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Pressure pipes offer improved fire safety

CALAIR Pipe Systems Pty Ltd has released a high safety pressure pipe system said to be eight times lighter than steel.

The halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) polymer piping system — suitable for compressed air, liquids and welding and other industrial gases — breaks through previous barriers to the use of lightweight polymers in such areas, says CalAir Managing Director John McNab.

“The fire safety formulation of HFFR means onshore and offshore resources projects can make huge weight savings in the types of reticulation installations they all use, including compressed air and welding gases installations, for example.”

CalAir’s safety colour-coded HFFT pipe systems (and complementary HFT halogen-free electrical and safety conduit) are designed for radically simplified erection, disassembly and recycling within a fraction of the time taken to construct and change traditional metal products.

“The new halogen- free pressure pipes and conduit are the result of an extensive research and development programme designed to overcome hurdles in producing flame-retardant pressure pipe and electrical safety conduit without degrading their overall performance, including impact resistance or pressure capability,” says McNab.

Easily capable of handling typical compressed air pressures of 10 bar or more, the new flame-retardant low toxicity HFFR range produces no corrosive or toxic flue gases in the event of a fire.

Manufactured to the same standards of durability and quality as CalAir gas and liquid pipe systems used in 6,500 applications in Australia and internationally, the corrosion free HFFR systems are designed for use in difficult and demanding applications where traditional materials, are not suitable.

“CalAir HFFR pipe systems — like CalAir HFT-free electrical conduit systems — are purpose-built for applications where human life and health may be at risk and high-cost assets are to be protected and where high fire safety requirements have to be met,” McNab said.

“Its great advantages compared to metal alternatives often used in such situations are its light weight and great flexibility.

“Being multiple times lighter than metal alternatives, it can be easily installed with far fewer OHS issues than heavier materials. The HFFT pipe systems and complementary HFT electrical and safety conduit are complimented with a range of suitable fittings.”

Safety is further enhanced by permanent colour-coding to conform with the requirements of international standards relating to content identification of pipes, conduits and ducts, including AS1345 (1995). Safety colours include including AQUA for compressed air, BEIGE for gas, GREEN for water, RED for fire services, VIOLET for acids and alkalines, BROWN for oil and BLACK for waste..

Available in sizes from 12.5mm-100mm (Half-inch to four-inch nominal bore), the CalAir system is simple, versatile and very flexible to use without requiring any expensive specialist trades.

Unlike metal welded systems — which frequently have to be junked when production facilities change location — the CalAir system can be dismantled, cleanly packed away and reconverted to a new use.

John McNab

CalAir Pipe Systems

02 9651 4722

1 300 304246

sales@calair.net.au

www.calair.net.au

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