Kiwa implements eco-friendly accelerated notch pipe test (aNPT)
The accelerated notch pipe test (aNPT) is developed to test PE100-RC pipes. It is performed exactly like the usual NPT (ISO 13479), but with one important difference: instead of using water, the pipe is placed in a detergent solution.
Eco-friendly
Using hundreds of litres of detergent in a hydrostatic bath would be the standard way to do this. But Kiwa Technology is specialized in high quality customized PE test facilities and does this in a different way. To keep the test eco-friendly, smaller containers for each pipe are created to minimize the detergent amounts. The big challenge was the homogenous mixture of the detergent. As you can see in the video below, a special colorant is used to test this. Test succeeded!
Round Robin
Kiwa Technology will participate in the next Round Robin for the aNPT that is initiated by the PE100+ Association. The results will be used as input for a brand-new Annex in ISO 13479 where ISO/TC138/SC5/WG20 is working on. If everything is successful, the aNPT could be used in the revised EN 1555 and EN 12201, and later also ISO 4437 and ISO 4427, which are the standards for polyethylene for the supply of gaseous fuels and for the water supply respectively. Of course, Kiwa Technology is actively involved to share experiences and expertise.
World-leading expert
Even if the Round Robin results are successful and the test finds its way in the standards, the aNPT will not be the only test that will determine if a PE grade is a PE100-RC. Several test methods have already been developed over time, both for resin and pipes. Kiwa Technology is a world-leading expert in this field and has a well-equipped laboratory and many experts to accurately, reliably and quickly test the resistance to slow crack growth (SCG), even for these best-performing grades. These tests include the strain hardening test (SHT), the cyclic cracked round bar test (CRB), the accelerated full notch creep test (aFNCT) and the point load test (PLT). Download our ‘Fast Test for Slow Cracks’ leaflet for more information.