WET News

FEBRUARY 2017 WET NEWS 15 THE CONCEPT • Plastic piping systems that genuinely survive in service for more than 100 years are now a real option • It is possible to measure the quality of the joint throughout the supply chain • Pushing together surfaces of molten polymer has great potential for a fully fused joint • Cooling times and guidance for jointing at low temperatures have also been amended NEED TO KNOW 1 Polyethylene pipes already minimise leakage through reducing the number of joints 2 Plastic pipes are moving to standard designs for use within utility infrastructure 3 Collaboration means it is possible to openly share knowledge of construction methods and failure modes THE VERDICT "The commitment of the whole supply chain can together ensure that our future water supply system is built on these strong foundations" Julia Trew ability for rapid return to service of supply infrastructure to consumers. Through the collaboration of water industry and manufacturing, it has been possible to openly share knowledge of construction methods and failure modes: using these as a basis for optimising the solution to meet the need for a long-life asset. This has led to the recent publication of WIS 4-32-08: Issue 4 Fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipeline systems using PE80 and PE100 materials which provides the opportunity for pipeline installers to follow best practice and truly deliver a long-lasting asset. Polyethylene pipes already minimise leakage through reducing the number of joints required by supplying continuous lengths in coils. The solution for a pipe system that will last for more than 100 years is to have a compatible jointing system that will last just as long. Through a long running and successful joint initiative, the Plastics Pipes Liaison Group, members of Water UK, and the BPF Pipes Group have updated and published one of the fundamental building blocks to achieving a leak-free pipeline: the specification for fusion jointing of polyethylene pipes, or WIS 4-32-08: Issue 4 Fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipeline systems using PE80 and PE100 materials. Compatible The changes to the specification allow utilities to comply with the Public Procurement Directive by aligning requirements with the European Standard for "Plastics piping systems for water supply, and for drainage and sewerage under pressure. Polyethylene (PE)", EN 12201. In particular, the tests used to assess the integrity of completed joints now match those used by manufacturers in type testing the products in the factory. It is possible to measure the quality of the joint throughout the supply chain. Correct "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others" (George Orwell, Animal Farm) and so it is with products and equipment. By purchasing pipes and fittings that have been tested and certified to BS EN 12201 parts 1 to 3, the water industry is already giving itself the best possible chance of installing a pipeline system fit for the expected lifetime. So it is when choosing welding equipment and welding services. The 4th edition of WIS 4-32-08 reflects the trend to 'fully automatic' machines and was released to equipment manufacturers in June 2016 to allow time for updating soœware to match the improved processes in the specification. Clever Pushing together surfaces of molten polymer has great potential for a fully fused joint, or through bad alignment and insufficient pressure/time could be the weak link in the whole pipeline. Aœer much research work into the optimal conditions for heating and cooling, this specification includes a requirement for the pipes to be held in alignment clamps at a given interface stress for the full cooling time. The cooling times and guidance for jointing at low temperatures have also been amended to offer improved joint performance and onsite resilience. Competent With compatible and high quality products, optimised processes and welding equipment, the final piece in the jigsaw is subject to the human factor. The updated specification seeks to clarify best practice and provides a solid foundation for the training of installers. Plastic pipes are very much moving to standard designs for use within utility infrastructure. They are benefiting from research and engineering which is now confidently predicting systems that can last in excess of 100 years and we can see a big picture that tells us it is worth mastering welding techniques on site to get the solutions we want. Collaborative The commitment of the whole supply chain can together ensure that our future water supply system is built on these strong foundations. 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