Differences Between Oxygen Barrier And Non-Barrier PEX Tubing

 

Differences Between Oxygen Barrier And Non-Barrier PEX Tubing
Significant signs of how to distinguish Non-Barrier PEX and Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing.

 

PEX tubing is an amazing alternative to other piping due to its easy installation capabilities, and therefore many do it yourselfers have taken on PEX projects in late years. The first thing to know is that the color of the tubing does not specify what type it is, but is rather there for color coding purposes. Blue meaning cold, red meaning hot, white for neutral, and orange is typically used for PEX-Al-PEX tubing. Both Oxygen Barrier and Non-Barrier PEX can be purchased in these assortments of colors. The difference is in the outside material of the tubing itself. The Oxygen Barrier tubing exudes a glossy appearance, as the Non-Barrier tubing resembles a matte.

 

Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing

The biggest difference between the two is the oxygen barrier layer located on the Oxygen Barrier tubing. The oxygen barrier layer also known as EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) is positioned in between the internal construction of the pipe, averting oxygen permeation. PEX-AL-PEX is constructed the same way with an aluminum lining, making it an oxygen barrier pipe as well. This plays a major roll on the tubing’s ability to function without corroding ferrous materials in the system, and allows many other advantages that the Non-Barrier tubing does not have. Due to its oxygen barrier the tubing can be used for radiant floor heating, hydronic heating, and ice melting applications, where the Non-Barrier tubing would corrode. The standard for the oxygen diffusion barrier is DIN 4726, and must be listed directly on the pipe to ensure its use with such systems.

 

Non-Barrier PEX Tubing

 

Non-Barrier PEX is used for a whole different assortment of applications. It is commonly used for everyday hot and cold water applications, along with potable water applications as well. The reason for Non-Barrier is the fact that a constant supply of fresh water ensures that there will be oxygen molecules present in the system. The Non-Barrier tubing is extremely popular due to its high chlorine resistance and standards corresponding to the lead free act.

 

Both types of PEX pipe have many similarities as well. Their pressure at temperature ratings remain exactly identical listing at 79psi@200F, 100psi@180F, and 160psi@73F. They are also extremely lightweight and flexible allowing for easy installation, as well as corrosion resistant. Most PEX manufacturers list what type of tubing it is directly on the pipe, among other pipe markings so the consumer is fully aware of what they have purchased.

Most people are left fazed when deciding which type of PEX to use, but with all this information the only question that should be remaining is what application the consumer is trying to set up. Each type of tubing is intricately designed to fit the specifications of a certain type of application, and therefore has been built around these standards. Regardless of which application needs to be installed one thing is for certain, there is definitely a type of PEX pipe to accommodate it.

 

PEX Tubing compatibility chart

 

Applications

Oxygen Barrier PEX

PEX-AL-PEX

Non-Barrier PEX

Hot/Cold Water Supply

YES

YES

YES

Radiant Floor Heating

YES

YES

NO

Hydronic Heating

YES

YES

NO

Potable Water Supply

NO

NO

YES

Radiant Snow/Ice Melting System

YES

YES

NO

Geothermal Heating/Cooling

MAYBE

MAYBE

MAYBE

Cooling/Refrigeration

NO

YES (see restrictions)

NO

Solar Heating System

NO

MAYBE

NO

Open Loop System

NO

MAYBE

NO

Closed Loop System

YES

YES

NO

Gas Supply

NO

YES

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEX tubing-Non-Barrier PEX-Oxygen Barrier PEX-PEX-Al-PEX tubing-Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing-PEX pipe-PEX manufacturers-PEX tube|PEX pipe|PEX tubing|PEX piping|PEX-AL-PEX|PEX plumbing|PEX fittings|PEX heating|PEX single layer pipe|multilayer pipe|composite pipe|multilayer composite pipe|five layer pipe|radiant heating|five layer pipe production line|PEX-AL-PEX pipe production line|PEX tube production line|PEX-AL-PEX multilayer pipe|PEX pipe connection|multilayer pipe production line| multi-layer PEX-AL-PEX pipe|multi-layer PEX-aluminum composite pipe|multi-layer PEX pipe| PEX/Aluminum/PEX|PEX plumbing systems|PEX piping systems||