The world’s first PVC-O fittings for pressurised water networks
When we turn on the sink or shower, water starts to flow. Although we don’t think twice about such an everyday convenience, behind this water flow is a complex network of underground pipes. Within this network, a feature called fittings connects individual pipes, a feature that also plays an important role in regulating water flow. Today, most of these fittings are cast iron and are thus highly susceptible to corrosion. As these fittings wear down, not only do the pipes begin to leak, they also begin to let potentially dangerous substances into our water system. The EU-funded FITTOM project has developed a high-tech process for manufacturing plastic-based (PVC-O) pipe fittings that ensure our water flow remains safe and efficient. Unlike cast iron, PVC is chemically inert and immune to corrosion and attacks from micro- and macro-organisms that could make water unsuitable for consumption. “The project has revolutionised the pipeline business, creating a fitting alternative that uses less raw materials and energy, is 100 % recyclable, offers better technical performance, and results in a decrease in European dependence on imported goods,” says Molecor CEO, Mr Ignacio Muñoz. Molecor is the FITTOM project’s lead partner. Introducing ecoFITTOM fittings With the support of EU-funding, Molecor developed an innovative, highly efficient industrial system for manufacturing PVC-O fittings. The outcome of this system is ecoFITTOM, the world’s first PVC-O fittings for pressurised water networks. “These fittings can be used in networks for transporting drinking water, irrigation systems, industrial applications, sewage, infrastructure networks, and fire protection systems – to name only a few of the possible applications,” says Muñoz. The ecoFITTOM fittings guarantee continuity with PVC networks and are fully compatible with all types of PVC infrastructure pipes (PVC-O, PVC-U, PVC-M, etc.). The fittings have a curvature radius 1.5 times the pipe’s internal diameter (Diameter Nominal) – a design element that significantly reduces the loss of water pressure inside the pipe. The fittings also feature gaskets made of a polypropylene ring and synthetic rubber lip, which keeps the fitting in place during installation and thus maintains the pipe’s water tightness. The fittings, which are made in Europe, also offer superior performance. As the lightest and easiest to install fittings on the market, PVC-O systems that use ecoFITTOM are between six and 12 times lighter than other systems. Furthermore, ecoFITTOM’s hydrostatic resistance guarantees better mechanical properties, increasing a system’s useful life to nearly 50 years. “On top of all this, the PVC-O used to manufacture the fittings is completely recyclable and can be milled and reprocessed into new fittings or pipes, wiring elements, or even urban furniture,” notes Muñoz. World’s most sustainable, efficient fitting solution Although the FITTOM project is officially closed, Molecor continues to develop new PVC-O fittings. “We are very proud of having been able to develop a completely new technological system to manufacture PVC-O fittings, a product that did not exist before and that has been very well accepted in the market,” says Muñoz. “With these new fittings, we build on the FITTOM project’s legacy to bring the world’s most sustainable and efficient fitting solution into new markets.”
Keywords
FITTOM, Molecor, fittings, underground pipes, PVC-O pipe fittings, ecoFITTOM
