The process is usually based on a silane cross-linking method invented by Dow Corning. PE-Xb pipes can be manufactured either in a two-step process (material compound and pipe manufactured separately) or in a single-step. It would be more precise to call the two-step a three-step process because the extruded pipe needs to be put in a hot water bath for final cross-linking. + + + In the German speaking countries, Wirsbo using the Engel PE-Xa process, and not much later Rehau, were leading the way for PE-Xa solid wall pipe, especially for under-floor heating applications. Later on, Hewing, followed by Acome of France, introduced a PE-Xc electron beam cross-linked pipe and captured a significant share of the market. Since electron beam cross-linking equipment is only available in Belgium, Germany, France, Israel and Switzerland, the supply of PE-Xc pipes (also as inliner in composite pipes) is limited.
More: KWD-globalpipe, 2008-12-09, No. 302.

Update 2008 now published. For the first time we also offer all figures in Excel-Format and an additional Presentation in PowerPoint Format.

Standard Version: Pipe Materials in figures 2004 - 2011, more than 5.500 companies, datas on CD + Print, 920,- €, Subscribers only pay 680,- €. Premium Version incl. Excel and PowerPoint Format costs 1.220,- € or 980,- € for Subscribers.

We had intended to publish our new market study in June but the market turned around almost completely (in a downward direction unfortunately). Some countries, such as Spain and Denmark in particular, saw a major collapse. Raw material and energy prices (especially oil) also seemed to be heading in only one direction.

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In the meantime, this downward spiral has at least been halted and the market can lick its wounds (generally manifest in greatly reduced sales opportunities). If the most recent signals from the global authorities are to be believed, raw material prices will fall further and the oil price has already dropped drastically. We have been able to incorporate all this into our study, although we do not need to remind anyone how unreliable today’s forecasts are. This is due in no small part to the fact that construction is no longer one of the guiding instruments of the policy makers (subsidies, incentives).

Politically motivated support measures (renewable energy) no longer offer a long-term guarantee. Refurbishment by private developers is also being increasingly affected by unforeseeable factors such as the general consumer climate, oil prices, stock market developments and global politics, which are almost impossible to factor in, even in the medium term.

In response to numerous requests, we have tried for the first time in the new study to show PEX and PE-RT separately, and above all to show multilayer pipes with Pex inliners separately from multilayer pipes with PE-RT inliners by system and country. The base value for determining the figures for the individual sectors has also been updated, as have the number of fittings per metre and the average weights of the individual raw materials per metre.

On the advice of the copper industry, we have also reduced the number of grams per metre of copper pipe from 460 to 420.

Thanks to much willing assistance from almost all sectors (pipe manufacturers, system suppliers, material suppliers), we have been able to correct some inaccurate estimates and we were often surprised ourselves by new trends. Radiator connection sale volumes have generally fallen sharply. Within this segment PEX in particular but also PE-RT, PB and PP-R lost out strongly in multilayer pipes. This trend was also evident in the case of plumbing systems, and especially so in the German-speaking area. Our observations suggest that the decline in copper and stainless steel, which was entirely price-dependent, has come to an almost complete halt, in some Eastern European countries copper pipe volumes even continued to increase. Countries such as Britain proved virtually “trend resistant”, with individuals and institutions being slow to change their purchasing patterns. Typically British. In France, on the other hand, even warm water underfloor heating is declining in favour of electric heating systems. This is the result of the strong position of EDF, combined above all with the fact that France, with its cheap nuclear electricity compared with oil-fired warm water heating, is able to promote electric heating systems well ahead of everything else. Much has changed, therefore, in the new chart study which is available now as a CD + 2 paper volumes at a price of 680 €. + + + In response to requests, we are also offering this time a premium version for 980 €. This contains for the first time all the tables for all 28 countries plus Europe, as an Excel spreadsheet with graphs of the most important material in each case (see for example “Radiator Heating in Denmark”). In addition, a summary of the most important information for each country, and in somewhat greater detail for Europe, is supplied as a PowerPoint presentation (approx. 7 slides per country and 20 slides for Europe). The Excel file can be manipulated as required, so that companies can enter their own figures and the resulting information (market shares, +/- against previous year, totals and graphs) is calculated automatically.

Multilayer pipe sales in Australia are about to receive a major boost in the Multi Storey Residential and Commercial markets. Snap Fire Systems has released a Fire Collar that closes the plastic/aluminum pipe up to the largest available size of 63mm. A 4 hour Fire Resistance Level (FRL) is now possible with a SNAP Gas Fire Collar, Composite pipe and a 4 hour concrete floor.
“The Residential & Commercial high-rise and Aged care facility market had been previously off limits to composite pipe, due to the pipe needing to pass through Fire Rated Walls or Floors. But architects, builders and contractors can now utilise the benefits of composite pipe in many more installations with the introduction of this Fire Collar.” SNAP Fire Systems managing director Brett Magnay said. (www.snapcollars.com).

Measurement of foam core pipes has so far been a special challenge. Control of the functional layers has due to the specific material properties not been possible with conventional measuring equipment. Now a digital ultrasonic system is available which provides accurate „inside information” also on foam pipes.

Raw material is foamed during processing which produces small air bubbles. They enlarge the material volume and as such the wall thickness size. This saves raw material and reduces costs in a particularly important segment. However, air bubbles cause measuring problems due to the fact that they reflect ultrasonic signals. Consequently, it has so far not been possible to measure interior layers. Foam pipes are normally co-extruded pipes and it is recommendable to control the geometry of all layers in order to minimize material consumption. INOEX has now found a solution for this technical challenge: a new AUREX digital ultrasonic measuring technique….. more: KWD-globalpipe, 2008-11-25, No. 300

Aleris Aluminum in Belgium is one of the leading suppliers of aluminium strip to the multilayer tube manufacturers in Europe. We offer the following technical advantages to our customers:

Special Multilayer tubing alloys

- a new generation of alloys especially designed for multilayer tubing
- especially fine-tuned and focussed on typical demands of our multilayer tubing customers giving them:

• higher creep resistance at elevated temperature
• much better sustained pressure test results
• better formability:
  - easier for welding,
  - higher flexibility & better bending properties of the tubes
• excellent adhesion properties due to special chemical degreasing process
• excellent corrosion properties due to special thermo-mechanical processing

- thanks to these special characteristics a lot of cost savings are possible! …more: KWD-globalpipe, 2008-11-25, No.300

In addition to the Silon main business - PE-Xb - SILON International GmbH offers further products for various applications, e.g. corrugated pipes, protection pipes, waste water pipes for inside and outside, drinking water pipes, gas pipes etc. PE-Xb specialties for shrinking tubes and profiles PE-Xb raw material for injection moulding of fittings and sockets Stabilizers for protection against UV-radiation, thermal degradation of the Polymer, flame retardant additives, processing aids, etc. Combinations of colours and stabilizers are possible. Tailor made special products are offered Adhesives for multilayer pipes with e.g. aluminium, oxygen barrier (EVOH), etc. …. More: KWD-globalpipe, 2008-11-25, No.300

Aleris International, Inc. is a global leader in aluminium rolled products and extrusions, aluminium recycling and specification alloy production. Aleris Rolled & Extruded Products - Europe, with state-of-the-art rolling and extrusion mills in Europe and an extrusion plant in Tianjin (China), is one of world’s leading manufacturers of high quality aluminium products.
We have applied our experience and know-how, which we have gained by being the principal supplier to many industries, to the development of products that fully satisfy the requirements of areas such as……more: KWD-globalpipe, 2008-11-25, No.300.

Pipelife Hungária Kft. announces the successful investment of EUR 3 million in a Maillefer/Dreistern multilayer pipe extrusion line for the manufacture of Pex-Alu-Pex and PERT-Alu-PERT pipes for plumbing and heating applications. This investment is the first of its kind, not only for the Pipelife Group but also in Hungary.

This investment in its first multilayer pipe extrusion line will complete Pipelife’s manufactured product offering, especially in the rapidly growing market segment of hot and cold water applications. It also represents another milestone in the Group’s strategic development of applications for the Central and East European markets.

“In recent years, Pipelife has increased its focus on the growing segment of hot & cold water applications. This new investment is a perfect fit for our strategy and will support our goal to become the leading player in this product segment, above all in Eastern Europe”, explained Norbert Speiser, Chief Operating Officer for the CEE Region in the Pipelife Group.

More: KWD-globalpipe, - 289, 11.11.2008.

Effective September 1, Dr. Christoph Steger has become Head of the Marketing and Product Man agement departments at Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH, Vienna. The new manager, who holds a doctor’s degree in business administration, has now taken over part of the duties previously administered by Hans Berlisg, who will retire at the end of this year. Dr. Steger has also taken charge of the Quality Management De-partment, which has up to now been the responsibility of the Managing Director, Walter Häder.

Contact: www.cet-austria.com, Steger.C@cet-austria.com, welcome@cet-austria.com.

Important IPEX Product Announcement: Effective October 31, 2008, IPEX will discontinue the production and the sale of WarmRite Floor® pipe, fittings and accessories for the North American hydronic heating market. Unfortunately, the WarmRite product line no longer meets the business targets that IPEX requires. Increased competitive pressures and poor market conditions have resulted in the continuing decline of WarmRite sales and profitability. Select WarmRite components will remain in our inventory for a period of time in order for customers to complete, maintain and service their heating systems. Our current limited warranty will continue to apply to all WarmRite products installed. IPEX would like to thank you for your continued support. We look forward to servicing your future plastic piping system needs with our broad offering of core products. We will be pleased to work with you to resolve any inconvenience that this product discontinuation may cause. More: KWD-globalpipe, 2008-11-04, No.297.