Acid resistant even after 20 years of continuous operation

For more than 60 years, GF Piping Systems has been the specialist for high-quality plastic piping systems. For applications in the chemical industry, uPVC has proven to be a particularly robust and reliable material for which GF Piping Systems has even developed its own formulation. uPVC resists aggressive media such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid and, unlike traditional metal piping, also tolerates varying acid concentrations. This gives plant operators more flexibility and security. Recently we had the opportunity to analyze one of our piping system made of uPVC in Germany that had been constructed more than 20 years ago and was about to be replaced due to a plant remodelling - because of the typical longevity of our systems a rare and thus particularly interesting possibility. It had been installed outdoors, exposed to changing weather conditions and direct sunlight, and was consistently used for 96% sulfuric acid. The laboratory investigation, including microscopic sections, showed that the uPVC wall material from GF Piping Systems was still completely intact even after more than 20 years of constant use. More than a superficial oxidation could not be determined. The adhesive surfaces were still more than 80 percent intact. They, too, were still fully operational (you can read a detailed analysis in the April issue of the German magazine "cav"). Roberto Almodovar, market segment manager for the chemical process industry in Germany: "This typical application shows that uPVC piping systems retain their material advantages on the long term. In addition to low weight and faster installation by cementing, these are above all that they are corrosion and maintenance free. "This applies both to uPVC as a piping material and as a GRP inliner. In addition to their use in chemical applications, uPVC pipes and fittings have also drinking water and food approvals. The German Institute for Construction Technology in Berlin has also issued the general building inspectorate approvals for storage, filling and handling of substances hazardous to water pursuant to the German Water Resources Act. uPVC from GF Piping Systems is a robust all-rounder for all applications where safety and reliability are particularly important. More information about applications for the chemical industry can be found here. Also plan a visit to our booths at IFAT and ACHEMA. To learn more about the benefits of plastic piping systems, visit the website of the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA), where GF Piping Systems is one of the members: www.discover-plasticpipes.com

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