Roseen, Bergman
Building and Water Industry # 1979 Brigthon
Hot water pipes made of peroxide and silane cross linked polyethylene have been tested comprehensively since 1974. The test programme includes long term hydrostatic tests of straight pipes at elevated temperatures in water, air and detergents. The influence of pipe bends, degree of cross linking, and antioxidant systems has been studied seperately.
The results predict a working life of 50 year8 below 60 C, more than 10 years at 80°c and about 4 years at 95 C. The tested materials were manufactured in 1974 but since then new and improved materials have been produced, and these are currently being tested. Results from this new material are more promising and higher working temperatures are expected to be possible in the future.