Freezing Conditions & Fire Information

Freezing Conditions

Buteline PB-1 Pipe is the preferred choice for water reticulation in climates where freezing conditions are possible.

Buteline PB-1 Pipe will absorb the expansion of frozen water within itself as well as the additional expansion created by the water freezing inside a rigid fitting and expanding into the pipe.

Lagging of pipes is recommended when installing the system in places exposed to continuous freezing temperatures.

Fire Information

Buteline products are difficult to ignite, and are therefore defined as combustible, but not highly flammable.

When Class 16 Buteline PB-1 pipe is heated in air, melting will occur at approximately 125°C, and decomposition will commence at about 300°C with the release of volatile lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. A flame or radiant heat source can ignite these. Once ignition has occurred, sufficient heat will be generated to continue decomposition, provided there is sufficient oxygen. Burning is accompanied by the release of flaming molten droplets of polymer.

CAS-No. for Polybutene-1 (PB-1): 9003-28-5

Calorific Value: 8000-11,000 kcal/kg

Where Buteline PB-1 pipe is installed and penetrates fire resistant construction, the fire resistant integrity of the construction must be retained. This can commonly be achieved through the use of fire rated silicone (or similar) or fire-stop collars but refer to the local building code.

Please refer to this Passive Fire Protection Guide for Polybutene-1 Pipes from RyanFire.  
The following V drawings are also available for download:

• V1.4 for a brass wingback elbow in plasterboard
• V20.8 for PB pipe up to 22mm through plasterboard/masonry fire wall
• V21.5 for PB pipe up to 28mm through plasterboard
• V22.9 for PB pipe though plasterboard ceiling
• V25.14 for PB pipe in concrete floors.

For more information on passive fire protection solutions for plumbing (such as fire collar and sealants), or for expert guidance to achieve the required rating and protection, please contact Ryanfire (email info@ryanfire.co.nz, phone 09 443 0362 for the Auckland office or 03 348 9279 for the Christchurch office) or refer to their website (www.ryanfire.co.nz).

Fire collars are also available from Allproof Industries, please contact them for more information or refer to their website (www.allproof.co.nz/passive-fire-protection).