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FAQ

Is it possible to electroweld while in presence of explosive

No, prior to commencing the electrowelding procedure it is necessary to eliminate any residual hydrocarbon (liquid or vapor) from the line.

This can be done by fluxing the line with an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen). It is also advisable to perform the welding while fluxing the line itself. 

Why are the permeability factors of Smartflex less than other thermoplastic competitors?

What is the ambient temperature range within electro-welding can be carried out?

From 14 °F to 113 °F (-10°C to 45 °C).

What are the recommended backfill materials for bedding and burial of SMARTFLEX pipe and fittings?

Sand and pea gravel.

What is the minimum burial depth recommended for SMARTFLEX pipe and fittings?

18" (50 cm)

Should pipes crossing over one another be protected to prevent point-loading damage?

Yes, they should be protected by a minimum of 2" (5 cm) of compacted backfill or 1" (2.5) of protective Styrofoam.

Is it important to align pipe and fittings, both during welding and cooling process?

Yes, It is very important to align pipe and fittings, both during welding and cooling process, within 10° to 15°.

In the event of a power shortage, can electro-welding be restarted?

Electro-welding can be restarted only after the assembly has been completely cooled down.

If the bar code reader pen fails to read a specific bar code, how should the installer proceed?

Obtain an identical fitting and utilize (read) the bar code in order to continue welding process.

Will SMARTFLEX swell when exposed to hydrocarbon liquids?

SMARTFLEX pipe will not swell because the internal liner is impervious to hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons do not reach the HDPE layer which provide mechanical strenght.

What are the differencies between SMARTFLEX versus the braided flexible piping systems?

SMARTFLEX is different from braided flexible piping system in that the HDPE layer that  provides the mechanical strenght of the system is a "pressure" grade HDPE widely used through-out the world for the conveyance of natural gas. "Pressure" grade means that, independent laboratories have determined the product lifetime when it is subject to pressure.

Is Smartflex piping system EN14125 certified?

Yes! We have created a specially designed single and double-wall piping system named TSMAH and TSMAHD to satisfy the requirements of the new ENI14125 standard.

Is the Smartflex piping system UL certified for Canada and the United States?

Yes! We have created a specially designed single and double-wall piping system named SuperSmartflex (TSMAXP and TSMAXPD) to satisfy the requirements of the new UL971 and ULC standards.

Is the Smartflex piping system KIWA certified?

Yes! We have created a specially designed single and double-wall piping system named TSMA e TSMAD to satisfy this standard.

Is the Smartflex piping system IP Second Edition certified?

Yes! We have created a specially designed single and double- wall piping system named TSMA e TSMAD to satisfy this standard. 

Is the Smartflex piping system suitable for E85 transport?

Yes! The Smartflex  piping system is suitable for E85  transport.

What is required to download welding or pressure test reports from the welding unit?

Simply use the cable provided to transfer the data regarding the stress tests to a computer or print the data directly using a wireless printer (available on request with the latest SSEL8404 model). 

Are the welding units and monitoring system available in 110 and 220 volt version?

Yes! Please refer to the Smartflex Product Catalogue.

What connection methods do you use to install Smartflex piping systems?

The primary connection method for the Smartflex system is based on electro-welding technology.

Does Nupi provide a leak monitoring system?

Yes! It is a pressure system that contains a leak monitoring unit (SMSD), a manifold and tubes for checking the system that connect to the double wall pipes and fittings thanks  to the special quick-connecting valves.

Does Nupi develop and manufacture its own piping systems?

Yes, Nupi develops, designs and manufactures all its products (Smartflex, Oiltech Product Lines) at  the company's 4 manufacturing plants in Italy.

Are both BSP and NPT threaded fittings available for the Smartflex piping system?

Yes! All Smartflex threaded fittings are available in both BSP and NPT threads.

Can the Smartflex piping system be used for both pressure and suction system?

Yes! Smartflex can be used for both pressure and suction systems.

Can the interstitial space be monitored?

Yes, thanks to the Smartflex double wall fittings, which allow the interstitial space to remain uninterrupted throughout the complete line.

What is the pressure rating of a piping system?

The pressure rating (or max.operating pressure) is the estimated gauge pressure that the medium in the pipe can exert continuously  with the likelihood that failure of the pipe will not occur. All Smartflex primary and secondary pipes are sized to have a pressure rating of 8 bar and 4 bar respectively.

 

How does one become a Smartflex certified installer?

The Smartflex piping sysyem can only be installed by SMARTFLEX certified installers. The operator must undergo a SMARTFLEX Certified installer training course prior to obtaining his/her Certified Installer credentials. Certified In staller training is valid for a period of three years.

What is the new double bar code?

The double bar code contains added information that allows complete tracking of the fitting (including: manufacture site, raw materials used with their lot numbers and characteristics, such as , for example, fluidity index and polyethylene type).

What type of warranty does this product provide?

The Smartflex piping system offers a 30 years warranty. In order for the warranty. To be considered valid, the Smartflex piping system must be installed by a certified installer according to the most  recent installation instructions.

Can the primary and secondary lines be tested together?

No, only all the primary lines can be connected and tested together or all the secondary lines(using the specific manifolds, SMANIF). As the test pressures are different for the two pipelines, we suggest you refer to the Technical  Catalog for further information.

 

Is it true that all plastic piping system swell or expand when in contact with hydrocarbon vapors?

Absolutely not! Smartflex pipes will not expand in lenght when exposed continuously to hydrocarbon vapors in sumps. The reason is that the pipe and fittings employ hiigh density materials, which ensure a higher degree of hydrocarbon resistance.

Is the Smartflex piping system specifically designed for use with petroleum products and alcohol mixtures?

The Smartflex piping system is designed and manufactured specifically for the transport of automotive fuels. This includes all gasoline and diesel fuels, and alcohol/gasoline mixtures.  

In the event of that the internal pipe liner has been excessively exposed to ultra-violet (UV)rays, what corrective action should the installer perform?

The installer can cut 5 cm off the end of each exposed pipe and replace the pipe end and cap.

Can Smartflex welding units be used in potentially explosive environments?

Smartflex welding units are NOT devices that can withstand explosions and may only be used on pipe sections that do not contain hydrocarbons. Always refer to local regulations and codes for the use of electrical devices in service stations.

Is Smartflex compatible with AdBlue?

Yes, Smartflex TSMAUREA is compatible with AdBlue.

Is Smartflex system flexible or rigid?

Being SMARTCONTAINMENT a semi-rigid system, it can offer th estiffness required by CARB regulations an dth eflexibility needed by engineers and contractors to avoid th euse of buried fittings i.e. contain them in sumps.