Benefits of Plastic Sewer Pipe

Published on by in Technology

Benefits of Plastic Sewer Pipe

Polyolefin sewer pipe systems have a service lifetime expectancy of at least 100 years, a European study has found

The two-year project into the longevity of plastic pipes was commissioned by The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) in conjunction with LyondellBasell, and independently reviewed by Professor Heinz Dragaun from the Technical School for higher education (TGM) in Vienna. It involved the excavation of samples from in-service pipe networks that were tested and assessed under laboratory conditions.

The first polyolefin (polypropylene and polyethylene) systems were installed around 40 years ago, and there has been some debate over their durability and length of service life compared to the alternatives.

However, even these older ‘first generation' plastic pipes showed no excessive degradation when tested, and are expected to last for another 50 years or more, said TEPPFA's General Manager Tony Calton.

"Although the oldest excavated pipes were manufactured using ‘first generation' material formulations, a residual lifetime of more than 50 years was calculated," said Calton. "We should also bear in mind that current formulations offer even greater lifetime performance than these earlier materials."

The results of the analysis and findings of this work could be expected to favourably influence sewer operators faced with major capital investment in new or replacement networks.

"Designers, owners and operators of sewer networks can now be confident that these sewer systems will have an in-service life of at least one hundred years when materials, products and installation practices meet the appropriate requirements," continued Calton.

"The outcome is also vitally important for material suppliers, pipe manufacturers and contractors working closely with the sewer market. Clearly it will lend further appeal and allow polyolefin sewer pipes to be specified with increased confidence as they perform consistently throughout their very long asset life."

Source: WWT

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