scope:

BACKGROUND & SCOPE

Polyethylene (PE) pipe has historically been the material of choice for demanding applications such as gas distribution, oil and gas production, potable water and industrial process water handling on a global basis. The inherent flexibility and ductility of PE piping systems combined with the integrity of the heat fusion method of joining have also made it a preferred material for innovative trenchless installation techniques such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), plowing, pipe bursting and compression-fit liners.

The ever-expanding range of applications for PE pipe resulted in a sustained evolution of increasing resistance to SCG behavior in PE pressure pipe and fitting compounds. This evolution has occurred within the context of two internationally recognized standards systems, ASTM International (ASTM) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Within ASTM, the performance evolution of polyethylene pipe compounds has culminated in the establishment of the PE4710 material designation. Within ISO, a similar technical evolution had resulted in the establishment of the PE 100 piping material designation. In 2009, the PE 100-RC classification was introduced within DIN PAS 1075¹ to recognize a higher level of technical performance compared to PE 100.

As comparisons are being made between PE4710 and PE 100-RC materials, PPI has developed this Technical Note in an effort to provide the background and history of PE 100-RC and to provide the technical basis in which PE 100- RC can be compared to PE4710.