Earth Shield TPV-TPER Chemical Resistant Waterstops: Technical Details, Specifications, and Features

Overview

Earth Shield TPV-TPER (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate/Thermoplastic Elastomeric Rubber) waterstops represent a specialized product line designed for critical chemical, industrial, and environmental applications. These waterstops provide superior performance compared to conventional plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) alternatives, particularly in demanding environments requiring long-term resistance to aggressive chemicals, solvents, and petroleum products.

Material Composition and Properties

Base Material

Earth Shield TPV waterstops are constructed from fully cross-linked Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) elastomer compound. This material composition provides:

• Superior mechanical properties with excellent retention at elevated temperatures
• Outstanding chemical resistance to a broad spectrum of deleterious fluids
• Absence of harmful plasticizers such as phthalates, which cannot leach out when exposed to aggressive chemical environments
• No plasticizers, stabilizers, or fillers that could deteriorate in contact with chemicals, fuels, and aggressive industrial fluids

Mechanical Properties

Earth Shield TPV waterstops demonstrate the following mechanical characteristics:

Property	Test Method	Results
Shore A Hardness (5 sec)	ASTM D2240	90±3 at 25°C
Tensile Strength	ASTM D412	15.9 MPa
Ultimate Elongation (at break)	ASTM D412	530%
100% Modulus	ASTM D746	6.9 MPa
Tear Strength	ASTM D624	278 pli @ 25°C
Compression Set	ASTM D395	29% at 100°C

Temperature Performance

Temperature Range Tolerance

Earth Shield TPV waterstops can withstand exposure to high and low temperatures ranging from -60°C to 135°C without detrimental effects. The material demonstrates:

• Excellent retention of physical properties at elevated temperatures
• Low-temperature brittle point of -61°C (tested per ASTM D746)
• Superior performance across diverse climatic and operational conditions

Temperature-Related Testing

The brittle point measurement (-61°C) and compression set data (29% at 100°C) confirm the material's outstanding ability to maintain structural integrity and mechanical functionality across the entire specified temperature range.

Chemical Resistance Capabilities

Outstanding Chemical Resistance

Earth Shield TPV waterstops demonstrate outstanding chemical resistance to a wide range of deleterious fluids, including:

• Acids - various mineral and organic acids
• Oils - petroleum-based products and hot petroleum oils
• Alcohols - ethanol and other organic alcohols
• Ketones - various ketone compounds
• Glycols - ethylene glycol and related compounds
• Esters - organic esters
• Hydrocarbons - petroleum hydrocarbons
• Aqueous solutions - water-based chemical mixtures

Chemical Resistance Testing

Chemical resistance is assessed according to ASTM D471 standard testing methodology. Earth Shield TPV waterstops meet or exceed specific testing standards for contained fluids as required by the owner and certified by the manufacturer.

Environmental and Durability Properties

Ozone Resistance

Earth Shield TPV waterstops demonstrate superior ozone resistance:

• Test Standard: ASTM D1171
• Performance: Passed with no cracking at 600 pphm (parts per million) concentration
• This exceptional ozone resistance ensures long-term durability in outdoor and environmentally exposed applications

Weathering Resistance

The material provides superior weathering resistance to environmental exposure, maintaining structural and functional integrity through prolonged outdoor exposure without deterioration.

EPA Compliance

Earth Shield TPV waterstops hold an EPA compliant certificate meeting NSF Standard 61, confirming their suitability for sensitive applications including those involving potable water contact scenarios.

Available Profile Configurations

Earth Shield JP636/JP936 Ribbed Centerbulb

This versatile profile design:

• Accommodates lateral, transverse, and shear movement in concrete joints
• Features a long fluid-flow path that inhibits fluid migration through the waterstop
• Provides the most versatile application across different joint types
• Available in 150mm (JP636) and 230mm (JP936) standard widths

Earth Shield JP211 Rear Guard

This specialized profile:

• Is ideal for flat pavement applications such as runways and large containment slabs
• Designed specifically for horizontal applications with stable support
• Can be nailed through outer flanges directly onto formwork for vertical applications
• Provides effective sealing in large flat surface installations

Standard Installation Applications

Typical Applications

Earth Shield TPV waterstops are deployed in critical applications including:

• Primary and secondary containment structures
• Refineries and petroleum processing facilities
• Mining facilities requiring chemical-resistant sealing
• Fueling depots and petroleum storage areas
• Chemical plants and acid storage facilities
• Environmental engineered concrete structures designed to contain hazardous materials

Joint Types

The waterstops are designed for use in:

• Construction joints - with appropriate profile selection
• Expansion joints - with center bulb kept unembedded for movement accommodation
• Contraction joints - meeting detailed drawing specifications
• Isolation joints - in retrofit applications

Installation Methodology

Standard Traditional Installation

Earth Shield TPV waterstops are installed as a fluid-tight diaphragm embedded in concrete across and along joints. The installation approach includes:

• Centered positioning in and running the full extent of the joint
• Pre-fabricated directional changes requiring only butt welding in the field
• Proper concrete compaction around the waterstop to eliminate voids and porous areas
• Secure positioning during concrete pour to prevent displacement

Thermoplastic Welding

Straight lengths of TPV waterstops are joined using:

• Thermoplastic welding iron with nonstick surface
• Controlled temperature range of 210°C to 220°C
• Butt welding technique to join field sections
• Quality verification ensuring welded areas show no separation, holes, or imperfections when bent

Product Supply and Specifications

Standard Profile Availability

Earth Shield TPV waterstops are supplied in the following standard configurations:

Profile	Roll Length	Availability
JP636 Centrebulb 150mm	15.2m	Available on request
JP936 Centrebulb 230mm	15.2m	Standard stocked product
JP211 Rear Guard 230mm	15.2m	Standard stocked product

Normal stocked products include the 230mm Centrebulb and 230mm Rear Guard profiles, with other sizes available upon specific request.

Welding and Installation Accessories

Various welding jigs are available to assist with joining Earth Shield waterstops:

• Earth Shield Welding Jig CB JP636 150mm
• Earth Shield Welding Jig CB JP936 230mm
• Earth Shield Welding Jig RG JP211 230mm

Welding equipment including the Parchem Welding Iron 414 JP is available with teflon covers for optimal performance.

Key Advantages Summary

• ✓ Outstanding chemical resistance to aggressive fluids and industrial chemicals
• ✓ Excellent retention of physical properties at elevated temperatures
• ✓ Superior ozone and weathering resistance
• ✓ Absence of harmful plasticizers such as phthalates
• ✓ EPA compliance certificate (NSF standard 61)
• ✓ Range of profile installation options
• ✓ Pre-fabricated intersections for efficient field assembly
• ✓ Wide temperature tolerance (-60°C to 135°C)
• ✓ Extensive chemical compatibility with deleterious fluids

Comparison with Conventional PVC Waterstops

Earth Shield TPV waterstops provide superior long-term chemical resistance compared to conventional plasticized PVC waterstops. Unlike PVC products, TPV formulations:

• Contain no phthalate plasticizers that can leach out in aggressive environments
• Maintain structural integrity when exposed to aggressive chemicals, solvents, and hot petroleum oils
• Provide superior mechanical properties and retention at elevated temperatures
• Offer longer service life in demanding chemical applications

References

• [1] Earth_Shield_TDS.pdf
• [2] Earth_Shield_Retrofit_TDS.pdf
• [3] Earth_Shield_Type_125CR_TDS.pdf