Tested expansion foam pads provide planners, municipal utilities and pipeline contractors with a reliable basis for assessing the technical properties of the solution employed. Therefore, NOVAPOR has independently tested the properties of its expansion foam pads made of cross-linked, closed-cell PE foam through the District Heating Research Institute GmbH (FFI) .
The tests were carried out in accordance with EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021 and AGFW FW 401 Part 7. The investigations included density, compressive stress, and compression behavior. The stiffness properties of the investigated NOVAPOR expansion cushion were determined by the FFI, taking its trapezoidal structure into account. „Type 2“ according to EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021 .
This means that for the tested NOVAPOR expansion pads, not only general material information is available, but also independently determined technical parameters for the investigated structure.
NOVAPOR´s tested expansion foam pads made of cross-linked PE foam
For the NOVAPOR expansion foam pads, we use closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam .
The material combines low density with defined compression properties and can be processed flexibly at the same time.
However, the material alone is not decisive for the technical function. The investigated NOVAPOR expansion cushion structure consists of several foam layers and a targeted trapezoidal profile. This profile creates cavities within the cushion structure and thus specifically influences its compression behavior.
This is an important point:
An expansion foam pad is not simply a thick PE foam sheet. Material, structure, profiling and thickness together determine the behavior under load.
NOVAPORs tested expansion pads are labelled as "NOVAPOR Foam PADS". The product label includes the designation "Type 2 – Medium" and the note "Tested based on EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021 and AGFW FW 401 Part 7".
What tests were carried out on NOVAPOR’s expanded foam pads?
Particularly in the case of infrastructure projects, it is not enough to rely solely on theoretical material data. It is also crucial to consider how the specific expansion foam pad assembly behaves under load.
For this reason, the properties of the NOVAPOR expansion pads were independently tested by Fernwärme-Forschungsinstitut GmbH (FFI).
The testing included determining parameters such as density, compressive strength, and compression behavior. This provides not only general information about the PE foam used, but also technical characteristics for the NOVAPOR expansion foam assembly under testing.
Test report: Type 2 properties according to EN 13941-1
The tests were carried out in accordance with EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021 and AGFW FW 401 Part 7.
The stiffness properties of the investigated NOVAPOR expansion cushion were assigned by the FFI taking into account the trapezoidal structure „Type 2“ according to EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021.
This classification is relevant for the technical assessment: The properties of an expansion foam pad are determined not only by the starting material, but also by the interplay of material, geometry, construction and compression behavior.
Independently determined technical parameters are therefore available for the NOVAPOR assembly under examination, and these are documented in the FFI test report.
Steel pipe sections DN 225 / DN 300
Inner tube shell heated to 40°C
Compression up to 50%
Average pressure stress determined at 50% compression: 34.95 kPa
Practical function test up to 50% compression
In addition to determining technical specifications, it was crucial for us to examine the expansion foam pads manufactured by NOVAPOR in a way that closely reflects its application. Therefore, a practical functional test was also conducted.
An expansion foam pad was positioned between steel pipe sections DN 225 and DN 300. The inner pipe section was heated to 40 °C, and the expansion foam pad was then compressed in a controlled manner up to 50 %. This simulated the load that can be exerted on the expansion foam pad by a district heating pipe.
At 50 % compression, an average pressure stress was determined: 34.95 kPa across three test specimens. This combination is crucial for us:
Technical specifications on the one hand – understanding of the actual application on the other.
Why is the compression behavior of expansion foam pads important?
District heating pipes change their length due to temperature differences between the installation and operating states.
Expansion pads are used in the areas designated for movement in order to provide the necessary space for motion between the pipeline system and the surrounding ground. If the pipe moves as a result of thermal expansion, the expansion pad is compressed in a measured manner. The function of an expansion pad is therefore directly linked to its behaviour under compression.
How expansion foam pads work in district heating networks and what role they play in thermal expansion were explained in more detail in our article „"Efficient district heating: thanks to NOVAPOR expansion foam pads for district heating"“.
Stretch pads: Standard size or custom design?
District heating networks vary. Pipe diameters, routing, installation situations, and requirements can differ from project to project.
Therefore, we manufacture NOVAPOR expansion pads for both recurring applications and individually according to project requirements.
Through our own processing of technical foams, dimensions, contours, cutouts and padding structures can be implemented according to the respective requirements.
This can be particularly relevant for larger infrastructure projects, where, in addition to technical properties, availability, reproducible manufacturing and project-specific packaging are also crucial.
NOVAPOR expansion foam pads for municipal utilities, planners and pipeline builders
NOVAPOR manufactures expansion cushions for municipal utilities and network operators, energy suppliers, engineering and planning offices, pipeline and civil engineering companies, as well as system providers and pipe manufacturers.
In doing so, we combine our experience in processing technical foams with documented material and product properties as well as flexible manufacturing options.
Depending on the project, both recurring designs and project-specific dimensions, geometries and quantities can be implemented.
Tested expansion cushions for the planning of district heating networks
The earlier the requirements of a project are known, the better the design, dimensions and execution of the NOVAPOR expansion pads can be tailored to them.
The test report from the district heating research institute documents independently determined technical parameters for the investigated NOVAPOR expansion cushion assembly. At the same time, our in-house foam processing enables adaptation to different project requirements.
For our expansion foam pads, this means:
- Cross-linked, closed-cell PE foam
- Independent investigation by the Fernwärme-Forschungsinstitut
- Tests in accordance with EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021
- Consideration of AGFW FW 401 Part 7
- Type 2 classification of the stiffness properties of the investigated structure
- Practical function test up to 50% compression
- Flexible and project-specific manufacturing
- Series and project quantities
Are you planning a district heating network, a network expansion, or a specific pipeline project?
Our team will support you in the selection and implementation of a suitable expansion pad solution.
Advantages of the tested NOVAPOR expansion cushions for district heating systems:
Independently verified technical specifications
Reliable motion capture up to 50% compression
Custom manufacturing according to project requirements
Series and project quantities
Frequently asked questions about tested expansion cushions for district heating
Have NOVAPOR expansion foam pads been independently tested?
Yes. The technical properties of the investigated NOVAPOR expansion foam pads were independently examined by the Fernwärme-Forschungsinstitut GmbH (FFI). The tests were carried out in accordance with EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021 and AGFW FW 401 Part 7.
Are NOVAPOR expansion foam pads certified?
For the investigated NOVAPOR expansion pad construction, a Test report from the district heating research institute This is not a certification. The test report documents the examination of the technical properties and the characteristic values determined.
What does type 2 mean for the NOVAPOR expansion pad?
The stiffness properties of the investigated NOVAPOR expansion pads were classified by the district heating research institute as "Type 2" according to EN 13941-1:2019+A1:2021, taking into account the trapezoidal structure. The NOVAPOR Foam Pads are marked "Type 2 – Medium".
How was the compression behavior of NOVAPOR´s expansion foam pads tested?
As part of a practical functional test, NOVAPOR´s expansion foam pads was positioned between steel pipe sections DN 225 and DN 300. The inner pipe section was heated to 40 °C, and the expansion foam pad was then compressed in a controlled manner up to 50 %. At 50 % compression, an average compressive stress of 34.95 kPa was determined using three test specimens.
What material are the tested NOVAPOR stretch pads made of?
The tested NOVAPOR expansion pads are made of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam. The tested construction consists of three foam layers with a specific trapezoidal profile.
Can NOVAPOR stretch pads be custom-made?
Yes. NOVAPOR can manufacture expansion foam pads for district heating according to project-specific requirements regarding dimensions, contours and design.