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: * Aliaxis * Aquatherm * Atkore * Chevron Phillips * Dolores Herran * ExcelPlas * Experts.App * Failure Analysis * Genuit * Georg Fischer * JM Financial * ISO * Microplastics * Molecor * PE-AL-PE Pipes * PE-VHAR * Polybutylene Pipe Failures * Polyethylene Very High Abrasion Resistance * Polymer Pipe Failures * PPI * PP-R Pipe Failures * Price Fixing * REHAU * Revinylize * SCG Chemicals * Sewer Pipe * Soleno * Typlex™ PB Pipe Failures * Urban Piping * UPONOR * UV-CIPP
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
City Accuses Aliaxis and Other PVC Pipe Suppliers of Price Fixing
Pennsylvania Orders Natural Gas Utilities to Replace Aging Plastic Pipe
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has finalized a sweeping order requiring natural gas utilities across the state to identify and potentially replace older plastic pipes and components considered vulnerable to brittle-like cracking
INDUSTRY NEWS
Revolutionizing Slurry Transport: The Next Generation PE-VHAR for Abrasion-Resistant Pipelines
Atkore Eyes Sale of HDPE Pipe & Conduit Business
Plastic Pipe-Maker Genuit Acquires Bathroom Supplies Biz for £49M
How What You Eat is a Major Factor in PVC Sewer Pipe Health
Operational lifetimes of PVC sewer pipes are affected by wastewater composition, which in turn is shaped by local dietary habits. A new study evaluates how varying levels of fats, oils, grease (FOG), suspended solids (TSS) in human diet and disinfectants influence the chemical, mechanical and surface degradation of PVC pipes. Wastewater, which has higher FOG, induces more surface softening, lipid residue accumulation, and tensile strength loss (~25-35%) of PVC pipes, whereas other sewer samples have increased abrasive wear and micro-cracking, down to 10-20% strength loss. The results underline that dietary habits and wastewater management practices must inform PVC pipe material selection and maintenance protocols to extend service life.
PVC Pipes Conference Highlights Sustainability & Innovation
PVC Electrical Conduit Installed in Place of Water Pipe in Australia House Costs $62K for Repairs
Interview with Dolores Herrán of Molecor
DDA to Replace Faulty PE-AL-PE Water Pipes in Dwarka Golf View Apartments
The work involves dismantling the existing PE-AL-PE pipes and replacing them with sturdier Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipelines
Permeability Coefficients of Sustainable Gases Through Plastic Pipes
New Webinar Series Explores Polymers in Ship and Offshore Piping Systems
Noosa Relines 25km of Sewerage Pipes with PVC and CIPP
JM Financial Bullish on PVC Pipe Market
New Process Promises Chemical Recycling of Both PVC and PE Pipes with the Need for Separation
Uponor Seeking BDM for Plastic Pipes (Salary USD $169 pa)
Business Development Manager – Engineering is responsible for developing and cascading sales opportunities to the region for total polymer piping systems, including ChlorFit Vinyls and industry-leading PEX offering
LEGAL NEWS
October 1, 2025, the City of Kamloops, Canada, Launched a Class Action Lawsuit Against More than Two Dozen Companies including Major American and Canadian PVC Pipe Manufacturers
The suit alleges collusion and price-fixing across North America, claiming inflated municipal water and conduit pipe prices over several years. The class action lawsuit against two dozen companies alleges a price-fixing scheme among Canadian and American manufacturer of PVC pipe during the pandemic.
NEW INNOVATIONS
Rehau Develop New Packaging for Dispensing of Flexible Plastic Pipe in a Coil
MICROPLASTICS FORMATION
Dual-Stress Ageing of UV-CIPP Composites: Microbial and Mechanical Degradation Mechanisms in Corrosive Environments
The aging mechanisms of UV-CIPP materials in simulated sulfuric acid and seawater under dual-stress were investigated.
The effects of microbial aging and bending stress aging on various characteristics of UV-CIPP materials were analyzed.
The release behaviour and characteristics of microplastics from UV-CIPP materials during the aging process were studied.
After 8640 h of aging, microplastic release reached 106.00–168.06 items/mm²
LATEST PLASTIC PIPES RESEARCH
Environmental Aging of Polymers to Evaluate Their Potential for Remediating Natural Gas Pipelines
Pipe Material Influence on Variable Formation Of Chlorine Disinfection By-Products In Water Supply Networks
This study validates the pipe nature effect in the production of Chlorine DBPs by using the two types of pipe, i.e., Galvanized Iron (G.I.) and HDPE
Overall results from this study revealed that the G.I pipe nature contributes more to the chlorine DBPs production as compared to the HDPE pipe nature.
Study on Degradation of PVC Sewer Pipes and Influence of Dietary-Driven Wastewater Composition
The 100-year Lifetime of PE100/PE100-RC Pipes – An Industry Association’s Perspective
CORRUPTION NEWS
Odesa CHP Appointed a Company Suspected of Overcharging as a Contractor for PE100 Sewer Repairs
Pollution Control Board Suspended on Corruption Allegations at PVC Pipe Factory
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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