FlowGuard Gold® Pipe & Fittings: Proven Performance by the Numbers
Getting a job done right the first time is the key to every plumbing expert’s productivity and profitability. How can FlowGuard Gold® Pipe & Fittings, help you reach that goal? The answer lies within a five digit number: 24448. This number dictates the cell class rating for FlowGuard Gold piping systems, and it tells us a lot about the quality of the compound used to create piping products. FlowGuard Gold piping systems’ cell class rating of 24448 is the highest possible rating in the industry for CPVC plumbing systems, and The Lubrizol Corporation was the first to receive it. Cell class ratings let project engineers, specifiers and installers know that the piping products they’ve selected have the durability, strength and performance characteristics necessary to get the job done right the first time, every time. With FlowGuard Gold Pipe & Fittings, plumbing experts can approach every job with confidence.
Industry-Leading Attributes
What does cell class tell us about FlowGuard Gold Pipe & Fittings? First of all, that a FlowGuard Gold piping system is ahead of the competition in many cases—other CPVC products have a cell class rating of 23447, lower than the 24448 rating of FlowGuard Gold pipes. Specifically, there are two key factors that affect cell class denotation and differentiate FlowGuard Gold Pipe & Fittings from generic CPVC products: impact strength and heat distortion temperature (HDT).
Impact Strength
The term impact strength is somewhat self-explanatory; it describes how well a material can resist impact-related damage. What does that mean to you on the job? In many instances damage to piping occurs during transport to the job site or during installation. Damaged pipes can lead to unexpected replacement costs, project delays, product failure and major frustrations. FlowGuard Gold pipes have three times the impact strength of standard CPVC, meaning they are easier to cut and are more likely to withstand any duress experienced on the job site. Superior durability means fewer breaks and fractures, less wasted material, improved productivity and enhanced end-user satisfaction. As a result, installers can be more at ease knowing that simple mishaps won’t always yield disaster.
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
FlowGuard Gold piping also possesses a higher heat distortion temperature than standard CPVC piping. The HDT for FlowGuard Gold piping is 230°F—the highest of any CPVC piping system on the market—and standard CPVC piping bears an HDT rating of just 212°F. This added heat tolerance means FlowGuard Gold pipe maintains its straight, professional appearance even when subjected to the hottest water temperatures. With FlowGuard Gold piping systems, there is no sagging or bending caused by heat exposure—a condition that sometimes leads to customer complaints and call-backs. A higher HDT rating can also translate into greater dimensional tolerance and greater spacing flexibility, meaning fewer hangers are required and project costs can be reduced.
How is Cell Class Determined?
Cell class ratings are defined by ASTM International, an organization that develops international standards for materials, products, systems and services used in construction, manufacturing and transportation. These ratings are then certified by NSF International, a not-for-profit organization that provides standards development, product certification, auditing, education and risk management for public health and the environment.
FlowGuard Gold piping compound received the NSF International certification for meeting the 24448 cell class rating as determined by ASTM D1784. The compound was subjected to rigorous testing and was proven to meet the strict standards and protocols established by NSF and ASTM. Ongoing audits are a key component to the certification process, and samples are tested regularly to ensure they continually meet the 24448 standards. Each of the five digits within a cell class rating is representative of a specific product characteristic. Products
are tested to determine quality and durability in each of the five categories:
(2) Base Resin – The first number in the series relates to base resin. This number simply distinguishes CPVC (2) from ordinary PVC (1).
(4) Impact Strength – This second number represents a measure of the force required to break a material sample by striking it with a pendulum. This relates to the finished pipe’s ability to withstand a blunt force impact, such as being struck, dropped, or stepped on.
(4) Tensile Strength – This number is an indication of the force required to cause a material sample to yield by pulling on it. This relates to the finished pipe’s ability to withstand pressure stresses.
(4) Modulus of Elasticity – This number refers to the plumbing system’s tendency to be deformed elastically when a force is applied; the more durable the material, the higher its
modulus of elasticity.
(8) Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) – The HDT indicates the maximum temperature at which the material can hold a given weight without deforming. This property relates to the maximum temperature at which the finished pipe or fitting can hold pressure and/or resist deforming under load.
Beyond Cell Class:
The Lubrizol Advantage
FlowGuard Gold Pipe & Fittings are a proven plumbing solution offering a simple and safe installation process, cost benefits and proven durability, which has made FlowGuard Gold systems the most widely used CPVC plumbing system in the U.S. FlowGuard Gold systems also come with the added benefit of partnering with an industry leader. With solutions from The Lubrizol Corporation, you receive access to the industry’s largest network of technical experts, an extensive network of piping system consultants, world-class R&D services and in-depth product training. With the highest cell class in the industry, plus the added benefits of The Lubrizol Advantage, specifiers and installers can be confident choosing FlowGuard Gold Pipe & Fittings for their next job.