The Kunststoff-Zentrum SKZ, together with partners, investigated the long-term effects of mechanical stress caused by modern cleaning technology on pipe systems. The practical tests yielded valuable insights for manufacturers, operators and service providers, which the SKZ announced at the end of July.
Plastic pipes are now an integral part of pipeline construction – whether for drinking water supply, wastewater disposal or industrial use. However, during operation, they must regularly withstand cleaning and flushing, which puts strain on both the pipe itself and its connections. The central question is therefore: How resistant are plastic pipe systems really to these mechanical stresses?
The SKZ is addressing precisely this issue in a practical research project. It is supported in this by two partners: Kanal Türpe GmbH, a specialist in pipe and sewer cleaning, and USBDÜSEN GmbH, a leading supplier of high-performance cleaning nozzles.
„We simulate the use of modern pipe cleaning technology in plastic pipes under realistic conditions. The aim is to make reliable statements about the long-term durability and tightness of pipe systems after repeated stress“, explains Stefan Weippert, group leader for pressure testing at SKZ.
Basis for reliable operation
The tests are carried out either individually according to customer specifications or based on proven technical standards – including, for example, DIN EN 12056-2, DWA-TR 14920 or the QPLUS criteria. This provides pipe manufacturers, network operators and service providers with a sound basis for testing their systems in a targeted manner, verifying their quality and ensuring reliable operation in the long term.
Manuel Schwab, Sales Manager at USBDÜSEN GmbH, emphasises the benefits for the industry: „Our cleaning nozzles exert enormous forces – so it is crucial that the pipe material can withstand this not only in the short term, but over many years. Joint testing with SKZ builds trust among our customers and helps to identify potential risks at an early stage.“
Thanks to the intensive cooperation with Kanal Türpe GmbH, real cleaning processes can be authentically simulated. This allows the resistance of plastic pipes to be assessed under realistic conditions – ensuring reliable and application-oriented test results.
