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Characteristics of Ezepipe™
composite pipe PE-Xc/AL/PE-Xc
Electron beam cross-linking of HDPE (cross-linking)
characteristics • installing • hazards • properties • pressure tests
 
1. Characteristics:


Cross-linking is a process where transverse connections originate between the long molecules of the polymer; this is achieved by exposing the pipe to an intense electron beam. The advantage is that the pipe when used for sanitary applications need not be washed and therefore is very suitable for drinking water. Furthermore, special properties are given to the Ezepipe™ PE-Xc/AL/PE-Xc composite pipes due to the electron beaming:

  • High temperature resistance
  • Flexibility
  • Excellent resistance to chemicals
  • 100% corrosion proof
  • Inner and outer pipe layers are cross-linked
  • Very high resistance to stress fractures


NOTE: according to DIN 16 829, par. 3.5, cross-linked pipes must have the following cross-linked properties in order to meet the application standards.

  • PE-Xa > 70%
  • PE-Xb > 65%
  • PE-Xc > 60%
2. Approval bodies:
The Ezepipe™ composite pipe satisfies the strictest standard in various countries such as DVGW (Germany), WRC (England), KIWA (the Netherlands), ATG (Belgium), Australian Standards, ETA (Denmark) and other countries (approvals available on request)
 
Ezepipe™ Specifications
System certificate
The whole system of composite pipes including press and screw couplings has received technical approval including ATG certificate.
Pipes
The inner pipe consists of cross-linked polyethylene (PE-Xc), extruded from high density polyethylene (HDPE) granulates. Around the inner layer is a special connecting layer which bonds the PE-Xc inner pipe evenly with an aluminium layer. This aluminium piping is 0.4mm thick and welded lengthwise. The welding seam inspection takes place mechanically. This aluminium pipe is then layered with a special connecting layer which evenly bonds the outer PE-Xc pipe with the aluminium layer. The whole pipe is cross-linked by electron-beams (both inner and outer pipe)

The pipe must conform to the following conditions:

  • No oxygen diffusion
  • 100% gas tight
  • Linear expansion co-efficient less than or equal to 0.025 mm/mk
  • Very good heat conductivity = 0.43W/mk
  • Can be bent by hand
  • They must keep their shape well
  • The pipes are placed in a pipe sleeve
  • The ends of the pipe must always be calibrated and deburred according to the instructions
  • All auxiliary parts, couplings, adapters, calibration, etc. specified by the supplier must be used
To counter electrolysis a coupling must be used whereby a Teflon insulation ring is present at the ridge of the insert sleeve to prevent contact between aluminium and brass or copper.
 
 
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