SPECIAL FEATURES
Vitrified clay – a material for generations
The use of environmentally friendly products is an absolute must today. It therefore makes sense to use vitrified clay pipe systems for the construction of sewer systems: They consist of 100 per cent natural and plenty of raw materials: Clay, water and grog. From the raw material extraction and its transport, through the preparation, processing and manufacture of pipes and fittings, to their installation, operation and recycling after more than 130 years of use, vitrified clay is the material from which sewage pipes and fittings are made for the future.
A decision in favour of the silicate-ceramic material vitrified clay means a decision in favour of the highest, most reliable and long-lasting quality. The use of vitrified clay in sewage systems ensures safe, reliable and durable operation, which is guaranteed by excellent material properties, high-quality processing, full resistance to physical, chemical and biological influences and a number of other parameters.
Even under the highest strains, modern vitrified clay pipes deform by less than 4 % thanks to high material strength and stability. This intrinsic load-bearing capacity, in tandem with flexible pipe connections, ensures that vitrified clay pipes retain their essential mechanical properties over many decades, which makes access for inspection and maintenance work much easier.
Vitrified clay – a convincing material with outstanding properties
Dimensional stability
Whilst the general standard EN 295 only envisages 2 million load cycles, modern vitrified clay pipes can withstand up to 20 million load cycles without damage or deformation occurring.
Tightness
Vitrified clay pipes are water-tight in compliance with the European standard EN 295 at an internal and external water pressure of 0.5 bar. They also remain leak-proof at the same pressure under heavy loads (shear force stress and radial load).
Degree of hardness
Vitrified clay is almost as hard as quartz and has a stable, homogenous structure. This results in a high resistance to erosion.
Hydraulic smoothness
The especially smooth, hard surface of vitrified clay pipes simultaneously ensures minimum abrasion and an optimum flushing effect.
Resistance to pipe jetting
Vitrified clay pipe systems can withstand jetting pressures of up to 340 bar. Pipe jetting is generally carried out well below 280 bar.
Fire and temperature resistance
Vitrified clay pipes are non-flammable and especially resistant to heat and cold. They can withstand high temperatures and low temperatures far below freezing point for short periods.
Stray current resistance
Ceramic is particularly effective at insulating. Vitrified clay pipes are therefore ideal protection against stray currents and hence material corrosion.
Root resistance
The seals in vitrified clay pipes guarantee up to 100 years of tightness, at root pressures specified in the standard EN 295.
Vitrified clay – always up to date with the state-of-the-art
The production technology of vitrified clay pipes and fittings is constantly evolving. The result: ever better products. Thanks to improved production techniques, drying times have been significantly reduced, overall lengths and firing speeds increased, the use of alternative energies and different firing methods for optimally circular diameters and straight lengths developed.
All these innovations, which have been achieved over many years and with the use of a great deal of know-how, have contributed to the continuous optimisation of the entire vitrified clay pipe system. And: For over 100 years, the vitrified clay pipe industry has relied on standardized product geometry. The big advantage: accuracy of fit and planning reliability.