To the editors of UIM,
In your October 2012 issue, author Greg Baird provided an article discussing the causes and solutions to pipeline corrosion entitled ?Got Corrosion?? While it thoroughly highlighted PVC pipe as a solution to this costly issue, it failed to offer readers a full scope of other reliable remedies. For nearly 50 years, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, with its fused, leak-free joining system, has demonstrated the same anti-corrosion properties the author attributes to PVC pipe in serving the municipal water industry.
To further emphasize this oversight, the article neglects to recognize the significant use of HDPE pipe in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) construction practices. Rightfully so, the author spends a great deal of time discussing the benefits and growing use of trenchless/HDD installation. However, the one mention of HDPE pipe in the article references an installation in Fort Wayne, Ind., where restraint-joint PVC pipe installed using HDD, was a better choice than open-trench installation of HDPE pipe. This is a curious comparison since HDPE pipe, as most recently pointed out in the September 2012 issue of Trenchless Technology, is the most widely used product for trenchless projects. As a reader, I question why the bid did not consider both materials for an HDD installation and why the author used this example in the article.
As Mr. Baird correctly states, PVC and ductile iron pipe are most commonly used in the municipal water market. Yet, as more water utilities strive to preserve precious natural resources, HDPE pipe with its self-restraining joints and non-corrosive, leak-free properties, is gaining greater market acceptance. Natural gas utilities recognized the importance of this powerful combination of properties more than 50 years ago, culminating in HDPE pipe?s 95 percent market share in gas distribution systems.
With the advent of high performance polymers, today?s PE4710 resins easily deliver a 200-psi rated pipe that can handle repetitive surge pressures of 300 psi and occasional surge pressures of 400 psi. Add on a 20-25X outside diameter bend radius, excellent fatigue properties, a static Hazen Williams C Factor of 150 and a demonstrated service life of more than 100 years, one can readily see how HDPE pipe benefits the underground utility market.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, utilities spend nearly $40 billion each year on corrosion protection of pipes. Plastic pipes offer a reliable, cost effective and long-term solution to this age-old problem. It?s just important that your readers know there is more than one alternative. We invite your readers to find out more at our website, www.plasticpipe.org, where data, examples, webinars and empirical studies are available.
?? ?Sincerely,
?? ?A. ?Tony? Radoszewski, CAE?? ???????????? ??? ??? ??? ??????????????????????? ?
?? ?Executive Director, Plastics Pipe Institute
