CHEMICAL AND CORROSION RESISTANCE

Characterization of common domestic applications

Building wastewater drainage systems - grey and black water- must be able to withstand the types of domestic effluents specified by standard EN 877. In recent years, however, changes have been observed in the types of these fluids:

• Higher concentration of household detergents,
• Use of more aggressive hygiene products,
• Rise in operating temperatures.

The constraints on sanitary drainage systems are constantly increasing.

To test chemical resistance of cast iron products, according to standard EN 877, the product samples are tested for 30 days at a temperature of 23 3°C with the following liquids (pH constantly monitored):

• A solution of sulfuric acid with a pH of 2.
• A solution of sodium hydroxide with a pH of 12.
• A solution of wastewater with a pH of 7.

Resistance to hot water (24 h at a continuous 95°C) and thermal cycles (1,500 cycles of 5 min between 15°C and 93°C) are also tested according to standard EN 877.

_{*according to the manufacturer}

To provide clearer guidance on the chemical resistance of the S range in domestic applications, PAM Building has carried out 20 further tests in addition to the requirements of standard EN 877 on commonly-used detergent products (floor cleaning products, laundry detergents, etc.) and special products (stain removers, drain cleaners, etc.). The additional tests also aimed to assess the S and Plus range limitations.

The tests were carried out on samples, under the temperature of use recommended by the manufacturers and, where relevant, up to 70°C since hot water is normally supplied in houses at around 50–60°C. After stopping the test, the pipes and fittings were washed immediately to eliminate any stains, and the coatings were examined for blistering and rusting according to ISO 4628-2 and 3. (Accepted levels according to EN 877).

The duration of the test is considered equivalent to the extrapolation of real chemical stress undergone for 7 or 10 years (10 to 15 min of stress per day). This test method, however, simulates severe stress since the samples lie in direct contact with the solution, the temperature is maintained and the test includes no rinsing for its duration.

Fittings and accessories are coated with an epoxy resin deposited by cataphoresis which ensures a uniform deposit and excellent covering of edges. The optimised process by PAM Building is based on careful shotblasting and entails incorporatinga chemical surface treatment during the coating cycle, between rinsing after shotblasting and the cataphoresis bath to enhance the coating’s covering power.
At the end of the cycle, the parts are oven dried to complete the reticulation of the epoxy film.

Substantial improvements in:

• The epoxy film’s adhesion to the cast iron.
• The corrosion resistance of the coated cast iron.

Characterisation of intense or professional uses

Aggressive effluents are characterized by their content (acids, bases, solvents, hydrocarbons, etc.), their combinations and their temperature.

Above- and below-ground wastewater drainage for aggressive discharge are characterised by:

• Hot water resistance: 24 h at a continuous 95°C and thermal cycles (1,500 cycles of 5 min between 15°C and 93°C).
• Plus range external coating corrosion resistance test to neutral salt spray according to standard NF-EN ISO 9227_2017: 2500 hours.
• Chemical resistance: 1 < pH < 13.

Characterisation of external stresses

Below-ground wastewater drainage systems exposed to environmental stresses.

The buried section of a pipe may be laid in non-homogeneous ground or corrosive soil. When protected by galvanic effect, the pipework can be installed without requiring systematic soil studies.

Outdoor or facade exposures

Depending on the climatic conditions, while in operation outdoor wastewater and rainwater systems can be subjected to ultraviolet radiation, saline mist, condensation, freezing-thawing cycles and pollution.

The drainage systems must be fit for purpose despite exposure to adverse conditions.

Zinc coating improves the pipes’ ability to withstand climatic stresses and extends their service life.