FM William Burns
Moderator
Re-Posted from: NFSA E-Tech News
Editor-Russell P. Fleming, P.E. Issue No. 228 Issued: December 20. 2011
Greenpipe and Redpipe Arrive
Although “Greenpipe” and “Redpipe” were officially listed for fire sprinkler service by FM Approvals in April of 2010, NFSA has been advised that they are just now beginning to make their appearance in the North American marketplace, just in time for the holidays. These products, manufactured by the German firm Aquatherm, are polypropylene based, have somewhat different characteristics, and are intended for different applications.
Aquatherm Greenpipe is being distributed by Aquatherm, Inc. out of Provo, Utah, and is being marketed primarily for multipurpose systems installed in compliance with NFPA 13D. It is NSF approved for potable water applications. Aquatherm Redpipe is being marketed by Redpipe Industries of Mentor, Ohio, for NFPA 13R and NFPA 13 light hazard applications. Reportedly constructed in three layers that are extruded simultaneously, the outer layer of Redpipe contains a flame retardant chemical that provides additional flame resistance but prevents its use in potable water systems. Both types of pipe are required under their FM 1635 listing to be concealed behind a non-combustible 15-minute fire barrier. Underwriters Laboratories has not listed either product at this point in time.
Both of the new piping materials are made from PP-R (PolyPropylene Random Copolymer Type 3). The Redpipe is officially designated PP-R FS. Both types of piping are joined by means of heat fusion using a heat iron or “welding tool.” Those in the fire sprinkler industry who remember the use of polybutylene piping will find the heating iron familiar. The manufacturer claims benefits that include leak-free connections, corrosion and chemical resistance, freeze resistance, and low weight. As with other nonmetallic products, exposure to UV-radiation such as from outdoor storage must be avoided, and there is some indication that these piping materials are more sensitive to high levels of residual chlorine than CPVC.
The Greenpipe and Redpipe are being manufactured with an SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio – the ratio of pipe diameter to wall thickness) of 7.4. Since CPVC is manufactured with an SDR of 13.5 for the fire sprinkler industry, and PEX for the fire sprinkler industry is manufactured with an SDR of 9, the walls are noticeably thicker for the new products, affecting flow characteristics. The outside diameters of the new polypropylene products fall between those of iron pipe size (IPS) used by CPVC manufacturers and the copper tube size (CTS) used by the manufacturers of PEX.
Editor-Russell P. Fleming, P.E. Issue No. 228 Issued: December 20. 2011
Greenpipe and Redpipe Arrive
Although “Greenpipe” and “Redpipe” were officially listed for fire sprinkler service by FM Approvals in April of 2010, NFSA has been advised that they are just now beginning to make their appearance in the North American marketplace, just in time for the holidays. These products, manufactured by the German firm Aquatherm, are polypropylene based, have somewhat different characteristics, and are intended for different applications.
Aquatherm Greenpipe is being distributed by Aquatherm, Inc. out of Provo, Utah, and is being marketed primarily for multipurpose systems installed in compliance with NFPA 13D. It is NSF approved for potable water applications. Aquatherm Redpipe is being marketed by Redpipe Industries of Mentor, Ohio, for NFPA 13R and NFPA 13 light hazard applications. Reportedly constructed in three layers that are extruded simultaneously, the outer layer of Redpipe contains a flame retardant chemical that provides additional flame resistance but prevents its use in potable water systems. Both types of pipe are required under their FM 1635 listing to be concealed behind a non-combustible 15-minute fire barrier. Underwriters Laboratories has not listed either product at this point in time.
Both of the new piping materials are made from PP-R (PolyPropylene Random Copolymer Type 3). The Redpipe is officially designated PP-R FS. Both types of piping are joined by means of heat fusion using a heat iron or “welding tool.” Those in the fire sprinkler industry who remember the use of polybutylene piping will find the heating iron familiar. The manufacturer claims benefits that include leak-free connections, corrosion and chemical resistance, freeze resistance, and low weight. As with other nonmetallic products, exposure to UV-radiation such as from outdoor storage must be avoided, and there is some indication that these piping materials are more sensitive to high levels of residual chlorine than CPVC.
The Greenpipe and Redpipe are being manufactured with an SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio – the ratio of pipe diameter to wall thickness) of 7.4. Since CPVC is manufactured with an SDR of 13.5 for the fire sprinkler industry, and PEX for the fire sprinkler industry is manufactured with an SDR of 9, the walls are noticeably thicker for the new products, affecting flow characteristics. The outside diameters of the new polypropylene products fall between those of iron pipe size (IPS) used by CPVC manufacturers and the copper tube size (CTS) used by the manufacturers of PEX.