Polyethylene will Grow with Non-Conventional Pipe Installation Techniques: PE100-RC Development Milestones + Perspectives

Session 4B
9:50

Etienne Laurent, Total Petrochemicals

Polyethylene pipes are particularly suited to non-conventional pipe installation thanks to their flexibility, deformability, and availability in long lengths. However, the widespread use of modern relining techniques or fast and non-disturbing pipe installation practices call for guaranties of performance, particularly regarding the effect of scratches, notches and impingements that are inherent to those techniques.

The paper details how confidence has been gained in Germany, as a combination of material excellence in stress cracking resistance, comprehensive practice-oriented testing protocols, and optimised pipe construction. The milestones that have led to the definition of PE 100-RC PE materials and pipes, which represent today about 20 % of the German PE pipe market, are illustrated by key test results. The logic followed to translate this experience into a standard PAS 1075 and technical requirements is explained, focussing on the guarantied safety margin.

The German experience demonstrates clearly how standardisation is essential to spread confidence among involved parties. Efforts should now be devoted to diffuse this experience into European and International standards dealing with pipe rehabilitation and trench-less technologies. This way, the safety offered by PE 100-RC will permit PE to further grow together with non-conventional installation techniques, to the benefit of all parties.

Etienne Laurent
Total Petrochemicals, Polyolefins, TS&D Pipe & Blow Moulding

Hugues Haubruge
Total Petrochemicals Polyolefins, Pipe and Rotomoulding Marketing Manager

Pierre Belloir
Total Petrochemicals, Polyolefins, Technical Manager Pipe & Blow Moulding