ABS PIPING SYSTEMS

for in

CHILLED & CONDENSER WATER

HVAC SYSTEMS

(Tyco Water Plastic Pipeline Systems Middle East Office) PO Box 61213, Jebel Ali Dubai, U.A.E.

Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. Applications

3. The Properties and Advantages of ABS piping systems

4. The ABS Material Properties

5. Conclusion

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Pipes and Fittings For HVAC Systems

1. Introduction:

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) has proved to be the material to replace traditional pipeline systems in HVAC applications. Now the material is being specified from the onset for these applications. The materials corrosion/erosion resistance, extensive range of sizes and fittings, lightweight, toughness and competitive pricing make ABS pipes and fittings the ideal and preferred product for such applications.

2. Applications:
2.1 Condenser Water The flow and return of condenser water between the chiller unites and cooling towers need to carry water at temperatures typically between 15 C and 40 C. The water is treated with a number of chemicals to control the growth of legionella and microbiological induced corrosion (MIC). When metallic pipes are used for this application, a scenario of corrosion and premature failure can be initiated. Tyco ABS offers a cost effective alternative to traditional metallic pipes for this applications. ABS will not corrode and it is unaffected by dosing chemicals typically used for the control of legionella and MIC. The cold solvent welded jointing system is quick and easy to install and guarantee the system to be leak free.

ABS is suitable to be installed where it is exposed to direct sunlight and require no specific protection for UV. The range of pipes and fittings will allow for compact plant room installation.

2.2 Chilled Water For chiller unites, chilled water is distributed to all points in the buildings where temperature need to be controlled. These systems are usually sealed and are less vulnerable to corrosion and bacteria. ABS is an idea material for this application. Distributing chilled water throughout the building require high integrity pipe work. ABS withstands low temperatures, retaining high impact strength. Solvent cement welding delivers high security to the system.

ABS has exceptional insulating properties. This will deliver savings in insulation of pipes and pipe supports and provide space savings in confined risers and ceiling spaces. The simplicity of cold solvent cement weld jointing system (low labour skills and minimal equipment) and the range of fittings contribute to rapid (3 times faster than steel), competitive installation.

3. The Properties & Advantages of ABS Piping Systems:

3.1 Size, Pressure and Temperature Range Tycos ABS piping systems are manufactured in sizes ranging from 15mm to 900mm, with standard pressure ratings (at 20 C) starting from 4.5 bars and go up to 15 bars.

ABS piping systems has the ability to perform over a wide temperature range stretching from -30C to +70 C.

3.2 Thermal Conductivity The thermal conductivity of ABS is very low. This makes it ideal for the distribution of chilled water throughout buildings, reducing the need for extensive lagging and vapour barriers and contributing to energy savings. The insulation properties of ABS will also provide sound deadening within the system.

The low thermal conductivity of ABS leads to significant savings in insulation costs. The insulation thickness required for ABS piping systems are significantly lower than those required for steel pipes see below table.

Recommended Insulation Thickness PIPE SIZE ( DN) INSIDE BUILDING 15 80 12 mm 100 - 150 18 mm 200- 350 25 mm 400 + 32 mm

OUTSIDE BUILDING ( EXPOSED) 18 mm 25 mm 40 mm 50mm

Note: Insulation thicknesses for insulation material where thermal conductivity is <0.03 W/m C

3.3 Exceptionally Smooth Bore ABS pipes and fittings have smoother bore compared to steel pipes and consequently the frictional head loss is lower. The smooth internal surface also stops pitting and inhibits the formation of scale and slime, thus delaying any increase in friction losses.

Consequently, savings in pumping and energy costs are achieved.

3.4 Light Weight The weight of ABS is about one-sixth the weight of steel systems, which means that transportation, handling, and installation time and costs are greatly reduced.

3.5 Water Hammer ABS has high compressive strength, and is able to withstand up to 3.6 times the design pressure rating of the pipe. Such as its characteristic that allows ABS to handle the effects of water hammer from a normal day to day operation.

3.6 Chemical Resistance ABS is unaffected by both internal and external chemical attacks by a wide range of acids, alkalis, ground water salts and other environmental factors. CHEMICAL Weak acids Weak alkalis Strong alkalis Aggressive soils Metal Salts Sea Water RESISTANCE Good Resistance Good Resistance Good Resistance Good Resistance Good Resistance Good Resistance

3.7 Corrosion Resistance At low temperatures, metal-piping systems would develop corrosion problems, such as surface corrosion and crake line corrosion. This corrosion will affect the piping systems strength and design life expectancy. Therefore the materials required for HVAC systems must be able to withstand both internal and external corrosion, which results from the content fluid and the condensation forming on the surface of the pipe. ABS piping system offers good resistance to both internal and external corrosion attacks from water and chemicals. This means that ABS will not contribute to the corrosion and detoriation process that takes place within the evaporator coil. This also means that the external surfaces of the pipes do not require any protective coating, which would reduce installation and subsequent maintenance costs.

3.8 Impact Strength

ABS pipes have superior impact strength at normal temperatures and retain much of this toughness down to -20C. Failure of ABS is localized as that of a ductile material, unlike other brittle materials, which fails by means of rapid crack developments and hazardous fragmentation.

3.9 Weather Resistance ABS is one of the most weather resistant available today. Successful field tests have been completed on piping systems having been exposed to weathering for over 30 years.

3.10 UV Resistance ABS is naturally UV stable thus eliminating the need for surface protection in direct sunlight. 3.11 Conductivity ABS material does not conduct electricity; will therefore not cause electrochemical corrosion on the evaporator coil and other components of the HVAC system. This will prolong the life, safety aspects and overall efficiency of the system.

3.12 Design Life ABS has a design life of 50 years whereas traditional steel pipes have an indefinite life, which is the main problem it is difficult to predict when failure will occur.

4. The ABS Material Properties:

The following table summarizes the ABS typical material properties:

5. Conclusion:
ABS is a suitable substitute for metallic piping systems for HVAC applications and has a proven performance record of over 30 years in service use. ABS offers a number of advantages over traditional materials and should be considered when designing a new system. It is important when selecting an alternative piping system that the following parameters be considered: Pressure, mean operating pressure for the system Temperature, both internal operating and non-operating Installation, thermal expansion requirements and support

The long-term cost savings that the ABS piping system provides to the client/owner/end-user, as apposed to immediate unit rate comparison, are very significant. The impact of such savings should be seriously considered and included in the overall project costing.

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