Special system for 5-layer PP-R Pipe with fiberglass

KraussMaffei Berstorff worked in close collaboration with Poloplast GmbH, a leading German plastic pipe manufacturer and long-time customer, to develop a special concept for manufacturing five-layer PP- R pipes with fiberglass reinforcement. The system was successfully commissioned at the Poloplast’s plant in Ebenhofen, Bavaria, in November of last year. Poloplast has also received product approval and authorization to produce the pipes used for drinking water and air- conditioning systems (for the diameter range of 32–250 mm).

Both the material composition and the layered structure of the PP- R pipes are innovations. As a result, the authorization requirements are appropriately stringent.

Even though KraussMaffei Berstorff boasts a great deal of expertise in multi-layer systems, the project developed for Poloplast was special and unique. “We modified the spiral distributor system design to meet the requirements for the individual layers specific thickness,” explains Andreas Kessler, General Sales Manager for KraussMaffei Berstorff at the Munich location. In addition, “the extruder/pipe head combination has been designed to save a lot of space and has an economic footprint.”

The KME 45-30 B/R main extruder, which features the KM-5L RKW 94-250 pipe head for producing the PP- R intermediate layer, is closely surrounded by four co- extruders from the same series, arranged in a half- circle, as well as the KME 20-25 B/R co- extruder for applying stripes. This set- up lets the machine operator control and monitor production from a central position. In addition, the pipe head features energy- efficient IPC (Internal Pipe Cooling), which ensures precise heat balance for thick-walled pipes.

The standout property of PP- R pipes with fiberglass reinforcement lies in the low degree of elongation and bending. This gives the pipe a stiffness that is many times higher, which in turn provides advantages when laying pipe. The pipes are very frequently installed so that they are exposed under suspended ceilings – especially in public buildings.