GF Piping Systems had the opportunity to analyse one of their piping systems made of uPVC in Germany that had been constructed more than 20 years ago and was about to be replaced due to a plant remodelling - because of the typical longevity of the system this was a rare and particularly interesting possibility. It had been installed outdoors, exposed to changing weather conditions and direct sunlight, and was consistently used for 96% sulfuric acid.

The laboratory investigation, including microscopic sections, showed that the uPVC wall material from GF Piping Systems was still completely intact even after more than 20 years of constant use. More than a superficial oxidation could not be determined. The adhesive surfaces were still more than 80% intact. They, too, were still fully operational.

Roberto Almodovar, market segment manager for the chemical process industry in Germany said: "This typical application shows that uPVC piping systems retain their material advantages on the long term. In addition to low weight and faster installation by cementing, these are above all that they are corrosion and maintenance free." This applies both to uPVC as a piping material and as a GRP inliner.