especially suitable for short-term protection. Three different sheets
(EPDM, PVC and fibre film) were subject to testing.
Due to the difficulty of sealing the pipe-end with sheets, these
products cannot be considered waterproof. However, all sheets
performed well in regards of dust resistance, particles
>
1 mm could
not enter the pipe, resulting in a rate of IP-40 for the three types of
sheet.
Similar to the combination with plugs, the sheets and bevel
protectors could handle the same impact forces without any shown
damage at 9.908 J. Again, minor damage was registered at 18.578 J.
Larger differences are shown looking at the resistance for cap removal;
while the EPDM sheet and bevel protector show a clamping force of
3.205 N, the fibre film has a slightly lower resistance against removal
(2.453 N). The PVC sheet showed the least clamping force (1.991 N) of
all considered products with bevel protector.
Caps
Ultimately, three types of caps were tested to their limits; a recessed
cap, a flexible cap and a PE cap. Although these types of closure do
not protect the bevelled pipe-end, they are economically attractive
solutions and are often chosen due to their price and wide availability.
Solutions in the caps category all share the benefit of easy application
and removal, within seconds the caps can be applied onto a pipe. A
recessed cap offers an extra advantage by being suitable for hook
lifting.
All types of caps showed an IP-44 rating during the tests. The
resistance against water and dust proves that they function well
closing off pipes. Because of the lack of absorbance for impact forces,
minor damage was shown at 991 J (1/20
th
of the protection with the
bevel protector). The distinction between the caps becomes clear
with the resistance against cap removal. In this test, the recessed cap
had the best results with 1.315 N, a bit more than a third of the force
of bevel protector and plug. The PE cap and flexible cap show less
clamping force with respectively 726 N and 530 N.
With the TÜV reports, Dhatec can present the benefits and
disadvantages of the various types of closure. For better customer
advise, Dhatec created the pipe closure selection table (Figure 2). With
this tool, Dhatec can provide its customers with a good comparison of
the various options.
Perfection in protection
With the TÜV certifications, Dhatec has set a new standard for
pipe closure. The certification programme has enabled a proper
selection procedure for the right protective solution for each
individual project. The results can be matched with pre-determined
requirements for pipe and coating. As a set of standards is now
available, project managers are able to choose the right pipe-
end protection/closure and include this important feature in the
first project scope. Because Dhatec has shown and proven the
functionality of each product, thorough choices aimed on specific
circumstances, such as climate, duration of storage, type of pipe and
coating, can be made based on solid results. With the certificates,
Dhatec differentiates itself from its competitors and is in line with
its goal to position itself as the number one supplier when it comes
to quality and highly specialised pipe-end protection products. With
the new generation of plugs, Dhatec shows its continuous drive to
improve the pipe closure possibilities that lead to higher standards
regarding quality control of pipe and coating.
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Are your Assets
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All assets
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