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 * Ashirvad * Brochman Tools * Black Swan Graphene * Class Action * ExcelPlas * Failure Analysis * FBU * Georg Fischer * Graphene * Iplex Pipe Failures * Lawsuits * Microplastics * Microwave Defects Detection * Polybutylene Pipe Failures * PEX Pipe Failures * Polymer Pipe Failures * Pro-Fit™ Pipe Failures * PVC-O Pipe * Reliance (RWC) * Rollepaal * Typlex™ PB Pipe Failures * UPONOR * Vinidex * WA Plumbing Pipe Failures * ZURN
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
Why This Uponor PEX-A Pipe Cracked: Forensic Failure Analysis Lab Findings
How a New Processing Technique Can Make Polybutylene Pipe Stronger
Optimizing Polybutene-1 Pipe Performance through Rotational Shear
Rollepaal Launches World’s First Multi-Layer Plastic Pipe Scanner
INDUSTRY NEWS
See Latest PPXXII Conference Registered Company List (as of 8 September, 2025) [PDF]
Black Swan Graphene Reports Breakthrough in Customer Trials with PP Pipes
Trials with PP pipes revealed excellent lightweighting – or “downgauging” – potential, enabling manufacturers to reduce material usage and costs without sacrificing structural integrity. Such advances underscore graphene’s ability to enhance performance while supporting more sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing practices.
Breakthrough in Improved Defect Detection in HDPE Butt Fusion Joints for Clearer and More Reliable Defect Identification in HDPE Pipe Welds
HDPE Pipe Butt Fusion Joint Defects Ultrasonic Automatic Detection via Phase Coherence TFM Imaging and Improved YOLOX Model
New Microwave Resonant Probe-Based Non-destructive Detection of Cold Weld Defects (CWD) in HDPE Pipe Butt Fusion Joints
This study investigates the detection of cold weld defects in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe butt fusion joints using a microwave resonant probe integrated with a vector network analyzer (VNA). Cold weld defects, caused by insufficient heating or fusion pressure during the welding process, compromise the mechanical integrity of HDPE joints and threaten the safety of gas networks.
WORLD NEWS
PE Pipe Plant Destroyed During the Russian Offensive in 2022 Rebuilt in Irpin
First Solar-Powered Polyethylene Pipe Production Plant Launched in Irpin
South Africa’s Plastic Pipe Problem Risks Infrastructure
BUSINESS NEWS
Reliance (RWC) Abandons ‘Woke’ Signalling in Annual Reports
ASX-listed Reliance Worldwide Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of push-to-connect plumbing fittings, did not make any mention of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in this year’s report after 17 references in last year’s. DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) maintained no mentions.
Black Swan Graphene Reports Breakthrough in Customer Trials with PP Pipes
Trials with PP pipes revealed excellent lightweighting – or “downgauging” – potential, enabling manufacturers to reduce material usage and costs without sacrificing structural integrity. Such advances underscore graphene’s ability to enhance performance while supporting more sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing practices.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Aliaxis Company Ashirvad Pipes Patent New Multilayer Plastic Piping
Aliaxis Patent New Mechanical Fitting for PVC Pipes
The new mechanical fitting allows the connection of PVC based materials, such as c-PVC, PVC, and PVC-U piping systems for hot and cold-water installations
ZURN Patent Constant Strain PEX Pipe Expansion Tool to Prevent Damaging the Pipe
Brochman Tools Patent Novel PEX Pipe Expansion Tool
Brochman Innovations, LLC has been operating for four years, developing, prototyping and patenting innovative tool designs
NEW RESEARCH
Modern Plastic Pipe Dominated Network with Known Discolouration Issues by Mapping Turbidity
Methods to Monitor the Defects of the Drainage Pipe Network: a Review
Grant Money for PVCO Pipe Research
Dr. Mo Najafi has received a $279,113, 24-month competitive award from the PVC Pipe Association. These experiments conduct high-pressure cyclic loading (fatigue) tests on a Molecularly Oriented Polyvinyl Chloride (PVCO) Pipe, applicable for pressure (water) pipelines only. The Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe is one of the most common pipe materials currently used in municipal applications. The improved properties of PVCO over conventional PVC pipe are due to physical changes in the PVC material caused by realigning the molecules after extrusion process. Molecular orientation increases the pipe’s pressure capacity by raising the tensile strength of pipe materials in the hoop direction, therefore, for the same pressure capacity, pipe wall thickness is less than of the that of standard PVC pipes.
The results of these tests will determine their cyclic fatigue failure, achieving the objective of predicting the cyclic failure of the PVCO pipe material. In this testing program, seven pressure ranges (max and min pressure) will be tested, and a minimum of three pipe samples at each pressure range will undergo testing concurrently. The Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) will develop a “design methodology” that can predict the number of cycles that a PVCO pipe can handle at different stress amplitudes. The results of this testing program will be very helpful and applicable for the design of the piping system, which sometimes experiences frequent surges of large magnitudes.
The project senior personnel are Dr. Kawalpreet Kaur, CUIRE Post Doc and Ehsan Rajaie, Ph.D. student.
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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