The Forecast of Polyethylene Pipe and Fitting burst Life using Rate Process Theory [PE]

A method for predicting the long-term service life or pressure of polyethylene piping system components has been developed based on rate process theory and validated by a nher of statistical tests. Burst data and life predic- tions for joints and fittings nade by seven manufacturers show lives which could not have been anticipated from pipe tests alone, so system design requires testing of all system components. Because temperature dependence of burst life varies armng resins and amxlg conponents mde from a given resin, single elevated temperature specifi- cation test life need not correlate with service life at lower temperature.