A. Yes, we provide free of charge demonstrations on jointing methods and installation advice either on site or at a customers premises. Furthermore, more detailed seminar presentations can be arranged for groups of consultants or contractors either at Durapipe or at a customers premises. Certificates of attendance will be provided to all attendees.

A. Tins are marked with a shelf-life of up to 24 months, dependant on the system being used.

A. It is usually possible to accommodate thermal movement utilising the natural flexibility of the pipework at changes in direction. If there are insufficient changes in direction, other methods would include the inclusion of expansion loops or flexible rubber bellows to accommodate the movement. (Where the use of bellows are proposed, the suitability should be checked with the manufacturer / supplier of flexible bellows).

A. Mineral wool types such as 'Rockwool', Class 1 HT Armaflex or Phenolic foam types such as 'Koolphen' manufactured by Kooltherm are suitable.

A. A. This practise is not recommended. Temporary joints can be made in non-critical situations, provided that both systems are suitable for the application, (e.g. on a cold water system). Joints must be made strictly in accordance with recommendations. PVC-U solvent cement must be used.

A. Durapipe SuperFLO or ABS remains ductile at temperatures as low as - 40°C and is ideally suited to chilled water applications.

A. For maximum thermal efficiency the pipework would need to be lagged. Lagging will also prevent condensation, although plastic pipes can be left un-lagged in non-critical areas, where a small amount of condensation would not cause a problem.

A. Unfortunately, squeeze off technology developed for PE mains cannot be used on ABS or PVC-U.

A. Temperature is not critical provided that surfaces are kept dry and clean. However, for below zero temperatures, you should allow additional curingtime, as the evaporation rate of the solvent will be slowed down.

A. Following installation and allowing the appropriate drying times, the suggested method of testing is to fill the mains with water ensuring that no air pockets remain, and carry out a hydrostatic pressure test up to 1.5 times the maximum working pressure (rated pressure) of the system. The pipework is then left pressurised for a period not exceeding 1 hour.

A. For chemical drainage applications we recommend the use of Vulcathene, which is BBA approved for this duty and is suitable for a mixture of different chemical concoctions used in modern laboratories.

A. We can confirm that solvent cement jointing does not create toxins in the pipework or conveyed fluid. The solvent part of the cement is designed to 'melt' the pipe surfaces and allow easy assembly of components, after which the solvent evaporates away completely to leave a fully welded joint. Durapipe ABS, PVC-U and PVC-C solvent cements have tested and approved for use with cold potable water systems by WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme).

A. The minimum cold bend radius for PLX pipes (SDR11 wall section) is 25 times the pipe outside diameter. The safe bending radius for the Offset Fill and vent pipes (SDR17 wall section) is 35 times the pipe outside diameter.

A. 1.5mm/m/10°C

A. The Vulcathene range does include ‘flexible drain couplings’ for connecting to non-Vulcathene pipework below ground level.

A. Most of the pressure rated plastic systems can be used at full vacuum conditions at ambient temperatures, but for reasons of 'safe fracture mode' we would normally offer ABS. Any chemical considerations need to be taken into account before a specific recommendation can be made.