PEX-a has been the preferred piping solution for many installers for decades because of its proven track record for safety and high performance. In response to customer and end-user demand for materials exhibiting increased resistance to disinfectants, Borealis is relaunching the enhanced HE1878E-C2, the first fully-stabilised, ready-compounded PEX-a to achieve Class 5 listing. The Class 5 listing corresponds to the highest chlorine resistance rating in accordance with the ASTM F876 standard for PE cross-linked pipes using the ASTM F2023 test method. ASTM F876 is the Standard Specification for PEX tubing in North America.
Borealis’ PEX-a pipe is said to show enhanced durability, high temperature resistance, excellent flexibility and low creep. Borealis HE1878E-C2 has now achieved Class 5 listing. (photos: Borealis)
The advanced qualification of Borealis HE1878E-C2 opens up a wide range of additional opportunities for pipe producers in North America, whilst at the same time enabling producers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to gain the competitive edge thanks to product differentiation. “Having achieved the highest possible chlorine resistant qualification on the market for Borealis HE1878E-C2 underscores the Borealis commitment to innovation and excellence which ultimately benefits the entire pipe value chain,” explains Gilles Rochas, Borealis Vice President Energy & Infrastructure.
Borealis’ PEX-a pipe is said to show enhanced durability, high temperature resistance, flexibility and low creep. Now the Class 5 listing that Borealis HE1878E-C2 has achieved can be added to the list of comfort giving benefits of Borealis HE1878E-C2. As a fully formulated mini-pelletised compound, Borealis HE1878E-C2 also offers production advantages: it is said to require only the addition of peroxide, thus minimising the risk of additive dosing errors, to be easy to handle and to be cost efficient.
Global standards with PP-RCT
The higher-performance pipe material class PP-RCT has been valued by the plastic piping industry for its superior performance for the past decade. Now the superior qualities of this class have been officially confirmed thanks to its inclusion in the most recent publication of EN ISO 15874, the global standard for plastics piping systems for hot and cold water pipe installations. This international standard will accelerate the adoption of this second-generation PP-R-material class along the entire pipe value chain.
Borealis led the way with its launch of this material class back in 2004. Its PP-RCT classified materials which are ready compounded for maximum quality control and available in green (Borealis RA7050-GN) and steel grey (Borealis RA7050), are produced using a special multiple-reactor technology. They contain a high level of beta-nucleated crystals and a state-of-the-art stabilisation package. These features allow for operation at higher stresses at elevated temperatures, opening up a wide spectrum of applications including large diameter pipes for skyscrapers.
A high level of beta-nucleated crystals and a state-of-the-art stabilisation package allow for operation at higher stresses at elevated temperatures.
For example, PP-RCT makes an increase in hydraulic capacity possible while maintaining outer pipe diameter. A higher percentage of smaller pipes may be installed with no reduction in overall water supply. Using the dimension of standard PP-R pipes with higher operating pressures even opens up entirely new areas of use.
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Borealis PP-RCT materials are based on three pillars:
- Beta nucleation, which gives the material fine crystallinity, elevated pressure resistance and slow crack growth propagation
- Special multiple reactor technology, which is used to tailor the grade’s molecular structure
- State-of-the-art stabilisation & additive package, which gives the material further improved thermal and chemical resistance properties
PP-RCT is suitable for use in applications in large diameter applications, where improved pressure resistance is required. Examples include large conduits for air conditioning systems in high-rise buildings, as well as industrial situations. Its potential for down-gauging of wall thicknesses makes PP-RCT a particularly suitable material for further optimisation of these and other large diameter applications.
