Gas distribution was among the first applications of medium density polyethylene (PE) pipe. In fact, many of the systems currently
in use have been in continuous service since 1960 with great success. Today, over 90% of the pipe installed for the natural gas
distribution industry in the U.S. and Canada is plastic, and of that, 99% is polyethylene. PE is the material of choice not only
in North America, but also worldwide. The reasons why PE is the material of choice are many and include:
- PE is lightweight, flexible and available in long coils thereby making it easy to install and minimizing the numbers of joints in the piping system;
- PE is joined by heat fusion or mechanical fittings and does not corrode like metal pipe;
- PE provides long-term resistance to a variety of service conditions such as: abrasion, temperature and soil shifts, bending, weathering, internal pressure, direct burial, point loading and squeeze-off;
- PE gas pipe is commonly available in sizes from 1/2" CTS to 24" IPS (other sizes available on special request)
These advantages give confidence to gas engineers the world over to specify PE pipe for their distribution systems. The performance
requirements for PE gas pipe are governed by ASTM D 2513, "Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing,
and Fittings" and are outlined in DOT Part 192 regulations.
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