Krauss Maffei develop a new technology for the in-line production of PE-Xa pipes for hot water & gas

Krauss Maffei Extrusion of Munich Germany, a world leader in plastics machinery has developed a special system technology for the production of PE-Xa pipes suitable for heating systems and gas transmission. The new system utilises peroxide crosslinked  technology for polyethylene pipes supplied under an exclusive partnership agreement with Crosslink Finland OY, a leading manufacturer of infrared crosslinking ovens.

The complete line from the specially developed twin-screw extruder with a conical processing unit and the pipe head through to the unique calibration and cooling system is ideal for the processing of the ready-mixed compound consisting of polyethylene, a stabiliser and peroxide. After the three components have been mixed, a diffusion process takes place and the liquid peroxide is absorbed by the granulated polyethylene. This produces an extremely homogeneous material mixture as the peroxide is distributed inside the granule. The system provides a high degree of reliability and constant process conditions which ensures a high quality product with a consistently high degree of cross linking.

The crosslinking of the PE pipes takes place in-line in the specially developed infrared crosslinking  oven supplied by partner Crosslink Finland OY which has been integrated into the Krauss Maffei solution.

This approach eliminates the need for additional downstream production steps, reduces manufacturing costs including lower raw material costs.

Crosslinked PE-Xa pipes have high flexibility, high resistance to heat and cracking and are typically used in panel and radiator heating systems, as well as in the supply of hot water systems, drinking water, compressed air and gas lines.