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Acrylonitrile
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Butadiene - Styrene
IMPACT
STRENGTH
The butadiene constituent in ABS affords unrivalled resistance to
impact. This means Eurapipe Piping Systems may be used in more critical
applications where other types of plastics could not be considered. ABS
is a relatively ductile thermoplastic, which exhibits very high impact
strength compared to other thermoplastics such as uPVC, particularly at
low temperatures. Thus ABS is used in demanding applications requiring
exceptionally high impact strength material such as construction site
safety helmets.
As part of
the Euratech Quality Assurance programme, sample lengths of pipe are
routinely impact tested at 0o C as required by
the AS 3518 standard. ABS is unique in retaining high levels
of impact strength at sub zero temperatures and is significantly
superior to most other thermoplastics used in pipe systems.
Mode
of failure
ABS is a ductile material and the mode of failure resembles that of
soft copper. Failure is by ductile distortion and tearing, the
localised nature minimising the loss of pipe contents. In contrast,
crack propagation and hazardous material fragmentation accompany the
failure of brittle material, such as uPVC.
CHEMICAL
RESISTANCE
Eurapipe ABS is unaffected by both internal and external chemical
attack by a wide range of acids, alkalis, ground water salts and other
environmental factors.
ABRASION
RESISTANCE
Eurapipe ABS offers outstanding resistance to abrasion and erosion from
aggressive slurries, which can rapidly damage steel or other
traditional pipe materials. The chemical resistance of ABS combined
with impact resistance makes it an ideal choice for such corrosive and
erosive environments. The rubber-like butadiene phase in ABS provides
the piping material with outstanding resistance to abrasive media.
WEATHER
RESISTANCE
Eurapipe ABS is one of the most weather resistant polymers available
today. Successful field tests have been completed on piping systems
having been exposed to weathering for over 30 years. Eurapipe ABS pipe
systems are suitable for external installation under extreme conditions
without further surface protection. Long term exposure to weather
elements will result in some minor degradation of the exposed surface.
The degradation results in a reduction of surface gloss, and shift in
surface colour to light grey, and is confined to the exposed surface
only. Long term exposure to sunlight over prolonged periods has minimal
effect on the physical properties of ABS systems.
THERMAL
EXPANSION
All thermoplastics expand at a greater rate than metals. Expansion need
not cause undue concern in design or installation of an ABS piping
system provided that due recognition is taken at the design stage. The
reduced flexural modulus of ABS over that of steel results in reduced
loads on supports and equipment arising from thermal strains. The
linear coefficient of thermal expansion of ABS is 10.1 x 10-5
m/mo C.
RIGIDITY
AND STIFFNESS
Eurapipe ABS is classified as a rigid thermoplastic over its working
temperature range –40o C to +70o
C. With increased temperature, pipe rigidity decreases thus
necessitating more frequent support.
NON-TOXIC
/ TAINT FREE
The Eurapipe ABS formula is free from harmful metallic stabilizers such
as lead, often used in the processing of other thermoplastic materials.
Therefore there is no possibility of any toxic heavy metal substances
being leached from the ABS pipe material into the fluid being conveyed
by the pipe. ABS has been widely used for many years in piping systems
for high purity water, medical preparations, food products and soft
drinks. Eurapipe ABS systems are ideal for potable cold water,
conforming to World Health Organisation, E.E.C. and AS 4020 / BS 6920
requirement for potable water reticulation and distribution.
EXCEPTIONALLY
SMOOTH BORE
Eurapipe ABS does not suffer from internal corrosion and provides a
smoothbore for the life of the piping system. The smooth bore does not
support the formation of scale and slime as cement-based lined products.
SIZE AND PRESSURE RANGE
Eurapipe ABS piping systems is manufactured in sizes ranging from 15mm
to 630mm. Standard pressure ratings at 20o C
start at 450 Kpa and go to 1500 Kpa (PN 4.5 to PN 15). Larger sizes and
heavier classes are in development and reference should be made to
Euratech.
JOINING SYSTEMS
Cold
solvent Weld Joining
The Eurapipe size range also utilizes the proven traditional method of
joining ABS pipes, cold solvent cement welding, which provides a
homogenous bond between pipes and fittings.
Elastomeric
Seal Joining
The Eurapipe size ranges utilise an elastomeric seal joining system
(Rubber Ring Joint or RRJ)
Other
Joint Systems
Other joint systems are also available as standard for Eurapipe
Systems. Contact us for further information.
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