FLOWTITE
FLOWTITE ® is a glass reinforced polymer pipe suitable for pressure and non pressure applications. It is produced on a continuously winding and advancing mandrel, ensuring consistent high quality pipes. Manufactured in Adelaide, South Australia by RPC Pipe Systems Pty Ltd. FLOWTITE ® pipes are recognised for their strength, flexibility and corrosion resistance making them suitable for a range of application including water, sewerage and drainage.
Material Properties
The wall construction of FLOWTITE ® pipes can vary according to the pipe class and stiffness, therefore only indicative material parameter values have been given below.
| Property | Value & Unit |
| Density | 1800 - 2100 kg/m3 |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.14 - 0.22 W/m.K |
| Tensile strength (Circumferential Hoop) | 125 - 500 MPa |
| Tensile strength (Longitudinal Axial) | 25 - 60 MPa |
| Elastic modulus (Circumferential Tensile) | 10,000 - 31,000 MPa |
| Elastic modulus (Circumferential Flexural) | 13,000 - 31,000 MPa |
| Elastic modulus (Longitudinal Tensile and Flexural) | 6,000 - 12,500 MPa |
| Circumferential bending creep ratio (50 years) | 0.6 |
| Circumferential tensile strain (Ultimate) | |
| - Initial | 1.52% |
| - Long Term (50 years) | 0.65% |
| Circumferential bending strain | |
| - Initial | 2.3% |
| - Long Term (50 years) | 1.3% |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.22 – 0.29 |
The wall construction of FLOWTITE ® pipes can vary according to the pipe class and stiffness, therefore only indicative material parameter values have been given below.
| Property | Value & Unit |
| Thermal coefficient of expansion (Axial) | m/m.K |
| Thermal conductivity | W/m.K |
Fire Resistance Properties
| Property | Value & Unit |
| Flammability | Will not support combustion |
| Ignitability | 10 |
| Smoke Development | 6 |
| Spread of Flame | 0 |
| Heat Evolved | 2 |
FLOWTITE® pipes have a non-structural external layer of reinforced resin to provide weathering resistance when stored or installed above ground. This external layer protects the structural layers from UV radiation, which may discolor over time. If this is not acceptable, pipes may be coated with an acrylic (water based) paint.
Standard FLOWTITE® pipes can be permanently stored in the open without any detrimental effects on the structure of the pipe from UV radiation however, some superficial roughening and discoloration of the external and internal surfaces may occur which is acceptable. For periods over 6 months in open areas it is recommended that the rubber rings should be stored indoors.
Standard FLOWTITE® pipes are intended for use with water, sewage and controlled industrial wastes at temperatures of up to 35°C in the pH range 3 to 9. For temperature and chemical conditions in excess of these values Iplex Pipelines’ engineers should be consulted for advice on rerating and chemical suitability.
With the exception of chlorinated or aromatic solvents, FLOWTITE® pipes have a high resistance to chemical attack. Furthermore, special resin systems can also be used to improve chemical resistance at elevated temperatures. In the case of some solvents, the use of a vinyl ester resin system may be recommended.
FLOWTITE® pipes selected for use in severe environments, such as the processing industry, especially at elevated temperatures, may require special resin systems such as vinyl esters. Because of the range of factors involved, the final determination of the suitability of FLOWTITE® for a given environment becomes the sole responsibility of the specifier