ABS Pipework
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a lightweight thermoplastic pipework material used for cold and chilled water services, industrial cooling, water treatment, and a range of process applications.
It is commonly selected where good impact strength, low weight, corrosion resistance, smooth bore flow performance, and straightforward installation are important.
At IPS, we supply ABS pipes, fittings, valves, solvent cement, cleaner, flanges, adaptors, and accessories for complete ABS pipework systems. ABS systems are available in imperial and metric formats depending on the product range and application requirements.
For most standard pressure applications, ABS is typically used within a temperature range of -40°C to +60°C. Final pressure capability depends on the product range, pipe size, pressure class, fittings, valves, operating temperature, and fluid being conveyed. Suitability should always be checked against the relevant technical data before specification or installation.
Explore our ABS pipework range
Our ABS pipework range includes pipe, plain fittings, flanges, adaptor fittings, threaded fittings, valves, strainers, solvent cement, cleaner, and accessories for reliable plastic pipework installations.
Key features of ABS piping systems
Good low-temperature performance
ABS is widely used for cold and chilled water applications because it maintains good impact strength at low temperatures. This makes it suitable for chilled water, cooling, and process applications where some other materials may become more brittle.
Lightweight and easy to install
ABS is lighter than many metal pipework materials, making it easier to handle, transport, and install on site. Standard ABS systems are commonly joined using solvent cement welding, provided the pipe and fittings are correctly cut, prepared, cemented, and allowed to cure before testing or operation.
Correct installation is essential. Joint quality, curing time, support spacing, expansion allowance, and system layout all affect long-term performance.
Corrosion-resistant performance
ABS does not rust or suffer from electrolytic corrosion in the way metal pipework can. This can make it a practical choice for water, cooling, and industrial systems where corrosion could affect flow, service life, or reliability.
The material helps remove one common cause of pipework deterioration, but the system must still be designed around the application, including pressure, temperature, chemical exposure, support, and external conditions.
Good chemical resistance
ABS offers good resistance to many commonly encountered chemicals, including many salt solutions and dilute acids and alkalis.
Chemical suitability depends on the exact fluid, concentration, temperature, pressure, and operating conditions. ABS is not suitable for every chemical duty, so compatibility should always be checked against the relevant technical data before specification or installation.
Smooth internal bore
ABS pipework has a smooth internal bore, helping to support efficient flow and reduce friction losses. This can help maintain system performance when the pipework is correctly sized, installed, and maintained.
Broad system choice
IPS supplies ABS components across a range of pipework requirements, including pipe, fittings, valves, flanges, adaptors, strainers, solvent cement, cleaner, and supporting accessories. Our team can help customers select compatible products for the required application and installation method.
Common applications
ABS is commonly used for:
- Chilled water systems
- Cold water services
- Industrial cooling systems
- Water treatment applications
- Air conditioning pipework
- Process water systems
- Food and beverage-related duties where suitable approvals apply
- Abrasive slurry duties where compatible
- Above & Below ground pipework installations where correctly designed and installed
Suitability should always be confirmed against the application, chemical compatibility, pressure, temperature, approvals, and installation environment.
Why choose IPS for ABS pipework?
IPS supports customers who need more than a pipe supplier. Our team can help with product selection, technical compatibility, sizing, specification queries, installation guidance, and supporting documentation.
Whether you are replacing an existing system, working from a drawing, or specifying pipework for a new installation, IPS can help match the right ABS products to the application.
ABS technical resources
Correct specification and installation are essential for long-term ABS system performance. Our technical resources support engineers, specifiers, installers, and maintenance teams with product selection and installation guidance.
About ABS
Learn more about ABS material characteristics, chemical resistance, pressure ratings, and general system properties.
ABS piping system
Access the ABS section of the IPS technical handbook, including product information, dimensional data, pressure guidance, and installation details.
ABS €
ABS technical and product information with pricing shown in Euros.
Ready to specify ABS for your project?
Get support with ABS pipework, product selection, technical resources, and installation guidance before your project moves forward.
FAQs
What is ABS pipework used for?
ABS pipework is used for cold and chilled water services, industrial cooling, water treatment, air conditioning pipework, process water, and selected industrial applications where impact strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance are important.
What temperature range is ABS suitable for?
ABS is typically presented for use within a temperature range of -40°C to +60°C for standard pressure applications. Pressure capability depends on product range, size, pressure class, fittings, valves, and operating conditions, so the relevant technical data should always be checked.
How is ABS pipework joined?
ABS pipework is commonly joined using solvent cement welding. The pipe should be cut square, prepared correctly, joined with the correct cement, and allowed to cure fully before pressure testing or operation.
Can ABS be used for chemical applications?
ABS has good resistance to many commonly encountered chemicals, including many dilute acids, alkalis, and salt solutions. It is not suitable for every chemical duty, so the exact fluid, concentration, temperature, pressure, and operating conditions should always be checked before selection.
Can ABS be used outdoors?
ABS can be used in suitable above-ground installations, but outdoor applications should consider sunlight exposure, temperature movement, support spacing, expansion, mechanical protection, and the suitability of all fittings and valves used in the system.
Can ABS replace metal pipework?
ABS can replace metal pipework in some applications, particularly where corrosion, weight, or low-temperature impact performance is a concern. It is not a direct replacement in every situation, so pressure, temperature, mechanical loads, chemical duty, and approvals should all be reviewed before selection.
Is ABS suitable for potable water?
ABS may be suitable for cold potable-water applications where the selected products carry the correct approvals. Product suitability should always be checked against the required application and local compliance requirements.
Does ABS require maintenance?
ABS typically requires less maintenance than many metal systems because it does not corrode or scale in the same way. However, regular checks should still be carried out for damage, support movement, leaks, valve operation, joint condition, and signs of external stress.
