with no weak links in the molecular chain.


Need more help
Click here
Answer
Uponor PE-X plumbing systems for residential and commercial applications use crosslinked polyethylene (PE-Xa) pipes instead of metal pipes for water distribution. PE-Xa pipes are clean, non-toxic and extremely durable. The flexible nature of this pipe is gaining popularity with plumbers with respect to both new construction and retrofit applications. Uponor PE-Xa pipes are available in straight lengths or coils.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
First of all, it is a clean and smooth water distribution system. Additionally, Uponor's plumbing system features PE-Xa pipes, which are corrosion resistant. Aggressive water and soil conditions may have a negative impact on metal materials, and pinhole leaks can occur in copper pipes as a result. Additionally, Uponor PE-X plumbing systems can be smoothly installed.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Yes, the Uponor PE-Xa has undergone 35 years of rigorous testing. In 1973, Uponor (then known as Wirsbo), submitted PE-Xa pipe samples to an independent laboratory, Bodycote Polymer AB in Sweden. For three decades, these samples underwent continuous hydrostatic tests at extreme temperatures and pressures. Upon the recent conclusion of these 30-year lifecycle tests, not a single piece of Uponor PE-Xa had experienced any breakdown or failure.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
The outstanding material characteristics of Uponor PE-Xa pipes also have a major bearing on the connection techniques used. The shrink-back effect of PE-Xa material allows the use of the Uponor Quick and Easy fitting system. Uponor Quick and Easy fittings are available, made either of advanced PPSU plastic material or of brass.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
We’ve kept the fitting process very simple. The unique Uponor Quick and Easy fitting system utilises the elastic properties of Uponor PE-Xa pipes. A PEX ring is fitted over the pipe and both the pipe and ring are slowly expanded and pushed onto an Uponor Quick and Easy fitting. The pipe and ring then shrink back to their original positions, creating a seal between the pipe and fitting. This is due to the shrink-back effect, which only applies to Uponor PE-Xa crosslinked pipes.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Uponor offers a plumbing manifold system. This means that there are no fittings under the floor or hidden away in inaccessible spaces. The only place connections required are located at the manifold or the application i.e. a tap, shower or WC.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
1. General disinfection

With these rules you should not have problems in regard on bacteria or Legionella.
Therefore some general methods should be used.

UV radiation for disinfection

This method could be just used for one point in the system (mostly closed to incoming
point, means water meter). It could just make sure that the incoming fresh water will not bring any bacteria or Legionella into the system. It could not disinfect the entire system!
The UV radiation device must be designed according to the working temperature and volume flow (please see suppliers instructions).
It could be necessary to have more than one device in the system (for. e.g. Hospital,
laboratory,...)

Chemical disinfection

For chemical permanent disinfection mostly chlorine is used. For the general disinfection (long term) a maximum load of chlorine of not more than 0.100 mg/l should be used. Higher loads (in long term use) will effect the live time of the pipe system.

Thermal disinfection

According to DVGW worksheet W 551 (April 2004)
This worksheet is mainly written for the design and the usage of hot tap water systems.
There are described some general rules. For e.g.
- it must be possible that the hot water temperature could be 60°C at least once a
day (for big systems, means more than 400l)
- the water tank should be designed that the water will be heated up quickly (no
mixing in the tank between hot and cold water)
- if there are more than 3l in the hot water system, a circulation (hot water return)
should be used
- if circulation systems are used the temperature difference must not be more than
5K between hot water outlet of the tank and circulation return in tank
- in big facilities ( like hotel, hospitals, nursery homes, tank bigger than 400l, …)
the hot water temperature should be always 60°C in tank or heated up at least
once a day to 60°C. Accordingly it should be handled for small houses (one or two
family)
- the hot water tank should be not bigger than necessary
- not used parts of the system should be cut as close as possible to the main line

2. Short term disinfection
If your system is already contaminated (why ever) you have to disinfect the hole system by a method that should kill all bacteria and/or legionella. This could be also called a quick disinfection.
Please observe that a full documentation should be made and hand out to the customer/user of the system and maybe the responsible public authority.

Thermal disinfection
According to DVGW worksheet W 551 (April 2004)
- heat up the water temperature to 70°C, because with 70°C nearly all bacteria/Legionella and so on will be killed
- let the circulation pump run until inlet and outlet temperature on the hot water tank is (approx.) the same
- flush (fully opened valve) each hot water out let for at least 3 minutes with water temperature 70°C (at the outlet)
- make sure that nobody will hurt during this activity

Chemical disinfection
Also for the short term chemical disinfection mostly chlorine is used.
Before you start with the chemical disinfection you should “wash” the infected system at first. This should be done to wash out the bio film from the inner side of the tap water pipe. Because the bio film is often hiding the bacteria’s and Legionella. So if you don’t flush the pipes the chemical disinfection may not work proper.
The flushing should be done with an air/water mixture (please take care that it will be oil free air because we are working with the food stuff tap water). The flushing should not be done below 2 up to 3 m/s (you may use a buster pump to get this speed into the system). It is suggested to flush each valve for at least 1 minute.
After the flushing the system should be filled with the water chemical mixture (regarding the mixture please see below). The mixture should stay, under pressure, for some hours, maximum 12h, in the system.
After the residence time the system has to be flushed again to wash out the chemicals completely! This has to betested properly on each water outlet. Please obtain the local environmental protection rules.
Consider for some chemicals the responsible maximum concentration:
Chlorine bleaching (sodium hypochlorite NaOCl) max. 50 mg/l chlorine
Calcium hypochlorite (Ca (OCl)2) max. 50 mg/l chlorine
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) max. 6 mg/l CIO2
If the water tanks should be disinfected separately they could be sprayed with a sodium hypochlorite mixture with 5g/l chloride. Therefore thy must be empty and dry. The chemical disinfection may effect the life time of the entire tap water system.
The safety rules for the work with high loads of chlorine must be always observed!
Please make sure that the local environmental protection rules will also be considered. Please check and follow also the chemical supplier rules!

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Since “heat source” radiant heating utilises such a large surface area, thermal comfort can be achieved at lower temperatures compared to “concentrated” heat sources such as radiators. An even floor surface temperature provides a comfortable energy spread. For this reason, the room temperature can be set up to 2 degrees (°C) lower. This saves up to 12% of energy consumption.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Within a lightweight system the pipe is fixed to the PS-insulation due to the omega shape of the heat emission plate. In addition, the width and thickness of the heat emission plate are designed to provide optimised performance. The heat emission plates have pre-determinated breaking points, which allow tool-free mounting.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Our recommendation for achieving a hydraulic balance comprises a cross-reference to the general technical guidelines and norms which form part of every installer’s training. In particular, the hydraulic balance for single sections (apartments) must be viewed as a general concept. The pipe diameter, size of circulation pumps and – depending on the need – the use of riser and throttle valves should be taken into consideration.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
There is no clear answer to this question. Since the installation of both, the heating and electric system represent totally different areas of expertise, it can be assumed that in most cases the electric wiring of the room thermostats and actuators will be performed by the electricians in charge of the building. In such a case the components will be provided by the craftsman in charge. However, the control systems offered by Uponor (“Uponor radio room control” and “Uponor room wired control”) can be installed by the installation engineer, since these elements operate at a low voltage level. Only the 230V power outlet in the manifold cabinet must be provided by an electrician.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
If the planning and mounting of pipe lengths differ significantly, i.e. there are different heating loop lengths, an additional calculation should be conducted for the throttle pre-settings. In line with German standard DIN 18380, this task should be performed by the installation company in charge. You will find the required form enclosed with the mounting instruction for the Uponor manifold, or in the Uponor product catalogue.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Peripheral and expansion joints are required for any screed, with or without radiant heating! German standard DIN 18560, part 2 “Screeds and heating screeds on insulation layers” explicitly, states the following: “The screed joints drawing must be provided by the construction designer…”. Within the heating screed’s surface, 3 types of joints must to be taken into consideration.
Peripheral joints must be equipped with edging strips along enclosing walls or other building elements, such as door frames. Edging strips should absorb the extension of the screed body and provide sound protection for other parts of the building.
Expansion joints filled with elastic material within the screed fields separate the screed at their full diameter and absorb length extensions.
Shrinking joints are cut into the freshly mounted screed using a trowel at a maximum depth of about 1/3 of the layer. The shrinking joint provides stress release during the screeds drying period. Afterwards, these joints can be closed as long as they are not in a door area. In such a case, the shrinking joint should be moved up to the floor surface.
It is important that a joint plan be formulated for the radiant heating system in order to adjust the heating loops to the joint areas, since expansion joints can be crossed by supply lines only. At this point, the heating pipes must be equipped with protection pipes or coatings of ca. 30 cm.
The extension joints must be transferred to the floor covering. An early stage clarification of the joint layout is required if the floor covering should consist of stone plates or tiles, since the arrangement and mounting of these affects the joints’ position.

Need more help
Click here
Answer
Uponor pipes with an oxygen diffusion barrier are manufactured from peroxide cross-linked polyethylene (PE-Xa) using the Engel method. A 0.1 mm, specially developed foil ensures the diffusion tightness of Uponor pipes, using the Engel method in accordance with German standard DIN 4726. The foil is protected against scratching and external impacts by a coating of linked PE. For this reason, measures such as a system split or the use of a corrosion inhibitor are unnecessary. According to DIN 4726, a plastic pipe is defined as diffusion-tight if the oxygen intake (applying the test conditions) is <= 0.1 g/(m³.d).
The Uponor PE-Xa pipe achieves a value lower than 0.005 g/(m³.d). Thus, corrosion due to the use of Uponor PE-Xa pipes can be excluded. When evaluating the corrosion of the internal steel parts of a heating system, it should be borne in mind that every connection within the system which is not welded or soldered allows oxygen intake.
Furthermore, all PE-X pipes provided by Uponor within the radiant heating system are in compliance with a high standard in line with (or even more than meeting the requirements of) all applicable laws.

Need more help
Click here

System finder

Catalogue search:
Search



Free text search:

Search

Quick links

  • © Copyright Uponor 2010