TPi April 2008

High performance PE pressure pipe system

s Trenchless Technologie ‘Spiderplow’ laying Rauprotect II d110 SDR11

S ince the introduction of the first systems more than 40 years ago, PE raw material producers and pipe producers have continuously joined their efforts to propose better pressure pipe solutions to end-users and installers. The development of modern installation techniques, in particular trenchless technologies, has created a need for improved systems, with enhanced insensitivity to installation conditions. Rehau and Borealis have gathered their respective expertise and knowledge in PE pipes and raw materials to develop a new pipe system with outstanding crack resistance to meet new market expectations and needs. This article will describe the steps the two companies have taken together, from analysis of market needs to the first actual projects of the newly created Rauprotect II solution. Among many applications, polyethylene (PE) pipes are used worldwide for water supply and gas distribution, contributing significantly to improve the reliability and the quality of networks. Since the first pipe production almost 50 years ago, PE has developed an impressive, successful track record, and is today the preferred choice for these applications. Ease of installation, low maintenance and corrosion free properties are some of the well-known

reasons for this success story. Another key reason is the constant efforts of both raw materials producers and pipe producers for improved quality and reliability. After the development of HDPE pipe materials such as PE63 and then PE80, the first PE100 materials arrived on the market at the end of the 1980s. These materials were a real milestone in the development of HDPE pipe materials because they facilitated the use of higher service pressures or pipes having thinner wall at the same service pressures. They also offered the end-user other advantages, such as high resistance to slow crack growth and rapid crack propagation. Pipes made from these modern materials are considered to be well-adapted to classic installation conditions.

The last 10 to 15 years have seen new challenges for pipes, with the development of new installation techniques.

Trenchless installation technologies Many modern techniques (including pipe bursting, directional drilling and relining) have been developed, combining faster and cheaper installation (up to 60%

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Tube Products International April 2008

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