Plast ic pipes
PVC-O: a revolution in pipes
PVC-O pipe is considered a high
performance product, yet its application
has not been as extensive as might have
been expected. Technical limitations
and poor efficiency in manufacturing
processes were obstacles to the wide
application and use of PVC-O pipes.
However, these limitations have been
overcome, and theair processofmolecular
orientation developed by Molecor
provides an efficient manufacturing
process, widening the range of product to
high pressures and large diameters, and
opening new markets.
Molecor PVC-O pipes are obtained
from conventional PVC pipes after the
molecular orientation process. This is
a physical process that stretches the
material and, under certain conditions
of pressure, temperature and speed,
reorganises the polymer molecules,
achieving a laminar structure. This new
alignment brings strength and confers
other mechanical properties, including
impact resistance (molecular orientation
prevents the propagation of cracks and
scratches and reduces the risk of rapid
crack behaviour); hydrostatic resistance
– up to twice the nominal pressure; and
excellent behaviour to the effects of
water hammers.
It is also claimed to provide higher
hydraulic capacity: between 15 and 40
per cent more than pipes made from
other materials and with similar external
diameters. The molecular orientation
process reduces the thickness of the
pipe wall, giving PVC-O pipes a greater
internal diameter and flow section. This
reduction in raw material requirements
makes them lighter and easier to handle
during transport and installation. The
pipes can withstand deformation of up
to 100 per cent of their internal diameter
without fissures. They are also corrosion
resistant and assure the maximum water
quality, which has been certified by
different entities. In the UK, the pipe
has obtained the sanitary certificate
of compliance WRAS (UK). The pipes
manufactured by Molecor range from DN
90mm to DN 630, and up to 25 bar.
Molecor Tecnología, SL
– Spain
Eco-friendly tubes for industrial applications
Tecalemit Flexibles, a specialist in flexible
hoses for industry, manufactures the
innovative BBIO Universal Tecalemit
®
tube, which is made from plastics of 100
per cent biological origin, and is claimed
to have technical qualities superior to
tubes fabricated using petrochemical
industry products.
The BBIO Universal Tecalemit tube is
made from 100 per cent polyamide
Rilsan
®
T. The oil that is produced from
grinding castor oil seeds is Rilsan T’s
only component after both synthesis
and polymerisation. This manufacturing
process generates much less CO
2
and fewer greenhouse gases than
in the production of polymers in the
petrochemical industry. In addition to
this ecological benefit, the mechanical,
physical and thermal advantages of
Tecalemit Flexibles’ tubes are also
significant. The tubes boast a higher
operating pressure, improved flexibility
and greater impact resistance.
Lightweight and impermeable, BBIO
Universal Tecalemit tubes are resistant
to abrasion and negative pressure,
generating only very low pressure
losses. The tubes are robust and
durable, which results in economic
advantages for users.
Tecalemit Flexibles tubes are also resistant
to chemical agents, hydrocarbons and
zinc chloride, even at low temperatures.
A certain swelling may occur in aromatic
hydrocarbons and alcohol, but this is
without damage to the material.
The BBIO Universal Tecalemit tubes are
rigorously calibrated and are available
in various diameters, as well as in
an assortment of colours. The tubes
are produced in long lengths and are
packed in sachets, boxes or reels of
multiple 25m lengths.
Since 1961, Tecalemit Flexibles has
specialised in manufacturing pneumatic
tubes for all engineering industries,
providing solutions for transporting
hydraulic fluids, as well as different
kinds of connectivity. The company’s
products are supplied by a network of
exclusive distributors.
Tecalemit Flexibles
– France
The pipes provide flexibility and strength
108
Tube Products International March 2014
Molecor PVC-O pipes
