TPT July 2007

P lastic & C omposite T ube: P roducts & M anufacture

New DIN standards for water pressure pipes recognise PP-RCT

During 2006, the German standards for polypropylene (PP) pressure pipes were revised. The designations PP-H100, PP- B80 and PP-R80 were withdrawn, as they did not reflect the required behaviour at elevated temperatures, and were changed to PP-H, PP-B and PP-R. In addition, PP-RCT was officially recognised as a category under the new German standards DIN8077 and DIN8078 for PP pressure pipes. The creation of a new PP-RCT class means that these

diameter gives pipes a higher hydraulic capacity, benefitting systems distributing large volumes of water, such as in high- rise buildings. The capacity increase can also serve to overcome the problem of low water pressure from a supply network. Thinner wall pipes also allow for higher extrusion speed with reduced material usage, while a higher percentage of smaller pipes leads to smaller insulation and fittings, and faster installation times. The reduction in weight which can be

› PP-RCT pipes benefit from a wider internal diameter

solutions can now be tested according to a widely accepted quality standard. According to EN ISO 1043 designations, PP-RCT is a PP random copolymer with special crystalline structure. This structure gives improved pressure resistance, particularly at elevated temperatures, offering more than a 50 per cent improvement in long-term strength at 70°C over 50 years compared to standard PP-R materials. As a result, pipes based on this material can be produced with thinner walls and larger internal pipe diameters, delivering a range of benefits to the plumbing abd construction industries. A wider internal

achieved with PP-RCT also eases transportation and handling for the plumbing industry. Borealis, Austria, claims to be the first company to offer this new solution, marketed under the trade name Beta- PPR, to pipe and fitting producers who are looking for clearly identified and specified resins. Beta-PPR is produced according to the highest industry standards and satisfies all key European drinking water regulations.

Borealis AG – Austria Fax : +43 122 400 333

Email : info@borealisgroup.com Website : www.borealisgroup.com

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J uly /A ugust 2007