S H Beech, P Belloir, C Salles
Papers # 2014 Chicago
Plastics piping systems are specified against a relevant standard, giving dimensions, essential performance requirements, the design basis for pressure rating, and testing to prove fitness for purpose, giving the end user the confidence to use these systems. The plastics pipes industry has successfully developed standards to ensure durability and high reliability, thanks to a strong commitment from the whole value chain from raw material suppliers, product manufacturers, test laboratories, and not least from end users. In turn standards have created the incentive for suppliers to improve material performance, and manufacturers to develop more innovative products.
Plastics piping systems are one of the most critical applications using plastics materials alongside medical and aerospace applications. Systems are normally designed on a 50 year design basis, but nowadays with expected lifetimes in excess of 100 years. Plastics systems are used for a wide range of applications including gas supply, with potentially serious consequences in the event of leakage. The plastics pipes industry has strongly promoted and supported standardisation which has been a major contribution to its success to ensure reliable and durable systems that solve the corrosion issues of metallic systems. So what are standards and why do we need them?
