Water & Pipes

The book "Water and Pipes" was published by Wirsbo Bruks AB, Sweden, in 1982. First in German language, then in Italian language in 1983 and in English in 1984. Using plastics pipes for heating and for plumbing was considered quite revolutionary and suspect at the point in time. So the book intended to explain the chemistry behind the high temperature resistant plastics pipes , the extensive testing and research that had been performed, and suggestions to proper applications.

The book's release in USA became a success. Two editions, each on over 10,000 copies were soon gone. But there is still a large and unfilled demand for the book. That is why I provide it as .PDF files here on the website. I believe that it still will contribute to increase the understanding about plastics pipes, especially PEX. Mr. PEX® (Tomas Lenman) is the author with assistance by Mr. Jerker Skarelius. (Click here for Viewing and Printing hints).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. WATER MEANS LIFE
Some basic comment on the liquid that concerns us all  . . . 7

2. THE ART OF TRANSPORTING WATER
The efforts of man to carry that coveted substance from here to there  . . . 13

3. OIL - A RAW MATERIAL IN GREAT DEMAND
Petrochemistry as the basis for plastics technology  . . . 19

4. THE AGE OF PLASTICS
The unique rise of a group of materials  . . . 25

5. PIPES AND PIPING MATERIALS
Plastics have created a breakthrough in the production of pipelines  .. . 29

6. THOUGHTS ON SELECTING A MATERIAL Part 1, Part 2
Not every material is suited for every kind of pipeline  . . . 35

7. TESTING METHODS Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
There is a large amount of data that needs to be digested  . . . 49

8. MANUFACTURING PEX TUBING Part 1, Part 2
What is cross-linked polyethylene and how is it produced  . . . 67

9. TIPS ON TUBING SELECTION
The large number of criteria that have to be taken into account when deciding which tubing to use  . . . 81

10. INSTALLATION HINTS Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Advice on planning a piping system  . . . 85

11. TESTING BOARDS
Internationally recognized materials-testing boards  . . . 99

12. MEASUREMENTS, FORMULAS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MATERIALS Part 1, Part 2
Formulas and other data that are important to know about piping and pipe installation  . . . 101

13. GLOSSARY OF PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY Part 1, Part 2
Technical terms and their meanings  . . . 117