One step closer to the quality certification of our products, in Grupo Polytex’s constant pursuit of excellence, to guarantee that the construction and plumbing markets receive pipes and fittings that exceed the most demanding quality standards.
“MADE IN VENEZUELA WITH TOTAL QUALITY”
To guarantee the quality and performance of our polypropylene (PPR) pipes and fittings, Famacoplas has signed a strategic agreement with the Institute of Materials and Structural Models (IMME) of the Universidad Central de Venezuela. This partnership focuses on conducting rigorous laboratory testing to certify that our products meet and exceed expected industry benchmarks.
About IMME
Founded in 1949, IMME’s core mission is to provide advanced materials testing services to the industry while supporting the academic and research initiatives of the UCV.
The center is a founding member and headquarters of both the Ibero-American Association of Earthquake Engineering (AIBIS) and the Venezuelan Society of Numerical Methods.
Its core operations span applied research, postgraduate education, and specialized industrial consulting and technical services.
Today, IMME stands as one of the most advanced and comprehensive testing complexes in Hispanic America. Spanning two buildings of over 4,000 square meters, it boasts a highly qualified team of researchers, technicians, and specialists capable of operating across diverse scenarios both within and outside Venezuela.
Scope of Testing at IMME for Pipes and Fittings
Launched in October 2023, this ambitious project evaluates product performance through comprehensive stress tests on piping systems and connections. The scope focuses on hydrostatic pressure testing, high-temperature water circulation testing, and compression and tensile testing.
Polyfusion pipes and fittings were selected at random from our warehouse inventories. Evaluation benchmarks were set in accordance with ISO 15874 (Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations) and DIN 8077 (Polypropylene pipes—Dimensions).
Methodology
Products were sampled from different production batches certified by FAMACOPLAS under the POLYTEX-TuboVerde brand.
In this initial phase, testing was conducted on 20mm and 110mm diameter products.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Performance tests were conducted on PN20 piping (20mm and 110mm diameters), including end caps, rings, elbows, and reducers configured for pressure gauge integration.
The results certified system integrity up to 560 psi for the 110mm pipes and over 400 psi for the 20mm diameter pipes. This represents nearly double the pressure resistance required by standard regulations and far exceeds normal operating pressures in any building infrastructure.
High-Temperature Water Circulation Testing
To measure thermal degradation and hardness retention, the samples were subjected to four high-temperature water circulation stages, yielding the following results:
- 20mm Pipes: Hardness degradation was limited to just 6% when subjected to water circulation at 100°C (boiling point).
- 110mm Pipes: Under identical boiling conditions, the structural properties showed a mere 4% reduction in hardness.
At 50°C: A temperature higher than standard residential water heaters, hardness remained within 2% of the initial baseline measurement.
These tests demonstrate that our pipes and fittings deliver a safety margin significantly above standard regulatory requirements under high-temperature stress.
Compression Testing
Samples were subjected to heavy loads using a hydraulic press to determine structural limits at the yield point (onset of deformation):
20mm Pipes: Withstood loads of up to 520 kg before deformation.
110mm Pipes: Deformed without fracturing at 17.05 metric tons—an engineering equivalent to the weight of 15.5 mid-sized automobiles.
At Polytex, we are committed to quality and continuous process improvement. Our goal is to provide the construction and plumbing industries with the premier choice for hot and cold water distribution systems.
For further information regarding this ongoing initiative, please contact our Sales Manager:
Enrique Rodriguez
+58-412-386-3859
erodriguezd@grupopolytex.com