Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Plastic pipework
Plastic pipe is a tubular section, or hollow cylinder, made of plastic. It is usually, but not necessarily, of circular
cross-section, used mainly to convey substances which can flow—liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, powders and
masses of small solids. It can also be used for structural applications; hollow pipes are far stiffer per unit weight
than solid members.
Plastic pipework is used for the conveyance of drinking water, waste water, chemicals, heating fluid and cooling
fluids, foodstuffs, ultra-pure liquids, slurries, gases, compressed air, irrigation, plastic pressure pipe systems, and
vacuum system applications.
Contents
Types
Solid wall pipe
Plastic Pipe lengths manufactured in Australia by
Structured wall pipe
Extruding HDPE material.
Barrier pipe
Standards
Materials used
Material characteristics
HDPE (High-density polyethylene)
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride)
CPVC (post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)
PB-1 (polybutylene)
PP (polypropylene)
PE (polyethylene)
PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) Variants
PE RT
Characteristics
Longevity of plastic piping systems
Pipe system failure
Flexibility
Components of plastic pressure pipe systems
See also
References
External links
Types
There are three basic types of plastic pipes:
Barrier pipe
Pipe incorporating a flexible metallic layer as the middle of three bonded layers. Barrier pipe is used, for example, to provide additional protection for the contents passing through
the pipe (particularly drinking water) from aggressive chemicals or other pollution when laid in ground contaminated by previous use.
Most plastic pipe systems are made from thermoplastic materials. The production method involves melting the material, shaping and then cooling. Pipes are normally produced by
extrusion.[1]
Standards
Plastic pipe systems fulfil a variety of service requirements. Product standards for plastics pipe systems are prepared within the CEN/TC155 standards committee. These
requirements are described in a set of European Product Standards for each application alongside their specific characteristics, for example:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pipework 1/4
8/15/2019 Plastic pipework - Wikipedia
Materials used
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)
UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) PE-RT (polyethylene RT)
CPVC (post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) PEX ([[cross-linked polyethylene.
PB-1 (polybutylene) ])
PP (polypropylene)
PE (polyethylene) of various densities, also abbreviated to LDPE, MDPE and
HDPE (low, medium and high density polyethylene [4]; the medium density version
is at times referred to as "black alkathene" in the UK)
Material characteristics
ABS is a thermoplastic material and was originally developed in the early 1950s for use in oil fields and the chemical industry. The variability of the material and its relative cost
effectiveness has made it a popular engineering plastic. It can be tailored to a range of applications by modifying the ratio of the individual chemical components.
They are used mainly in industrial applications where high impact strength and rigidity are essential.
This material is also used in non-pressure piping systems for soil and waste.[5]
Further pressure and non-pressure applications in the field of sewers, soil and waste, gas (low pressure) and cable protection soon
followed. The material's contribution to public health, hygiene and well-being has therefore been significant.
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride pipe
Polyvinyl chloride or uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) pipes are not well suited for hot water lines and have been restricted from for underground water mains
inside water supply line use in the USA for homes since 2006. Code IRC P2904.5 uPVC Not listed.
uPVC has high chemical resistance across its operating temperature range, with a broad band of operating pressures. Max operating temperature is reported at 140 °F (60 °C), and
max working pressure: 450 psi (3,100 kPa). Due to its long-term strength characteristics, high stiffness and cost effectiveness, uPVC systems account for a large proportion of
plastic piping installations and some estimations put it that greater than 2,000,000 miles (3,200,000 km) of uPVC pipe are currently in service across applications.
PB-1 (polybutylene)
PB-1 is used in pressure piping systems for hot and cold potable water, pre-insulated district heating networks, and surface heating and cooling systems. Key properties are
weldability, temperature resistance, flexibility and high hydrostatic pressure resistance. One standard type, PB 125, has a minimum required strength (MRS) of 12.5 MPa. It also
has low noise transmission, low linear thermal expansion, no corrosion and calcification.
PB-1 piping systems are no longer sold in North America. Market share in Europe and Asia is small but steadily growing. In some markets, e.g. Kuwait, UK, Korea and Spain, PB-1
has a strong position.[6]
PP (polypropylene)
Polypropylene is suitable for use with foodstuffs, potable and ultra pure waters, as well as within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
PP is a thermoplastic polymer made from polypropylene. It was first invented in the 1950s and has been used for pipes since the 1970s. Due to the high impact resistance combined
with good stiffness and high chemical resistance makes this material suitable for sewer applications. A good performance at operating temperature range from up to 60 °C (140 °F)
(continuous) makes this material suitable for in-house discharge systems for soil & waste. A special PP grade with high temperature behaviour up to 90 °C (194 °F) (short-term)
makes that material a good choice for in-house warm water supply [7].
PE (polyethylene)
Polyethylene has been successfully used for the safe conveyance of potable and waste water, hazardous waste, and compressed gases for many years. Two variants are HDPE Pipe
(high-density polyethylene)[8] and the more heat resistant PEX (cross-linked polyethylene, also XLPE).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pipework 2/4
8/15/2019 Plastic pipework - Wikipedia
PE has been used for pipes since the early 1950s. PE pipes are made by extrusion in a variety of sizes dimensions. PE is lightweight,
flexible and easy to weld. Its smooth interior finish ensures good flow characteristics. Continuous development of the material has
enhanced its performance, leading to rapidly increasing usage by major water and gas utility companies throughout the world.
The pipes are also used in lining and trench-less technologies, the so-called no-dig applications where the pipes are installed without
digging trenches without any disruption above ground. Here the pipes may be used to line old pipe systems to reduce leakage and
improve water quality. These solutions are therefore helping engineers to rehabilitate antiquated pipe systems. Excavation is minimal
and the process is carried out quickly below ground.
Also for PE pipe material, several studies demonstrated the long track record with expected lifetime of more than 50 years. Polyethylene Piping in Australia,
made from HDPE material.
Cross-linked polyethylene is commonly referred to as XLPE or PEX. It is a thermoplastic material that can be made in three different
ways depending how the cross-linking of the polymer chains is being made. PEX was developed in the 1950s. It has been used for pipes
in Europe since the early 1970s and has been gaining rapid popularity over the last few decades. Often supplied in coils, it is flexible and can therefore be led around structures
without fittings. Its strength at temperatures ranging from below freezing up to almost boiling makes it an ideal pipe material for hot and cold water installations, radiator and
under floor heating, de-icing and ceiling cooling applications[9]
Industries and applications select PVDF pipe due to its inert, durable qualities. PVDF piping is used most in the chemical process industry due to its ability to plumb aggressive,
corrosive solutions. PVDF pipe also sees common use in high purity applications, semi-conductor fabrication, electronics / electricity, pharmaceutical developments, and nuclear
waste processing.
PVDF piping specifications and performance characteristics approve PVDF pipe up to 248 °F (120 °C) under pressurized system conditions. The pipe does not support fungus
growth according to military test standard method 508, 81-0B. Dissimilar from other common thermoplastic pipes, (uPVC, CPVC, PE, PP), PVDF does not exhibit sensitivity to UV
light or ozone oxidative damage, approving it for long term outdoor uses.[10]
One variant called OPVC, or PVCO,represents an important landmark in the history of plastic pipe technology. This molecular-oriented bi-axial high performance version
combines higher strength with extra impact resistance.
A ductile variant is the MPVC, polyvinyl chloride modified with acrylics or chlorinated PE. This more ductile material with high fracture resistance is used in higher-demand
applications where resistance against cracking and stress corrosion is important. In several studies the long track record of uPVC pipes has been investigated. Recent investigations
at the German KRV and the Dutch TNO have confirmed that uPVC water pressure pipes, when installed correctly have a useful life span of over 100 years.[11]
PE RT
Polyethylene of raised temperature resistance or PE-RT expands the traditional properties of polyethylene. Enhanced strength at high temperatures are thus made possible
through special molecular design and manufacturing process control.
Its resistance to low or high temperatures makes PE-RT ideal for a broad range of hot and cold water pipe applications.
Characteristics
Plastic pipe materials have always been classified on the basis of long-term pressure testing. The measured failure times as a function of the stresses in the pipe wall has been
demonstrated in so-called Regression Curves.
An extrapolation based on measured failure times has been calculated to reach 50 years. The predicted failure stress at 50 years was taken as a basis for the classification. This
value is called MRS, Minimum Required Stress, at 50 years.[12]
Flexibility
Plastic Pipes are classified by their ring stiffness. The preferred stiffness classes as described in several product standards are: SN2, SN4, SN8 and SN16, where SN is Nominal
Stiffness (kN/m2). Stiffness of pipes is important if they are to withstand external loadings during installation. The higher the figure, the stiffer the pipe.
After correct installation, pipe deflection remains limited but it will continue to some extent for a while. In relation to the soil in which it is embedded, the plastic pipe behaves in a
'flexible' way. This means that further deflection in time depends of the settlement of the soil around the pipe.
Basically, the pipe follows the soil movement or settlement of the backfill, as technicians call it. This means that good installation of pipes will result in good soil settlement.
Further deflection will remain limited.
For flexible pipes, the soil loading is distributed and supported by the surrounding soil. Stresses and strains caused by the deflection of the pipe will occur within the pipe wall.
However, the induced stresses will never exceed the allowed limit values.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pipework 3/4
8/15/2019 Plastic pipework - Wikipedia
The thermoplastic behavior of the pipe material is such that the induced stresses are relaxing to a low level. It has to be noted that induced strains are far below the allowable levels.
This flexible behaviour means that the pipe will not fail. It will exhibit only more deflection while keeping its function without breaking.
However, rigid pipes by their very nature are not flexible and will not follow ground movements. They will bear all the ground loadings, whatever the soil settlement. This means
that when a rigid pipe is subject to excessive loading, it will reach the limit for stress values more quickly and break.
It can therefore be concluded that the flexibility of plastic pipes offers an extra dimension of safety. Buried Pipes need flexibility. [13]
Pipe fittings are moulded and come in many sizes: tee 90° equal (straight and reducing), tee 45°, cross equal, elbow 90° (straight and reducing), elbow 45°, short radius bend 90°
socket/coupler (straight and reducing), union, end caps, reducing bush, and stub, full face, and blanking flanges. Valves are moulded and also come in many types: ball valves (also
multiport valve), butterfly valves, spring-, ball-, and swing-check non-return valves, diaphragm valves, knife gate valve, globe valves and pressure relief/reduction valves.
Accessories are solvents, cleaners, glues, clips, backing rings, and gaskets.
See also
Pipe support
Piping
Reinforced thermoplastic pipe
HDPE Pipe
References
8. "HDPE" (http://plasticpipe.org/pdf/high_density_polyethylene_pipe_systems.pdf)
1. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Production
(PDF). Plastics Pipe Institute. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
processes" (http://www.teppfa.eu/production-processes/).
9. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Fast guide to
2. "Why Use HDPE - What is HDPE Pipe?" (https://www.acu-tech.com.au/about-us/w
materials" (http://www.teppfa.eu/fast-guide-to-materials/).
hy-use-hdpe/). Acu-Tech Piping Systems. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
10. "PVDF Performance Characteristics & Data" (https://pvcpipesupplies.com/media/do
3. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Why use Plastic
cuments/kynar_specs.pdf) (PDF). Arkema.
Pipe Systems" (http://www.teppfa.eu/why-use-plastic-pipe-systems/).
11. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Fast guide to
4. [www.whatishdpe.com "What is HDPE"] Check |url= value (help).
materials" (http://www.teppfa.eu/fast-guide-to-materials/).
5. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Fast Guide to
12. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Why use plastic
Materials" (http://www.teppfa.eu/fast-guide-to-materials/).
pipe systems" (http://www.teppfa.eu/why-use-plastic-pipe-systems/).
6. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Fast Guide to
13. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Why use Plastic
materials" (http://www.teppfa.eu/fast-guide-to-materials/).
pipe systems" (http://www.teppfa.eu/why-use-plastic-pipe-systems/).
7. TEPPFA, The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association. "Fast guide to
materials" (http://www.teppfa.eu/fast-guide-to-materials/).
External links
NCCER (2006). Plastic Pipe and Fittings: Trainee Guide. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-160042-7.
David Willoughby (2002). Plastic Piping Handbook. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 0-07-135956-7.
Thomas Sixsmith & R. Hanselka (1997). Handbook of Thermoplastic Piping System Design. Marcel Dekker Ltd. ISBN 0-8247-9846-5.
David A. Chasis (1988). Plastic Piping Systems (http://www.alexpipesindia.com/). Industrial Press. ISBN 0-8311-1181-X. External link in |title= (help)
ISO Technical Committee TC 138 - Plastics pipes, fittings and valves for the transport of fluids (http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_technical_committee.html?commid=52500)
ASTM Plastics Pipe Standards (http://www.astm.org/Standards/plastic-pipe-standards.html)
Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) (http://plasticpipe.org/index.html)
Plastics Pipes and Fittings Association (PPFA) (http://www.ppfahome.org/)
The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) (http://www.teppfa.com/index.asp)
Uni-Bell UPVC Pipe Association (http://www.uni-bell.org/)
PVC4Pipes (Global uPVC Pipe trade association) (http://www.pvc4pipes.com/)
http://www.teppfa.eu/why-use-plastic-pipe-systems/
https://www.acu-tech.com.au/about-us/why-use-hdpe/
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pipework 4/4