Material Research
Problems in pipelines are often caused by the joints. Kiwa has built up vast experience in this field of expertise. We use this to support our consulting colleagues when it comes to R&D projects in the field of plastic welding (of PE, PEX, PA, PP etc.), and other jointing techniques.
This is supported by a vast amount of testing and analysis services in our own laboratories. We can help you out with both pipeline systems and components for gas distribution and products from many other industries.
Why Kiwa?
- Impartial, high quality results
- Internationally acknowledged expertise and experience
- One-stop-shop for physical, chemical and mechanical tests
- Flexible and fast whilst maintaining accuracy
- Wide scope of materials: metals, plastics, rubbers, etc.
Test services
Chemical and physical analyses
- FTIR spectroscopy (with over 200 thousand reference spectra) and ATR, diffusion reflection, pyrolysis-FTIR
- Gas chromatography
- Extraction and identification of additives
Mechanical Tests
- Tensile tests, also at elevated temperatures up to 150 °C and also on complete pipes and connectors made of plastic or metal (steel, cast iron, copper, etc.)
- Constant-load tests (relaxation) and creep tests on pipe segments at elevated temperature to determine the residual lifetime of polymers
- Testing of the resistance against slow crack growth in polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA)
Microscopy
- (Stereo) light microscopy
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDX analysis (X-ray Micro-Analysis)
- Microstructure determination
- Non-Destructive Echography
- Picture analysis
- Fracture surface research
Permeation
- What is the rate of permeation of a gas or a component therefrom?
- Which components/gases do permeate and which do not?
- What is the relationship between the gas pressure and the permeation rate?
- How far can I raise my gas pressure?
- What is the influence of temperature on the permeation of a gas?
- What is the resistance against moisture permeation from the outside?
Jointing Techniques
- Damage analysis, where we determine the cause of failure independently
- Determination of (rest) quality of joints and (rubber) seals (tensile tests, bending tests, long term tests, peel tests, according to any desired (inter)national standard
- Troubleshooting with welds of materials in development
- Assessment of new or unusual welding methods
- Consultancy regarding welding machines, welding parameters and welding procedures
- Development of test methods for welds and mechanical joints
- Market research
Our services
Kiwa has a wide range of material research, testing and analysis. Check out what we have to offer below.