photo: Wuhan King Plastic

The company, established in 1997, is a technological enterprise which devote to R&D, production and marketing in metal industry and composite material industry.

Wuhan King Plastic Composite Material exploit the market from the domestic to the international. Europe, Middle-East and South America have become its main markets. The company produces all the aluminum strips in accordance with ISO 9001:2000.

The products include

photo: Wuhan King Plastic

• Aluminum foils/strips for PE-X/Al/PE-X pipes (thickness:0.17-1.00mm, width: 20-200mm of all grades)
• Aluminum foils/strips coated with polypropylene for PP-R/Al/PP-R pipes (single/double sides)
• Perforated aluminum foils/strips coated with polypropylene for PP-R pipes (double sides)
• Coated aluminum and steel tape for communication cable
• Aluminum/steel strip for automobile accessory

contact: Wuhan King Plastic Composite Material Co., Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei, China, www.kingalu.com.
PR: monica@wuhansujin.com.cn

Copper or steel pipes have been used predominantly in the past in heating technology. The sector has since learnt to appreciate the benefits of plastic piping systems. Light weight and high flexibility ensure simple and fast laying.

This is why plastic pipes are used mainly when laying underfloor heating in Germany. There are also a variety of systems available for the application as radiator connecting pipes. The following materials are used:

• PE-X         Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-Xa, PE-Xb, PE-Xc)
• PP             Polypropylene
• PB             Polybutylene
• PE-RT      Polyethylene with higher temperature resistance
• PVC-C      Post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride
• PE-MDX   Medium density crosslinked polyethylene
• MVR         Multilayer composite pipes

As oxygen entering the heating system can result in problems with corrosion to the iron parts (heating boiler, radiators) and therefore has a significant impact upon the life of the system, all the plastic pipe systems have to be oxygen-tight to DIN 4726.

With the accredited and independent certification mark “DIN-Geprüft”, DIN CERTCO enables the manufacturer to convince their customers of the quality of their products and provide the customer with assistance in his purchase decision; as our mark stands for trust!

There is a half-yearly inspection (standard inspection) of products and of the quality assurance system (QA system).

The “DIN-Geprüft” mark is only granted to those pipe systems that are able to prove that they comply with the standards by completing a successful test in a test laboratory recognized by DIN CERTCO and a subsequent independent assessment. After a positive assessment, DIN CERTCO issues a certificate that is valid indefinitely. The registration number that clearly identifies the certificate is made up as follows: 3Vxxx “type of plastic”.

Basis of Testing: The DIN CERTCO certification scheme “DIN-Geprüft plastic pipe systems for warm water underfloor heating and radiator connection” is the basis on which the mark is awarded. The scheme is based on a number of standards.

List of valid standards, on which the DIN CERTCO certification scheme “DIN-Geprüft plastic pipe systems for warm water underfloor heating and radiator connection” is based.

KWD-SHK, 01.07.2011. The DIN CERTCO certification scheme “DIN-Geprüft plastic pipe systems for warm water underfloor heating and radiator connection” is the basis on which the mark is awarded.

The scheme is based on the following standards:

• DIN 4726 “Warm water underfloor heating and radiator connections – plastic pipe systems”
• DIN EN 15015 “Plastics piping systems – Hot and cold water piping components – Requirements and test/assessment methods for pipes and fittings”
• ISO 10508 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations — Guidance for classification and design”
• DIN EN ISO 9001 “Quality management systems – Requirements “

As well as on the following material-specific standards:

PP pipes

• DIN EN ISO 15874-1 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polypropylene (PP) – Part 1: General”
• DIN EN ISO 15874-2 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polypropylene (PP) – Part 2: Pipes”
• DIN EN ISO 15874-3 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polypropylene (PP) – Part 3: Fittings”
• DIN EN ISO 15875-5 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polypropylene (PP) – Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system”

PE-X pipes

• DIN EN ISO 15875-1 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) – Part 1: General”
• DIN EN ISO 15875-2 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) – Part 2: Pipes”
• DIN EN ISO 15875-3 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) – Part 3: Fittings”
• DIN EN ISO 15875-5 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) – Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system”

PB pipes

• DIN EN ISO 15876-1 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polybutylene (PB) – Part 1: General”
• DIN EN ISO 15876-2 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polybutylene (PB) – Part 2: Pipes”
• DIN EN ISO 15876-3 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polybutylene (PB) – Part 3: Fittings”
• DIN EN ISO 15876-5 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polybutylene (PB) – Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system”

PE-RT pipes

• DIN 16833 “Polyethylene pipes of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) – General quality requirements, testing”
• DIN 4721 “Plastic piping systems for warm water floor heating systems and radiator connecting – Polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT)”
• DIN EN ISO 22391 “Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations – Polyethylene with higher temperature resistance (PE-RT)” part 1, 2, 3 and 5

PE-MDX pipes

• DIN 16894 “Pipes of crosslinked medium density polyethylene (PE-MDX) – General quality requirements and testing”
• DIN 16895 ” Pipes of crosslinked medium density polyethylene (PE-MDX) – Dimensions”
• DIN 4724 “Plastic piping systems for warm water floor heating systems and radiator pipe connecting – Crosslinked polyethylene of medium density (PE-MDX)”

Multilayer composite pipes

• DIN EN ISO 21003 “Multilayer piping systems for hot and cold water installations inside buildings”
• DIN ISO/TS 21003-7 “Multilayer piping systems for hot and cold water installations inside buildings – Part 7: Guidance for the assessment of conformity”
• DVGW W 542 “Multilayer pipes for drinking water installation systems – Requirements and testing”

These test standards define the requirements and test procedures for pipes, fittings (joints) and systems in terms of dimensions, bend radius and oxygen-tightness:

• Dimensions
• Homogeneity
• Bend radii
• Oxygen tightness
• Compatibility with heating water additives
• Surface quality
• Strength properties
• Level of crosslinkage
• Longitudinal shrinkage
• Behaviour under changes in temperature
• Behaviour under changes in pressure
• Identification
• Completeness of the information and directions for use

Following quality criteria are also the object of the test:

• Homogeneity (flaws)
• Bend radius
• Oxygen-tightness
• Compatibility with heating water additives
• Completeness of the information and directions for use
• Inspection of the production documentation

The “DIN-Geprüft” mark is only granted to those pipe systems that are able to prove that they comply with the standards by completing a successful test in a test laboratory recognized by DIN CERTCO and a subsequent independent assessment.

source: DIN CERTCO, Berlin, Germany, info@dincertco.de, www.dincertco.de.

IVAR offers the following press and push fittings
M.P Multi.Press brass fittings for Ivar Apex multilayer or PEX pipes in diameters from 16 to 63 mm have a body in yellow brass CW602N.
P.M.P Plastic.Multi.Press PPSU fittings for Ivar Apex multilayer or PEX pipes in diameters from 16 to 32 mm have a PPSU plastic body. The saw-tooth section is machined to ensure absolute pull-out strength. It is a no-loss bush – connector mounting system. The bushings are in solubilized AISI 304 stainless steel.

photo: I.V.A.R. S.p.A.

IVAR PUSH PPSU fittings for Ivar Apex multilayer pipes are available in the different non-threaded configurations for the sizes 16/2 and 20/2. These quick clutch fittings reduce installation time and are more handiness for the connection in confined space. A hooking system designed and tested to guarantee a high pull-out resistance.
All the fittings mentioned above have two O-Rings for better safety and hydraulic seal. The O-Rings are in peroxidic EPDM certified for use with foodstuffs which also allow the use with drinking water. The plastic is in accordance with regulations for use with drinking water. Possibility of controlling the correct positioning of the pipe through windows set into the bushings.

Contact: I.V.A.R. S.p.A., Prevalle (BS), Italy, info@ivar.eu, www.ivar.eu.

Producing FostaPEX at the Manufacturing and Distribution Facility in McPherson, KS, Viega is able to improve quality and increase product availability. Vice President of Supply Chain Operations Robert Boots commented on the convenience of having FostaPEX readily available. “We used to order huge inventories in order to have enough on hand,” he said. “Now, we’re able to produce it as needed.”

By making FostaPEX domestically, Viega is able to set the standards for quality and design of the FostaPEX system. “We have a lot higher control over the quality and consistency of the product now,” Boots said. “We do a welded seam as opposed to an overlapped glued seam on the aluminum layer.”

A distinctively versatile product, FostaPEX balances stability with flexibility with a combination of PEX, aluminum and PE layers, creating a unique form-stable tubing that not only bends with ease but also holds its shape. This gives FostaPEX a professional appearance in installations while simultaneously extending UV protection. FostaPEX applications include potable water and hydronic heating and cooling.

PureFlow® Product Manager Jeff Courtney explained the difference between Viega’s FostaPEX and other multilayered tubing options. “Most PEX-AL-PEX products are limited to heating applications,” Courtney said. “Many imported products come in metric sizes which require special tools and fittings. FostaPEX is the only product on the market with a fully dimensional PEX tubing wall, allowing it to be used with our standard Viega PEX Press fitting system. Other PEX-AL-PEX tubing products require special fittings.”

FostaPEX also has a low coefficient of expansion compared to standard PEX products and, since one fitting system connects to all types of ViegaPEX™ tubing, including FostaPEX, distributors need only one inventory and contractors need only one tool set.

“Since its introduction almost a decade ago,” Courtney said, “FostaPEX has been viewed by the market as a premium product. And the fact that it is a product of Viega implies that it must adhere to the highest quality standards.” FostaPEX has been a popular product on the market because installers appreciate the form-stable properties FostaPEX provides.

Viega’s FostaPEX production line in McPherson is currently the only multilayer production line in North America that produces pipe for both plumbing and heating applications. “Manufacturing FostaPEX domestically has been a lot of work but it’s definitely been a rewarding process,” Boots said. “And as awareness and sales grow, it’ll be a good product for us.”

source: www.viega.com

UltraSlide^TM is an innovative patented solution that overcomes all the drawbacks of existing pipe systems and, for the first time ever, offers an ultimate leakage-free pipe system technology.

Photo: Sagiv

• The system was tested using all variations of PEX and Multi-Layer pipes for leakage-free performance, and attained all of the relevant standards. This achievement is due to a Single-Step operation where the user slides a quality brass fitting onto the pipe and, subsequently, a polymer sleeve over the connection area. This creates a large contact zone, which guarantees a ‘DryForever’ pipe system.
• Using this approach there is no need for calibration or pre-expansion of the pipe edge.
• The system also eliminates the need for O-Ring, which is one of the main causes of malfunctions and water leakage.
• A significant benefit from the novel UltraSlide design is increased flow capacity as the fitting, being almost identical in diameter, can carry practically the same volume as the pipe itself.

The UltraSlide pipe system includes quality pipes, a wide range of fittings and specially-designed tools that were developed to enable a Single-Step sliding operation – significantly saving time during pipe installation.

The manual tool is light and compact and provides a comprehensive solution for 16-32 mm. pipes.

The newly-developed automatic hydraulic tool is compact and supports 16-25 mm. pipes.

Sagiv is actively seeking plastic pipe manufacturers, large integrators and/or distributors for partnership for deeper market penetration by the UltraSlide^TM. More information can be found at Sagiv’s updated web site under pipe systems/ultraslide or visit Sagiv at ISH, hall 5.1, A18.

Photo: Sagiv

Photo: Sagiv

source: www.sagiv.com, www.ultra-slide.com

Photo: Fränkische

The intelligent alpex F50 PROFI multi-layer composite pipes from Fränkische stand for piping systems which make it possible to press fittings with different yet commonly used types of crimping jaws. The system comes in dimensions from 16 to 32 mm.

• alpex F50 PROFI was introduced in 2005, back then compressible with F, U and TH crimping jaw outlines.
• For the 2006 exhibitions, compression with the H system had been released.In 2007, the VP crimp system was made available.
• To this day, Fränkische has continuously been working to further improve and develop alpex F50 PROFI to be able to offer additional useful and easy to install components for this system.

Photo: Fränkische

“Crimping jaw flexibility is still a unique selling proposition of the alpex F50 PROFI”, notes Dunja Binder, head of Marketing for the building technology division at Fränkische. Since this crimping jaw flexibility is still unrivalled in the heating and plumbing market, Fränkische is actively pursuing plumbers who are willing to try out a new system. With alpex F50 PROFI, Fränkische offers plumbers a reliable basis for their planning without the necessity to change either system or crimping jaw usually inevitable when working with other brands. alpex F50 PROFI can be crimped with many commonly available F, U, TH, H and VP crimping jaw outlines as well as with all common hydraulic pressing tools. Additional advantages, for example a leak detection system, robust stainless steel sleeves, space-proven high-performance PPSU plastic material and a proven complete product range offer plumbers significant benefits.

Photo: Fränkische

In order to find out if the available crimp jaw fits and is suitable for the installation of alpex F50 PROFI systems, Fränkische has developed the so called “jaw quick check” for pipe dimensions from 16 to 32 mm (DIM 16). This unique tool needhixs to be inserted into one half of the crimping jaw. In case one of the five contours of the jaw quick check tool fits exactly into the crimping jaw, the respective jaw is suitable for alpex F50 PROFI fittings and the compression process can be continued. The jaw quick check tool will be sent out free of charge upon request. Therefore, please contact Fränkische by telephone +49 9525 88-555 or via www.fraenkische-haustechnik.de.

Fränkische makes easy and safe installation a top priority in product development. In addition to the DVGW approval which independently verifies the excellent quality of all alpex F50 PROFI systems and parts, Fränkische also provides a 10-year-certificate for the entire alpex F50 PROFI range of products. All alpex F50 PROFI composite pipe systems with inner PE-X layer and butt-welded aluminumleck core (PE-X / Al / PE) are high-quality, flexible and proven systems. Whether as flexible coiled bundles or straight lengths, whether as pre-insulated multi-layer composite pipes or pipe-in-pipe protective sheathing systems – all pipes are easy and quick to install.

Photo: Fränkische

alpex F50 PROFI fittings are equipped with a leak detection system that enables processors to quick and easy check if the fitting is correctly compressed. In case part of the piping system is not tight water spills out. The plumber finds out right away with a pressure test and visual inspection.

A sophisticated technical detail of the system is the special guiding groove at the alpex F50 PROFI fittings press sleeves. It enables the plumber to optimally position the crimping jaws and thus prevents them from getting out of place during compression.

The new alpex-plus push-fit fitting which can be used alternatively or additionally to the proven alpex F50 PROFI system and the alpex L fitting for larger pipe dimensions from 40 to 75 mm optimally complement the Fränkische alpex product line for heating and plumbing installations.

There are still countries, that prefer other pipe materials for hot water installations: Sie in Czech Republic and Slowenia, PP-R pipes are mostly used, in Sweden people prefer PEX pipes. Anyway, regarding the totals of eastern and western Europe, copper is still the leading material in western Europe for hot water installations, while in eastern Europe multi-layer is already the winner.

20 Years pipelife

Emphasizing on the importance of  sustainable life, the local management  decided to plant one tree after every million meter of produced Radopress pipes.

As a beginning, on September 3rd, general manager Alexander Leutner planted a maple and elm tree right across the production hall as an indication for more than 2 million meter of produced and sold pipes by August 2010.

As production and sales develops, additional trees are likely to be planted at public areas in the near future.

A tree for every Pipelife Radopress Multilayer Pipe

Contact: www.pipelife.com

Established in 1973

In 2007 Zetaesse bought a PEX / Al / PEX multilayer pipes production unit (see kwd-globalpipe 262, 12.11.2007).

In 2009 Zetaesse released a brand new and revolutionary solution in the solar heating field GIRASOLE, a copper pipe with a new coating made by two distinct layers: a slab of a particular mixture of synthetic fibers coupled with a PEX foam layer. This union allows the coating to be resistant to high temperatures; that is why GIRASOLE is guaranteed up to a constant temperature of 180° C!

As usual Zetaesse exhibited in MCE mostra convegno expocomfort 2010, scheduled from 23 to 27 March 2010 at the new exhibition center in Rho-Milan.

Source: Zetaesse SpA, I-Vedelago (TV), info@zetaesse.it | www.zetaesse.it

G.Star China-Shangdong

PAP pipe of G.StAR is made of PE/PEX/PPR, aluminum. It’s smooth, high temperature resistance, environment-friendly non-toxic. The middle aluminum layer can isolate air totally. The pipe has characteristics of both the aluminum pipe and plastic pipe, so it can get rid of weakness of the both respectively and have a long service life up to 50 or more years.

The main products of PAP pipes are :

• PE-AL-PE pipe
• PEX-AL-PE pipe
• PEX-AL-PEX pipe
• PPR-AL-PPR pipe

Features:

• Wide hot resistant scope, high resistance pressure
• Corrosion resistant, non-produce the bacillus
• Over 50 years of service life under normal conditions
• Doesn’t produce the bacillus and oxygen.
• Anti-static electricity, difficult catch fire
• Freeze proof, anti-knocked.
• Can bend not bound
• Light weight, easy to carry and stock.
• Easy installation wide range of application

Application:

• Cold and hot water supplying system for family, drinking water pipeline system
• Cold and hot water pipeline system for Solar energy and Water heater
• For floor heating system of residential rooms, public building, bathroom and swimming pools.
• Liquid products transportation in chemical and Pure natural water system