HDPE

The Water System of the 21st Century

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

PE usage in municipal applications continues to increase-

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Reasons for this increase will be examined in our discussion of the following topics
Identification of System Needs & Concerns
Evolution of Water Systems Differences in Material Characteristics Corrosion Related Issues Installation Methods

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Identification of System Needs & Concerns

The American Society of Civil Engineering has issued a report card on the condition of our nations municipal infrastructures

D
Americas wastewater and drinking water systems are both quintessential examples of aged systems that need to be updated.
ASCE; March 2001, www.asce.org/news

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Identification of System Needs & Concerns

The growing reality of Dwindling and Strained Water Resources

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Identification of System Needs & Concerns

Nations Water Distribution System is in serious need of repair. The report estimates that $138.4 billion (95 $) needs to be spent on infrastructure to meet existing regulations through 2014.
First Report to Congress G-058, 1/97
March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Identification of System Needs & Concerns

When distribution pipe begins to deteriorate, disinfectants are less effective in controlling microbiological growth.

If pressure is lost or if negative pressure is induced, contaminated water or sewage can be pulled into the system through leaks. Even in systems with excellent treatment, leaking pipes can lead to a loss of pressure and cause back-siphonage of contaminated water.

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Evolution of Water Systems

250,000 gallon tank, (NM, 1944)

500,000 gallon tank, (Typical, today)

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Evolution of Water Systems

wood, cast iron, spun iron, ductile iron, steel, asbestos, PVC

2000 and Beyond

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

What does HDPE offer? Solution to water loss and water conservation
According to the AWWA 2002 Survey of State Agency Water Loss Reporting Practices the reported range for unaccounted-for-water from 23 states and 3 regional authorities range from 7.5% to 20% with 15% being the most common. According to the July 1994 issue of the AWWA Opflow magazine, a 10% to 15% reported water loss in typical municipal water systems is considered to be the acceptable industry standard.

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

A source of water loss: Pipe Corrosion

According to NASSCO, a single hole the same diameter as this #2 pencil (approx 1/4) in an 80 psi system can result in the loss of almost 15,000 gpd, or 5.5 million gpd

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Its a loss of valuable resources!

=
March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Per month

Eleven 500,000 gallon-towers per year

Another source of water loss: deteriorated gaskets. Joints are the weak link and most pipes are still jointed.

100 Years Ago

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Today

Technology: Water storage vs. pipe joining

Out of Sight Out of Mind?

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Acceptable water loss in a brand new system

Nominal Pipe Size Test Section Test Pressure

12"
50 Joints, 40' Sections (2000')

12"
50 Joints, 20' Sections (1000')

12"
50 Joints, 20' Sections (1000')

150 psi

150 psi

150 psi

HDPE Type of Joint Thermo-Fused

Test Standard
Maxim um Acceptable Gallon per Hour Loss Maxim um Acceptable Gallons per Day Loss Maxim um Acceptable Gallons per Year Loss

Ductile Iron Push On

AWWA C600-93 (pg 21)

PVC Bell & Spigot

AWWA C605-94 (pg 17)

PPI Hydrostatic Testing Procedures

0 0 0

1.1 26.4 9,636

0.99 23.76 8,672

Published allowable leak rates

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

A totally fused HDPE system encounters gasketed joints only at the points where it transitions into other piping systems. Gaskets are all but eliminated.
No Joints = No Leaks

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Issues with Biofilm

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Biofilm
Once sent into the distribution system, the microorganisms could adapt to the distribution system environment. Extensive research has shown that bacteria are more resistant to disinfection when they are attached to or associated with various surfaces
EPA 625/R-92/001 June 1992

.iron may be an important nutrient for microbial growth. Victoreen (1977, 1980, 1984)

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Biofilm Biofilm and restricted flow will:

Increase use of disinfectant Require larger pipe sizes Increase pumping costs Decrease water availability and quality Increase overall costs

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Flow Issues

Given the same conditions, HDPE or PVC can deliver the same flow with an inside diameter that is only 92% that of DI. HDPE can deliver the same flow as PVC but HDPE delivers it in a totally fused leak-free system which does not have to compensate loss of flow due to water loss.
Material DI HDPE "C" Values for Hazen & Williams Formula New 130 150 13-20 yrs 100 150
March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

26-30 yrs 90 150

Immediate Savings
Immediate savings (time & money) can be realized through the use of cost effective installation procedures

Pipe Bursting

Directional Drilling
March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Cul-de- Sac
Typically Uses
13 - 22 1/2o fittings = 26 gasketed joints
not including service taps

HDPE Use:
Zero Joints and no leaks
service taps would be heat fused on

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Restraining Joints

A totally fused PE system is monolithic and it requires no restraints except where it transitions to non-PE systems

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Why should you be considering HDPE?

PE is flexible PE is durable PE is resists chemicals and corrosion PE pipes are smooth and have excellent flow characteristics PE pipes can be reliably joined by heat fusion

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN

Thank you for your attention

PPI

PLASTI CS PIP E INSTITUTE

March 30, 2006 Nashville, TN