Jan 21 2008
The cost of underground pipe systems relates to the installation and repair as well as the manufacturing costs of pipes and lining systems. Digging up a city street can add extensive time delays and complications to any construction project. Plastics pipe offers advantages in trenchless technology due to its flexibility, and polymers offer chemical resistance to many substances that would corrode traditional iron piping.
AMI’s Plastics in Underground Pipes 2008 provides a forum to debate the use of plastics in subterranean applications. It will be held in Houston, Texas on May 22-23. The speaker line up includes top expert Gene Palermo delivering a review of the latest developments in plastics pipe technology.
One of the biggest threats to subterranean pipe integrity is earthquakes – Camille Rubeiz at the Plastics Pipe Institute has studied the durability of polyethylene (PE) pipe in this situation. Ernest Lever of Central Plastics has studied fitting lifetime prediction by examining stress intensification factors. WL Plastics has been working with a new grade of PE for pipe (PE4710).
There are many challenges in pipe manufacture. Cincinnati Extrusion has new technology for the production of bi-axially elongated pipes. Ab Hayat Kerman has worked on structural pipe profile design. The trend is towards very large diameter structures. By winding hollow profile to make the larger pipe, KWH Pipe has produced relatively lightweight, large diameter HDPE pipes. Shape distortion, particularly at pipe ends, can be an issue for large diameter pipes. Pipe Coil Technology has been working on low ovality technology.
McElroy Manufacturing has worldwide expertise in pipeline installation. Jim Craig will describe technology for increased productivity in the butt fusion of HDPE pipe. Fast Fusion has a unique method of joining long HDPE pipelines. A recent innovation in installation is the use of rigid foam (EPS) as bedding, developed by Ingenieurburo Röper.
Plastics are used extensively in protection of underground pipes of more traditional materials. AGRU has experience in installing thermoplastic linings for corrosion resistance. Pipeline repair and renovation is another key role of plastics due to the ease of installation. Dr John Gumbel has looked at the techniques available. Public Service Electric and Gas has reviewed the latest developments in gas mains replacement. Arkema has worked for years testing polyamide 11 for gas pipe up to 200 psig to get the approvals required to introduce this system across North America.
Design is a critical factor in piping systems – Central Plastics has developed analytical tools using FEA.
PVC is widely used in piping. JM Eagle has reviewed changes to PVC pipe standards in North America. Wavin Overseas has new oriented PVC pipe technology to aid manufacturers. Ipex has developed Terrabrute (bell and spigot) pipe for trenchless applications.
Plastics in Underground Pipes 2008 offers an opportunity to network with top pipe experts from across the industry.