GEORG Fischer Piping Systems (GF), represented in the region by Hepworth PME, has introduced the IR110 Plus fusion joining machine for welding the company’s thermoplastic piping systems from 20 mm through 110 mm sizes.

The new machine is based on the proven design of earlier models and is the result of more than two years of development and testing, says Clyde Poppen, sales manager – water treatment section at Hepworth PME, a leading pipes and fittings manufacturer.
Elaborating on the advantages of the product, Poppen says: “Previously, some pipe installations would require two separate machines – an IR63 Plus fusion machine to join 20 mm through 63 mm, and an IR225 Plus machine to join 63 mm through 225 mm. The new IR110 Plus machine eliminates the need for two separate machines for jobs that require only sizes up to 110 mm, offering convenience and cost-savings for the user.”
The IR110 Plus is suitable for use with GF’s Sygef Standard, Sygef Plus, Progef Standard, Progef Plus, Progef Natural, and Industrial PE100 piping systems.
The unit comes fully equipped with two USB interfaces, a monochrome graphic display with icons, and more than 12 user languages, he says.
Other key features to the new design are easy navigation fields, a unique heater and facer assembled as one unit that provides added user convenience, and lighter weight than competitive models, Poppen points out.
A wide range of machine accessories are available including clamping inserts, facing tool replacement blades, end caps and pipe stops.
Piping systems used by the machine can be found in a diverse range of applications including water treatment, waste treatment, process cooling water, chemical processing, purified water, UPW (ultra-pure water) and HUPW (hot ultra-pure water) return loops, sanitisation with ozone, rinse water, and humidification water in such industries as industrial water treatment, microelectronics, life sciences, food processing and chemical manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the company has also introduced what is considered to be the first PN 16 plastic diaphragm valve worldwide.
The new Type 517 diaphragm valve boasts the advantages of a non-corrosive plastic central union nut characterised by homogeneous temperature behaviour, an even surface pressure and high pressure rating up to 16 bar.
Switzerland-headquartered Georg Fischer is a global corporation consisting of 130 companies worldwide with 50 production sites. The company’s core competency is piping systems – plastic and metal fittings, valves and shut-offs for water, gas and other liquids.
Hepworth PME, established in the UAE in 1974, is the region’s premier manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of high-quality plastic pipes, fittings and accessories used for the distribution and transportation of water, wastewater and gas.
With its head office in Dubai, the company manufactures PVC pipes and supplies the biggest range of British manufactured pipes and fittings, required by the water and drainage industry in the Arabian Gulf.