The performance envelope of polyethylene (PE) gas pipe has been expanded since the late 1980s, resulting in the availability today of plastic pipe capable of operating at pressures of up to 10 bar gauge. For large-diameter, thick-wall gas pipe used in colder climates, design engineers have seen a tripling in recent years of the maximum operating pressures compared to the PE pipe of 20 years ago. The enabling developments include advances in · PE materials · Extrusion technology · Joining technology. The enlarged performance envelope for PE now offers engineers a choice between ferrous-based and PE-based pipe systems for intermediate-pressure levels. How this tripling of the pressure rating was achieved is described below.
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