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: * Amiblu * CIPP * Class Action * EPA * ExcelPlas * Failure Analysis * FBU * FFRPP * GRP Piping * Iplex Pipe Failures * Lawsuits * New Life Waste Recycling (Darwin) * PPXXII Conference * Polybutylene Pipe Failures * PEX Pipe Failures * Polymer Pipe Failures * Pro-Fit™ Pipe Failures * Quick Fitting Holding Company (QFHC) * TASNEE * Typlex™ PB Pipe Failures * UPONOR * WA Plumbing Pipe Failures
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!
LEGAL NEWS
Uponor Hit with Yet Another Lawsuit Over its PEX Pipe
The UPONOR PEX pipe that is the subject of this latest lawsuit is alleged defective because it will fail, crack, and leak well before the end of its useful life.
The suit alleges that the UPONOR PEX pipe suffers from a defect in that the UPONOR method of pipe production does not mix the antioxidants uniformly with the polyethylene.
This production failure leads to a lack of homogeneity with the distribution of the antioxidants and renders the pipe defective and unfit for its ordinary use.
Uponor Polyethylene PEX Tubing Failure – Class Action Investigation
Uponor PEX Piping Systems – Premature Failure Concerns
PVC Pipe Antitrust Litigation Kicks Off
Lockridge Grindal Nauen (“LGN”) is Co-Lead Counsel for a class of consumers, plumbers, electricians, and other contractors who bought PVC Pipe or PVC Fittings (collectively called PVC Pipe Systems) from a distributor or home improvement store. LGN’s complaint alleges that PVC Pipes and Fittings were price-fixed because the companies that make PVC Pipes (called Converters) conspired with an industry reporting service called OPIS to increase their price starting at least as early as 2020 through the present.
The lawsuit alleges: “PVC Pipe System prices exploded in 2020. The nation’s leading PVC Pipe System manufacturers—the Converter Defendants—blamed the price explosion on COVID-19 and supply chain chaos. They were lying. The astronomical price increases resulted from an elaborate price-fixing Conspiracy, not pandemic disruptions. Working hand-in-glove with industry reporting service, Defendant OPIS, Converter Defendants weaponized temporary shocks to the supply of PVC resin—the primary raw material in PVC Pipe Systems—as cover to orchestrate a brazen price-fixing scheme. The results were staggering: PVC Pipe System prices quadrupled, generating windfall profits while devasting pipe purchasers nationwide.”
INDUSTRY NEWS
Update: See Who Is Attending PPXXII Conference (as of 25 August, 2025) Registered Company List
~176 Companies from ~34 Countries/ Organizations and ~294 Registrants
The Value Proposition for Rehabilitating vs. Replacing Pipelines
Rehabilitation methods often cost 50–75% less than full pipe replacement, resulting in substantial savings. In pressure pipe applications, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) relining is more expensive then flexible fabric reinforced plastic pipe (FFRPP) relining due to the fact that it requires more access points, has to be QA/QC in the field, and needs additional time to cure before being tied back in with additional materials required for the tie-ins. FFRPP is the lowest cost relining option as it requires less access points (it can be pulled further in a section of pipe than CIPP), it can navigate complex geometry, and it can be used in all types of pipes. It also has a 50-year design life and 5-year warranty on the lining, which stands out compared to all other rehab options, or even new construction pipe options for that matter.
EPA Faces Potential Misallocation of Lead Pipe Replacement Funds Due to Unverified State Data
Plastic Pipe Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ogden
VIDEO
NEW PATENTS
Quick Fitting Holding Company, LLC Patent New Press Fitting for Plastic Pipes
TASNEE (Saudi Arabia) Patent HDPE Pressure Pipes with Improved Barrier Properties to CO2
NEW RESEARCH
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT !
Macquarie Thinks FBU Stock Could Crash 45%
Replacing Aquatherm Pipes Could Cost a Fortune
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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