Kiwa guiding TPE seals into drinking-water applications

Nuremberg, Germany – Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are an established alternative to vulcanised rubbers in sealing applications for non-pressurised water systems, such as drainage and sewerage, according to Kiwa NV.

In a paper presented at the DKT 2018 conference in Nuremberg, the Dutch firm explained how it is setting up a new evaluation guideline for ‘thermoplastic’ seals in drinking-water applications.

As a starting point, the Rijswijk-based company is using an evaluation guideline based on EN 681-2 with additional tests in which the anisotropic behaviour of TPEs is taken into account.

A key focus is to determine whether the materials properties covered should be the same as for non-pressure applications or if changes are needed due to the higher pressures involved or actual drinking-water requirements.

Kiwa is an independent global player in the fields of testing, inspection and certification. The company employs over 4,500 people at offices in Europe, Turkey, China, South Korea, Taiwan, India and Latin America.

Full details of this paper are available in the Technical Papers section of the ERJ homepage.