Steve Sandstrum, Stephen Boros
Papers # 2014 Chicago
As the technical performance and reliability of polyethylene pipe systems have grown, so too has the range of application and the complexities for designing and sourcing the variety of components necessary for these projects. In today’s global market, major industrial and/or municipal investments such as raw water transmission lines, intake and outfall systems, LNG projects, and gas or potable water distribution systems are being undertaken that involve ownership in one locale, engineering or design in another and production or supply of pipe, fittings and related appurtenances from yet another region in the world.
In light of this trend, it is not uncommon for questions to arise and confound designers, owners and installers of polyethylene pipe systems as to how the different material designations can be utilized together. This discussion will focus on the history of standards development that culminated in the introduction and expansion of the PE100 and PE4710 pipe grade designations, what these two terms mean and how they relate to each other. A thorough understanding of these issues will assist the owner, designer, or installer greatly as they consider polyethylene pipe for any number of various types of installations.
