Advances in PE pipe technology continue, more seen in future

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Pipeline and Gas Journal

OSTI ID:175970

Mamoun, M M ^[1]

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1. Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (United States)

Polyethylene (PE) pipe use in the US continues to increase as more than 30,000 miles are installed each year to extend mains and services to new customers and rehabilitate older piping systems. Of the nearly 1.5 million miles of gas distribution piping in the US, about 900,000 miles are of steel pipe, 100,000 miles are cast iron pipe, and almost one third, or 500,000 miles, are PE pipe. Because of this continued growth of the PE pipe network, Gas Research Institute (GRI) is funding focused research and development programs. The goal is to reduce operating and maintenance costs, improve new installations, and upgrade reliability and safety of pipelines throughout the gas industry. GRI has targeted reducing the costs of extending gas mains and services to new customers with the development and deployment of: (1) large diameter, coiled PE pipe and equipment; (2) methods for installing PE pipes in horizontal directional drillings; (3) automated ultrasonic butt fusion inspection equipment; (4) saddle inspection equipment; (5) technology for installing PE gas pipe across bridges; (6) advances in electrofusion joining systems; (7) induction fusion joining of fittings and associated equipment; and (8) providing rapid main and service installation tools that use trenchless, no-dig methods.

• OSTI ID: 175970
• Journal Information: Pipeline and Gas Journal, Journal Name: Pipeline and Gas Journal Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 222; ISSN PLGJAT; ISSN 0032-0188
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
42 ENGINEERING
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POLYETHYLENES