PPN- The Leading Source of Industry News on Polymer Pipes and Plastic Pipe Testing
Global News on Plastic Piping and Fittings in Real-Time
NEWSMAKERS: * AI * AquaPea™ * Atkore * AvaSpire™ * Benton’s Gas * Borouge * BorSafe™ * Class Action * ExcelPlas * Experts.App * Failure Analysis * Fratco * Hydrogen Transport * IPEX * Iplex * Olmas * Orbia * PAEK * Phthalates from PVC Pipes * Polybutylene Pipe Failures * Polymer Pipe Failures * PP-R Pipe Failures * Root Cause Investigations * SAPPMA * Supreme Industries * Syensqo * Time Technoplast * Typlex™ PB Pipe Failures * UHMWPE * Unicor * UPONOR
PPN News Alerts bringing together the complete supply chain from manufacturers of resins, plastic pipes and fittings, machinery and equipment to specifiers, designers, suppliers and end-users!
BREAKING NEWS
New Study in USA Finds Evidence that Phthalate Transformation Products are Likely Present in Drinking Water Systems That Use PVC Pipes
Unexpected Reactivity of Commercially Relevant Phthalates with Free Chlorine
New AI Program for the Plastic Pipe Industry
First to market application to create your own secure private vault for your technical literature and specifications that can be queried without hallucinations
LEGAL NEWS
PVC Pipe Company Atkore Under Investigation
Investigation concerns whether the board of directors of Atkore have breached their fiduciary duties to the company.
The Class Action alleges that, during the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Atkore engaged in an anticompetitive price-fixing scheme that artificially inflated the price of PVC Pipes; (2) in turn, Atkore reaped significant, unsustainable financial benefits from its anticompetitive conduct; (3) as Atkore’s price-fixing scheme was exposed, the Company and its price fixing co-conspirators were no longer able to artificially inflate the price of PVC Pipes, resulting in a substantial decrease in the price of PVC Pipes;
“PVC Pipe Makers Say Price ‘Conspiracy’ Is ‘Basic Economics’”
The PVC pipe makers say there’s no “conspiracy”—just parallel price moves driven by supply-and-demand shocks and cost pass-throughs in 2020–2022, so the antitrust case should be tossed.
Plaintiffs allege a per se price-fixing scheme among major PVC “converter” manufacturers, aided by information sharing via OPIS (Oil Price Information Service).
OPIS has preliminarily settled for $6M and agreed to cooperate; manufacturers have not settled and deny wrongdoing.
The PVC pipe makers say the 2020–2022 price spikes were “basic economics”: resin shortages, freight spikes, pandemic dislocation, and surging municipal demand—not collusion. They argue parallel pricing alone isn’t illegal without “plus factors” (like secret agreements), which plaintiffs haven’t plausibly pled. They’re asking for dismissal.
INDUSTRY NEWS
PE Pipe Resin Maker Borouge Surges in Q3 with Record Production and 52% Profit Growth
Borouge Honoured at Asian Oil & Gas Awards 2025 for Excellence in Material Engineering
The award was for the development of BorSafe™ HE3492-LS-H, a HDPE resin designed for modern gas distribution networks
Advanced Polymer Compounds Based on PAEK Revolutionize Plumbing by Replacing Brass Fittings
Syensqo’s AvaSpire® PAEK Selected by Uniwell for Corrugated Flexible Plumbing Pipes
New Jobs Created as Corrugated PE Pipe Company Breaks Ground in Fort Payne
Plastic Pipe Company Orbia Posts $1.97 bill in Sales and aN EBITDA of $295 mill
The ‘Little Blue Pill’ to Solve Polybutylene Pipe Failures
IPEX Launches Precision-Engineered Hy-Ram Electrofusion Alignment Clamps for United States
Unicor & Olmas Form Strategic Partnership to Expand Corrugated PE Pipe Machinery Business
Fratco Breaks Ground on New Alabama Corrugated PE Pipe plant, Creating 60 Jobs
InventHelp Inventor Develops Device to Create Belled Ends on PVC Pipes
Time Technoplast Secures Major HDPE Pipe Order
TRUST BELOW THE SURFACE: How SAPPMA Safeguards South Africa’s Plastic Pipe Industry
Growth Revival in H2 key for Supreme Industries After Weak Q2
HDPE PIPES
Developments of Matched-Field Processing for Parameter Inversion in Pressurized HDPE Pipelines
Using Water Quality Parameters to Estimate Service Life in HDPE Water Mains
Investigation on the Extrusion Process of UHMWPE Flexible Pipe Liners for Deep-Sea Mineral Transport
The extrusion process of wear-resistant liners made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
PVC PIPES
Developments of Matched-Field Processing for Parameter Inversion in Pressurized PVC Pipelines
New Study in USA Finds Evidence that Phthalate Transformation Products are Likely Present in Drinking Water Systems That Use PVC Pipes
Unexpected Reactivity of Commercially Relevant Phthalates with Free Chlorine
GRP PIPES
Analyzing Bending Damage Mechanical Properties of Multi‐Layered Wound Composite Pipes
Impact of Morphological Parameters on the Elastic Properties of GRP Polymer Composite Hydrogen Pipe
Study on the Damage Evolution Mechanism of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Pipe Under Tensile Load
Thermal Expansion Study of Dual Laminate Plastic Pipes
HYDROGEN TRANSPORT
Impact of Morphological Parameters on the Elastic Properties of GRP Polymer Composite Hydrogen Pipe
PLASTIC PIPE TESTING SERVICES
Experts in Plastic and Plumbing Pipe/Fitting Testing and R&D Lab Services
ExcelPlas provides testing and R&D lab services for global plastics, pipes, and materials used in the water, gas, plumbing, and other industries. We assist manufacturers develop more durable and robust products while also reducing their time-to-market and dealing with costly failures.
We provide made-to-order independent and reliable testing and R&D services to help your company go beyond routine certification testing to demonstrate other aspects of a product’s safety and performance. Our staff of professional engineers, Ph.D. scientists and dedicated account managers supports your research and development projects.
ExcelPlas expertise and professional R&D services help you expedite market entry for plastic piping products. Our tailor-made research and development capabilities include advanced chemical and structural testing on plastic pipes, fittings and valves, metal fittings and components, manifolds, solvent cements, thread sealants, PVC ingredients and plastic materials for your global applications.
We conduct R&D-related testing on plastic pipes and fittings for oxidation under applied stress, varying flow rates, temperature and pressure, and chemical exposures.
Are you a manufacturer of plastic pipes, fittings, or materials used in piping systems? Our extensive testing and analysis capabilities cover plastic piping systems and components used in:
- Potable water
- Non-potable water: Drain, waste, and vent (DWV); Sewer; Reclaimed water
- Heating and cooling: Radiant heating, Gas distribution, Geothermal
- Power and communications conduit
- Fire safety: Fire main, Fire sprinkler
- Oil and gas gathering
We offer customized solutions through our advanced laboratory capabilities, including chemical and structural testing on plastic pipes, fittings, and valves, as well as metal fittings and components, manifolds, solvent cements, thread sealants, PVC ingredients, and plastic materials for your global applications. This enables you to meet unique performance and regulatory requirements with precision and efficiency. We’ve conducted R&D-related testing for oxidation under applied stress, varying flow rates, temperatures, and pressures, as well as chemical exposures.
By combining our expertise in these testing and product standards, as well as the areas listed below, we partner with our clients to create a tailored research and product development program.
We test the long-term impact of disinfectants on plastic material performance known as Oxidative Resistance Testing in multiple forms including pipe, plumbing components, fittings and test coupons with a fast turnaround.
We can test large-diameter plastic piping and we can test include PVC, PE and other materials.
Slow Crack Growth (SCR) Validation/Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP) Testing
These tests are critical to understanding the performance of piping, particularly in gas applications. They characterize the material’s long-term and short-term performance, respectively.
Chlorine and Chloramine Testing for Rubber Material.
We also test rubber materials for various standards (including ASTM F2023, ASTM D6284, ASSE 1061 and custom-made test methodologies).
PLASTIC PIPE FAILURE INVESTIGATIONS
Crack the Case with ExcelPlas: The Polymer Pipe Detectives
ExcelPlas is a well-established and respected firm specialising in polymer forensic investigation and root cause analysis for the insurance, legal and risk management professions.
Our forensic polymer scientists and engineers investigate a wide range of losses including those with plastic pipes, geosynthetics, protective coatings and engineering problems.
If you think you might have the need for a polymer failure investigator, you can contact us for a free consultation to discuss how best we can support you.
Visit our page https://www.excelplas.com/ for more information on the disciplines we cover.
PLASTIC PIPE CONSULTANTS
Plastic Pipe Consulting Experts and Services
If you need a team of pipe plastic experts, then ExcelPlas Consulting is the obvious choice – our size is our strength in a market dominated by single consultants.
We provide services on everything from material selection, product testing, processing to failure analysis
https://www.excelplas.com/contact-us/
Plastic Pipe Failure – Solve Problems, Limit Damage and Avoid Future Failures
Where polymer pipes are used in engineering applications, reliable and consistent performance is critically important. Failure can have damaging and expensive consequences. We offer expertise in materials properties and durability – with a range of specialist testing and analysis.
ExcelPlas Labs can help you:
• Understand plastic pipe materials and test their performance properties and durability
• Specify and select polymers based on service requirements
• Understand and recognise how plastic pipes and fittings can fail
• Appreciate how to investigate plastic pipe failures
https://www.excelplas.com/contact-us/
PIPE FAILURE ANALYSIS
ExcelPlas Investigating Poly Pipe Failures
Through failure analysis & forensic chemistry, we help clients improve product performance, increase profits, & resolve product liability claims with plastic pipes and fittings.
We are dedicated to unmatched excellence in failure analysis, investigative chemistry, material testing, and expert witnessing for plastics, polymers and composites.
With over 30 years of investigative experience, the staff at ExcelPlas are uniquely positioned to help clients resolve the most challenging performance and processing issues related to materials and finished pipes and fittings.
https://www.excelplas.com/contact-us/
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ExcelPlas Labs Pipe Failure Investigations
ExcelPlas Labs have created a new benchmark in failure analysis of HDPE, PP-R, PB and PEX pipes in addition to PVC & CPVC pipes as well as composite GRP and GRE pipes. When a plastic pipeline fails to perform as intended, our team can determine the root cause of failure (e.g. oxidative failure, chemical failure, creep failure, over-stress failure, fatigue failure, design failure, etc). ExcelPlas are experienced with all plastic piping failure modes and mechanisms including Slow Crack Growth (SCG) Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP), Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR), Oxidative Stress Cracking (OSC), cyclic fatigue, manufacturing defects, and polymer material problems.
http://www.excelplas.com/
ExcelPlas Strain Hardening Test (SHT) for HDPE Pipes
The SHT in accordance with ISO 18488 is a relatively new, but excellent way to obtain a rapid indication of the Stress Crack Growth (SCG) resistance of your piping material. This tensile test performed at 80°C has become in just a few years the new standard for Batch Release Testing (BRT). And not without reason. The test requires only a very small amount of material, the results are very reliable with a very low inter-laboratory scatter and the results are available within a few days, regardless of the PE grade. The SHT is usually performed on resin material but it can also be performed on samples taken directly from pipes or sheets. As accredited lab, EXCELPLAS is happy to discuss the possibilities with you, whether it is for BRT, benchmarking, quality control of your (high performing) PE grade or for polymer compliance/ validation.
http://www.excelplas.com/
Australia’s Plastic Pipe Testing Laboratory
ExcelPlas Laboratories provides a comprehensive plastic pipe joint testing service and is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory to test a range of polymer materials including polyethylene and polypropylene. ExcelPlas can carry out testing on plastic tube and pipe ranging in wall thickness from 3mm to 1200mm. ExcelPlas Laboratories provide a comprehensive service to Industrial & commercial companies, environmental consultants, Government bodies, and local Authority customers throughout Australia and Asia. All testing is carried and out in accordance with ASTM, ISO & WIS methods and is fully accredited to ISO 17025 by NATA.
- Butt Fusion Weld Testing
- Weld Testing
- Testing of Electro-fusion Welds
- Tear on saddle joints
- Crush De-cohesion of Electro-fusion welds
- Polymer & Plastics Identification
- Chemical & Thermal Testing
- Site Audits
ExcelPlas – the Australian Pipes & Fittings Testing Laboratory
- Accredited to ISO 17025 by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Australia, and is Australia’s largest laboratory dedicated for the testing of plastic pipes and fittings to various Standards which include Australian, European and International Standards.
- The staff employed at the laboratory have a combined experience of more than 85 years within the plastics industry specifically with manufacturing, quality control and the research and development of plastic piping systems including HDPE, PEX, PP-R, PVC, U-PVC, M-PVC, O-PVC, ABS, GRP, GRE and PB.
- Services provided include conformance testing, compliance testing, batch release testing, root cause analysis for field failures and non-destructive testing of samples.
ExcelPlas Lab Specialising in HDPE Pipe Condition Monitoring, Failure Analysis and Testing
In the event of a HDPE buttweld or electrofusion weld failing during initial testing, or in service, we can conduct investigations to assist in identifying the root cause of the failure.
This service also extends to the premature failure of the pipe or fitting itself.
http://www.excelplas.com/plastic-pipes
ExcelPlas Pipe Testing is a Leader in the Field of Polyethylene (PE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Testing
ExcelPlas is accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for butt weld tests, bend and tensile tests, peel decohesion tests on electro fusion sockets and failure mode determination
http://www.polypipetesting.com.au/butt-fusion-welds/
New UHMWPE Pipe for Tailing Offers Greater Than 4X the Abrasion Resistance of PE100 (Australia wide)
http://slurrypipes.com.au/
ExcelPlas Poly Pipe Weld Inspection Lists Top 7 Causes of Weld Failure:
- Lack of scraping
- Inaccurate scraping
- Contamination from dirt, water, oil or clays
- Lack of Paralell-ness of fusion faces
- Misalignment of surfaces
- Time, temperature and pressure deviations
- Not adhering to cool times
We have extensive experience in inspection of poly pipe welds for assuring welded joint quality. Direct Poly Pipe Inspection ensures that operators are following the proven welding procedure; this reduces the occurrences of operational errors which lead to defects such as inclusions, lack of fusion (LoF), porosity and misalignment.
More information, contact [email protected]
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