Examining the correlation between PENT and RPM Performance Projections with Field Performance

Session 11A
3:50 pm

Dave Woods, Jana Laboratories, Inc.

Both the Rate Process Method (RPM) and the PENT test have been successfully used by the polyethylene (PE) industry to characterize the slow crack growth resistance of PE piping materials. Good correlation between RPM projections and field performance of early generation PE gas pipe has been previously reported. A methodology for utilizing PENT data to directly project slow crack growth performance of PE piping materials has also been published in the literature. For early generation PE gas distribution pipe materials, this approach utilizing PENT data appears to under predict actual field performance. This paper examines the correlation between PENT performance projections, RPM projections and observed field performance of a series of early generation PE piping materials. The results are discussed in the context of pipeline integrity management for existing gas distribution networks.

Dave Woods, Senior Project Leader
Ken Oliphant, Ph.D., Executive Vice President
Matteo Rossi, Senior Consulting Gas Engineer
Bill Manegold, Manager, Distribution

Jana Laboratories, Inc.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company