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Global News on Plastic Piping and Fittings in Real-Time
NEWSMAKERS: * Class Action * ExcelPlas * Experts.App * Failure Analysis * Hanwha Total Energies * Hydrogen Transport * IPEX * Iplex * J.S. Held * PEX-AL-PEX Pipes * PEX Pipe Failures * Polybutylene Pipe Failures * Polymer Pipe Failures * PP-R Pipe Failures * Root Cause Investigations * Typlex™ PB Pipe Failures * UPONOR * VOCs* Weber Extrusion
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
Fletcher Building AGM: Updates on Litigation, Fixing Leaky Perth Pipes
Updates about litigation and a big scheme to fix leaky Perth water pipes featured at Fletcher Building’s annual general meeting
Iplex Pipelines has argued builder BGC should hand over documents relating to its estimate that it will cost $123 mill to fix homes it claims were fitted with faulty pipes manufactured by the Fletcher Building unit.
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
EDITOR’S CORNER
Dangerous New Narrative Emerging from Plastic Pipe Industry Associations
INDUSTRY NEWS
Impurities Threaten the Lifetime of Recycled Plastic Pipes
Recycled polymers are entering pipe systems under rising mandates, yet impurity control ultimately governs crack kinetics and their practical service life
How Impurities Affect the Lifetime of Plastic Pipes – A Circularity Case Study on Polymer Pipes
Adding just 10 % of an inappropriate polymer recyclate can reduce the lifetime dramatically.
Plastic Pipe Trade Groups Launch ‘Truth About Pipes’ PR Campaign
Three plastic pipe trade groups are joining for an educational campaign that aims to address myths and misinformation about their products and highlight the benefits through a fact-based yet light approach.
Failures of Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipes with Compression Fittings, Crimp Rings and Expansion Fittings
While some manufacturers indicate that their compression fittings are suitable for PEX applications, using compression fittings for PEX connections is not common as there are other preferred coupling methods. Compression fittings that are suitable for PEX use may or may not require inserts, depending on the pipe diameter. A plastic ferrule is typically recommended, as metallic ferrules can cut into the PEX tubing. Further complicating the issue is that PEX has three classifications, A, B, and C, depending on the method used to manufacture the product. PEX-B is stiffer than PEX-A, while PEX-C stiffness can vary by manufacturer. All these factors can lead to variations in the tightening of the fitting.
New Study on Frequent Sudden Failures of Rigid PVC Pipelines with Diameters of Approximately 350 mm
Effect of Joint Extensibility on Stress in Small-Diameter PVC Pipelines
Expert Polymer Pipe Failure Analysis Services Including Fracture Diagnostics, Material Compatibility Testing and Root Cause Investigation (RCI)
We diagnose polymer pipe failures with precision. Our polymer experts identify root causes in plastic and rubber components to prevent costly breakdowns and improve product reliability.
Whether you’re dealing with a fractured water pipe, a split seal, or a deformed plumbing, our lab-based diagnostics combine infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, microscopy, and mechanical testing to deliver actionable insights. We don’t just identify what went wrong—we determine the mechanism of failure to help you prevent it from happening again. Our polymer experts identify root causes in plastic and rubber components to prevent costly breakdowns and improve product reliability.
NEW PATENTS
IPEX (Canada) an Aliaxis Company Patent New Plastic Pipe Fitting with Fusible Sleeve [PDF]
Uponor (USA) Patent Cold Expansion Fitting for Plastic Pipes [PDF]
HDPE PIPES
New Stepwise Isothermal Segregation Method as a Means of Predicting the Lifetime of HDPE Pipes [PDF]
Analytical Methods for Defect Measurement in Welded Polyethylene Gas Pipes
GRP PIPES
Study on the Damage Evolution Mechanism of Fibre‐Reinforced Composite Pipe Under Tensile Load
NEW ADVANCES
Proactive Correlation Method for Anomaly Detection in PVC Water Pipes
HYDROGEN TRANSPORT
Average Equivalent Stress Theory and its Application to Determine Burst Strength for Hydrogen Pipelines
PE and PVC polymer pipes for hydrogen service validate that the proposed AES flow solution is accurate for predicting the burst pressure for ductility reduced pipelines in hydrogen service
Unveiling the Microstructural Origins of Hydrogen Barrier Superiority in HDPE over PP for Pipeline Applications
Results show HDPE’s superior performance is attributed to its higher crystallinity (50.6 vs 30.7%) and lower fractional free volume. Microscopically, MD simulations reveal distinct diffusion mechanisms: a restricted ″oscillation-skipping″ mode for H2 molecules in HDPE’s smaller, isolated voids, versus more facile diffusion through PP’s larger, interconnected free volume network
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT !
Alarming New Study Identifies Potential Health Risks with HDPE and PVC Pipes for Drinking Water
New research finds plastic pipes continuously release dissolved organic matter (DOM), including organic additives such as bisphenols (BPs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs), which profoundly reshape microbial communities. Under chlorinated conditions, leached DOM alters microbial diversity, promoting chlorine-resistant bacteria and opportunistic pathogens (OPs). Among plastic materials, polyethylene (PE) exhibited the highest chemical risk, releasing high concentrations of TCPP (700 ng/L) and BPF (200 ng/L) along with 207–227 unique DOM molecules. In contrast, PVC supported the highest OP abundance, while polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R) fostered the greatest OP diversity. These findings challenge conventional drinking water safety assessments that separate chemical contamination from microbial risk, underscoring the urgent need for an integrated risk assessment framework. Furthermore, they highlight the necessity of paying greater attention to the chemical and cascading microbial issues arising from the leaching of plastic pipes into drinking water, and of conducting a more comprehensive assessment of the associated potential health risks.
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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