- 19 September 2008 -
TPE compound prevents noise from loose pipes

A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound from RTP Company has been selected for a novel bridge insert. The insert fits over a nylon plastic base and is for use in a series of universal pipe clamps with noise absorbing blocks to reduce noise transfer caused by loose pipes. The Touchdown clamps are an integral component of the Sioux Chief Manufacturing’s Power Bar Universal Slider Bracketing system.

Sioux Chief is the first company in the plumbing industry to integrate a metal telescoping bracket with a slidable plastic clamp. According to Carol Flanagan, Product Group Director – Support: "The clamp reduces noise transferred in the pipe by holding the pipe away from the building structure. It also isolates the pipe from the metal bracket, eliminating any possibility of galvanic corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact."

"Both the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPAC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) require pipes to be securely fastened to the supporting structure in various increments, depending on pipe or tube diameter,” said Flanagan. "The TPE inserts fit into the bridge and base of the Touchdown clamp. Because they are softer than the adjoining nylon material they provide a higher degree of protection against noise transfer." Touchdown clamps can be used in any type of construction where pipes, tubes, cables or wires are installed.

RTP Company engineers recommended an RTP 2700 Series styrenic-based TPE for the clamp’s insert. The compound offers elasticity comparable to rubber, a Shore A hardness of 70 and meets strength and compression set requirements when installed around a pipe. "Once the clamp was installed," explained Flanagan, "we needed to ensure the material held the pipe tightly and did not relax through a broad range of temperatures."

"Other considerations were overall material costs, the material’s behaviour when shot through our hot runner manifold system, and the material’s compatibility with CPVC tubing," added Flanagan. "We are always looking to consolidate materials and vendors for product integrity, as well as overall savings."

RTP Company; www.rtpcompany.com