FAQ
- About application of our fittings
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- What is plastic?
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Plastics are subdivided into three large groups:1. Thermosets
2. Elastomers
3. ThermoplasticsThermosets and elastomers play a rather secondary role in plastic pipe construction and are therefore not discussed.
Thermoplastics are by far the most important for pipe construction.
Thermoplastics can be further subdivided into two groups: a distinction is made between amorphous and semi-crystalline thermoplastics. Polyolefin is a group of thermplastics often used in pipe systems. The main Polyolefins are polyethylene and polypropylene. They belong to the category of semi-crystalline thermoplastics.
The different processes produce various plastics with various properties. Within each individual manufacturing process, there are special procedures that influence the appearance and characteristics of the specific plastics. It should be further mentioned that plastics are seldom used in their pure form but usually as mixtures in what are known as blends or compounds.
The composition of which depends on their purpose and area of application. Blends allow new or altered characteristics (mechanical, physical or chemical properties) to be produced.Read more about plastic material.
- What advantages have plastics over conventional materials?
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PE is resistant to acids, bases, saline solutions, water, alcohol and oil. Under 60°C, it is practically insoluble in nearly all organic solvents. PE can readily withstand ionised rays if they are not too strong and will not become radioactive itself. It is furthermore readily weldable, although there are problems involved in gluing and decorating PE. The surfaces will allow imprinting or painting to adhere only after physical or chemical pre-treatment. Bonding can only be done with the help of contact glue, although such adhesive bonds cannot be subject to very high mechanical loads.Read more about the benefits of HDPE and check our Specification Manual on material properties of PE (including a chemical resistance list).
- To which media is PE chemical resistant?
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In transporting chemicals, consideration needs to be given to the following factors:
- the medium
- concentration of the medium
- temperature
- duration of the load
- flow volume
The chemical resistance of PE to various media at a number of temperatures is given in the chemical resistance list. When the substance you need to transport is not mentioned in this list please contact us.
- How do I store PE materials?
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Fittings and electrofusion couplers need to be stored in a dry environment. We recommend to keep the fittings and couplers as long as possible in the original packing to prevent corrosion and pollution.
The following rules are to be observed when working with PE pipes:
- Pipes are to be transported in appropriate vehicles and carefully loaded and unloaded.
- During transport, they should not be exposed to impact loads.
- Surfaces are to be protected against mechanical influences and their effects (such as grooves, scratches and notches).
- Storage should occur in such a manner that the products are not exposed to the effects of heat, solar radiation, UV radiation or other adverse atmospheric and/or environmental influences for any length of time.
- The products should not be soiled any more than is necessary. The supporting surfaces for the pipes and fittings must remain free of stones and level under all conditions.
- Deformations of the pipes can be prevented by restricting stacking heights. As a rule, do not stack PE pipes higher than 1 meter.
- Where can I find more information about Akatherm products?
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All Akatherm pressure products are available in our online product database. Completed with measurements and links to related products, installation instructions and further general information.
Click here to directly go to the main product database page or use our search function on top of this page.
If the information you require is not available please contact our product management team, you find the contact details here.
- Where can I find more information about installation?
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All Akatherm pressure products are available in our online product database. Simply look up your product and where applicable (and available) we have links to installation documents and video's.
Click here to go directly to the main product database page or use our search function on top of this page.
You can also click here to directly go to an overview of all our videos or you can directly visit our download area and look for the specific document. The download area is conveniently sorted so you find the information you're after quickly.
- Who do I contact for Akatherm parts?
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Akatherm has a large distribution network around the world. Please visit our local availability page which lists all companies per country.
If your country is not listed, please contact one of our team members at Akatherm International BV.
- What is the Safety Factor (SF) or aggregate pipe coefficient (C)?
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For the transport of water through a pipe system, calculations are performed using an aggregate pipe coefficient (C) = safety factor (SF) > 1.25. For the transport of gas in pipe systems an aggregate pipe coefficient (c) = Safety Factor (SF) > 2.0 is used. The aggregate pipe coefficient is comparable to the safety factor (SF) in its size and significance, as it comprises the safety reserves required under certain circumstances when additional loads affect the pipe. For instance, pressure surges, heat stresses during temperature changes, agitations and ground subsidence can reduce internal pressure load capacity.
Check our Specification Manual on standards.
- What is the Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR)?
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In European standards the notion of nominal pressure "PN" is being largely abandoned. Instead, the pipe series number "ISO-S" and the standard dimension ratio "SDR" are being emphasised. This ratio is indicated in the form of an SDR mark (standard dimension ratio). Within a pipe series, this SDR number is constant and corresponds to the value of the rounded outside diameter of the pipe divided by the wall thickness of the pipe.
Check our Specification Manual on standards.
- What is the Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP)?
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Before introduction of the European standard the internal pressure load capacity of PE pressure pipes and fittings was indicate by the nominal pressure stages of a pipe in terms of a PN rating. For instance, pipes rated PN 6 meant that the permissible internal pressure load capacity of the pipe was 6 bar for water at a temperature of 20°C over a lifespan of 50 years.According to the present European standard, the designation (PN) is replaced by the designations (SDR) or (ISO-S). The permissible internal pressure load capacity or maximum operating pressure of PE pipes (PE80, PE100) is based on variable safety factors SF = 1.25 (for water supply pipes) and SF = 2.0 (for gas pipes). For instance, the maximum permissible operating pressure (MOP) for drinking water and gas, and their standard dimension ratios (SDR) for the PE100 material is:
Check our Specification Manual on standards.
- How do the operating conditions influence a pressure system?
The influence of pressure and temperature fluctuations depends on the individual system. A general distinction in the classification of plastic pipe systems is based on the method of installation. In general, there are three main groups:
- Group 1 consists of pipe systems with and without linear compensation. These systems require a bracket construction and are predominantly found in chemical or sewage plants, as well as in swimming pool construction. They generally require the largest project outlays.
- Group 2 pipe installations are exemplified by the parts of a communal water supply network. They are, however, also frequently used in the area of industrial wastewater technology. Due to the flexibility of PE pipes, the costs of groundwork are lower than laying steel, ductile iron or concrete pipes. PE also has distinctive advantages over less flexible plastic pipes (such as PVC).
- Group 3 pipe systems constitute exceptional cases, especially as the accessibility for maintenance is limited. If possible, a pipeline should be installed according to the principles of groups 1 or 2, and direct integration into structures be reserved for open channels or discharge pipes, which are subject to lower stress.
Since the possibility of thermal linear compensation is not always available, this limitation must be taken into account when calculating load effects. Stress due to internal pressure, bending, external loads, etc. can collectively occur and make it necessary for the individual pipe system to be sized in a system-dependent manner.
- What is plastic?
- About our products
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- Can HDPE be glued?
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Polyethylene can not be glued.
Read more about the benefits of HDPE.
- Is it possible to weld Akatherm products together with competitor products?
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If the competitor product complies with EN12201, EN1555, EN 13244, DIN 16963 and ISO 15494, then the products are compatible with each other.
It is necessary to remember that our insurance only covers the Akatherm product, if damage occurs.
- When any damage occurs on the HDPE, how can it be repaired?
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Remove and replace the section of damaged pipe. Connect all parts by using 2 electrofusion couplers. Use the couplers as sliding pieces.
- How can be dealt with stresses due to internal and external overpressure?
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An overload of a pressure pipe system due to internal overpressure results, especially in association with additional heat effects, to a continuous expansion of the pipe until it breaks. The danger of an expansion arises as a result of a too small wall thickness, in which an indiscriminate wall thickness increase is not justifiable.
In the presence of heat expansion, a wall thickness enlargement also increases the reactive forces on the pipe fixed points. The engineer must ensure that the wall thickness is designed to meet requirements while the pipe remains elastic in response to any length changes that might arise. A sudden change in structural operating conditions due to internal pressure leads to pressure surges. The distinctive elasticity of the plastic pipe has the advantage that the extreme values of pressure waves are significantly lower than in steel pipes.
Despite this fact, pipe systems operated by pumps or containing rapidly closing shut-off valves must be tested for any foreseeable effects of pressure surges.
- What do you advise for bracket distance?
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Usually, deflection occurs in a pipe length as a result of the filled pipe's dead weight, including the weights of valves. The flexural stress resulting from a bend depends on the weight and span of the pipe between two support points. In establishing support distances (LD) in compliance with appendix B4 in our Specification Manual, the flexural stresses are so small that no overload or strain on the outer surface can occur. It must be noted that support distances have to be reduced when other components (e.g. valves) are present, or else additional support has to be provided. Especially notable are the significantly higher flexural stresses created by deformation of pipe branches and bends in connection with changes in direction. Experience has shown that, depending on the installation temperature and the standard dimension ratio, the bending of pipe strings that might predominantly occur in buried installations does not have any effect on the service life and operational reliability of the pipe. Temperature loads in a plastic pipe system affect strength values. Varying temperature loads can produce heat stress if pipe expansion is restricted or prevented. Heat stress is also created by temperature differences between the inner and outer wall of the pipe.
- What is stress relaxation?
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The stresses created by constricted conditions (e.g. impeded thermal expansion between two fixed points) are absorbed by the visco-elastic behaviour of the plastic pipe until a tension/expansion equilibrium is created. This process is also termed relaxation. Critical operating conditions arise when varying loads are involved, and the periods of high temperature grow longer than the periods of low temperature. In particular, tensile stresses with long-term effects can, after frequent load changes, result in fatigue fractures. Stress peaks occur when an initial temperature variation affects an installation condition. If the temperature level remains nearly constant over a longer period, the heat stresses are reduced by relaxation to level = 0.50% of the maximum value. Heat stress generated by a varying thermal load and tensile stress having a long-term relaxing effect can be calculated.
- Is HDPE acid-resistant?
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Please use our chemical resistance list.
Read more about the benefits of HDPE.
- What is the load capacity of welded PE100 pipe and fittings?
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PE100 can be welded without restriction. The butt-weld process and the electrofusion process should be performed according to your national guidelines.
In case of application of welded fittings, made from pipe, a reduced pressure load has to be taken into account. The amount of pressure reduction depends on the fysical shape of the product. The reduction factor related to the temperature is given in appendix B2 in our Specification Manual.
If you require more information please contact us.
- Are GOEMA pipe clips UV resistant?
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GOEMA pipe clips are produced from a non UV stabilised PP material. Long term exposure to UV radiation (sun radiation) causes the material to become brittle. This process is called aging or degradation. A brittle material can break by an impact load. When used indoor the clips are not exposed to UV radiation. When used outdoor the UV radiation influences the clips.
The degradation process proceeds as follows. The sunlight affects the outer layer. The outer layer bleaches and in time a chalk layer appears. The chalk layer works as a protective layer against UV radiation and prevents the degradation process penetrating deeper into the material. The amount of chalking on the clips is an indication of the state of degradation. The mechanical properties in the chalk layer are altered, in the core of the product they are not altered.
An application of 30 years outdoor without degradation of the PP material, even with a good UV-stabiliser, can not be reached in theory. Based on experience, PP material with UV stabiliser reaches a life time of maximum 8 years. Factors which influence the UV resistance are;
- The spot of application, the location and real time of exposure to sun light.
- Contact with water, UV stabilisers are washed out by water.
- Product thickness, GOEMA pipe clips are relatively thick.
- Products under constant mechanical load will have a shorter life expectancy.
Extra screening measures prevent exposure to UV radiation. Covering or adding an extra UV protective layer (PU paint).
Based upon above mentioned information it can be stated that GOEMA pipe clips will function for years, even without UV stabiliser. How long depends on the exact location, real time exposure to UV radiation and load. The life time expectancy can be stretched by adding an extra protective layer against UV radiation such as covering or painting with PU paint. Naturally PP forms, influenced by UV radiation, a protective layer which stops the degradation process of the product. The mechanical properties are slightly influenced. When properly mounted the clips are minimal loaded and the chance of failure is negligible.
- About Akatherm
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- Who is Akatherm International BV?
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Please read more about our company here and about our company history here.
Since its foundation in the early 60's under the name Kumefa (Kunststof en Metaal Fabriek), Akatherm has always been a pioneer in PE/PP pipe systems that transformed the business model from prefabrication and installation through trading and subcontracted production to finally own manufacturing and marketing. In 1989 Aljo van Dijk (one of the sons of the founder of Dyka plastic pipe systems) established the present injection moulding plant.
- How do I get to Akatherm International BV?
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This is our address:Akatherm International BV
Visitor & warehouse address:
Industrieterrein 11
5981 NK Panningen
The NetherlandsPostal address:
P.O. Box 7149
5980 AC Panningen
The NetherlandsTel: +31 (0)77 30 88 650
Fax: +31 (0)77 30 75 232
E-mail: info@akatherm.nl
Click here for easy printable directions and map.
For more contact information please click here.
- Where can I get the PE100 pressure fittings from Akatherm?
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Akatherm has a large distribution network around the world. Please visit our local availability page which lists all companies per country.
If your country is not listed, please contact one of our team members at Akatherm International BV.
- In which countries does Akatherm have standards?
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Akatherm International BV is approved in many countries. Please click here for a complete overview of all approvals. You can download the regional approvals as a PDF document.
