Polybutene-1 Basic Facts
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) has been widely used in piping and plumbing applications in Europe and Asia for over 40 years and conforms to European standards and homologation/qualification requirements (Standards Accreditation - download).
PB-1 pipes can be assembled using push-fit and compression fittings and using a variety of welding techniques including socket fusion, electro fusion and butt welding for large diameter pipes. PB-1 pipes used for drinking water and heating pipe systems are corrosion-free. Pipework of up to 50mm in diameter is supplied in coiled lengths of up to 500 metres, allowing long pipe runs to be installed without the need for connectors.
PB-1 piping installed in Europe for underfloor heating (early 70's) and district energy (early 80's) are still operating successfully.
No chemicals, including solders, fluxes or greases are required for the installation of PB-1 piping systems. As with all non cross-linked polymers from the Polyolefin family, Polybutene-1 is completely recyclable.
PB-1 Material
Polybutene-1 chemical name: In the past, this polymer has been referred to as polybutylene, polybutene and PB, as well as its chemically correct name, Polybutene-1 (abbr.: PB-1).
PB-1 is a member of the polyolefin family of thermoplastic materials which also includes polyethylene and polypropylene. The properties of PB-1 can be tailored by copolymerisation with PE or PP to create random copolymers suitable for special applications in underfloor heating and inner layers of pressure tanks.
PB-1 has a density slightly lower than to water of 0.92 gm/cc. The PB-1 raw material grades are manufactured in the world's largest polybutene manufacturing plant in The Netherlands.
PB-1 Characteristics
PB-1 is flexible, strong, resilient and light weight while also being highly resistant to solvents and chemicals. It's excellent creep resistance combined with low stiffness makes PB-1 the technically preferred material for hot and cold water pipes. It also offers superior thermal and mechanical properties for end-use applications requiring high strength and flexibility over a broad temperature range.
It is odourless and tasteless and meets ‘contact with food’ approvals making it ideal for use in drinking water applications. It's excellent acoustic qualities allow for sound dampening with high absorption of “water hammer” and other noises.
Applications
PB-1 piping systems are a vital part of modern architecture and building technology and are very suitable for applications that need high strength and flexibility over a broad temperature range.
- Pressurised hot and cold water supply systems
- District Energy lines (heating and cooling)
- Radiator connections
- Underfloor heating
- Chilled ceilings and surfaces
- Shipbuilding piping installations
- Pressurised plastic tanks
- Sprinkler systems
- Geothermal systems
- Vacuum systems
- Medicinal gas lines
Manufacturing
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) pipes and plumbing fittings can be processed on conventional injection moulding and extruding equipment.
In Service
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) pipes offer several advantages, particularly in terms of durability and safety. They are completely corrosion-free, eliminating common issues associated with metal pipes, such as rust and degradation. Additionally, PB-1 pipes are resistant to scale build-up and encrustation, making them ideal for use in areas with hard water.
Thanks to their flexibility and elastic properties, PB-1 pipes can withstand freezing temperatures, ensuring reliable performance even in cold climates. The material also has low thermal conductivity, meaning that hot water pipes stay cooler to the touch compared to conventional metal pipes, reducing condensation and enhancing safety.
Another key benefit of PB-1 piping systems is their electrical non-conductivity, which minimizes earthing requirements and provides an added layer of safety. Furthermore, the flexibility of PB-1 pipes allows for easy installation as a "pipe in pipe" system through concrete floors and walls, offering high maintenance security and making them suitable for long-term, low-maintenance applications.
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) pipes and plumbing fittings can be processed on conventional injection moulding and extruding equipment.
