Over 90 percent of the gas distribution pipes in Canada and the United States are comprised of PE (Polyethylene). The qualities of PE are the reason for the replacement of metal pipelines and the use of PE in the construction of new gas pipelines. These qualities include the following: PE is lightweight, it will not rust, and it is available in long coil lengths. In addition, PE is easy to install by heat fusion or mechanical fittings.
PE Pipe is Highly Durable
One of the first uses for medium density polyethylene pipe (PE) was for natural gas distribution. Use of this material began in the 1960s and many of the original pipelines have been in continuous service without incident. Now, over 90 percent of the gas pipelines placed in service for natural gas distribution in the United States and Canada are plastic.
PEs durability to ground shifts makes it possible to transport gas from areas of the world with unstable seismic activity, such as Alaska and the San Fransisco Bay area. The pipelines can also transport gas over long distances.
The Advantages of Polyethylene for Gas Pipes
There are several qualities of Polyethylene that make it well suited for construction of gas pipes. PE is a lightweight, flexible material that is easy to install. As it is available in long coils, the number of joints in the line is reduced, improving the strength of the pipe. The joining of PE pipe sections is done by heat fusion or mechanical fittings. It does not rust like metal pipe.
Polyethylene pipe is unyielding to many conditions that is subject to, such as temperature shifts, soils shifts, abrasion, bending, internal pressure, direct burial, point loading, squeeze-off and weathering.
Routinely, PE gas pipe comes in sizes from 1/2-inch CTS to 24-inch IPS (iron pipe size) with other sizes available on request.
Easy Maintenance of PE
Another great advantage for using PE for gas pipes is that they need very little maintenance. Unlike metal pipes, plastic pipe is impervious to most chemicals and it is non-conducting so it is not subject to galvanic corrosion or electrolysis. Also, PE is not subject to attack by vermin as it provides no nutrients for bacterial or fungal growth. It also does not promote insect attack.
In typical gas distribution environments, plastic pipe is usually naturally immune to or well protected from chemical or physical aging. Pipe aging is the loss of strength or performance qualities over time.
When faced with certain temperature, chemical or stress attacks, PE can be subject to a condition called slow crack growth. Fortunately, there are over forty unique tests to test for slow crack growth to reduce it from happening. Low maintenance requirements are one reason polyethylene pipe is quickly becoming the world's first choice for gas pipes.