Technical data

Wirsbo-inPEX pipes, made to measure
Wirsbo-inPEX is our collective name for pipes and pipe systems, pipe components, band, moulded articles, etc. for industrial applications. Items that are tailor made to customer specifications and are produced in addition to our production of standard pipes. These are cost-efficient manufactured, thanks to the favourable characteristics of the material.
Wirsbo-inPEX consists of pure HD-polyethylene that has extra high molecular weight. With the aid of peroxide, high pressure and high temperature, chemical bonding is achieved between the long molecular chains in the polyethylene, resulting in ”netting” or cross-linking. A three-dimensional network is built up in this way. The result is a material with improved characteristics. The Engel process, improved by Wirsbo, is the basis for cross-linking of the molecular chains. The material is the same as that used in Wirsbo-PEX pipes. It is approved in most countries for the distribution of hot water at temperatures up to a maximum of 95°C. Wirsbo-PEX is also at the heart of underfloor heating systems throughout the world.

Plasticity
Custom-made manufacturing may bring to mind expensive tooling and long periods of development. However, we dare claim that PEX material combined with our extensive experience of many applications gives just the opposite. We will gladly exchange your sketch for a prototype. This will save you both time and money by enabling you to make tests on-site with a real pipe. In our development laboratory we can also test the product according to the harsh reality it is going to be exposed to; bursting pressure, pressure
drop, temperature cycling, climate, abrasion, etc.
Wirsbo-inPEX is very suitable in applications with strict requirements for cleanliness. The products are also used where a media pipe is required to provide durability to pressure, temperature and chemicals, and/or where an electrically insulating material is needed.
Furthermore, insensitivity to vibration and lower weight than equivalent parts made of metal are other features that have become more and more important. Recently we have been developing new cost reducing solutions by integrating several functions into one part (eg. It is possible to eliminate separate hose clips). Custom-made products are a question of cooperation and the sharing of know-how. Get in touch with us at an early stage, we will be happy to listen. If Wirsbo-inPEX is the right material, we will surely have the right solution.

Long-term strength of Wirsbo-inPEX
Bodycote Polymer AB, Sweden, where the pipe has been subjected to a life length test equivalent to 50 years, has performed the most extensive testing. Uponor Wirsbo has tests ongoing since 1974. Wirsbo-inPEX has excellent long-term strength. In contrast to non-cross linked thermoplastic material such as PP (polypropylene) and PB (polybutylene) the strength graphs for PEX demonstrate a linear relationship at increased temperatures. When testing plastic pipes for long-term strength the following factors must be included: media, pressure, temperature, environment, fittings, pressure cycling, temperature cycling, effect of bends and scratches. In addition to in-house testing and testing by the suppliers of material, the following official institutes have carried out extensive tests:

Bodycote Polymer AB, Sweden
• Long-term strength, effect of bends and scratches
Materialprüfungsanstalt Darmstadt (MPADA), Germany
• Temperature cycling and fittings testing
Plastic Pipe Institute, US
• Material testing
Engineering and Water Supply Department Adelaide, Australia
• Temperature and pressure cycling
Centre Scientifi que et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), France
• Pipes and fittings testing
Statens provningsanstalt (SP), Sweden
• Temperature cycling of flange fitting

Technical information
Some key characteristics of Wirsbo-inPEX are included in the following tables. Observe, however, that many mechanical characteristics are dependent on how the tests are performed. Wirsbo-inPEX pipes are divided into classes indicating the highest recommended working pressure in bar at 90°C. Double the pressure can be permitted at room temperature (22°C). The pipes can be made in most diameters and wall thickness. The most common diameters are noted below:

The pipe is normally delivered in its natural colour, ie. “The colour of the PEX material”. It can be ordered coloured throughout white, yellow, blue or black. It must be stated on ordering if Wirsbo-inPEX is to be used in direct sunlight or strong UV light. Coloured pipe is more resistant to UV light than naturally coloured PEX. Black is most resistant. Other shades than those mentioned above can be provided as well.