ProtectaFlex Detect Flexible dual containment pipe system with integrated leak detection

A flexible dual containment pipe system is used when transporting or dosing aggressive or hazardous liquids where an undetected leak is not acceptable. Think of dosing installations for acids, alkalis or oxidising agents in the chemical industry, water treatment or food processing industry. The FIP ProtectaFlex Detect combines a flexible double-walled pipe with an integrated electrical leak detection system — so that any leak is signalled immediately before the medium reaches the environment.

What is a flexible dual containment pipe system?

In a dual containment pipe system, the primary pipe — which carries the medium — is enclosed within a second, wider outer jacket. The space between the two pipes, the interstitial space, captures any leakage before the medium reaches the outside environment. In the ProtectaFlex Detect, the outer jacket consists of reinforced polyurethane (PU), which is chemically resistant and UV-stable. The inner pipe is available in RPVC, LDPE or PTFE, depending on the medium to be transported. Because the system is flexible, it can be ordered on a drum in lengths of up to 450 metres and routed over long distances without intermediate couplings — every connection point is a potential leak point.

How does the leak detection of ProtectaFlex Detect work?

Two copper wire conductors run along the wall of the ProtectaFlex Detect, between the inner pipe and the PU outer jacket. As soon as liquid enters the interstitial space, it causes a short circuit between the two wires. This immediately activates an alarm or shuts down the dosing pump installation. Detection requires only a minimal quantity of liquid — the copper wire runs along the full length of the pipe, so a leak at any position is picked up. The conductors are connected directly to a control panel or to one of the two available EcoLeak alarm boxes: the Eco-1 for a single zone, the Eco-6 for up to six zones simultaneously. For further background on leak detection instrumentation, please refer to our leak detection page.

Where do you apply a flexible dual containment pipe for chemical dosing?

The most common application is connecting a dosing tank to an injection point in a process line. In chemical dosing — such as dosing sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid or sodium hydroxide — pipe runs are often limited in length, but the risks in the event of a leak are significant. The flexible design makes it straightforward to route the pipe along existing cable trays, through walls or across floors without expensive custom-made bends. Other applications include:

• Transport of process chemicals between reactor vessels and dosing points
• Safety pipework in chemical laboratories
• Liquid transport in the food industry (LDPE or PTFE version)
• Cooling water and water treatment installations with aggressive additives

For applications where you also want to monitor flow rates, combine the ProtectaFlex Detect with a flow meter on the system.

Which inner pipe material suits your dosing medium?

The choice of inner pipe material determines the chemical resistance of the system. Use the table below as a first selection guide — always consult the full chemical resistance chart in the brochure or contact us in case of doubt.

Note when selecting: PTFE offers the widest chemical resistance but a smaller available diameter range (up to DN25) and a larger minimum bend radius than RPVC or LDPE.

Advantages over a rigid pipe-in-pipe system

Traditional dual containment pipe systems consist of rigid plastic or metal pipes assembled in the field. This requires custom bends, T-pieces and couplings at every change of direction — each a potential leak point. The ProtectaFlex Detect as a flexible system offers concrete advantages:

• Up to 48% lighter than a comparable rigid system
• Available in lengths of up to 450 metres on a drum — fewer connections, less risk
• Smaller bend radius: easy to route along existing infrastructure
• Faster installation: one standard fitting per end, crimp or solvent weld connection
• Integrated leak detection eliminates the need for separate containment tanks in most applications

When working with chemically resistant fittings at the isolation points of your process line, take a look at our diaphragm valves — a frequently used combination in dosing systems.

Applications by sector

The ProtectaFlex Detect is used across a range of sectors where safe chemical transport is a requirement:

• Chemical industry: dosing of process chemicals, acid stations, neutralisation installations
• Drinking water and wastewater treatment: dosing of disinfectants (hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide) and pH correction agents
• Food industry: transport of cleaning and disinfection agents (CIP/SIP), production of food additives — LDPE and PTFE are suitable for food contact
• Laboratories and pharmaceuticals: transport of small quantities of aggressive liquids over short or long distances

For process monitoring alongside your leak detection system, take a look at our pressure sensors for continuous pressure monitoring in the line.

Technical specifications ProtectaFlex Detect

• Inner diameter: DN6 to DN50 (RPVC/LDPE), DN6 to DN25 (PTFE)
• Outer jacket: reinforced polyurethane (PU), transparent, UV-resistant
• Working pressure at 20°C: up to 16 bar (depending on diameter and material)
• Fire classification: UL94 V2 and HB
• Maximum delivery length: 450 metres on drum
• Connections: mechanical crimping or solvent weld (RPVC/LDPE), crimping (PTFE)
• Alarm boxes: EcoLeak Eco-1 (1 zone) or Eco-6 (up to 6 zones), IP66/IP43
• Inner pipe approvals: WRAS approval for RPVC and LDPE

Select the correct inner pipe material and required diameter based on your medium, working pressure and temperature, or request a quote directly for your dosing application.

Frequently asked questions

Can the ProtectaFlex Detect be used outdoors?

Yes. The PU outer jacket is UV-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. In frost conditions, take into account the minimum operating temperature: -20°C for RPVC and LDPE, -70°C for PTFE. Optionally, the system is available with thermal insulation and a self-regulating heating cable for frost protection.

What is the maximum distance between the pipe and the alarm box?

Aliaxis recommends a maximum distance of 50 metres between the end of the pipe and the EcoLeak alarm box. The jumper cable (connection cable) can be up to 300 metres. At greater distances, the signal may be affected.

Is the ProtectaFlex Detect suitable for food contact?

The LDPE and PTFE versions are suitable for food contact and are plasticiser-free. The RPVC version contains no phthalates and is silicone- and cadmium-free, but is primarily intended for chemical applications outside the direct food contact zone.

Can the system be connected to an existing SCADA or BMS installation?

Yes. The EcoLeak alarm boxes feature volt-free relay contacts that can be connected to a BMS or process automation system for automatic pump shutdown or alarm notification.