Buteline Pipe

Buteline pipe in Australia is made from two different materials – Polybutene-1 (PB-1) for hot and cold water applications, and Polyethylene (PE) for recycled water and rainwater harvesting.

* Please note that 100m, 150m and 200m coils are available by special request.

Polybutene-1 (PB-1) Pipe

Polybutene-1 is not a hybrid material and was specifically developed for use as a hot and cold water plumbing pipe material over 30 years ago. It is a proven solution for the conveyance of clean healthy drinking water. With superior temperature and thermal capabilities compared to other materials, there is no need for lagging – it endures and continues to perform both in low and high temperature applications. The flexibility of Polybutene-1 pipe assists installers and eliminates water hammer noise. Polybutene-1 is also environmentally friendly as it is 100% recyclable.
(Please see Polybutene-1 Technical Information for more information).

Buteline Polybutene-1 pipe can withstand high temperatures and pressures, is manufactured to meet the exacting Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2642, and complies with the AS/NZS 4020 Food Grade Standard, using equipment designed and built by Buteline's engineering division. The Pipewinder (pictured) automatically cuts quality assurance samples which, in addition with Buteline's laboratory testing, ensures consistent production of high quality pipe that exceed even the most stringent world standards.

Buteline pipe is tested to exacting national and international requirements with regards to compatibility with fittings, resistance to leakage when subjected to bending, resistance to pull out of assembled joints, as well as thermal and pressure cycling.

Short term tests are carried out at a calculated pressure based on a given hoop stress pressure depending on the duration of the test. The tests are carried out at 95 ± 1°C for durations of 1 hour and 170 hours.

Long term tests are carried out based on the hoop stress pressures given for operating temperatures between 20°C and 95°C.
 

Main Advantages of PB-1 Pipe

• Increased flexibility (ie: Less fittings required = save $$ and installation time), lightweight, easier to install
• Does not corrode, and no scale build-up
• Superior strength (40% stronger than PE-X, and almost double the strength of PP-R and PE-RT, as published in ISO9080 evaluation of PE-RT)
• Reduced wall thickness gives larger pipe internal diameter resulting in higher flow rates whilst lowering energy costs
• Silent operation, virtually no water hammer
• Excellent resistance to creep

Polyethylene (PE) Pipe

Polyethylene is widely accepted as a cost-effective plumbing material for cold water applications and has been in service for over 50 years. It is tough with excellent chemical resistance and near-zero moisture absorption.
(Please see Polyethylene Technical Information for more information).

Both of the solid lilac and solid green Polyethylene pipes are made using a single extrusion process, and clearly colour-coded to highlight their purpose and to avoid cross-connection – lilac for recycled water and green for rainwater harvesting.
Both Recycled Water and Rainwater systems are manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 4130.
(Please see Recycled Water & Rainwater Systems for more information).

Main Advantages of PE Pipe

• More flexible compared to metal, PVC or ABS pipe
• Does not corrode, and no scale build-up
• High tensile strength when used to convey cold water  
• Good chemical resistance against most household chemicals
• High impact strength (when used for conveying cold water)