Can you get spare solvent weld (SWJ) or BSP ends for FIP valves as a spare part?
What is a barrel union?
What is the strainer size (mesh or micron) of the RV sediment strainer (e.g., RVULV100E)?
FIP's "RV" strainers are supplied standard with 500micron / 35mesh strainer element (made of PVC) for all sizes. For more information please refer to the FIP specification sheet in the Technical Library on this website.
What is the pressure rating of FIP"s VE PVC ball valve? The VKD PVC ball valve?
FIP"s VE PVC ball valve is PN16 Rated up to 2" / DN50mm, and PN10 for sizes 2 1/2", 3" and 4" (DN65, 80 and 100mm) respectively. FIP"s VKD valve is rated to PN16 for all sizes, and is the only PVC valve available from any manufacturer PN16 rated > 2". For more information please refer to the FIP specification sheet in the Technical Library on this website.
What is the difference between FIP"s VE and VKD ball valves?
FIP's ball valve is intended for water transfer applications. It is offered standard with EPDM seals, and polyethylene ball seats. The VKD is intended for industrial applications. It can be provided with either EPDM or FPM (Viton) seals, has teflon ball seats, batch number identification, and locking system to prevent vibrational loosening. the VKD can also be offered in different materials depending on the fluid being conveyed.
What is the difference between VE and VK valves? What makes the orange handle valves industrial, as they look to be made of the same material?
VE ball valves (blue handle) are designed for water transfer. VK or VKD ball valves are designed for industrial processes. The VKD offers teflon ball seats (VE has PE), can be supplied with EPDM or FPM(viton) seals (VE with EPDM only), VKD has batch number identification, a pressure rating on PN16 for all sizes, lockable handle, and an inline micro adjustment feature.
Can I install FIP"s VR angle check valve in a vertical position? What about a ball check valve?
FIP"s VR angle check valve can be installed in a vertical or horizontal position. A standard ball check valve can only be installed in the vertical position.
Is the seal for the 1" air release valve (95503300) available as a spare part?
Yes. The part number is L-ARV-1-RS.
What are FIP FE or FK butterfly valve handles / ratchets / triggers made from?
FIP"s FE butterfly valve has a handle made from PVC, the FK butterfly valve's handle is made from ABS. Both have a spring-release trigger.
Are FIP products (Valves VE, VKD), strainers (RV), check valves (VR) UV resistant, or UV stabilized?
FIP's valves are made from grey PVC-U. The grey pigment provides some UV protection. The wall thickness of all these products is such that UV damage does not impact the performance of the product, with test sites in operation, fully exposed for over five years. Note that the transparent strainer (code RVxxT) is NOT UV resistant.
What is the torque rating on an FE or FK butterfly valve? Why does it matter?
For an FE AND FK butterfly valve, DN100mm, the maximum torque at maximum working pressure (PN10) is 40Nm. This figure described the force required to open or shut the valve, and is used to determine which actuator (automatic control system) is required. Torque rating for butterfly valves can be found on the FIP FE or FK specification sheets located in the Technical Library of this website.
What is an actuator? Does Philmac supply actuators for FIP valves?
An actuator is an automatic control device for a valve, most commonly used with ball, butterfly and diaphragm valves. Actuators can be electrically or pneumatically powered. FIP industrial ball valves (VK, VKD) and butterfly valves (FE / FK) can be actuated - you cannot actuate a Philmac ball valve. We do not supply actuators for FIP valves - customers need to source these separately.
Are FIP FE or FK butterly valves suitable for chlorine in a swimming pool?
FIP swimming pool valves are widely used in commercial swimming pools globally (this is their primary market). However, without additional infomation on the specific application (concentration), we can not make a formal recommendation.
Does Philmac have spare blue handles for the FIP VE ball valves?
No.
What is viton or FPM? What is the code for FIP valves with viton seals?
Viton is the trademark name for FPM - is a kind of elastomer (rubber) from which o'rings and seals (for FIP valves) can be made. Viton typically has better chemical resistance than EPDM - which is the standard O'ring material for FIP valves. For FIP valves with FPM seals, replace the final "E" of the product code with "F" - not all products are available in this configuration.
What is a plain socket on an FIP valve and how do you join it? Do you use glue? What glue does Philmac recommend?
FIP"s double union valves can be supplied with a pain socket (sometimes called a SWJ-F - or solvent weld join - female) which is a female plain socket, suitable for solvent welding using PVC glue. Installers should use a good quality glue, suitable for pressure applications.
Do the FIP butterfly valves (FE or FK) contain any metal at all spare?
FIP FE and FK butterfly valves have a metal shaft (FE = galvanised, FK = 402 stainless steel). Both valves have a dryshaft - which means the shaft is completely sealed from the fluid in the pipeline - only the plastic components of the valve (the disk and gasket) are in contact with the fluid. Corrosion of the shaft can only occur through exposure to external elements, but is not usually a problem. FE butterfly valves have been installed on an aquaculture farm in Tasmania for five years, in saltwater spray, with no problems at all.
Does Philmac have a certificate of quality/conformity for its floats?
Yes we have StandardsMark approval. It can be found in the Technical Library on this website in the valve technical manual.
Are trough valves ok to be gravity fed? Do they have a minimum pressure?
Yes they can be gravity fed. There is no minimum pressure as the valve is held closed by the action of the float.
What is the chemical resistance of FIP ball / butterfly / diaphragm / check valves?
When determining the best plastic and seal material for a chemical application, you need to provide: the exact chemical (by symbol(s) if possible), the saturation (percentage of the chemical in the solution), the temperature of the solution and the intended pressure of the system. For more information please refer to the FIP chemical resistance guide in the Technical Library on this website.
What is the minimum operating pressure to open a Philmac non-return valve ?
5 kPa to open and 20 kPa to keep them closed.
What is the pressure rating of a Philmac blue handled ball valve ?
1400 kPa or 14 bar.
Are there any approvals on the Philmac ball valve range?
Yes, the Philmac blue handle ball valve is Watermark approved for Australia.
Which ½” brass float valve deals with water hammer the best?
None. Valves are not designed to handle water hammer. The water hammer issue needs to be resolved independently.
What is the working pressure of a servo tank filling valve?
10 to 2,000 kPa.
Are the bodies of the FIP ball valve range interchangeable?
Yes. The face-to-face dimensions for FIP’s VE (blue handle) and, VK (orange handle) are identical.
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What does ABS stand for and why use it over PVC?
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. A.B.S. is:
What is the difference between a full face flange, and a stub flange? Do I need to use a backing ring for a full face flange?
Use of metal backing rings is recommended for both types of flange. A full face flange has an extended lip, which the backing ring sits flush against; bolts pass through the lip of the flange (flanges can be supplied pre-drilled to specific flange tables, or undrilled). A stub flange has only small lip, and flange bolts do NOT pass through the body of the stub - this adds flexibility of placement after installation (backing ring can be rotated to suit orientation of the valve/ etc that is being installed).
What standard is Durapipe ABS pipe and fittings made to? Is Durapipe ABS made to an Australian standard? Does Philmac have documentation?
Durapipe"s ABS pipe system is made to a British standard, BS5391 part 1 and 2. This standard is dimensionally identical to the Australian standard for sizes up to and including DN150mm / 6". The major other difference between the Australian and BS is the safety factor, where the BS requires 2 x safety factor, and the AS standard requires only 1.5x - in practical terms, this means Durapipe ABS is thicker walled for the same pressure rating.
What is the maximum operating temperature for ABS? Is ABS suitable for hot water?
ABS has a maximum operating temperature of 80c. It is NOT suitable for hot water.
What is the maximum operating pressure rating of ABS fittings?
ABS fittings have a maximum operating pressure of 15 bar.
What is an MSDS? Where can I find a material safety datasheet for ABS / cement / cleaner?
An MSDS (Material Safety Datasheet) is a standard document containing information about the material properties, handling requirements, and hazards about certain materials. You can find MSDS's for ABS in the technical library on this website.
What can I use to clean ABS solvent cement off paintbrushes?
MEK (our standard eco cleaner) is the best option - but this will only work before the ABS cement dries. Installers should consider a new brush for each job.
Does the atmosphere / environment impact the performance of a pipe system - should I check the chemical resistance of the plastic material to gases?
The environment can attack a plastic system in the same way (from the outside) that the fluid being conveyed can attack the system - this is especially significant for noxious gases.
Is ABS suitable for conveyance of water (RO Water) treated by RO process (Reverse Osmosis)?
Durapipe ABS is used extensively for applications involving high purity water (de-ionised, de-mineralised water), examples of some of the existing UK users being Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, National Semi conductors, Permutit and Technicolour Limited. A typical pure water system for producing rinse water for Semiconductor manufacture has a quoted resistivity of 18.24 Meg ohm cm, (0.055 micro siemens/cm conductivity), with the water being "less pure" if the resistivity number is lower, or the conductivity is higher. The materials used by Durapipe in the manufacture of both the inch and metric ABS pipework systems do not contain plasticisers or stabilisers such as those that are present in materials like PVC-U, which can be leached out into the water. Solvent cements are used in the construction of the joints, and on completion of the installation, care must be taken to ensure that all traces of the solvent fumes have been purged from the system. The exact time required to purge the system will be dependant on a number of factors, including the number of joints within the system, the amount of solvent cement applied to the joints, the environmental temperature at and after installation and the amount of air flow/ventilation around in the vicinity of the pipework. We would therefore, consider that the use of Durapipe ABS materials for use on a "pure water" system is acceptable. However, should a greater level of purity be required, an alternative thermoplastic material that would be suitable for this application would be PVDF.
How do I join ABS using solvent cement?
-Bevel the pipe end - Clean the contact surfaces of the pipe and inside of fitting using MEK cleaner - Apply solvent cement to the inside of the fitting, and the pipe end using a brush - Push the fitting and pipe together firmly. DO NOT TWIST. Hold for 30secs - Leave to cure (time varies on size – refer tech literature).
Is the solvent cement used to join ABS as glue?
No, as a solvent cement it melts the surfaces of pipe and fitting to form a permanent bond. You can not “undo” the join using heat or any other method once it has formed?
Do the bolts go through ABS stub flanges?
For stub flanges, a backing ring is required and bolts are positioned external to the fitting. For full-face flanges, bolts pass through the fitting.
ABS and PVC are the same dimensions up to DN150/6”. Can I join ABS to PVC using solvent cement?
It is not recommended, but can be done for a temporary join. PVC glue MUST be used – ABS solvent cement will not work.
What PVC Catalogue numbers correspond to our ABS MI and FI Adaptors?
Cat 2: Hex nipples M/BSP Cat 3: Adapt M/F, Pl/BSP Cat 17: Adapt F/M, Pl/BSP Cat 18: Sockets. Pl/BSP.
What is the lead time for ABS pipe and fittings?
Durapipe ABS is sourced from the UK. Standard lead time is 10-12 weeks by sea freight, 2-3 weeks by airfreight, which is charged as an additional extra. Pipe CANNOT be air freighted (the lengths are too long to fit in a plane). For air-freight quotes, please contact the Philmac customer service department.
Is ABS suitable for conveying drinking (potable) water?
Yes. The material has been specifically selected for their toxological properties and suitability for conveying cold, potable water. Durapipe's ABS system has British Standard Kitemark, and WRAS approval for cold potable water.
How long does ABS cement and cleaner last? Is the date stamped on the cement the manufacture or use-by date?
ABS cement will last a minimum 24 months from the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is stamped on the tin.
Are we able to get ABS fittings custom-made (non-standard shapes)?
No. ABS fittings are injection moulded (like Philmac compression fittings), so it is not possible to source non-standard fittings.
Is Durapipe's ABS measurement system based on Outside Diameter (OD) or Nominal, DN Inside Diameter (ID)?
ABS units are Nominal - the size is an approximation of the ID or Bore. OD is fixed for a given size, so fittings will always work with any class / pressure rating of pipe.
What is the wall thickness and or pressure rating of ABS pipe class C (9) / Class E (15) / Class T(12)?
Please refer to the Technical Library on this website. Class C is pressure rated to PN9 (9 Bar); Class E to PN15(15 Bar) and Class T to PN12 (12 Bar) AFTER threading.
What is the difference between an ABS threaded nipple and adaptor? Do I need to a coupler to join an adaptor or nipple to pipe?
A nipple has the same OD as pipe and will insert into a coupler (or any other fitting). You need a coupler/or other fitting to join a nipple to the system. Pipe will insert directly into an adaptor - you do not need a separate fittings to join an adaptor to the system.
How long do I need to wait before I can use / pressure test an ABS installation (or - How long does ABS Solvent Cement take to fully dry or cure?)?+
You should wait a minimum of 24 hours for joints to cure before using / pressure testing.
What are the dimensions (bolt length, body length or body width, setting gap, number of bolts, bolt size, weight) of a VJ Maxifit coupling?
Refer to the Technical Library on this website for the Maxifit dimensional chart.
Does Philmac have spare bolts for VJ Maxifits?
Yes, Philmac carries spare bolts, which are supplied as a bolt + washer + nut. There are three different sizes; codes are MFSB040125 suits DN40mm to DN125mm, MFSB150 suits MF150E, and MFSB175300 suits DN175mm to DN300mm Maxifit couplers.
What is a dismantling joint? Does Philmac supply them?
A dismantling joint is a fitting that allows the easy disassembly of a flanged component (such as a valve) from a pipeline. We can supply Viking Johnson dismantling joints, but do not hold stock in Australia, except for DN100 and DN150mm. Please refer enquiries (Details on Nominal Size + Operating Pressure) to the product manager.
Is a Viking Johnson Maxifit coupling suitable for copper pipe?
Yes - for pressure pipe.
How do I join PVC pipe and asbestos cement (AC)? Can I use a Maxifit? or Aquafast? Which one do I recommend, is there a table of conversions?
A Viking Johnson Maxifit is suitable for almost all rigid wall pipes. An Aquafast is suitable ONLY for PE. To understand which Maxifit to use, you need to know the pipe types and nominal diameter(s) OR specific OD's. Use the PIPE SIZE AND FLANGE DIMENSIONAL DATA in the Technical Library of this website and match to the OD range for Maxfits.
What is a Maxifit coupling?
A Maxifit coupling is a product that joins two pipes together, either for repair of damaged pipework (most common), or installation of new pipe systems. The Maxifit coupling can be used with rigid wall pipes of different outside diameters (OD) - check Philmac product catalogue for exact dimensions. Maxifits CANNOT be used with polyethylene pipe - refer Aquafast couplers.
What is an Aquafast coupling?
Aquafast couplings are a mechanical joining method for use with metric polyethylene pipe (pressure). The product ranges is offered in sizes up to 315mm, and as a coupler or flange adaptor. They are most commonly used for pipe-bursting applications (where old, pipelines are relined using polyethylene pipe).
What is the lead time for Viking Johnson (VJ) products into Australia?
Viking Johnson manufactures in the UK. Sea freight is 12-16 weeks, air freight can be arranged (4-8 weeks) for an additional charge. For air freight quotes, please check with the Distribution Department. For custom-made products (large bore couplers, dismantling joints etc) add 4 weeks.
I need to order a 6” Maxifit coupling. Which coupling do I order?
6” = DN150mm Standard MaxiFit couplers have code commencing MF = MF150E. In WA, the water authority requires couplers with an extended body length. These codes start MX (MX150E).
Do VJ Maxifit pipe couplings prevent pipe pullout (Do they provide axial restraint)?
No. Pipe systems being connected using Maxi products need thrust blocks incorporated into the system design.
Can Philmac provide spare gaskets or seals for VJ Maxifit couplers?
Philmac does not stock spare gaskets for VJ products in Australia. They can be ordered in by request, but it is faster (and often cheaper) to buy a complete coupler. Refer to PM.
Standard VJ maxi coupler’s bolts are made of steel with a protective coating called Sheraplex? What is Sheraplex?
Sheraplex is a two-stage protective system, providing a zinc-plating, coated with a polymeric protective barrier. Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) gives Sheraplex a 25+ year life. Refer to specification sheets in the Technical Library on this website.
What are VJ Maxifit couplers made of?
Maxifit bodies are made of rolled steel coated with Rilsan-nylon coating to prevent corrosion.
Can I use a VJ Maxifit coupler to join PE pipe to another material?
No. VJ Maxifit couplers are NOT suitable for PE Pipe. They are only suitable for virtually any rigid wall pipe material.
What pressure rating are VJ Maxifit couplers?
All VJ Maxifit couplers have a working pressure of 16 Bar, and test pressure of 24 Bar.
Can I use VJ Maxi products for gas pipelines?
VJ Products are not approved for use by any gas authority. We do not stock any VJ product suitable for gas.
What is the body length of a Viking Johnson (VJ) Maxifit mechanical coupler?
What are VJ Maxifit / Maxidaptors products made from? What are the bolts made from?
Viking Johnson maxi products body's are made from rolled-steel, coated with a protective Rilsan-nylon coating. The standard product"s bolts are steel with a special sherplex protective coating.
What size pins do Durafuse electrofusion fittings have? What size pins do other brands (George Fischer (GF), Wavin (Rolmaplast), Plasson, Fusion (Fusamatic) have?
Durafuse electrofusion fittings have a 4.7mm pin. The pin is used to connect the electrofusion control unit to the fitting, and perform the weld. Plasson, Fusion and Uponor have a 4.7mm pin, and can be used directly with a connexion welder. George Fischer and Wavin fittings have a 4.0mm pin - so a terminal adaptor needs to be used with a connexion welder.
Can Metric fittings fit rural pipe and vice versa?
No. They are different dimensions - Rural follows imperial dimensions and Metric pipe (blue line poly) follows metric dimensions. However, a nut conversion kit can be used to convert a rural fitting to a metric fitting and vice versa.
I have a lot of parts left over from changing ends of metric and rural fittings. Does Philmac have a spare parts list so I can identify the parts needed?
Yes, please contact Philmac's Customer Service Department for information on spare parts.
What pressure rating are Philmac Metric fittings rated to?
1600 kpa or PN16 or 16bar.
What materials are rural compression fitting components made from?
Body and nut, polypropylene
What material are the Metric compression fitting components made from?
How does the Metric fitting seal?
The action of tightening the nut pushes the seal into the compression chamber which compresses the seal between the wall of the fitting and the pipe.
Can you perform live installations with a metric fitting (i.e. water flowing through the pipe)?
Yes – because the metric slide and tighten technology enables the pipe to be inserted easily into the fitting without any interference on the seal.
Can you join Rural and Metric (blue line) pipe together with Philmac compression fittings?
Yes, just have a metric nut at one end, and the rural insert & nut at the other – the body design enable the rural and metric nuts to be interchangeable.
What pipes does the UTC take?
Galvanised, PVC, copper, lead, ABS, stainless steel and PE - any pipe with an outside diameter between 15 - 61mm.
How far do you have to insert pipe into the UTC?
Up to the stop indicator which is on the body of the fitting – the pipe should be witness marked to ensure correct insertion depth. Refer to the installation guide in the UTC technical manual located in the Technical Directory on this website.
Do you have a fitting to join steel to blueline poly / PE?
Yes, the fitting is our Universal Transition Coupling or UTC for short.
What is a victaulic fitting and how do they work?
Victaulic is a brand name. The generic term for this fitting is a "shoulder adaptor". The shoulder of the fitting is connected to the shoulder of another fitting / pipe with the use of a metal clamp.
Why is the Philmac Rural insert easier to install into the pipe than other brands?
The Rural insert has been designed with a taper. This allows the installer to easily locate and place it into the Rural pipe. The insert can be placed easily into the pipe up until the last one or two barbs are showing. A blunt object can then be used to tap the insert all the way into the pipe. A tapered insert is much better than a square shaped insert as there is less risk in splitting the pipe during installation.
Can I use the Philmac Rural fittings on pressure pipe / blue line poly / metric pipe?
No. Unfortunately Rural pipe is based on imperial dimensions and Metric (blue line) pipe is based on metric dimensions. You can transition between one pipe and the other, simply by changing the components on one end of our fitting.
What pipe is suitable for connecting the blue tapping saddles?
The tapping saddles are designed to be assembled to metric dimensioned PE and PVC pipe. Some saddle sizes can connect to imperial dimensioned PVC pipe where the outside dimensions are similar. For pipe dimensions, please refer to the Technical Library on this website.
Does Philmac have any approvals for threaded fittings / BSP?
No there are no approvals for threaded fittings.
What are the onga threaded fittings made from?
They are made from polyester, except for the 2" nut which is made from nylon.
What material are Philmac threaded fittings made from?
Polypropylene (a type of plastic). Sometimes called PP.
What is the recommended filtration for TD4DC drippers operation on town water supply?
Ideally it would be 120 micron (120 mesh). This type of dripper cannot be taken apart to clean, therefore it is important to prevent it from blocking with debris.
What are Philmac barbed fittings made from?
Philmac barbed fittings are made from Nylon which is a lot tougher than polypropylene (material commonly used by competitor products) which means the barbs retain their sharpness.
How can I identify which tape-lock flushing valve is 5 kPa or 12 kPa? (TLVF5 & TLVF12)?
5 kPa is red, 12 kPa is black.
What size hole do I drill for a 19 mm top hat grommet?
22 mm, but it must be a hole saw bit. More information is available on the specification sheet (WSS017H4/98).
What is PCD on a Flange or Backing Ring?
What is tiger pipe? Are Durafuse pressure electrofusion fittings suitable for / can they be used with / tiger pipe?
What is the maximum pressure rating of Rural Pipe?
What is SDR? What pressure rating is SDR11?
I have black poly pipe with a blue line through it. What fittings can be used?
This is "blue line" or Metric pressure polyethylene pipe. The blue line identifies the pipe as for water or general purpose. Any fittings suitable for pressure poly can be used, including Metric compression fittings, pressure electrofusion (Durafuse) fittings, Viking Johnson Aquafast fittings and Akatherm pressure short spigot fittings for buttwelding.
What is blueline poly / blueline pipe?
Blueline is a common name for metric pressure PE (and compatible with Philmac"s metric compression fittings, and electrofusion system). The pipe has a blue line printed on the surface to signify that it is for water transfer - hence the name blueline.
How do I tell what type of PE pipe I have?
Refer page 107 of our catalogue for PE pipe dimensions.
What is blue brute? Is it PVC? Is it pressure?
Blue brute is a brand name for series 2 pressure PVC AS/NZS4441 readily used in Australia and is blue in colour.
What does HDPE stand for?
HDPE stands for High Density Polyethylene, and designates the type of resin used to make the pipe. HDPE can be used to make both drainage PE pipe (such as our Akatherm drainage pipe), or pressure pipe. PE100 is HDPE, whereas PE80 is MDPE (or medium density).
Where do I find chemical resistance information ?
Contact the Philmac Customer Service department for more information. Please be prepared as a consultant will want to know the following information prior to making an assessment on the suitability of the fitting;
What is the difference between Table E and Table D flange patterns?
A flange table designates the maximum pressure rating for a flange connection. The lower the letter, the lower the pressure rating, and the fewer bolts (and holes in flange) required. Refer to page 109 in our catalogue for flange dimensions, and number and size of bolts.
What is a flange or backing ring? What does Table D or Table E mean?
A flange or backing ring are components of a joining system, using (normally) metal plates and bolts. They can be dismantled, so are often used for installing pumps or valves in pipelines, which need to be accessible for maintenance at a later date. Flange tables (such as Table E) are Australian standards that define all the parameters of a flange (like thickness, number of bolt holes, thickness of bolts, and PCD).
What is a Siphonic / Syphonic Roof Drainage system? Do we have any product that is suitable?
What is the outside diameter (OD) of HDPE pipe?
What can you use as an end cap for HDPE?
Is Akatherm"s HDPE drainage system / pipe sound proof? How sound proof?
We do not have specific information on the sound insulting properties of Akatherm"s drainage system. A private report has been shared with us from sound testing performed in a high rise Akavent installation, which tested a 50l (max flush load) down an Akavent stack - and noise was virtually inaudible at near 40dBa. This means an Akavent stack is not significantly different to a standard DWV system, and standard insulating practices should be followed in noise sensitive areas.
How do you go from 110mm hdpe to 100mm cast iron?
There is not a single fitting to perform this transition. The customer would need to connect using a flanged connection (HDPE stub flange and backing ring for HDPE side), and weld (or use a maxidaptor) for the cast iron line.
Does Philmac have a fitting that will connect 160mm Akatherm to 150mm O.D stainless steel?
There is not a single fitting to perform this transition. The customer would need to connect using a flanged connection (HDPE stub flange and backing ring for HDPE side, and weld (or use a maxidaptor) for the stainless line.
What is the cook / fusion / weld time for a drainage electrofusion coupler? What is the cooling time?
All drainage electrofusion coupler's fusion times are automatically controlled by the welding machine - there is no published fusion times, and the welder does not allow manual entry of fusion times. Drainage EF joints <= 160mm should be left for a minimum of five minutes to cool, and should be cool to the touch before any fluid is permitted at the joint site.
What is the difference between an eccentric (Level Invert Taper) and concentric reducer? When would I use them?
An eccentric reducer or LIT. reduces inline with an edge (touching) of the larger diameter. This is useful in non-pressure (drainage) and some slurry applications, where it is important to avoid any potential "trap" for material. A concentric reducer reduces in the centre of the larger diameter, meaning less friction loss in pressure systems and better flow for vertical drainage applications.
In Victoria, Australia, a plumbing account may ask for a 27A – what is it?
In HDPE it is a clean out branch, or inspection opening.
What is a tail extension? And why would you use it?
A tail extension is a piece of pipe joined to a fitting, which gives the fitting sufficient length to be joined using electrofusion process. This can also be referred to as a long spigot.
Which is more common in HDPE drainage systems, the concentric or eccentric reducers. When do you use them?
An eccentric reducer is more common for drainage systems – they allow a straight-line transition, meaning less chance of waste building up at the join for horizontal pipework. For vertical pipework, a concentric reducer should be used.
How do I join HDPE to copper or PVC?
Use an expansion snap socket with the appropriate snap socket seal adaptor (check the catalogue).
What pressure rating does Akatherm HDPE Pipe have? What about Couplers?
Up to 56mm PN6, 63mm up to 160mm PN4, 200 to 315mm PN3.2 Akatherm drainage couplers are NOT pressure rated, and should only be used for non-pressure drainage applications.
What is the maximum temperature for HDPE drainage pipe? Is it suitable for hot water?
HDPE can be used for disposal to a maximum temperature of 100c for DRAINAGE applications ONLY (no pressure). Minimum temperature is -40c.
What fitting do you use to join 110mm HDPE to 100mm PVC?
110mm Exp snap socket 401120 or 110mm snap socket 401110. Because 110mm HDPE and 100mm DWV PVC have the same OD, a seal adaptor is not required.
Are HDPE silt traps suitable for use in regards to food preparation? What are silt traps?
Silt traps are a trap with a stainless steel basket that acts like a sieve - it catches the "chunky bits" so they can not enter the waste line, and potentially cause blockages over time. The stainless steel bucket needs to be removed for emptying from time to time. They are suitable for food preparation.
Does Philmac have any secatuers / equipment to cut pressure PE pipe / poly / blueline?
Philmac has secatuers for polyethylene pipe for pipes SDR11 and thinner. Secateurs are for sizes 0-32mm and 0-63mm (see pipe preparation equipment section of GPS electrofusion system in the catalogue).
What is the maximum temperature rating of an AK filter?
The filter is only rated to ambient water temperature which is considered to be 20 degrees Celsius
How do I convert psi to kPa. If I have 35 psi how many kPa is it?
For a complete range of conversion factors, look in the Philmac Technical Library "Tables and Conversions" document. 1 psi = 6.89 kPa, so 35 psi = 241.5 kPa (35 psi x 6.89 )
How can I convert metres head to another dimension of pressure, such as PN, BAR or kPa?
For a complete range of conversion factors, look in the Philmac Technical Library "Tables and Conversions" document. For this example, 10 metres of head = 1 Bar (PN1) = 100 kPa.
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