Wavin Future K1 for Clean, Safe, Cost-efficient and Easy to Install Sanitary and Heating Water Pipework

As a leading and innovative European supplier of plastic pipe systems Wavin has developed the Future K1 system for sanitary and heating installations to meet the growing demand for plastic fittings and pipes in sanitary engineering. The Wavin Future K1 system is suitable for a wide range of applications in sanitary and heating installations, including GRAS (generally recognised as safe) validated potable water pipes. The Wavin Future K1 system is the only plastic pipe system which is available throughout Europe, from Scandinavia to Western, Central and Eastern Europe and into the Mediterranean, and meets all existing standards and regulations in this application area.

Good potable quality water at the tap is a requirement, and the relevant regulations are becoming stricter than ever. This applies in particular to the allowed limits of metal content in the water pipe systems. If in Germany, for example, the pH value in potable water drops below 7, an increasing amount of copper will be extracted from the water pipes, which is why copper pipes may no longer be used in Germany. Moreover, at pH values between 7 and 7.4 there will be a rise in organic carbons and this may lead to more issues in Germany where the total organic content (TOC) is limited to 1.5 mg per litre. Based on this we see a growing use of plastic pipes which have none of these side-effects on potable water quality.

Wavin Future K1 is a universal system for cold and hot water pipework, consisting of metal composite pipes and high-quality press fittings. The pipes feature a sanitary inner layer of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), an aluminium core layer serving as a diffusion barrier and an outer layer of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Due to the non-corroding plastic layer and the low level of roughness (0.007 mm) of the inner water-contact surface, the composite pipes are far less susceptible to deposits and incrustation than conventional metal pipes. Their homogenous composite structure provides high dimensional stability and stiffness without sacrificing sufficient flexibility. The linear expansion is comparable to that of copper pipes.

The press fitting features an inner component moulded in polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) which is housed in a fixed stainless steel bushing. A control window helps the plumber to check the proper fit to the connected pipe. In this way, the potable water is almost exclusively in contact with the odourless and tasteless plastics. PPSU is an amorphous high-performance material at the high-end of engineering polymers. Its chemical and hydrolytic resistance, high impact strength and heat deflection temperature (>200°C) have a proven fit in many safety applications, such as in medical engineering. With a flammability rating of UL V0 and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 21, it also meets elevated fire resistance requirements.

Rated for a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar at continuous use temperatures of 95°C and intermediate peak temperatures up to 110°C, Wavin Future K1 is suitable for potable and heating water installations of all kinds. For less demanding requirements, Wavin also offers a Future K2 version with PEX all-plastic pipes and PPSU press fittings.

Since its introduction in 1999 and based on its clean, safe and time as well as cost saving press fit technology Wavin Future K1 has become the universal sanitary plastic pipe system of choice in Europe. At Hannover Fair in 2001, the system received an iF Award from Industrie Forum Design Hannover for “Die gute Industrieform” (Good Industrial Design) in the building and construction category.

In contrast to the competition which is predominantly focused on metal fittings, Wavin has continuously expanded its Future K1 plastic pipe system. Notably, the Wavin Future K1 systems are the only composite fittings available in small diameters of 16, 20 and 25 mm, as well as for larger pipes with diameters of 32, 40 and 50 mm. This is complemented by more than 100 specific connector fittings as well as special solutions for complicated installa

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