alpex F50 PROFI® and alpex-duo® XS: useful information for installers
Safety and durability, easy installation and utmost hygiene: FRÄNKISCHE is a pioneer in the field of installation systems and has been on the market with its alpex multilayer composite pipe systems for heating and drinking water installations for more than 20 years. FRÄNKISCHE answers the most important questions to offer its users the best possible and practical support.
Permanent temperature resistance, crimp jaw flexibility and lead-free design have been standard features for alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS for many years. Along with multilayer composite pipes in the dimensions from 16 to 32 mm, the systems also include a great variety of fittings – for maximal flexibility at the construction site.
Up to which temperature can alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS be used?
The installation systems can resist permanent temperatures of up to 95 °C and withstand constant operating pressure of 10 bar. The alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS pipes are therefore safe even under long-term exposure to high temperatures. The turatec pipes can withstand temperatures of up to 70 °C.
How are direction changes realised and which bend radii are possible?
The installers can adjust the alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS multilayer composite pipes directly at the construction site: They bend the drinking water and heating pipes in the dimensions of 16 and 20 mm into the desired shape manually. Direction changes with bend radii of up to five times the outside diameter can thus be realised. Smaller bend radii of minimum twofold pipe outside diameter can be realised with the alpex pipe bender set in just a few simple steps; this renders fittings and angles virtually superfluous. Redirections can also be implemented by means of suitable tools, e.g., bending springs for the dimensions of 16 and 20 mm or one-hand benders for the dimensions from 16 to 32 mm. This saves time and cost, reduces pressure loss in the entire installation, and makes insulation much easier. If bending is not possible, alpex bends are a perfect alternative for installations with low pressure loss.
Are the alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS fitting systems lead-free?
FRÄNKISCHE uses the lead-free high-performance plastic PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) in combination with lead-free brass for fittings. The corrosion-resistant PPSU material boasts optimum resistance to hydrolysis and chemicals, even during exposure to high temperatures. High impact resistance is another plus at the construction site. The CW724R brass used is dezincification-resistant as per ISO 6509. The use of material corresponds to the current Drinking Water Ordinance and already complies with the lead parameters that will be further reduced in the future – the alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS fittings are lead-free, hygienically safe and future-proof.
How is the insertion depth checked?
The alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS press fittings feature large inspection holes in the fixation ring. This allows distinct verification of correct positioning in every installation situation in the radius of 360 degrees – even with inserted crimp jaw. This guarantees a high degree of safety during installation.
How can one tell if the alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS systems have been securely installed?
Along with high-quality materials, smart processing makes the alpex fittings even more reliable. Thanks to the leak before press function, during the required pressure test after installation one can immediately see where a fitting has not been pressed, and subsequently fix the leak. The users can perform the pressure test for leak-tightness and strength with water or inert gases.
Is it necessary to perform deburring and calibration during installation?
Calibration is not required for alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS, since the O-rings have a standard protection feature due to their size and location in the support. The specialists can thus install the pipe connection quicker yet very safely. This process requires three steps: First, the users cut the pipe with pipe shears to obtain a straight cutting edge. Then, they insert the fitting into the pipe end and verify correct positioning by means of inspection holes in the fixation ring. Subsequently, the installers press the fitting using a crimping machine. For alpex F50 PROFI, there are five contours F, U, TH, H or VP; for alpex-duo XS, these are the contours F and TH.
How does the installation system ensure the highest drinking water hygiene?
Drinking water is a vital resource – this is why it requires thorough protection against microbiological contamination. Correct dimensioning of pipe systems during planning and the use of high-quality materials are the best prerequisites for hygienically impeccable drinking water installations. With up to 30 percent larger cross-sectional surface, the alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS fittings feature the largest inside diameter among comparable radial press fittings for multilayer composite pipes. This allows smaller dimensions and planning optimisation in terms of pressure loss.
How do the alpex F50 PROFI / alpex-duo XS systems ensure regular water exchange and reliable operation?
FRÄNKISCHE offers a wide range of flow-optimised fittings for serial and loop installations, such as the alpex F50 PROFI / alpex-duo XS double wall mount elbows for fitting connections and the alpex F50 PROFI tee adapter Fix connection Uni for installation of, e.g., concealed toilet cisterns.
Can the alpex systems be directly connected to heat pumps?
With FRÄNKISCHE’s installation system, craftsmen can solve any connection situation from the energy generator to the radiator or radiant heating. As with other energy sources, the heat pumps can also be comprehensively installed using the alpex system. A mix of materials, for example, the combination with a metal system, is not required. The installers connect air, water or geothermal heat pumps at the secondary terminal – for the heating circuit within the building – with alpex. The heat pump can also be installed outdoors, with connection pipes above ground. With water/brine heat pumps, the primary circuit can also be connected – i.e., at the heat source side located inside the building.
Is implementing riser pipes with multilayer composite pipes economically reasonable?
alpex F50 PROFI and alpex-duo XS can be consistently used not only for floor distribution, but also for riser and distribution pipes. They make an economically efficient alternative to metal pipes. Simple fire protection solutions can be realised in this way.
