TPi April 2008

developments products &

Thermoplastic compounds replacing brass in pipes, taps and fittings

Plastic pipework Hytek’s Universal Petro Pipe (UPP) offers an alternative for specifiers and buyers who want to move away from traditional galvanised materials in favour of plastic pipework. Designed especially for the Fuel Oil Generator Systems (FOGS) and heating oil transfer markets, the UPP secondary contained pipework system is suitable for carrying diesel, heating oil, gasoil and petrol. It can also be used for aviation fuels and Adblue, providing special stainless steel end fittings have been used.

Industrial and social growth of the Far East and emerging countries has increased the consumption of metals to unexpected levels. The consequences of steel, aluminium, copper and its alloys being used with greater intensity are price increases and decreased availability. Looking at the price of copper, over four years the cost per ton almost quadrupled, from US$1,700 in 2003 to US$6,500 by the end of 2006. The reduced availability of metals, long delivery times and higher prices have created serious issues, causing production and time to market problems for ongoing projects. The price evolution of copper has generated difficulties for its alloys, in particular for brass, whose cost, in 2004, had increased by over 20%, causing a downturn in the finished product market and related exports. The latter is a dramatic issue, considering the position of European manufacturing in the field of pipe fittings, taps, hydraulic and pneumatic valves. The substitution of brass has become an important consideration in order to maintain a leading position in the market and ensure business continuity. Lati, a European specialist in thermoplastic compounds, is collaborating with several Italian and foreign companies on replacing brass and other metals, in particular in the pipe fitting manufacturing industry. Working with the correct base resins, reinforced and stabilised, it is possible to engineer products offering a mechanical performance similar to metals but at lower costs and with simpler and faster production processes. Lati’s products are intended for injection moulding, a technique that allows the finished parts to be obtained with a ➦

Hytek’s UPP secondary contained pipework S S

The pipework is lightweight, flexible, non-metallic polyethylene. Supplied in coils of up to 100m, it is possible to create one continuous strong and flexible pipe system. With UPP, joints can be electrofusion welded, so there is no need for underground inspection chambers as required by regulations for other plastic pipe. As recommended in the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, Hytek’s Secondary Containment system features a coaxial sleeve pipe. Pre-fitted over UPP extra primary pipe, it enables fuel and oil lines to be installed with an uninterrupted interstitial space between each end of the pipe. UPP extra is the lined primary pipe used in the UPP Secondary Contained system and features a tough nylon liner. Its smooth bore and low friction loss permits fuel at higher velocities than steel pipe. The company states that over 6 million metres of UPP pipe have been successfully installed worldwide over the past 24 years, with not one reported product failure. A full range of fittings and termination options are available. Full system design facilities and technical support are available, as well as free system installation training. Hytek is the only UK supplier of UPP, and products are sold only through distributors. End users should contact their pipe buyer or specifier.

Hytek (GB) Ltd – UK andyseal@hytekgb.com www.hytekgb.com

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April 2008 Tube Products International