Trelleborg Improves Performance And Reduces Costs With New Integrated Pipe Seal For Irrigated Pipes In The Us

Trelleborg’s pipe seals operation has launched a new generation of integrated pipe seal for irrigation pipes in North America. The new ‘patent pending’ PIP-Lock system will deliver improved performance, longer life and reduced scrap rates for PVC pipe manufacturers and contractors.

Trelleborg has manufactured the composite seal using two thermoplastic formulations. Forming a blend of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) and polypropylene, these specially developed materials join as one integrated system to provide excellent resistance against ozone, heat, and chemicals, as well as exceptional flexibility characteristics. The PIP-Lock seal can also be recycled, reducing waste and cost.

Alan Guzowzki, Director of Trelleborg’s pipe seals operation, America says: “We were keen to produce a sustainable and high performance solution which would provide optimum sealing, while remaining intact and in place for the life of the pipe.

“Our proven combination of materials ensures a solution that can be automatically installed within a PVC pipe as an integrated seal. Which, when compared with some alternative seals, means that productivity is increased and scrap rates during belling are reduced. Similarly, by incorporating a reinforced thermoplastic material at the front of the seal, our solution provides lower friction which reduces the likelihood of seals being wrongly installed and even lost within the pipe - a common challenge faced by installers when using some competitor products.”

The seal features a flexible thermoplastic elastomeric solution which ensures an effective, leak-free seal against the spigot and socket, while the thermoplastic reinforcement element ensures an integrated seal on the bell of the pipe. Due to its integrated nature, it cannot be displaced during transportation or installation, reducing scrap rates and product failures. Similarly, by removing the metal ring found in some other seal designs, corrosion risks are reduced and replacement of the seal in the field is made much easier.

In addition, this new seal can easily be belled by PVC pipe producers using their current manufacturing equipment. During manufacture, the seal becomes part of the socket forming tool used to shape its own seal groove, which reduces irregularities and tolerances in the socket.

The PIP-Lock seal exceeds ASTM F-477 requirements including the optional oil resistance requirement and the materials used are inherently resistant to UV rays and rain water. The specially developed material complies with ASTM F477 High Head requirements, which shows very good mechanical and physical properties. Furthermore, the design optimizes seal performance and provides low assembly forces, making pipe jointing easier too.

About Trelleborg’s pipe seals operation and Trelleborg Group
Part of the wider Trelleborg Industrial Solutions Business Area of Trelleborg Group, Trelleborg’s pipe seal operation is a world leading supplier of new and rehabilitation sealing solutions for concrete, plastic pipes and manhole pipes used for water, sewerage and drainage. It delivers continuous innovation to customers across the globe, with a logistics and sales network spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America and South America. Comprising the most advanced polymer technology, the high performance level of its seals ensures fulfilment of the highest possible reliability standards. For more information, visit www.trelleborg.com/Pipe-Seals.

Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative engineered solutions accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way. The Trelleborg Group has annual sales of about SEK 22 billion (EUR 2.48 billion, USD 3.29 billion) in over 40 countries. The Group comprises five business areas: Trelleborg Coated Systems, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. In addition, Trelleborg owns 50 percent of TrelleborgVibracoustic, a global leader within antivibration solutions for light and heavy vehicles, with annual sales of approximately SEK 16 billion (EUR 1.78 billion, USD 2.36 billion) in about 20 countries. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap. For more information, visit www.trelleborg.com.