NIROFLEX – corrugated stainless steel pipe – versatile and high-quality

NIROFLEX is a flexible corrugated stainless steel pipe system for transporting liquids and gases, as well as for numerous applications in industry and energy technology. Thanks to its helically corrugated pipe geometry, NIROFLEX combines high flexibility with corrosion resistance and enables installation even along challenging routes.

The corrugated stainless steel pipe is used, among other applications, as a service pipe, protective pipe, conduit, heat exchanger tube or liner for existing pipe systems. Different materials and pipe designs are available depending on the application. NIROFLEX is also available with an outer protective casing for underground installation.

Advantages of the NIROFLEX corrugated stainless steel pipe system

The special characteristics of NIROFLEX result from the combination of corrosion-resistant stainless steel materials and the helically corrugated pipe design. This enables flexible pipe routing and helps accommodate temperature-related changes in length. At the same time, the pipe profile is optimised for flow characteristics and heat transfer.

• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel materials: Different material grades allow adaptation to various media and operating conditions.
• High flexibility: Tight bending radii facilitate installation in confined spaces and along complex routes.
• Long delivery lengths: Factory production in long pipe sections enables installation with fewer joints.
• Self-compensating pipe geometry: The helical corrugation helps accommodate thermal changes in length.
• Optimised pipe profile: The geometry of the corrugated stainless steel pipe is designed for favourable flow characteristics and efficient heat transfer.
• Different pipe designs: Depending on the application, versions with a protective casing, reinforcement, thermal insulation or an outer polyethylene spacer casing are available.

The combination of these characteristics makes NIROFLEX a versatile solution for industrial pipework, plant engineering and applications in energy technology.

Applications: Liquids, gases and heat transfer

NIROFLEX is used for a variety of transport and installation tasks. Depending on the design and operating conditions, the flexible corrugated stainless steel pipe system is suitable for transporting liquids and gases above and below ground. It can also be used as a protective pipe, conduit or heat exchanger tube.

Industrial liquid and gas transport

In industrial applications, NIROFLEX serves as pipework for various liquid and gaseous media. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel materials allow application-specific design. Which media can be transported depends particularly on the choice of material, the chemical composition of the medium and the relevant temperature and pressure conditions.

Heat exchanger tube and hot water trace heating

NIROFLEX can be used as a heat exchanger tube, for example in vessels and tanks. The helically corrugated pipe geometry is optimised for heat transfer and flow characteristics. It promotes turbulence and increases the surface area available for heat exchange. This can improve heat transfer between the media involved.

Another application is hot water trace heating. The appropriate pipe dimension and design depend on the technical requirements of the respective system.

Protective pipe, conduit and liner

In addition to transporting media, NIROFLEX can be used as a conduit for installing cables or pipes, as a protective pipe or as a liner for other pipe systems. Its high flexibility makes it easier to adapt to the intended pipe route.

NIROFLEX for biogas and solar installations

NIROFLEX is also suitable for various applications in installations for generating and using renewable energy, such as biogas and solar installations. The corrugated stainless steel pipe system can be used to transport biogas and heat transfer fluids, among other media.

In these applications, media resistance and the permissible temperature and pressure conditions are crucial. NIROFLEX is available in different stainless steel grades and pipe designs, allowing the system to be configured for the respective operating conditions.

Particularly in heat transfer applications, the corrugated pipe geometry, optimised for thermal and flow characteristics, offers design advantages. The actual heat transfer performance depends on the design and operating conditions of the respective system.

Flexible installation and accommodation of thermal changes in length

NIROFLEX is manufactured in long lengths at the factory and can be supplied on drums or in coils. The pipes can be installed directly from the drum or coil and cut to the required length on site.

Thanks to its high flexibility and tight bending radii, the corrugated stainless steel pipe can also be installed along challenging routes. Existing utilities and other obstacles can be taken into account when planning the pipe route. Long continuous pipe sections reduce the number of joints required and can decrease installation work.

Another design advantage is self-compensation: The helically corrugated pipe geometry allows thermal changes in length to be accommodated. This makes NIROFLEX suitable for applications where temperature-related expansion must be taken into account.

NIROFLEX product variants and technical characteristics

The flexible pipe system consists of a helically corrugated inner pipe made of stainless steel. The standard stainless steel grades used are 1.4301, 1.4404 and 1.4571. Grade 1.4539 is also available for project-specific applications.

NIROFLEX is available in different nominal diameters and pressure ratings. NIROFLEX product family variants

• NIROFLEX CNW: Flexible corrugated stainless steel pipe without an outer protective casing, including for above-ground service pipes and use as a heat exchanger tube.
• NIROFLEX CNT: Corrugated stainless steel pipe with an outer LDPE protective casing, including for underground and above-ground installation.
• NIROFLEX LPG: Version with external corrosion protection and additional reinforcement for corresponding pipework requirements.
• NIROFLEX CFL: Corrugated stainless steel pipe with thermal insulation for applications requiring insulation.
• NIROFLEX SEC: Version with an outer polyethylene spacer casing. The space between the inner pipe and casing can be used as a containment space or for leak-tightness testing.

The appropriate NIROFLEX version is selected according to the intended medium, pressure and temperature conditions, and requirements relating to installation, corrosion protection and, where necessary, thermal insulation.

NIROFLEX connection technology: Joints without welding

Various connection and joining technologies are available for NIROFLEX. The selection depends on the pipe dimension, the application and the requirements of the joint.

One option is the flameless GRAPA-S connection technology. This is based on graphite sealing technology and enables joints to be made without on-site welding. The modular connection system includes various components for connections to standardised fittings.

Depending on the version, connections with weld ends, external threads or flanges are available. Flameless connection technology can be particularly advantageous in applications where on-site welding is to be avoided, for example in potentially explosive atmospheres. The suitability of the respective connection technology must be assessed against the specific operating conditions.

Technical advice, documentation and service

We are pleased to assist you in selecting and designing the appropriate NIROFLEX pipe system for your project. In addition to manufacturing and testing, our services include technical planning and advice on materials, pipe dimensions, designs and connection technologies.

For practical applications, we regularly offer theoretical and practical seminars at our training centre in Wunstorf. These are aimed, among others, at specialists in industrial pipework and tank construction.