Innovative PP-RCT piping systems get a boost in North America thanks to new ASTM standard
Fusion welding of large diameter PP-RCT Pipe System for a Chiller Plant
© ISCO Industries
Borealis and Borouge, leading providers of innovative, value-creating plastics solutions, welcome the recently published updated ASTM standard for pressure-rated polypropylene (PP) piping systems. The new standard ASTM F2389-17a is certain to accelerate the uptake in North America of PP piping systems, and in particular the material class PP-RCT, a PP random copolymer with improved temperature resistance. Borealis has leveraged its global market reach and materials expertise to actively contribute to the development of the new standard. In partnership with both its European and North American customers, it has also contributed to the realisation of the first PP-RCT projects in plumbing and industrial applications in North America.
Borealis drives innovation in PP-RCT
While pressure-rated PP systems are relatively new on the North American market, they have long been standardised in many other parts of the world, and have built up a solid track record over the past 30 years. Borealis has used its strategy of Value Creation through Innovation to develop and pioneer new PP-RCT solutions for exceedingly demanding pipe applications and chlorine resistant cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) specifically for the North American Market requirements.
Compared to conventional materials like steel and copper, PP-RCT offers many significant advantages across the broadest range of applications, from small plumbing installations to large industrial pipe systems. The ASTM standard published in January this year makes it easier for North American engineers and builders to select thermoplastic piping systems as replacement solutions for traditional materials. The advantages of thermoplastic piping systems like PP-RCT are indeed persuasive:
- Thermal fusion joining, leak-tight pipe fusions
- High corrosion resistance
- Easy installation and minimal maintenance
- Long lifetime with improved environmental impact
- Downgauging potential and higher hydraulic capacity than traditional PP-R.
PP-RCT success stories drive market acceptance in North America
Borealis has proven the numerous advantages of PP-RCT in several ground-breaking projects in North America. Two recent ventures show clearly the broad areas of application of PP-RCT and the benefits to be exploited:
- Borealis and systems supplier ISCO Industries made PP-RCT history with the largest PP-RCT project to date in the U.S. for chilled water and condenser lines inside a newly-built mechanical room. Originally designed to use steel pipes, ISCO Industries reconfigured the plan for the new chiller plant at South Dakota State University to use large-diameter PP-RCT pipes instead, including the first-ever 24-inch PP-RCT pipe.
- In another project in Illinois, Borealis worked with Nupi Americas to install PP-RCT in an existing elderly care facility. NIRON PP-RCT was used for hydronic installation to re-pipe an ageing system, and for a replacement cooling tower and other equipment.
"The new ASTM standard opens the door for wider application of PP-RCT in North America," says Maria Ciliberti, Borealis Vice President Marketing and New Business Development. "With over 40 years of innovation experience in the pipe industry, we at Borealis put our materials expertise to work to enable life's essentials by developing the best possible piping system solutions for our customers and the value chain. With several successful projects in the U.S. already under our belt, we look forward to intensifying our North American engagement."
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For further information please contact:
Virginia Mesicek
External Communications Manager
tel.: +43 1 22 400 772 (Vienna, Austria)
e-mail: virginia.mesicek@borealisgroup.com
