Stringent Requirements
One of the tests in European approval procedures involves the test for Taste & Odour.
It is the first and basic requirement for the approval of materials for drinking water
application. This means that all legally approved materials for drinking water application
in the market have met the stringent requirements of this test.
Many countries are using a so-called "Positive List" (PL) where all chemical substances
used in the plastic piping system are listed. Clearly there is an interest to ensure that
substances that could migrate into the drinking water do not cause harm to human health.
These tests ensure that defined limit values are not exceeded and that these PL limits are
established with very high safety factors.
Suppliers of materials for drinking water distribution, have to meet these strict
requirements. So legally approved plastic materials for drinking water application are
classified as not harming human health with respect to listed substances of the Positive
List. In several EU countries, various tests are used to secure the highest quality level
regarding the potential migration of substances into the drinking water.
The conclusions from long term experience in use and from the application of modern analytical
techniques are clear. Plastic pipes that have been legally approved do not negatively affect
the quality of drinking water. Moreover, they contribute significantly to its safe supply for
human consumption.
Read more... Plastic Pipes do not Contaminate Drinking Water
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Design of Buried Plastics Pipe Systems
In 1999, a key technical study was concluded regarding the design of thermoplastic pipe systems. This project resulted in a much better understanding of the flexible behaviour of plastic pipes and their installation aspects. A design graph was developed, predicting the deflection of pipes in practice.
Sponsored by TEPPFA and PlasticsEurope, the project team consulted a wide range of industry experts from across the sector. Leading professors throughout Europe were given the possibility to check their calculations for pipe installation. A steering committee from industry was also set up to oversee and support the work in whatever shape and whatever form that was needed.
Read more... Abstract, Design Parameters
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Expected Lifetime of Plastic Pipes
Several significant studies regarding the predicted lifetime of plastic pipes have been carried out. A report published in The Netherlands officially confirmed in 2006 that the life span of existing PVC pipes when installed according to the correct conditions is more than 100 years. A similar study has been published regarding the durability of PE pipes and there are other technical references.
Read more...
Lifetime of PVC pipes 1,
Lifetime of PVC pipes 2,
Lifetime of PVC pipes 3,
Lifetime of PE pipes 1,
Lifetime of PE pipes 2
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Energy Consumption – GUA Study
A comprehensive study carried out by PlasticsEurope and GUA, an Austrian environmental consultancy
has important implications for the use of plastic products and hence plastic pipe systems. The study found
that substituting plastics where possible by more traditional materials throughout Western Europe would
require additional energy equivalent to 22.4 million tons of crude oil. The result in additional
greenhouse gas emissions would be 97 million tons, equivalent to 30% of the EU-15 Kyoto target for the
period 2000 – 2012.
Read more… GUA Summary, GUA Full Study (2MB)
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Life Cycle Assessment Studies of Pipes
The Vienna Institute of Environmental Management compared different pipe materials used for
water supply and sewer applications. More commonly known as the Windsperger Study, this
critical study published in 1999 examined the various aspects of Life Cycle Assessment as
applied to plastic pipes and comparative materials. Its conclusion that “no distinct
inferiority against other materials can be justified with existing LCA-studies” is
fundamental in terms of the environmental contribution provided by plastic pipe systems.
Read more… Windsperger Study
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