TPi April 2008

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58 Tube Products International April 2008
Since the introduction of the first systems more than
40 years ago, PE raw material producers and pipe
producers have continuously joined their efforts to propose
better pressure pipe solutions to end-users and installers.
The development of modern installation techniques, in
particular trenchless technologies, has created a need
for improved systems, with enhanced insensitivity to
installation conditions.
Rehau and Borealis have gathered their respective expertise
and knowledge in PE pipes and raw materials to develop
a new pipe system with outstanding crack resistance to
meet new market expectations and needs. This article will
describe the steps the two companies have taken together,
from analysis of market needs to the first actual projects of
the newly created Rauprotect II solution.
Among many applications, polyethylene (PE) pipes are
used worldwide for water supply and gas distribution,
contributing significantly to improve the reliability and the
quality of networks. Since the first pipe production almost
50 years ago, PE has developed an impressive, successful
track record, and is today the preferred choice for these
applications. Ease of installation, low maintenance and
corrosion free properties are some of the well-known
reasons for this success story. Another key reason is the
constant efforts of both raw materials producers and pipe
producers for improved quality and reliability.
After the development of HDPE pipe materials such as
PE63 and then PE80, the first PE100 materials arrived on
the market at the end of the 1980s. These materials were a
real milestone in the development of HDPE pipe materials
because they facilitated the use of higher service pressures
or pipes having thinner wall at the same service pressures.
They also offered the end-user other advantages, such
as high resistance to slow crack growth and rapid crack
propagation. Pipes made from these modern materials
are considered to be well-adapted to classic installation
conditions.
The last 10 to 15 years have seen new challenges for pipes,
with the development of new installation techniques.
Trenchless installation technologies
Many modern techniques (including pipe bursting,
directional drilling and relining) have been developed,
combining faster and cheaper installation (up to 60%
High performance
PE pressure pipe system
s Trenchless Technologie ‘Spiderplow’ laying Rauprotect II d110 SDR11