Industry Study of Compatibility of Spray Polyurethane Foam with CPVC-Part II v 2 7-21-09B.pdfUpdate on Compatibility Testing of Spray
Polyurethane Foam with CPVC
CHRIS PORTER RICHARD DUNCAN MARY BOGDAN
BioBasecl* Insulation SPFA Hozzeywell
1315 N Thirteenth St. 4400 Fair Lakes Court, 20 Peabody St
Rogers, AR 72756 .Suite 105 Buffalo, NY 14210
Fair/ax, 11A 22033
ABSTRACT
In response to the growing use of the combination of CPVC and spray polyurethane foam products (SPF)
the Center for the Polyurethane Industry (CPI) and the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), along
with Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., a leading CPVC resin manufacturer, have conducted a study which
assesses the compatibility of generic SPF and CPVC pipe and fittings. This research program has allowed
the industry to assess the chemical, physical, and thermal compatibility of soy and non -soy based closed-
cel l polyurethane foam, soy and non -soy based open -cell polyuretbane foam, and one component foam
with CPVC pipe and fittings. Industry testing and current ASTM test protocols involve soaking the CPVC
pipe in a liquid or solvent material. Foam presents an interesting challenge for compatibility testing since
CPVC/foam compatibility does not involve the long term liquid contact of materials. Instead, the contact
point is multi -cellular foam on a smooth plastic surface. This paper discusses the outcome of sample testing
and includes a physical and analytical assessment of the foam and CPVC. Of particular interest, is the
interaction between phosphate ester flame retardants, which have been linked to CPVC pipe failures due to
contact with other substances, the long term and short term effects of variables such as foam exotherm,
phosphate ester type and concentration, as well as soy polyols. This program will provide a basis for an
ongoing industry program to evaluate SPF products with plastic building materials.
DISCLAIMER
The information and data provided herein are believed to be accurate and reliable, but are presented
without guarantee, warranty or responsibility of any kind, express or implied. Statements or suggestions
concerning possible use of products are made without representation or warranty that any such use is free
of patent infringement, and are not recommendations to infringe any patent. The user should not assume
that all safety measures are indicated herein, or that other measures may not be required. The values
presented herein are typical values and are not to be interpreted as product specifications. User assumes all
liability for use of the information and results obtained.
INTRODUCTION
This paper is second of two papers on this subject, where the first of which was presented at Polyurethanes
2008. In this paper the results of the two year program are presented and discussed.
WHAT IS CPVC?
"At its most basic level, CPVC is a PVC homopolymer that has been subject to a chlorination reaction.
In PVC, a chlorine atom occupies 25 percent of the bonding sites on the backbone, while the remaining
sites are filled with hydrogen. CPVC differs from PVC in that approximately 40 percent of the bonding
sites on the backbone are filled with strategically place chlorine, while the remaining 60 percent available
sites are filled with hydrogen. The chlorine atoms surrounding the carbon backbone of CPVC are large
atoms which protect the chain from attack. Access to the CPVC carbon chain is restricted by the chlorine
on the molecule. It is the additional chlorine that provides CPVC with its superior temperature and
chemical resistance." (1)
WHERE IS IT USED?
Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipe & Fitting compounds are designed and manufactured to
ASTM D 1784 Standard Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds. These pipes and fittings are used for fire suppression systems,
potable water distribution, as well as corrosive fluid handling and are recognized by all model building
codes. CPVC compounds were first produced by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. (formerly BF
Goodrich Performance Materials) in the late 1950's. (1) Since that time, CPVC it has been successfully
installed in residential, commercial, and industrial applications and continues to gain popularity due to the
many benefits that it offers as well as its lower cost and ease of installation when compared with steel or
copper pipe and tubing. When installed per manufacturer's recommendations, CPVC pipe can perform very
well. Manufacturers report that more than a billion feet of CPVC sprinkler piping have been successfully
installed in accordance with NFPA 13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and
Two -Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes and 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and including four stories in height. In 2009 there was a change
adopted to the IRC code Section R313. The change states that effective January 1, 2011, an approved
automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in new one and two-family dwellings and townhouses in
accordance with NFPA 13D.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS FOR CPVC PIPING?
As with any plastic, CPVC has limitations as to where it can be installed and under what physical
environments it can successfully be used in. CPVC piping and fittings have primarily two routes of failure:
physical and chemical. These modes of failure are often manifested in installations as mechanical stress
cracking and environmental stress cracking. Mechanical stress cracking is the result of the piping being
installed under high stress situations. Mechanical stress cracking is defined as the external or internal
cracks in a plastic caused by tensile stresses in excess of the local short-term mechanical strength. (2)
CPVC pipe failures can stem from two mechanical failure modes: improper installation or excessive
pressure. This is not the focus of this paper.
Environmental stress is often the result of variables that impact the chemical resistance of the CPVC pipe
and/or fittings. This includes "chemical concentration, temperature, pressure, external stress and final
product quality. This can exhibit itself in several different ways with the most common problems being
softening, degradation and cracking. Environmental stress cracking (ESC) is a mechanism by which
organic chemicals achieve an extremely localized weakening at the surface of the part which permits the
propagation of a crack. It generally presents itself as a crack with glossy fracture surfaces that occur in
regions of high mechanical stress. Potential ESC agents for CPVC include natural or synthetic ester oils,
nonionic surfactants, alcohols and glycols" (1)
WHAT ABOUT CPVC AND SPF?
The use of polyurethane foam has grown dramatically in the commercial and residential market. Often
SPF is applied directly, as insulation, or crack filler, to the surface of CPVC pipe and fittings. SPF is made
in the field from a reaction of a diisocyanate and a resin blend containing polyols, surfactants, amine
catalyst, blowing agents and flame retardants (including phosphate esters). The polyols used in the resin
blends can be petroleum based or soy or other agricultural feedstock based. The polyurethane chemical
reaction is exothermic, which depending upon foam thicknesses can reach temperature in excess of 2001 F.
Based upon the use of phosphate esters as flame retardants in spray foam and recent field failures related to
other materials containing phosphate esters, CPVC resin manufacturers including Lubrizol have issued
cautionary statements about the use of their products in conjunction with SPF. It is important to note that
foam plastics containing phosphate esters have not resulted in any documented ESC related failures. Since
no qualified research exists today to support that there is no impact, Lubrizol issued the following
cautionary statement:
"We are currently investigating chemical compatibility of polyurethane foams with our CPVC
brands. This process will take several months to investigate. Thus, at this time, we cannot say
whether such products are compatible with CPVC. While we are not aware of a CPVC failure that
was the result of chemical incompatibility with properly applied polyurethane foams, when
polyurethane foams are not properly applied there is the potential for excess heat that can lead to
ballooning of the pipe and a subsequent failure."(3)
A number of other manufacturers have followed suit. The goal of this co -sponsored research work is to
demonstrate that there is no chemical/physical impact to the performance and longevity of CPVC piping
and fittings when they are in contact with spray polyurethane foam. This program will include evaluation
of the chemical, thermal and physical compatibility of spray foam with CPVC piping/fittings and have the
data reviewed and a summary report issued by an independent third party.
HOW DOES ONE TEST CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY WITH CPVC?
Two test procedures ISO 22088 Determination of Resistance to Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC)
and ASTM D543 Standard Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents are
used by the industry to test method for evaluating the resistance of plastics to chemical reagents. The
current methods used to test chemical compatibility with CPVC pipe are not appropriate for foam plastics.
There are some clear limitations defined in the ASTM test procedure.
"The limitations of the results obtained from these practices should be recognized. The choice of
types and concentrations of reagents, duration of immersion or stress, or both, temperature of the
test, and properties to be reported is necessarily arbitrary. The specification of these conditions
provides a basis for standardization and serves as a guide to investigators wishing to compare the
relative resistance of various plastics to typical chemical reagents. Correlation of test results with
the actual performance or serviceability of plastics is necessarily dependent upon the similarity
between the testing and the end -use conditions. For applications involving continuous immersion,
the data obtained in short -time tests are of interest only in eliminating the most unsuitable
materials or indicating a probable relative order of resistance to chemical reagents." (3)
Two of the main problems that have been identified with the applicability of this test method to foam
plastics are the physical characteristics of the foamed plastic and the short duration of liquid chemical
contact with CPVC.
ISO 22088 and ASTM D 543 are very relevant tests for solids, liquids, gels, or adhesives containing
phosphate esters. Figure 1, below depicts phosphate ester migration from a fire rated caulk into a CPVC
fire sprinkler pipe. When installed around CPVC pipe, phosphate esters contained within these caulks have
a significant level of exposure with a clear migration pathway to the CPVC pipe.
0
RO—►—OR
OR
;
RO-1—OR
I
oR
O
1
RO—►—OR
I
OR
O
RO- ►-OR
I
OR
Phosphate Ester migration through a solid substance (ce. caulk)
Figure 1. Simulate phosphate ester migration through solid substance
However, .Figure 2. represents SPF when applied over the surface of CPVC pipe. The cellular structure of
SPF and other foam plastics limit the amount of surface area contact between the CPVC and SPF. The
pathway for the migration of phosphate esters is reduced in many ways. Unlike other solid homogeneous
products, SPF is non homogeneous. The cellular nature of the product requires that any phosphate esters
traverse a tortuous pathway along cell wall boundaries.
Figure Z. Simulate phosphate ester migration in roam
Once reacted, most SPF products are substantially cured in a matter of minutes depending on the catalysts
used. Some SPF products suggest that the chemical reaction in which the resin blend (`B" side) and the
diisocyanate ("A" side) is completed and results in a solidified polyurethane foam product in a few
seconds. ASTM C 1029 Standard Specification for Spray -Applied Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Thermal
Insulation allows for all spray applied polyurethane products to be fully cured and cut for physical
properties testing after 72 hours. This relatively short cure time and short term contact with SPF in its
liquid form suggests that any chemical incompatibility between liquid components and CPVC resins will
not result in a substantial risk of pipe failure.
ALTERNATIVE TEST PROCEDURE
Since the current test procedures do not adequately represent the exposure mode, development of an
alternative test scenario that more accurately depicts the exposure scenario was necessary. It was agreed
that the most reasonable test scenario should involve encasing a pipe/fitting setup in polyurethane foam.
This would duplicate field conditions. The pipe fitting assembly would be placed under hydrostatic
pressure. Since it is important to get this information in a timely manner the test specimens in addition to
being under pressure would be placed at an elevated temperature to accelerate exposure conditions.
Figure 3. CPVC test pipe with fitting
Numerous test conditions were considered and the following conditions were selected as the final
industry test protocol.
• Each pipe/fitting assembly was encased in a minimum of 1 inch foam
• The foamed pipe test specimens were placed in the environmental chamber at 150°F and
_ambient relative humidity
• Every specimen was subjected to a constant hydrostatic pressure of 210 psi
• The pipes were removed at approximately 3000 hr, and 6000 hr.
• Throughout the test period the pipe pressure was monitored for signs of pipe rupture or leakage.
• When removed after 3000 hrs, samples with the highest flame retardant concentrations were
tested and compared to pipe without foam subjected to the same conditions:
o Pipe
■ Visual and microscopic examination for signs of stress cracking
■ Surface analyzed for phosphate content
o Foam
■ Samples analyzed phosphate migration via positive ion electrospray (ESI-MS)
using a Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL FTMS and concentration via
ICPOES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy). When
removed after 6000 hrs, all samples not having measureable phosphate levels
after 3000 hrs were tested as described above. After examination and analysis,
all samples were destructively pressure tested to detect non -visible signs of
stress cracking.
The combination of pressure and temperature used are consistent with CPVC ..performance testing. The
results will be compared to Lubrizol standard samples. A 97.5% (one-sided) confidence level will be
utilized.
TEST VARIABLES AND CONDITIONS
Based upon the causative factors for environmental stress cracking (ESC), it was agreed that there were 5
variables that should be included in this study: type of foam, type of flame retardant, flame retardant
concentration, soy and non -soy polyol based and thickness of the foam. A design experiment utilizing a
partial factorial was constructed utilizing a high and low point for each of the variables within each of the
foam types. Each experiment was run only once. The constraint of the experimentation was 50 samples, the
capacity of the test chamber.
Types of foam
There are a variety of polyurethane foams used in buildings. The applications range from one component
foams used as a fire stop, gap filler or adhesive to wall foam insulation. In order to accurately evaluate the
chemical exposure a medium density closed -cell, low density open -cell and closed -cell one component
foam were included in the study. Since the focus of this study is flame retardants it was decided to utilize a
generic foam system vs commercial system to minimize variation within each test. The spray polyurethane
industry came to a consensus on three generic formulations to be used in the study.
Type and quantity of flame retardants
As stated earlier environmental stress is often the result of variables that impact the chemical resistance of
the CPVC pipe and/or fittings. Chemicals in contact with the CPVC and the concentration of them can
result in environmental stress cracking. Phosphate esters are the chemical of concern in this investigation.
There are a large variety of flame retardants (phosphate esters) available for use in the SPF industry. SPFA
surveyed its membership to identify what types and concentrations of phosphate ester flame retardants are
used. The goal was to identify the most commonly used flame retardants.
In addition the industry conducted chemical soak compatibility testing with the flame retardants listed to
identify the most aggressive flame retardant. This test involved placing CPVC pipe samples in containers
containing full strength TCPP and TEP. The samples were observed for two months. The difference was
marked. The TEP seemed to dissolve CPVC very quickly. The TCPP sample had no visible etching or
solvation after two months. Figure 4 illustrates the results after only three weeks exposure.
Mgure 4. soarc test c;rvc; to pnospnace ester name retaraants
Based on the industry survey, three primary flame retardants were identified for use in the study, TCPP-
(Tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate), TDCP- (Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate blend) (for one
component foam)and TEP (Triethyl phosphate). The soak test allowed us to rank the materials based upon
the reaction with the CPVC piping. TEP being considered the most aggressive.
Type of polyol
It has been long acknowledged by the CPVC industry that CPVC is not chemically resistant to vegetable
oils. The polyurethane industry has begun to formulate polyurethane foams which are prepared not only
with petroleum based polyols but also polyols derived from agricultural materials such as soy oils and
sucrose. These vegetable oil polyols are fully reacted products and chemically do not resemble the starting
materials. However, there has been concern raised in the building community around these foams and the
potential for ESC. To address this, a commercial open and closed -cell vegetable based spray foam were
added to the experimental design. These materials are prepared with the flame retardant TCPP within the
concentration levels utilized in the other experiments.
Thickness
Temperature or thermal exposure of the pipe or fitting has been identified as a key variable in ESC. The
spray polyurethane foam reaction is exothermic. Although the exothermic temperature for a polyurethane
reaction can exceed 200°F it is often for a very short period of time. Since polyurethane foam is a good
insulator the retention of the exothermic heat is dependent upon the thickness of the foam application.
CPVC fire sprinkler pipe is typically pressure rated for 175 psi at 150°F. It is not usually derated for higher
temperatures. CPVC plumbing pipe is typically pressure rated for 100 psi at 180°F and can be derated to
80 psi at 200 *F. However; most CPVC manufacturers do not rate pipe or fittings for pressure service
above 200°F.
The heat deflection temperature or heat distortion temperature (HDT) is the temperature at which a
polymer or plastic sample deforms under a specified load. For CPVC Pipe, the HDT is approximately
220°F. The exotherm created and the presence of the liquid components before, during, and immediately
after the reaction takes place may act as a catalyzing agent and increase the possibility of ESC. In order to
address the result of the elevated temperature and its initial effect on the pipe and the migration of
phosphates, all pipe samples were sprayed at thicknesses > 1 inch and > 4 inch. This creates the variation
in internal foam temperatures. Prior to testing the samples are then trimmed down to 1 inch so that they
will fit inside the test chamber.
The completed experimental design and samples with testing schedule are listed in Table 1
Type of
foam
Closed -cell
Flame Retardant
(FR)
TCPP
TCPP
TCPP
TCPP
TEP
TEP
TEP
Table 1. Sample test schedule
Concentration FR,
Thickness
wt% polyol side
Foam, in
10
4
10
2
4
4
4
2
10
4
10
2
4
4
Sample Test Schedule
-3000 hr
-6000 hr
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
'
X
X
Open -Cell
TCPP
50
X X
TCPP
15
X X
TEP
50
E
X X
TEP
15
X X
OCF
TCPP
5 a
'/a" +/-
X
TCPP
10 a
3/a" +/-
X
TDCPP
10 a
3/a" +/-
X X
No phosphate ester
0
'/o" +/-
X
BIO-
Open -cell
X X
POLYOL
Closed -cell
* Not tested at 3000 hours to reduce cost of,tudv
a Concentration FR, wt% Total
SAMPLE PREPARATION
KI
A total of 139 samples were prepared for this study. The specific quantities for each study are listed in
Table 2. The pipe posed a challenge to the labs because traditionally the pipe is secured to a wall assembly
and the spray foam is put around the sample. How this challenge was met for each technology is described
below. After the samples were prepared they were shipped via ground to Lubrizol's Test Facility in
Brecksville Ohio.
Table 2. Samples prepared for test program
# For
testing
# In test
# Extra for
# Extra for
Type
including
chamber
shipment
application
Total #
initial
damage
improvement
Closed -Cell Foam
28
21
14
14
56
Open -Cell Foam
16
12
8
8
32
One Component
16
12
8
8
32
Soy— Open
4
3
3
3
10
Soy— Closed
3
2
3
3
9
Total
67
50
36
36
139
Closed -cell/ Open -cell foams
Spraying of the CPVC pipe external to a wall assembly presented a challenge. It needed to be
encapsulated in foam and the open end needed to be left clean of foam to allow for attachment of the
sample to the test chamber. The pictures in Figure 5 illustrate the steps taken to prepare the open -cell foam
samples. A similar procedure was used for preparation of the closed -cell foam samples. Standard industry
equipment and raw materials were utilized to prepare the formulations and spray the samples.
S ample pla ce d i n spray jig
Foam squared to specified size
Foam sprayed onto
pipe in rnultiple layers
"arnple re ad to be
sTiippedto test lake
Figure 5. Preparation of open -cell foam samples
One Component Foam Samples
Traditionally one component foam has limited contact with a CPVC pipe surface because it is used to
seal or fill gaps. Because of the elevated temperature of the test it was agreed that the test pipe would be
covered with one component foam. However, it would only be applied at 1 inch thickness. In order to
insure that the foam exposure resembled traditional building practices the pipe was placed in a jig. It was
rotated as a continuous bead of foam was applied to the pipe. Figure 6. Illustrates what the final sample
looked like.
ToF fittings
Figure 6. One Component foam sample
Foarn sarn[jIes in charriber
Figure 7. Samples in test chamber
Bottorn
TESTING
The testing was divided into 3 phases. The first was chemical in nature. It looked to detect the presence of
phosphorus (i.e. flame retardants). The second was microscopic in nature. It looked to detect ESC on the
pipe and fitting surfaces. The final was physical in nature. This test ruptured the pipes and fittings via
excessive pressure looking to detect weak points and signs of non visible ESC.
Sample Preparation
The pipe was depressurized and removed from the sample chamber. The water was drained form the pipe
and the fittings were sawed off. The sample was than transferred to the analytical labs microscopic and
physical property lab for analysis.
PHOSPHATE DETECTION IN THE FOAM
A section of foam was removed from the pipe assembly and transferred to the analytical lab for testing.
The foam samples were prepared and analyzed using the GC method for FR identification. In the next step
ICPOES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) was used to determine the % P
level in the foam.
FR Identification by GC
FR Identification by GCThe rigid foam sample is cut into small (1/4 -1/2 inch) pieces and placed into an 8
dram glass vial (polyseal capped only), 20-mL of methylene chloride is added via auto pipette, and then
shaken vigorously for a minimum of 1 hr using an auto shaker. The foam plus solvent is allowed to sit for
2 hrs, after which the solvent is decanted and analyzed using GC/FID. The FR type is determined using an
optimum set of instrument parameters and known FR calibration standards. The extraction efficiency of
the method has not been determined for rigid foam samples, therefore this method is used only to identify
the FR type.
% Phosphorus in Foam
For the total phosphate analysis ( % P level) in the foam a known weight of foam was digested with a
known volume of concentrated nitric acid in a closed microwave digestion vessel. The microwave digestion
program slowly ramps the Teflon digestion vessels to 230°C, holds for 10 minutes and then allows the
vessels to cool down to room temperature. The foam samples are completely digested following this
program. The vessels are then opened, contents transferred to a volumetric flask and diluted to volume with
DI water. The digested samples are analyzed for total phosphorus content by ICPOES (Inductively Coupled
Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy). Calibration standards covering the range of the samples are made
up to match the acid concentration of the samples. A nitric acid blank sample that was carried through the
digestion procedure is also analyzed.
Figure 8. Foam sample removed for testing
PHOSPHATE DETECTION IN THE PIPE
The foam was than carefully removed from the pipe surface. A scarfer was sued to remove layers from the
pipe surface. The first 200um of the pipe surface was removed and than a sample of pipe were placed in a
vial and ready for chemical analysis.
Pips surface-v%-ith foarnrR-no-,;sd
Tiiiil u=YdtiiCUf SarT4lls'=:
i
Sample removed lb r tesli ng& transferred
Remove second pipe section 200 um to vial for testing
Figure9. Sampling pipe surface
The pipe samples were than extracted with —1 ml of methanol on a hot plate for —15 minutes each. The
solvent is reduced to—0.5mL by evaporation, was separated from the CPVC particles. About 0.5 mL
tetrahydrofuran was added to the methanol extract to make —ImL of solution.
The sample solution was analyzed by positive ion electrospray (ESI-MS), using the Thermo Scientific LTQ
Orbitrap XL FTMS instrument. A solvent background was run first, followed by the sample solution.
MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION
The initial examination consisted of removing the foam from the specimen using a combination of coping
saw and utility knife. Once the bulk of the foam was removed, the pipe and fitting surfaces were cleaned of
residual foam using a razor blade.
Once the surfaces were exposed, the pipe, coupling, endcap, and joint areas were examined visually and
microscopically for indications of environmental stress cracking (ESQ.
Clean foam from
pipe and fitting
C tit pieces from
pip a and fitti nq
perform
inictoscopic
evakiatH) n of pipe
alld fitting
Figure 10. Samples analyzed for ESC microscopically
None of the specimens exhibited any indications of environmental stress cracking along the outer surfaces
RUPTURE TESTING
In some cases ESC can initiate in the CPVC but not be observable until the crack is opened by applying a
hoop stress to the pipe/fitting. This was done using hydrostatic pressure on the specimen assembly. The
pressure was increased slowly until final rupture of the specimen. Had ESC initiated in the wall of the pipe
or fitting, the specimen would fail at that weakened area, and the resulting fracture surface would show
signs of ESC.
The final rupture pressure for the specimens was approximately 1300-1600 psi. The actual pressure was
not recorded other than by observation on a pressure gage. This allowed the testing to proceed more
quickly, reducing the program costs. The actual final rupture pressure was not significant to the testing
being done. The purpose of the burst test was to fracture the specimen to allow examination of the
resulting fracture surfaces.
Figure 11. Ruptured sample
The burst specimens were then sectioned and the fracture surfaces examined microscopically.
DATA
Table 3. —3000 Hour Test Results
Concen-
tration
Type
Actual
Flame
FR, wt%
Phos-
Phos-
Microscopic
of
test
Retardant
polyol
Thickness
phorus
phorus in
analysis
Rupture
foam
hours
(FR)
side
Foam, in
in Foam
Pipe
ESC Detected
test
Close
d-cell
4506
TCPP
10
4
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
4506
TCPP
4
2
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
4506
TEP
10
4
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
Open -
Cell
4506
TCPP
50
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
4580
TCPP
15
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
4506
TEP
50
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
4506
TEP
15
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
Not
OCF
4506
TDCPP
10 a
3/4" +/- Yes
detected
No
Pass
Bio
Based
Open -
cell
a
3695
Yes
Yes
No
Pass
�VIjL,1:11LIdL V11 rf", WLJO IULU
Table 4. —6000 Hour Test Results
Phos-
Microscopic
Actual
Flame
Concentration
phorus
Phos-
analysis
Type of
test
Retardant
FR, wt%
Thickness
in
phorus
ESC
Rupture
foam
hours
(FR)
polyol side
Foam, in
Foam
in Pipe
Detected
test
Closed -
cell
6092
TCPP
10
4
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TCPP
10
2
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TCPP
4
4
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TCPP
4
2
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TEP
10
4
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TEP
10
2
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TEP
4
4
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
Open -
Cell
6092
TCPP
50
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TCPP
15
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TEP
50
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TEP
15
Yes
Pass
Pass
OCF
6092
TCPP
5a
3/4'
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TCPP
10 a
3/4' +/-
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
6092
TDCPP
10 a
3/e"
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
No
phosphate
6092
ester
0
3/4' +/-
No
' **
Pass
Pass
B 10-
POLYOL
*"
Open -cell
Closed-
6092
cell
Yes
Yes
Pass
Pass
* Tested at 3000 hours andflame retardant found in pipe so testing was not repeated.
** Test still in progress
*** Confirming test results
a Concentration FR, wt% Total
CONCLUSIONS
Although final analysis indicated that traces of all types of tested flame retardants were found on the CPVC
pipes and fittings, there were no signs of ESC detected. Nor did rupture testing of the pipe identify any
signs of ESC.
Based on these findings, it appears that SPF systems containing the tested types and tested maximum levels
of flame retardants are compatible with CPVC piping systems. This finding is equally applicable to open -
and closed -cell, sealant, and natural oil -based SPFs.
The test methodology developed as a result of this study appears to be a satisfactory protocol for the testing
of SPF and polymeric piping systems.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
When the issues with CPVC products were first identified, the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance's
(SPFA) Technical Committee went into action. SPFA members with backgrounds ranging from
contractors to suppliers to SPF consultants came together to seriously look at the issue.
Contributing companies include:
5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc.
Albemarle Corporation
BASF Polyurethane Foam
Enterprises, LLC
Bayer MaterialScience
BaySystems North America, LLC
BioBased® Insulation
Convenience Products
Mason Knowles
Fomo Products, Inc.
Gaco Western
Honeywell
Houlden Contracting Inc.
Huntsman Polyurethanes
Icynene Inc
Insulated Roofing
Contractors
Resin Technologies/ Henry Company
ICL Industrial Products (Supresta)
SWD Urethane Company
The Insulation Man
NCFI Polyurethanes
Demilec (USA) LLC
Corbond Corporation
We would also like to acknowledge and thank CPI for co -funding this research program and Convenience
Products, BioBased® Insulation, Demilec (USA) LLC, and NCFI Polyurethanes for providing lab time and
systems for this program.
Finally the authors would like to thank Michelle Knight and Kevin Daugherty of Lubrizol Advanced
Materials, Inc. and James Paschal of James Paschal Engineering and Forensic Consulting, LLC who
assisted with the research program and preparation of the paper.
.REFERENCES
1. Michelle Knight, "Chemical resistance and Chemical Applications for CPVC Pipe and Fittings",
http://www.chemicalprocessing.com (Cited on 7-22-08)
2. http://www.lascofittin sg com (Cited on 7-22-08)
3. hqp://www.ppfahome.orgJCPVC/index.html (Cited on 7-22-08)
4. http://www.plumbingengineer.com/feb 07/CPVC.phn (Cited on 7-22-08)
5. ASTM C1029 - 07 Standard Specifications for Spray -Applied Rigid Cellular Polyurethane
Thermal Insulation
6. ASTM D 1784 - 07 Standard Specification for Rigid Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and
Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
7. ASTM D543 - 06 Standard Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical
Reagents
8. ISO 22088-3:2006 Determination of resistance to environmental stress cracking (ESC) -- Part 3:
Bent strip method
9. David A Wojciezak, P.E. C.I.A.Q.P and Darcee A. Mcninley, P.E., C.I.A.Q.P (2005). CPVC Hot
& Cold Water Distribution Piping bulletin No. 22
10. Wright, D.C. (1996). Environmental Stress Cracking of Plastics. RAPRA.
BIOGRAPHIES
Chris Porter
Porter, of BioBased Insulation, has been involved in spray foam insulation since
2004. First, as President of CPR Thermal Solutions, a spray foam insulation company, and more recently
as Building Science and Code Manager for BioBased Insulation, Chris has helped break new ground in the
area sustainable construction techniques. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from
University of Central Arkansas. He has a diverse background and is experienced in the field of spray foam
insulation as well as being a certified Home Energy Rater. Chris is an active member in the Spray
Polyurethane Foam Alliance, and sits on several committees including the Technical, Building Envelope,
and Code Development. Chris attributes much of his success to his practical approach to issues, diverse
technical experience, and willingness to listen to guidance from multiple sources including Jesus Christ.
Richard S. Duncan, Ph.D., P.E.
Since September 2008, Rick has served as Technical Director of SPFA. Prior to that he
was a for Senior Marketing Manager for Honeywell Spray Foam Insulation group and spent more than 10
years at CertainTeed/Saint-Gobain Corporation, where he was the Director of Laboratory Services for
CertainTeed Insulation and Global Program Manager for Saint-Gobain Insulation's New Materials and
Applications Program. Prior to joining Saint-Gobain, Rick was a Visiting Assistant Professor of
Mechanical Engineering at Bucknell University. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics
from Penn State, Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University and a Bachelor of Science
in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. Rick is a Registered Professional Engineer in
Pennsylvania, Colorado and Utah.
Mary Bogdan is a Sr. Principal Scientist for Honeywell. She earned a bachelor's degree
in Chemistry/Biochemistry and an MBA from Canisius College. Since joining Honeywell in 1989, Mary
has held numerous positions in research and development. She currently supports the fluorine products
blowing agent business leading application research projects and providing technical service to the global
spray foam industry. She is a Six Sigma Black belt. She has over 20 US patents and has numerous
published technical articles on the development and use of fluorocarbons as foam blowing agents. She is
currently a member of the SPFA Board of Directors and in addition she has received industry recognition
for leadership and excellence in presentation of technical papers.