Multi-layer pipes offer key benefits
The Coes Group, a European leader in hydrothermal and sanitary solutions, says its recently-introduced range of multi-layer polypropylene pipes offers greater benefits than similar products while at the same time scoring heavily on several fronts when compared with traditional fibreglass piping solutions.
01 December 2007
The Coes Group, a European leader in the production and marketing of complete products and systems for hydrothermal and sanitary installations, is currently laying the groundwork to boost its exports by 25 to 30 per cent.
Towards this end, the company was at the Big 5 show last month where it introduced its innovative new offering, the Hexa Pipe, along with a full line-up of its existing range.
Coestherm Hexa is a new range of multi-layer pipes made of PPR (polypropylene random) for hot and cold water plumbing systems.
“The three-layer pipe made of compound PP-RCT (polymer with a fine but very dense hexagonal crystalline structure) is a totally new innovation in 100 per cent plastic material,” says a spokesman for the company.
“The product offers increased capacity, thanks to the reduction in the thickness of the walls of the pipe, greater strength than any other PPR pipe and higher durability. The Hexa range is the only pipe system that is guaranteed for 50 years at a pressure of 10 bar and an operating temperature of 70 deg C,” he adds.
Elaborating on the product, he says: “The Coestherm Hexa pipe comprises an inner layer, made of light green PP-RCT, which is totally smooth to eliminate the loss of load and is resistant to chemicals.
He adds: “The middle layer, made of a neutral-coloured compound PP-RCT, guarantees high resistance to pressure and mechanical stress, while the outer layer, made of dark green PPR, guarantees considerable resistance to thermal stress and total compatibility with the joints for welding of the Coestherm line.”
When compared with fibreglass pipes, this new range offers greater strength and durability. “The Charpy test from 0 deg C and 26 deg C and the pressure resistance test over time prove the exceptional mechanical resistance to cracking and breakage and a guaranteed longevity after installation, of 50 years at a temperature of 70 deg C,” he says.
When compared with traditional PPR pipes, the Hexa pipe offers a greater capacity, thus allowing the use of smaller diameter of pipes for the same capacity, and is available in diameters ranging from 16 to 200 mm.
Hexa pipe can be used in new-build or retrofit applications and is also suitable for distribution systems for heating and air-conditioning, civil and industrial water pipeline systems, compressed air distribution systems, fluid distribution systems for agriculture and industrial manufacturing processes.
Apart from Hexa pipe, Coes offers a wide range of products that includes Coestherm, Coesklima Superk, Climatika and the recent additions of the two soundproofing products – BluePower and PhoNoFire.
“The two new drainage systems of BluePower and PhoNoFire, made of PP co-polymer with mineral additives, meet the increasing demand for sound-absorbing fire-proof solutions in buildings and were launched in the global markets in November 2005. In the same year a new business unit – Coes Engineering – was also formed, to cater to the HVAC market, with a complete offer of floor, ceiling and wall-mounted radiant panels,” says the spokesman.
Besides its product portfolio, Coes also extends its innovative ideas to the services it offers. Climatikatool, a software made by Coes Engineering, is a new solution to facilitate the work of architects and designers in installing radiation panels for heating and cooling.
Coes offers quality, innovation and service, with technological innovation being a key focus of its entire production process. The completion of the existing product range, PEX-A pipes with l A/O barrier in EVOH, installation systems (clip gun) and the Climatika central control unit will be the new products presented during this year.
“We anticipate the market, find a solution, introduce the philosophy as well as support it. Thanks to this fact – and being a strong family-run business we can allow ourselves the luxury of prioritising investments over sales, achieving medium and long-term results where some of our rivals – joint-stock companies listed on the Stock Exchange – fail to do so,” emphasises Massimo Fogliati, chairman of Coes.
Founded in 1965, with its headquarters and main factory in Pioltello in Italy, spread over a 100,000 sq m total area and staffed with about 400 employees, Coes claims to be the first Italian company to offer a “global solution for hydrothermal sanitary installations”. It was the late 1970s when Coes decided to propose polyethylene as an alternative to PVC, introducing two new products to the market of Coestilen – a set of pipes and fittings for residential and industrial drains – and Coestene, a range of water and gas pipelines that is no longer in production.
“The technological evolution marked by polypropylene opened up new horizons for product development. In the mid-1980s, Coestherm (a set of PPR pipes and fittings for water supply and heating) and Coesprene (a range of pipes and fittings made of self-extinguishing PP co-polymer for drainage) were launched. In the mid-1990s, Coesklima SuperK (set of brass multi-layer pipes, mechanical fittings and pressfittings for water supply and heating systems) was introduced, as well as Coesidra (a range of flush tanks and siphons),” says the spokesman.
Apart from the production mainly destined for the Italian market, Coes also has an export quota of 25 per cent in around 50 countries such as Australia, Argentina, Egypt, Lebanon, France, Spain, and Greece, managed by a network of distribution agents and over 5,000 wholesalers. The company is also currently focusing on North Africa and Middle East countries.
“In its 40-year history, Coes’ objective has been, and still is, to consolidate its image as an international multi-specialist, by proposing a wide, complete and innovative range of products, to supply added value to designers, distributors and fitters,” concludes Fogliati.
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