4000 psi-resistant plastic sewer pipe launched

Uponor launches a structured solid wall sewer pipe capable of withstanding up to 4000 psi* water jetting pressure.

Uponor, one of the world's most innovative pipe manufacturers, has developed a structured solid wall sewer pipe capable of withstanding up to 4000 psi* water jetting pressure.

The all-new Ultra Fortis system is being launched to UK water companies this month and it is envisaged that the product range will not be subject to the suspensions imposed on the use of structured wall sewer pipes by Thames Water Utilities and Anglian Water in 1995 and by Southern Water in 1997.

Ultra Fortis has already achieved BSI Kitemark approval against Water Industry Specification (WIS) 4-35-01 for 150mm-300mm diameters and other diameters are currently being developed.

The Engineered Solution.

Described by Uponor as the industry's highest performing structured solid wall sewer pipe ever developed in response to specific industry requirements, Ultra Fortis has a brown outer surface for ease of identification, and a blue inner to aid light reflection for CCTV maintenance activities.

It is robust and light in weight - a three-metre length of 300mm diameter Ultra Fortis weighs less than 25kg - significantly reducing the requirement for mechanical handling on site.

Uponor UK managing director Stuart Godfrey said: "In the spirit of innovation that has always epitomised Uponor, we decided to develop a new sewer pipe with an improved jetting resistance".

"The great thing about plastic is that it can be continually developed and refined; it' s a truly modern material." Full Range of Fittings Ultra Fortis is available with a comprehensive range of socketed fittings and adaptors to alternative materials.

Jointing is easy thanks to a high performance non-handed sealing ring which is externally captive and securely located between the second and third ribs of the pipe, with no requirement for chamfering the pipe spigot prior to jointing.

The three-metre pipe lengths also mean fewer joints.

The pipe's smooth internal bore ensures excellent flow and self-cleansing characteristics.

Joint flexibility allows up to 2.5 degrees' deflection at each ring seal joint.

Mark Hunter, Uponor's principal engineer for water and sewer systems, has been closely involved with the development of the new range, and he commented: "Some manufacturers of rigid sewer pipe systems have in recent years tried to undermine the increasing use of plastic sewer pipes".

"They should, however, appreciate that this structured solid wall pipe system has excellent performance characteristics, such as inherent flexibility, due to the materials used for manufacture, excellent impact resistance when compared to clay pipe systems, and now much improved resistance to high pressure water jetting activities".

"The Ultra Fortis product will provide customers with superior whole asset life performance".

* When tested in accordance with Water Industry Specification (WIS) 4-35-01: July 2000.

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