Minimum Performance Requirements of HDPE Pressure Pipes

Abstract

Product and installation standards for HDPE pressure pipes have been established to ensure a target design life of at least 50 years under typical application conditions. It is essential that all actors involved in pipe value chain have a basic understanding of the minimum performance requirements listed in the standards and how conformance to the standards is assured. Failure to consistently meet the requirements may result in the structural integrity of the pipeline being compromised, service disruptions and ultimately a need for expensive replacement of pipe. As HDPE pressure pipes make their way into new applications, and new installation techniques emerge, additional requirements need to be considered to keep the target design life above 50 years..