The stringent specifications followed by Interplast in pipe production are certified in its labs with tests specified by European standard 12318, German DIN 16892/93 and Spanish UNE 53381. The lab distributes only certified pipes that have been quality tested in the following ways:

. Raw material flow test. This is a fixed test that is carried out each time raw materials are received. The flow of the raw materials is very important in defining the temperature profile of the EXTRUDER and thus homogenization of the material.

. Visual inspection of pipe surface, measurement of outer diameter and measurement of wall thickness by use of certified instruments. These are checks that certify ongoing measurements carried out throughout production.

. Measurement of cross-linking degree on a daily basis. The pipes that are packed have a cross-linking percentage of at least 65%. At this point the major advantage of method -b cross-linking should be stressed, as cross-linking is achieved in a natural way. Thus the possibility of a mistake is eliminated; such a mistake could prove destructive in the other two methods, where cross-linking is achieved by chemical means (peroxides, radiation).

. Checking of pipe linear expansion. A specimen from production is kept in the lab stove for 1 hour at 120°C. The result should not show elongation greater than 3% according to DIN 16892. Como-pex pipes present 1.5% elongation and Como-pex Oxygen Barrier 0.9%

. Microscopic homogenization check. This is one of the most important checks and in conjunction with raw material flow it defines the temperature profile and turns of the EXTRUDER. Como-pex pipes display the best possible homogenization, proving their long lifespan.

. Internal pressure check, remaining for 1 hour at 20°C and 95°C, 22, 165 and 1000 hours at 95°C as specified by European standards, German DIN 16892 and Spanish UNE 53381. The 1-hour tests are performed for each final product lot, 22 and 165 hour tests every 2 weeks and 1000 hour test annually for each cross-section.

The company also subjects its pipes to testing in the laboratories of ELOT at 110°C for 8760 hours under pressures defined in EN 12318 and DIN16892

The graphs below show how Como-pex pipe more than fulfils European regulations in two important lab tests, i.e. linear expansion (pipe elongation) and testing under pressure and temperature.