ABS Pipe

What Is ABS Pipe?

ABS is an abbreviation for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a plastic used in the manufacture of some pipes and fittings by extrusion and injection moulding respectively. ABS has different properties to PVC, most specifically in that it is very ductile and so does not split or shatter easily and retains these properties at temperatures well below freezing.

What Properties Does ABS Pipe Have?

ABS has the following properties that make it suitable for pipe systems:

1. Operating temperature of -40°C (-40°F) to +70°C (+160°F)
2. A high ductility, which means a good impact strength
3. ABS is non-toxic and are approved for drinking water supplies (all our ABS pipe systems are WRAS approved)
4. ABS is a rigid pipe system
5. Good abrasion resistance
6. A low coefficient of roughness and high resistance to abrasion

How Is ABS Pipe Joined Together?

1. The ABS pipe should be chamfered on the end to an angle of 22.5° to 45°
2. Clean the pipe and socket with solvent cleaner using a lint free cloth
3. Mark the pipe with the socket depth of the fitting and, if required, mark the pipe to line up the fittings.
4. Paint ABS cement onto the socket and then onto the pipe
5. Push the pipe straight into the socket in one swift movement. Do not twist the pipe as it goes in
6. Wipe away any excess cement

A disadvantage of ABS pipe and fittings is that, unlike PVC, the joints set very quickly indeed, giving the operator very little margin for error. The reaction is so fast that if the pipe is only momentarily pushed half way into fitting, it will bond and not be able to be pushed the rest of the way. Once fully into a socket the pipe and fitting cannot be turned against each other.

Can ABS Be Joined to PVC Pipe?

ABS and PVC pipe can be cemented together using PVC cement, but installers should assume a small loss in pressure rating.

What Else Is ABS Used For?

As well as pressure pipe, the ductility and excellent surface finish of ABS often makes it the plastic of choice for items such as toys (eg LEGO®), power tool bodies, valve handles, instrument cases etc.

ABS pipe can operate at temperatures as cold as -40°C (-40°F) and up to 70°C (158°F) and so is often used for glycol circuits in chiller and cooler systems as well as for ice slurries in processing plants. Some swimming pool and spa pipe and fittings are manufactured from ABS, but others are manufactured from PVC.

Is ABS Flammable?

ABS is a flammable plastic, especially if exposed to high temperature fires. For this reason, PVC is usually the preferred plastic for inside buildings.

What Is the Chemical Resistance Profile of ABS Pipe?

Where there is no reliable data for a chemical, no advice is given.

Plastic Pipe Shop Ltd does not guarantee (neither express not implied) that this information is accurate or complete. Further, Plastic Pipe Shop Ltd does not, by way of this information make any recommendation that any material is suitable for any purpose.