ABS Pipework

ABS Pipework Key Facts

Material

Pipestock ABS pipework is only manufactured from the very best grade A raw material. ABS is the acronym for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene which is the plastic copolymer specially formulated for the manufacture of ABS Pipe, ABS Pipe Fittings and ABS Valves. This material ensures that the ABS pipe system contains the necessary performance characteristics for tough industrial applications. Acrylonitrile gives chemical resistance ensuring the pipework does not corrode or scale. Butadiene adds impact strength and toughness especially at low temperature. Styrene ensures that the bore is extremely smooth and gives additional strength.

About ABS Pipework

ABS is an excellent thermoplastic pipe system used by many industries in systems for food and beverage production, sewerage and water treatment. ABS is extremely resistant to impact with good resistance to chemicals, is non-toxic. Conforming to the toxicological requirements of the British Plastic Federation, British Industrial Biological Research Association Code of Practice for Food Usage 45/5, and EEC requirements for plastic materials in contact with foodstuffs.  These systems are light, strong and simple to fit using ABS Solvent Cement. ABS Products are simple to identified as they are light grey colour.

WRAS Approvals & Standards

ABS is approved by the Water Research Advisory Scheme for use with potable water.
ABS Pipe is manufactured in accordance with BS5391 Part 1
ABS Pipe Fittings are manufactured in accordance with BS5392 Part 1

Chemical Resistance

ABS has been proven to be resistant to a wide range of diluted inorganic acids, organic acids, salts, animal fats and only certain oils.  ABS is not resistant to organic solvents, alcohol, petrol, acetic acid or any vegetable oils. For more detailed information on specific chemical resistance for ABS please ring us on 0845 634 1053 (local rate)

ABS System Pressure/Temperature Relationship

Pressure ratings for plastic pipework systems are always quoted at 20°C, it is a fundamental principle of such systems that if the temperature is increased then the pressure rating must be reduced. ABS systems should never be used for temperatures in excess of 70°C. The following chart gives a rough guide as to the temperature/pressure relationship of ABS pipework.