ABS provides exceptional resistance to impact damage at temperatures as low as -40°C and up to 70°C. ABS offers good abrasion resistance to aggressive slurries while its smooth bore allows high flow velocities whilst preventing the formation of scale.
ABS piping systems are joined by solvent cement welding, while transition joints can be made using flanges, threaded connections and unions.
Tech Talk about Plain ABS Pipe Fittings
Specification
All our ABS plain fittings are rated as follows:
- Pressure rating - 9 bar at 20 degrees Centigrade
- Recommended temperature limitations -40 to +60 degrees Centigrade
- Colour - Light Grey
- Manufacturing Standards:
- BS5392 Part 1
- ISO9001 Plant
- Kit mark 60041
- Assembly method - solvent cement
- Chemical resistance charts are available in our technical section
- Thermal expansion - The coefficient of linear expansion for ABS is 10.1
- Approvals - All our ABS pipe and fittings are WRAS approved for use in drinking water systems
Compatibility of ABS with PVC pipe systems
We are often asked if ABS and PVC systems can be mixed together. Although technically, from a chemical compatibility standpoint, the two should not be combined, from a physical standpoint they can be connected to each other, albeit with reduced mechanical strength. If using ABS glue, the fittings can be cemented to PVC pipe and the join will feel strong. Whilst such a joint will in most cases provide a water tight joint, it should be born in mind that there are no recommendations or guarantees for the strength of the bond. If operating at low pressures (for example less than 2-3 bar) this is unlikely to present an issue, but there will be increased risk of the joint becoming compromised at higher pressures. This can be offset a little is additional pipe clips and fixings are put in place, by preventing movement of the pipe.
Price sensitivity
ABS is a more expensive material to use in systems than PVC. The latter tends to be the pipe material of choice for most systems, with ABS selected only when environmental conditions dictate that PVC is not suitable.
