PIA | Microduct Assemblies | Direct Install

MICRODUCTS

DI Assemblies – PIA

In the UK, Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) also known as Duct and Pole Access (DPA) allows Communications Providers (CPs) to place orders to gain direct access to Openreach’s physical infrastructure (ducts, poles, and underground chambers) so that they can deploy their own fibre networks.

Under PIA, CPs can install multiple cables and/or sub duct up to a total diameter of 25mm in Openreach duct and joint chambers.

At Radius, we have developed a range of Microduct assemblies to fit within the PIA 25mm allowance. Often Hybrid in design, our PIA assemblies offer maximum flexibility within 25mm by combining MicroGlide™ and MiniGlide™ microducts for use with Blown Fibre Units and Mini Cables.

All Radius microducts feature our low friction and low static permanent inner layer which delivers class-leading cable blowing performance. In addition, our microducts can be supplied with either smooth or ribbed inner walls according to your preference.

What is Low Friction coating?

A solid layer of lubricant is evenly distributed on the inner wall by coextrusion as part of the manufacturing process, providing a permanent low friction and low static surface which lasts for the life of the duct.

Low friction values allow quicker installation and optimal blowing distances. Radius microduct offers superior blowing performance in this market.

Low Friction Matters

Fast cable installation into ducting is key for cost effective, low disruption network build. Cable blowing is the method of choice for longer routes whereby cables are propulsed into the ducting using compressed air.

The blowing distance achieved is directly related to a number of factors including : cable to duct area fill ratio (we recommend 50 to 60% ideally but no more than 70%); weight of cable; pressure used, route difficulty (bends and gradients) and last but not least the Coefficient of Friction (CoF) from the microduct inner lining.

The contribution of the microduct inner lining to achieving speed of installation and longer blowing distances should not be underestimated. A quality lining should have the right combination of low CoF and low static for optimum results and for that reason, not all linings are created equal.

Class Leading

Friction Properties

At Radius, we have spent years of careful formulation and testing to achieve our class leading low friction and low static inner coatings. Our low friction compounds are home crafted, no ready-made mixes there!

And the results speak for themselves in the field where for the last 30 years we have helped our customers achieve proven consistent long install lengths thanks to our high-performance low friction coating.

Features & Benefits

Designed within 25mm OD
Direct Install for installation into existing ducting
Hybrid configurations for maximum design flexibility
Low friction microducts for optimum blowing performance
Moisture barrier Aluminium or Water blocking Tape
Bespoke solutions are available

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Why Low Friction Matters?

Sizes

PIA Hybrids
Type	Configuration	OD
DI Aluminium	9×5/3.5mm + 1×10/8mm	23.6mm
DI Aluminium	3×10/8mm + 3×5/3.5mm	25.0mm
DI Metal Free	10×5/3.5mm + 1×12/10mm	23.5mm

PIA 5/3.5mm Assemblies		OD
DI Aluminium/MF tape	4×5/3.5mm	15.7mm
DI Aluminium/MF tape	7×5/3.5mm	18.7mm
DI Aluminium/MF tape	12×5/3.5mm	23.9mm

PIA Single Ducts	OD/ID
Low Friction Sub Duct	25/20mm
Low Friction Microduct	20/16mm
Low Friction Microduct	18/14mm
Low Friction Microduct	16/12mm
Low Friction Microduct	14/10mm
Low Friction Microduct	12/8mm