TPT July 2012

Technology News

Multilayer pipe production MULTILAYER pipes have remarkable physical properties – with the corrosion resistance of plastic pipes and pressure ratings of metal pipes it does not come as a surprise that these pipes have conquered radiant heating and plumbing markets in the recent past. Dreistern supplied its first industrial production system in 1984. Since then production technology has evolved dramatically and Dreistern has supplied more than 60 systems all across the world. In the meantime markets have consolidated and settled, at least in Europe, and it seems that there is no current need for additional production capacity. As a logical consequence manufacturers concentrate on reducing cost and are trying to load production schedules. As an equipment builder Dreistern is able to help with both issues. First, the biggest part of the total cost of tube manufacturing is made up by the cost of the base material itself. Today there are a number of possibilities to save as much as 5 per cent of the overall cost by optimising individual line components without the need for costly equipment. New ideas become even more interesting if, besides saving money, they help order books to fill up. One direction of thought could be finding new additional uses for multilayer pipe. This process requires thinking outside the classic box of plumbing and radiant heating applications. New product uses usually also bring new requirements along with them. Production capabilities of today’s equipment are limited to tubing with varying diameter and/or wall thickness, which might not be able to satisfy new requirements. Tests at Dreistern with slightly modified equipment have proven that existing systems can also produce multilayer pipes with layers of copper or stainless steel in lieu of aluminium. Stainless steel looks exceptionally promising. These new “species” of multilayer pipe could become a low-cost version for ornamental or chemical tubing. In order to keep cost low the thickness of the stainless steel layer can be as small as only 100 microns or even less. An inner or outer plastic tube supplies the necessary strength. Best of all, these new members to the family could still exhibit the advantages that have gained their older siblings a hefty market share within plumbing and radiant heating markets in the first place. Equipment builders like Dreistern are able to contribute their know-how during product development. This could level some bumps in the road ahead to new products.

Dreistern GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax: +49 7622 391 88 220 Email: sales@dreistern.com Website: www.dreistern.com

New species of multilayer pipes are possible

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J uly 2012