Element offers experimental testing to study end use conditions for water pipes. In addition to hydrostatic pressure tests, we can help you simulate how pipe life expectancy is affected by bend radius, types of fittings and pipe insulation using flowing water containing dissolved oxygen.
High flow circulation pipe testing is part of Element's global Plastic Pipes & Fittings Testing program, provided to resin manufacturers, pipe extruders, certification bodies and utility companies worldwide, where independent, reliable and reproducible test data is required for product classification and life time evaluation.
Experimental circulation loop testing
Element offers high flow circulation loop testing for experimental testing by simulating and studying end use conditions for water pipes. Since hydrostatic pipe testing methods use non-circulating water, the tests results only delivers limited information regarding end use performance. In addition, this test frame is designed to allow evaluation of how pipe life is affected by bend radius, types of fittings and pipe insulation under the influence of controlled temperature, pressure and flow rates using flowing water containing dissolved oxygen.
Principle
Each circulation loop has ten test stations with individually controlled flow rates. Temperatures between 20°C and 110°C can be studied. Fresh water can also be introduced at a predetermined ratio to simulate specific end use situations. Each test station has the scope to accommodate ”pipe bend” samples and the client’s own choice of fitting systems. Pipe diameters between 8 and 32 mm can be tested.
What you can study
By closely simulating end use conditions the system is ideal for product development projects with respect to studying:
- Influence of fittings, valves and welding techniques on pipe performance
- Pipe wall erosion and the influence of high water turbulence
- Extraction of antioxidants
- Comparison with hydrostatic pressure testing
Use your own test design or discuss with our experts. Element offers circulation loop testing where the client designs their own experimental work and we perform the testing and provide regular progress reports. The aim of the concept is to provide a fast and cost efficient service for simulated product development testing.
For more information, or to request a quote, contact us today.
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Our plastic pipes testing facility in Sweden is one of only a handful across the globe with a capacity of 5,000 test stations. We provide independent, reliable and reproducible test data for product classification and life time evaluation. Contact our team to discuss your test projects.
Plastic Pipes Testing Services
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Determination of long-term hydrostatic strength for plastic pipes to ISO 9080 (MRS) and ASTM D2837 (HDB).
Chlorine Resistance Testing
Evaluation of oxidative resistance to chlorinated water for PE, PEX, PE-RT, and PP materials to ASTM F2023, ASTM F2263, and ASTM F3497-21.
Rapid Crack Propagation, S4 Test
Determination of resistance to rapid crack propagation to ISO 13477 for PE pressure pipes at below zero temperature.
Slow Crack Growth Test to ISO 13479
Determination of slow crack growth to ISO 13479 on pre-notched PE and PEX pipes
High Flow Circulation Loop Testing
Experimental simulation of pipe life expectancy is affected by bend radius, types of fittings and pipe insulation using flowing water.
Plastic Pipes & Fittings Testing
Our plastic pipe testing program offers test data for product classification and lifetime evaluation to resin manufacturers, pipe extruders and certification bodies worldwide.