ABS Pipe Metric

Georg Fischer’s ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Metric pipe system offers a robust, high-performance solution for a variety of industrial, commercial and specialised applications. Engineered with durable ABS material, these pipes are designed to combine strength, reliability, and chemical resistance, while also being significantly lighter than equivalent metal systems.

• Material: ABS – delivers excellent impact resistance, rigidity, and resistance to many chemicals under standard conditions.
• Temperature Range: Suitable for use from –40 °C up to +60 °C.
• Weight Advantage: Around 40% lighter than equivalent metal pipe systems, making handling, transport, and installation easier and more cost-effective.
• Design Life: Long-lasting with high durability when correctly installed and maintained.

Applications: Georg Fischer ABS Metric Pipe is ideal for use in several demanding environments, including:

• Water treatment plants
• Building services (heating, ventilation, cooling, waste, drainage)
• Marine applications (on ships or offshore platforms, where resistance to corrosion, weight, and chemical exposure are critical)
• Food & beverage industry applications (where cleanliness, chemical resistance, and compliance are required)

Advantages:

1. Corrosion Resistance – ABS is not subject to rust or galvanic corrosion, unlike many metals.
2. Ease of Handling & Installation – Lighter weight means easier transportation and fewer supporting structures needed.
3. Chemical Resistance – Good resistance to many acids, alkalis, and solvents common in industrial or marine environments.
4. Low Maintenance – With durability built in, maintenance needs are reduced over long periods.
5. Metric Sizes – Designed to metric standards, simplifying specification and compatibility for modern engineering projects.

Considerations & Limitations:

• Temperature Limits: While ABS covers a useful temperature band, it may not be suited to high-temperature processes above +60 °C.
• UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV) can degrade ABS unless protected or treated; this is often addressed via coverings or coatings.
• Mechanical Impact: Although ABS is impact-resistant, severe mechanical damage (heavy blows, stress, point loads) should still be avoided.
• Chemical Compatibility: Always verify compatibility for specific chemicals, oils, fuels, etc., since some substances can degrade ABS.

Long track record & strong engineering heritage: Georg Fischer has been around since 1802, and their Piping Systems division has decades of experience in plastics for industrial, building, and infrastructure use.

• Material quality & consistency: GF uses its own ABS compound, with tightly controlled raw material supply and rigorous testing. Their ABS meets strong physical and mechanical specifications: good density, tensile strength, impact strength (even at low temps), consistent wall thickness, and low out-of-roundness.

• Quality control & independent testing: GF operates accredited laboratories, uses external approvals and certifications, and adheres to rigorous quality and environmental management systems.

• BS standards (e.g. BS 5391-1)

  • What it is: British Standard for thermoplastic pipes, defining dimensions, tolerances, and performance characteristics.

  • Why it matters: Ensures compatibility with UK infrastructure and fittings; compliance with UK building and plumbing codes.

• EN / ISO standards

  • What it is: European and International standards for plastics, pipes, and fittings covering material properties, dimensions, and testing methods.

  • Why it matters: Provides global recognition of quality and performance; essential for engineering contracts and exports.

• WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme)

  • What it is: UK approval confirming materials are safe for use with drinking water.

  • Why it matters: Essential for potable water systems; widely required for public and commercial projects.

• GOST-R

  • What it is: Russian/Eurasian certification demonstrating conformity with local standards.

  • Why it matters: Allows use in projects requiring compliance in Eastern Europe and Russia.

• Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000

  • What it is: UK regulation ensuring materials in contact with drinking water are safe for human health.

  • Why it matters: Legally required for potable water installations; ensures systems pass inspection and approval.

• Internal GF testing
  • What it is: Georg Fischer’s own stringent testing regime, including impact, tensile, and Charpy testing.
  • Why it matters: Adds confidence in long-term durability, especially under stress and temperature variation.