Polyethylene Piping For

Water Distribution and Transmission

Bulletin: PP 501

Municipal Water Distribution

Industrial Water Distribution
Raw and Potable Water
Water Transmission
Potable Water Fire Main
 www.performancepipe.com

High Density Polyethylene Piping For

Water Distribution and Transmission
Municipal Water Distribution
Industrial Water Distribution
Raw and Potable Water
Water Transmission
Potable Water Fire Main
Performance Pipe
PERFORMANCE PIPE is the functional successor to the operations of Plexco1 and Driscopipe2. On July
1, 2000, Chevron Chemical Company and Phillips Chemical Company were joined to form Chevron
Phillips Chemical Company LP. Performance Pipe, a division of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
LP, succeeds Plexco and Driscopipe as North America's largest producer of polyethylene piping
products for gas, industrial, municipal, mining, oilfield, and utility applications.
Performance Pipe offers more than forty years of polyethylene piping experience, nine ISO Certified
manufacturing facilities in eight states, and a manufacturing facility in Mexico.
Performance Pipe manufactures DriscoPlex® polyethylene piping products in sizes 1/2" through 54"
outside diameter controlled pipe and tubing, and molded fittings.

To enhance the outstanding quality and performance of Performance Pipe polyethylene piping, Chevron
Phillips Chemical Company LP further strengthens Performance Pipe with over four decades of quality
polyolefin plastic resin production.

DRISCOPLEX® Piping for Water Distribution and Transmission

Polyethylene pressure pipe is used worldwide for water distribution and transmission systems as the
preferred material of construction. DriscoPlex® OD-controlled, high-density polyethylene pipe and
fittings have been developed specifically for water distribution and transmission. DriscoPlex® 4000 and
DriscoPlex® 4100 high-density polyethylene piping components are made from pressure-rated PE 3408,
extra-high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene material to provide an optimum balance of
performance and properties to meet the stringent demands of today's municipal and industrial water
distribution and transmission systems.

1
Formerly - Plexco, a Division of Chevron Chemical Company
2
Formerly - Phillips Driscopipe, A Division of Phillips Petroleum Company
NOTICE. This publication is for informational purposes and is intended for use as a reference guide. It should not
be used in place of the advice of a professional engineer. This publication does not contain or confer any warranty or
guarantee of any kind. Performance Pipe has made every reasonable effort towards the accuracy of the information
contained in this publication, but it may not provide all necessary information, particularly with respect to special or
unusual applications. This publication may be changed from time to time without notice. Contact Performance Pipe
to ensure that you have the most current edition.
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Why Polyethylene Piping is Preferred for Water Distribution

DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 PE 3408 piping products for water distribution have
outstanding performance features for municipal and industrial water distribution.

· High strength and stiffness to withstand long-term internal pressure and external loads.
· Long-term strength for extended life and performance.
· Resilience for enhanced resistance to recurrent and intermittent surge and water hammer.
· Flexible, tough, lightweight and impact resistant for lower cost installation, narrower trenches
(reduced excavation)
· Fewer fittings required - Flexible PE pipe can be cold-bent in the field to follow contours and
easements, reducing the need for fittings.
· DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 PE 3408 piping is the material of choice for horizontal
directional drilling, plowing, river and water body crossings, pipe bursting, sliplining and other
trenchless installation technologies.
· Chemical resistance to withstand corrosive chemicals (pH from I to 14), and aggressive soils.
· Does not rust, rot, corrode, tuberculate or support
biological growth.
· Resistant to ultraviolet and thermal degradation.
· Can be connected using heat fusion, electrofusion, heat
fusion saddles, mechanical couplings, flanges, mechanical-joint
adapters and mechanical service and tapping saddles3.
· Leak-tight heat fusion joints are fully restrained and
as strong as the pipe itself.

· Retains flexibility even in sub-freezing temperatures - water

can freeze in the pipe without damaging the pipe4.

· Retains low resistance to liquid flows for reduced

pumping and operating costs.

3
Performance Pipe recommended heat fusion procedures available upon request. Electrofusion devices should be installed in
accordance with the device manufacturer's instructions. Stiffeners should be installed in the ID of the pipe end or plain-end
fitting outlet when OD compression couplings are used. Install mechanical joining devices in accordance with the device
manufacturer's instructions. Additional restraint may be required for mechanical joining devices that do not provide sufficient
pullout resistance.
4
Water can be frozen solid in polyethylene pipe without damaging the pipe, but an ice plug in the pipe will stop flow. Do not
apply pressure to a frozen line that has an ice plug. Allow ice plugging to thaw before applying pressure to the line. Severe
water hammer (such as from an ice plug stopping suddenly at an obstruction) in a frozen, surface or above grade pipeline can
shatter the pipeline and flying fragments can cause death, injury or property damage.

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· Standard colors for water service identification:

· DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 pipe can be tapped with standard tapping equipment
and mechanical tapping saddles for HDPE pipe.

· Safe - no extractable additives or compounds that could compromise water quality - NSF
Certification available.

· DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 pipe are manufactured in accordance with AWWA C906
and ASTM F 714 (Sizes > 4") .

Table 1 DRISCOPLEX® Color Identification

Series IPS/DIPS Standard Color Identification Also Available
3 equally spaced pairs of blue
DRISCOPLEX ® 4000 pipe DIPS Blue shell
stripes

4 equally spaced blue stripes

DRISCOPLEX ® 4100 pipe IPS Black
or blue shell

4 equally spaced red stripes 4 equally spaced blue stripes

DRISCOPLEX ® 1500 pipe IPS
(Not NSF approved) (NSF approved)

3 equally spaced pairs of red 3 equally spaced pairs of blue stripes

DRISCOPLEX ® 1600 pipe DIPS
stripes (Not NSF approved) (NSF approved)

DriscoPlex® 4000 4" DIPS through 48" DIPS pressure pipe sizes are OD compatible with ductile iron
pipe. DriscoPlex® 4100 3" IPS through 54" IPS pressure pipe sizes are OD compatible with steel pipe.
DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping components are produced in four standard Pressure
Classes - 80 psi, 100 psi, 130 psi and through 160 psi - for water at 73°F (23°C). Additional pressure
classes below 80 psi and up to 255 psi are available depending upon pipe size. NSF Certification in
accordance with NSF Standard 61 is available for potable water applications. DriscoPlex® Series water
piping products are summarized on the following page.

5
3" pipe manufactured to AWWA C901 and ASTM F714; pipe < 3" manufactured to AWWA C901 and ASTM D3035.

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Table 2 DRISCOPLEX® Piping Products for Municipal and Industrial Applications
Typical Markets for ®
Typical Previous Designations
DRISCOPLEX Series Feature
Pipe and Fittings
s Former Plexco Product Former Driscopipe Product
® ™
DRISCOPLEX 4000 pipe 5, 6 BLUESTRIPE (DIPS) 4000 BLUESHELL (DIPS)
Water Distribution
® ™
DRISCOPLEX 4100 pipe 1, 2, 8 BLUESTRIPE (IPS) 4100 BLUESHELL (IPS)

® ™ ®
Water Service Tubing DRISCOPLEX 5100 pipe 7 BLUESTRIPE 5100 ULTRA-LINE

® ™
DRISCOPLEX 1500 pipe 3 BLUESTRIPE FM ––
FMR & NSF Approved
Underground Fire Main ®
DRISCOPLEX 1600 pipe 4 — —

NOTICE. Capabilities vary from manufacturing plant to manufacturing plant. Contact Performance Pipe to determine the
availability of specific products and for the availability of particular stripe or shell colors, striping patterns, and IPS or DIPS sizing.

Legend for Typical Features:

1. IPS sizing system. Blue color stripes or blue color shell available on special order. The IPS longitudinal color stripe pattern is four
equally spaced single color stripes extruded into the pipe OD.
2. 3” IPS – 28” IPS DR 11, 13.5, 17, 21; 30” IPS – 36” IPS DR 13.5, 17, 21; 42” IPS DR 17, 21; 48” IPS – 54” IPS DR 21
3. FMR Approved & NSF Approved. 2” IPS through 24” IPS Class 150 or Class 200. Blue color stripes standard. The IPS longitudinal
color stripe pattern is four equally spaced single color stripes extruded into the pipe OD.
4. FMR Approved & NSF Approved. 4” DIPS through 24” DIPS Class 150 or Class 200. Blue color stripes standard. The DIPS
longitudinal color stripe pattern is three equally spaced pairs of color stripes extruded into the pipe OD.
5. DIPS sizing system. Blue color stripes standard. The DIPS longitudinal color stripe pattern is three equally spaced pairs of color
stripes extruded into the pipe OD.
6. 4” DIPS through 30” DIPS DR 11, 13.5, 17, 21; 36” DIPS through 40” DIPS DR 13.5, 17, 21; 48” DIPS DR 17, 21. All sizes made to
ASTM F 714, AWWA C906 and NSF 61.
7. NSF Approved. CTS, IPS, and SIDR in 1/2” – 2” sizes. No color stripes.
8. 2” IPS and 3” IPS made to ASTM D 3035, AWWA C901 and NSF 61. 4” IPS and larger sizes made to ASTM F 714, AWWA C906 and
NSF 61.

This bulletin primarily addresses DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping products. For
information on DriscoPlex® 5100 piping products, see Bulletin PP503. For information on DriscoPlex®
1500 and DriscoPlex® 1600 FM Approved piping products, see Bulletin PP504.
Table 3 DRISCOPLEX® 4000 - DIPS Pipe Sizing System
Size DR 21 (80 psi PC†) DR 17 (100 psi PC) DR 13.5 (130 psi PC) DR 11 (160 psi PC)

DIPS
Minimum Weight‡, Minimum Weight, Minimum Weight, Minimum Weight,
Pipe OD, in.
Wall, in. lb/ft Wall, in. lb/ft Wall, in. lb/ft Wall, in. lb/ft
Size

4* 4.80 0.229 1.44 0.282 1.75 0.356 2.17 0.436 2.61

6 6.90 0.329 2.97 0.406 3.62 0.511 4.48 0.627 5.39
8 9.05 0.431 5.11 0.532 6.23 0.670 7.71 0.823 9.28
10 11.10 0.529 7.68 0.653 9.37 0.822 11.60 1.009 11.95
12 13.20 0.629 10.86 0.776 13.25 0.978 16.40 1.200 19.73
16 17.40 0.829 18.87 1.024 23.02 1.289 28.49 1.582 34.29
18 19.50 0.929 23.70 1.147 28.92 1.444 35.78 1.773 43.07
20 21.60 1.029 29.08 1.271 35.48 1.600 43.91 1.964 52.84
24 25.80 1.229 41.05 1.518 50.62 1.911 62.64 2.345 75.39
30†† 32.00 1.524 63.83 1.882 77.86 2.370 96.38 2.909 115.99
36†† 38.30 1.824 91.43 2.253 111.54 2.837 138.04
42†† 44.50 2.119 123.44 2.618 150.60 3.296 186.35
48†† 50.80 2.419 160.86 2.988 196.27

† Pressure class ratings are for water at 80°F (27°C) or less. Pressure class ratings can vary for other fluids and service
temperatures. * OD size and minimum wall thickness per AWWA C906. For flow calculations, average ID may be
estimated using: Avg. ID = OD Size – (2.12 x min. wall). For actual ID (for stiffeners, etc.), consult AWW A C906 for
tolerances and other factors affecting pipe ID. ‡ Pipe weight calculated per PPI TR-7. †† 30” DIPS and larger sizes
subject to minimum order quantities.

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Table 4 DRISCOPLEX® 4100 - IPS Pipe Sizing System

Size DR 21 (80 psi PC†) DR 17 (100 psi PC) DR 13.5 (130 psi PC) DR 11 (160 psi PC)

IPS
Minimum Weight‡, Minimum Weight, Minimum Weight, Minimum Weight,
Pipe OD, in.
Wall, in. lb/ft Wall, in. lb/ft Wall**, in. lb/ft Wall, in. lb/ft
Size
3* 3.500 0.167 0.77 0.206 0.93 0.259 1.15 0.318 1.39
4** 4.500 0.214 1.26 0.265 1.54 0.333 1.90 0.409 2.29
6 6.625 0.315 2.73 0.390 3.34 0.491 4.13 0.602 4.97
8 8.625 0.411 4.64 0.507 5.65 0.639 7.00 0.784 8.42
10 10.750 0.512 7.21 0.632 8.78 0.796 1.087 0.977 13.09
12 12.750 0.607 10.23 0.750 12.36 0.944 15.29 1.159 18.41
14 14.000 0.667 12.22 0.824 14.91 1.037 18.44 1.273 22.20
16 16.000 0.762 15.96 0.941 19.46 1.185 24.09 1.455 29.00
18 18.000 0.857 20.19 1.059 24.64 1.333 30.48 1.636 36.69
20 20.000 0.952 24.93 1.176 30.41 1.481 37.63 1.818 45.30
22 22.000 1.048 30.18 1.294 36.80 1.630 45.56 2.000 54.82
24 24.000 1.143 35.91 1.412 43.81 1.778 54.21 2.182 65.24
26†† 26.000 1.238 42.14 1.529 51.39 1.926 63.62 2.364 76.55
28†† 28.000 1.333 48.86 1.647 59.62 2.074 73.78 2.545 88.79
30†† 30.000 1.429 56.12 1.765 68.45 2.222 84.69
32†† 32.000 1.524 63.84 1.882 77.86 2.370 96.35
36†† 36.000 1.714 80.78 2.118 98.57 2.667 121.98
42†† 42.000 2.000 109.97 2.470 134.15
48†† 48.000 2.286 143.65
54†† 54.000 2.571 181.80

† Pressure class ratings are for water at 80°F (27°C) or less. Pressure class ratings can vary for other fluids and service
temperatures. * 3” IPS OD and minimum wall thickness per AWWA C901. ** 4” IPS and larger OD and minimum wall thickness per
AWWA C906. For flow calculations, Avg. ID may be estimated by: Avg. ID = OD Size – (2.12 x min. wall). Consult AWWA C906 for
tolerances and other factors affecting actual pipe ID. ‡ Pipe weight calculated per PPI TR-7. †† 26” IPS and larger sizes subject to
minimum order quantities.

Pressure Rating
Water system piping must be designed for the continuous internal pressure and for transient (surge)
pressures imposed by the particular application. DriscoPlex® PE 3408 high-density polyethylene pipe
provides a unique balance of properties that are especially well suited for water distribution and
transmission. DriscoPlex® PE 3408 HDPE pipe has outstanding long-term strength that provides
durability for long-term continuous internal pressure service. DriscoPlex® PE 3408 HDPE pipe also
provides exceptional ductile elastic properties that provide exceptional fatigue resistance and reserve
strength necessary for recurrent or intermittent pressure surges.

Continuous Internal Pressure

The continuous internal pressure, exclusive of transient pressure surges, is defined as "working
pressure". A pipe's working pressure capacity is a function of the allowable hoop stress and pipe
thickness. Allowable hoop stress is determined by testing plastic pipe at various internal pressures,
analyzing the test data, and categorizing the result. The categorized result is defined as the hydrostatic
design basis (HDB). The HDB is used in the pressure rating equations that follow.

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Table 5 HDB for Performance Pipe PE 3408

Service Temperature Hydrostatic Design Basis, HDB
73°F (23°C) 1600 psi (11.03 MPa)
140°F (60°C) 800 psi (5.52 MPa)

Pressure Surge

When there is a sudden increase or decrease in water system flow velocity, a pressure surge will occur.
Recurrent pressure surges, PRS, are repetitive surge events that occur frequently such as during pump
start-stop operation. Occasional pressure surges, POS, are irregularly occurring surges such as a
sudden flow change due to firefighting or check valve operation. Surge pressure magnitude
corresponds directly to velocity change; greater velocity change produces greater surge pressure. The
magnitude of a pressure surge due to a rapid flow velocity change may be approximated by the following
equations:

4660
aV a=
PS =
2.31 g 1+
K
(DR − 2 )
E

Where:
PS = pressure surge, lb/in2
a = wave velocity, ft/s
g = acceleration of gravity, 32.2 ft/s2
V = flow velocity change, ft/s
E = instantaneous elastic modulus for PE, lb/in2 (150,000 lb/in2 for PE 3408 at <80°F)
K = liquid bulk modulus, lb/in2 (300,000 lb/in2 for water at <80°F)
DR = pipe dimension ratio
OD
DR =
t min
OD = pipe outside diameter, in
tmin = pipe minimum wall thickness, in

With its unique ductile elastic properties, flexibility, resilience and superb fatigue resistance, DriscoPlex®
4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 pipes have tremendous tolerance for surge cycles. Its low elastic modulus
provides a dampening mechanism for shock loads. These short-term properties result in lower surge
pressures compared to more rigid systems such as steel, ductile iron or PVC. For the same velocity
change in water piping systems, surge pressures in DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100
polyethylene pipe are about 86% less than in steel pipe, about 80% less than in ductile iron pipe and
about 50% less than in PVC pipe.

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Unlike other plastic and metal pipes, surge pressures in DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100
polyethylene pipe are handled above the working pressure capacity of the pipe.

Pressure Class (PC)

AWWA uses the term "Pressure Class" to define the pressure capacity under a pre-defined set of
operating conditions. For polyethylene, the PC denotes the maximum allowable working pressure for
water with a predefined allowance for pressure surges and a maximum pipe operating temperature of
80 °F.
2 × HDB × DF
PC =
(DR - 1)

Where terms are previously defined and:

PC = pressure class, lb/in2

HDB = hydrostatic design basis for PE 3408, lb/in2 (Table 5)
DF = design factor (0.50 for clean water)

Table 6 shows Pressure Class ratings, surge allowance and corresponding allowable sudden change in
flow velocity for standard DR's of DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 water pipe.

Table 6 Pressure Class, Surge Allowance and Corresponding Sudden Velocity Change
for Pipe Operating at 80 °F
Recurring Surge Events - PRS Occasional Surge Events - POS
DR PC, psi Corresponding Corresponding
Surge Allowance, Surge Allowance,
2 Sudden Velocity 2 Sudden Velocity
PRS, lb/in POS, lb/in
Change, ft/s Change, ft/s
21 80 40.0 ≤ WPR ≤ PC
WP4.0 80 8.0
17 100 50.0 4.4 100 8.9
13.5 128 64.0 5.0 128 10.0
11 160 80.0 5.6 160 11.1

For the vast majority of municipal systems, DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 polyethylene water
pipe have considerably more surge and velocity capabilities than necessary, even under temporary high
flow conditions such as flushing or fire-fighting.
· Surge allowance and temperature effects vary from pipe material to pipe material and erroneous
conclusions may be drawn when comparing the PC of two different piping materials. For
instance, the PC defined by AWWA for C900 PVC pipe includes a surge allowance
corresponding to a flow velocity of 2 ft/sec. At flow velocities greater than 2 ft/sec, C900 PVC
pipe should be de-rated. When both working pressure capacity and surge capacity are
accounted for at velocities approaching 5 ft/sec, virtually the same DR is required for C906 PE
and C900 PVC.

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Working Pressure Rating (WPR)

As described, a pipeline containing flowing liquid is periodically subjected to two modes of hydrostatic
stress: sustained stress from working pressure and transient stress from sudden water velocity
changes. The pipe must be designed to handle both stress modes. As defined in AWWA Standards,
Working Pressure Rating (WPR) is the capacity to resist working pressure (WP) with sufficient capacity
against the actual anticipated positive pressure surges above working pressure. The only "pressure
rating" the water distribution system designer should consider is the Working Pressure Rating, WPR.
The sustained operating pressure applied to the pipe (working pressure) must be no greater than the
WPR. Pressure Class and Working Pressure Rating are closely related. Pressure Class is a rating
based on operating conditions that are predefined in the AWWA Standard, where WPR is calculated
based on the anticipated operating conditions of the actual application. The predetermined Pressure
Class from the AWWA Standard may or may not be appropriate for the actual application.

The following relationship between WP, WPR, and PC applies:

WP ≤ WPR ≤ PC
Working Pressure Rating for Typical Operating Conditions
When expected flow velocities are within the limits given in Table 6, and the pipe operates at 80 °F or
less, the following equation applies:
WPR = PC
Working Pressure Rating for Other Operating Conditions
In applications where the pipe operates at temperatures above 80 °F or where exceptionally high flow
demands exceed the PC surge allowance, WPR must be calculated. WPR is equal to the lesser of the
following three conditions:

Condition 1 The pipe's nominal PC adjusted for temperature when above 80°F:
WPR = ( PC ) FT
or
Condition 2 One and one half times the pipe's PC adjusted for temperature less the maximum
pressure resulting from recurring pressure surges (PRS):
WPR = 1.5 (PC ) FT − PRS
or
Condition 3 Two times the pipe's PC adjusted for temperature less the maximum pressure resulting
from occasional pressure surges (POS):
WPR = 2.0 (PC ) FT − POS

Surge allowance, PRS or POS, may be approximated using the equations in "Pressure Surge" above. As
the equations show, operating at a working pressure less than the pipe's nominal PC provides additional
surge pressure capacity.

Temperature reduction factors, FT, are presented in Table 7. (See following page)

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Table 7 Temperature Factor, FT

Service Temperature, °F
< 80 (27)† < 90 (32) < 100 (38) < 110 (43) < 120 (49) < 130 (54) < 140 (60)‡
(°C)
Temperature Factor, FT 1.00 0.90 0.78 0.75 0.63 0.60 0.50
† Use 80°F (27°C) service factor for 80°F (27°C) and lower service temperatures. ‡ The maximum service temperature for
®
DRISCOPLEX PE 3408 pressure pipe is 140°F (60°C).

Water Flow
DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping has unique surface properties that reduce flow
resistance, and help retain reduced flow resistance properties over the long term. HDPE has a wax-like,
water repellent surface that does not rust, rot, corrode, tuberculate or support biological growth.
Turbulence at moderate flow velocities helps prevent deposition and sedimentation to help retain long-
term reduced flow resistance and reduce the need for maintenance flushing.

Designers use various methods to determine flow resistance. For traditional flow resistance equations
developed by Darcy-Weisbach, Fanning, Colebrook, and Moody, an absolute roughness of 5 x 10-6 ft. (1
x 10-8 m) is typically used in design. For the empirical Hazen-Williams formula (given below), a C-Factor
of 150-155 is typically used in design.

⎛ Q1.85 ⎞
1.85
⎛ 100 ⎞
h f = 0.002083 L ⎜ ⎟ ⎜⎜ 4.8655
⎝ C ⎠ ⎝d ⎠
⎛ 100 ⎞
1.85
⎛ Q 1.85 ⎞
p f = 0.0009015 L ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟
⎝ C ⎠ ⎜ d 4.8655 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Where hf = friction (head)
loss for water, ft.
L = pipe length, ft.
C = C-Factor
Q = flow, gal/min
d = pipe inside diameter, in.
pf = friction loss for water, psi

Joining
DriscoPlex® Series HDPE pipe and fittings are joined using
heat fusion, flanges, mechanical connections that are
designed for PE pipe, and electrofusion. Heat fusion is a
simple, visual procedure that utilizes controlled
temperature and pressure to melt and fusion-join PE pipe
materials together. Butt fusion is used to join components
end to end; saddle fusion to attach a branch outlet to a
main pipe, and socket fusion to join smaller pipes to socket
fittings. Heat fusion joints are reliable, leak-free, fully
restrained, and as strong as the pipe itself. Contact
Performance Pipe for recommended joining procedures.
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With heat fusion, there are no gaskets to leak, joint restraints are
not required, and thrust blocks are necessary only under unusual
circumstances. A leakage allowance common to gasketed-bell-
and-spigot joined pressure pipes is unnecessary with the
Performance Pipe PE 3408 pressure piping system. Heat fusion
joints are fully restrained and as strong as the pipe itself. Because
water flow pressure cannot push heat fusion joined off the pipe
end, thrust blocks are not required. Thrust anchoring may be
required to control Poisson effect forces where PE pipes are
connected to bell and spigot piping.

Performance Pipe PE 3408 pipe and fittings may also

be joined together or transitioned to other materials with
flanges, mechanical connections that are designed for
PE pipe, or electrofusion. These connections must be
made in accordance with the connection manufacturer's
instructions. Some connections such as mechanical
OD compression couplings may require a stiffener in the
pipe bore.

DriscoPlex® Series HDPE piping products cannot be

joined with adhesive or solvent cement. Threaded
joining and joining by hot air (hot gas) or extrusion
welding techniques are not recommended for pressure
service.

Tapping
DriscoPlex® 4000, DriscoPlex® 4100, DriscoPlex® 1500 and
DriscoPlex® 1600 piping systems may be tapped with
conventional water main tapping equipment. The tapping
operation is essentially the same as that used for any water
main. A tapping sleeve for HDPE pipe is installed on the
main, an open tapping valve is connected to the sleeve, and
then a tapping machine is connected to the valve. A rotating
shell cutter in the tapping machine is advanced through the
pipe wall, and then retracted. The valve is closed and the
tapping machine is removed. Branch line piping is then
connected to the valve. When the main is not pressurized,
the valve can be omitted. For HDPE piping, the tapping
machine shell cutter has few teeth and large chip clearance
between the teeth.

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Installation
DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping materials are
stabilized against UV degradation and can be permanently
installed on or above the surface6. Surface and above grade
applications must be properly supported, and must take thermal
expansion and contraction into account. If the external
environment subjects the line to freezing conditions, water in
the pipe may freeze, however, the pipe will expand as the ice
forms and will not break. To prevent freezing, the line may be
insulated and may be heat traced if necessary. Heat tracing
equipment should not exceed 120°F (49°C).

Although DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping can be

installed on or above grade, most water applications are
installed underground. (DriscoPlex® 1500 and DriscoPlex®
1600 piping must be installed underground.) Installation
methods include direct burial, horizontal directional drilling,
pulling, plowing and planting.

DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping are also used to

rehabilitate existing pipelines. Rehabilitation techniques
include sliplining, pipe bursting, and proprietary techniques for
installing tight-fitting liners.

Direct Burial
Direct burial involves opening a trench, laying the pipe in the trench, then backfilling with appropriate
materials. Pipes are joined into long strings before placing them in the trench. DriscoPlex® 4000 and
DriscoPlex® 4100 pipes should be installed in accordance with ASTM D 2774 Standard Practice for
Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pressure Piping.
Like all piping materials, HDPE piping must be properly installed.
HDPE is a flexible piping material that works together with its soil
embedment to sustain the earthloads and live loads above it.
Suitable embedment soils are required to provide support
around the pipe, and embedment soils must be placed so that
the pipe is properly surrounded in embedment materials. In
general, coarse, angular sands and gravels are preferred, but
other materials may be used under the direction of the design
engineer. See ASTM D 2774 for embedment material size.
Embedment materials must be placed in the haunch areas
below the pipe springline and above the pipe so that the pipe is
fully encapsulated without voids in the embedment. Compacted
embedment is preferred. See the Performance Pipe
Engineering Manual for information about the design of
underground installations.

DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 piping with a blue shell should not be used for on or above surface applications.
6

These products are UV stabilized to allow unprotected outdoor storage for up to 18 months.
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Horizontal Directional Drilling

Horizontal directional drilling is a technique for installing pipes and utility lines below ground using a
surface-mounted drill rig that launches and places a drill string at a shallow angle to the surface and has
tracking and steering capabilities. When the drill is advanced underground, it creates a borehole along
its path. As the destination is reached, the drill string is angled upwards to penetrate the surface. After
the borehole has been opened, a backreamer is attached to the head of the drill string, and the HDPE
pipe is attached to the backreamer. The drill string is then retracted. During retraction, the borehole is
expanded by the backreamer and the HDPE pipe is drawn into the borehole. To protect HDPE pipe
against excessive pulling load, a weak-link or breakaway device should always be used at the head of
the HDPE pipe. The allowable tensile load for setting weak-link devices is determined using ASTM F
1804 Standard Practice for Determining Allowable Tensile Load for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pipe During
Pull-In Installation. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) applications should be installed in accordance
with ASTM F1962 Standard Guide for Use of Maxi-Horizontal Directional Drilling for Placement of
Polyethylene Pipe or Conduit under Obstacle, Including river Crossings, Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI)
Polyethylene Pipe for Horizontal Directional Drilling, and the Mini Horizontal Directional Drilling Manual
published by the North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT). Additional information is
available in Performance Pipe Technical Note PP-800 HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling.

Planting, Plowing and Pulling

Planting and plowing are limited to suitable soils and site conditions. In planting, wheel or chain type
trenchers are used to cut a narrow, round bottom trench. A long pipe string or pipe from a coil is fed
over the trencher and directly into the trench. Backfilling follows after trenching and laying. In plowing,
a plow rather than a trencher is used to open the trench. The plow may be fitted with a chute to feed
pipe down through the plow into the trench bottom. The minimum bend radius for the pipe feed plow
chute is 10 times the pipe OD. Flexible HDPE
pipe is ideal for these installations.

Pulling involves opening a trench then pulling the

pipe into the trench from one end. Sometimes a
truck is fitted with an outrigger that extends over
and down into the trench. The pipe is attached to
the outrigger and then the truck is driven along the
trench to drag the pipe into the trench. As with
horizontal directional drilling, the pipe should
always be protected with a weak-link or
breakaway device at the leading end.

Rehabilitation

In sliplining, a slightly smaller pipe is pulled or pushed inside the old pipe. Typically, the new pipe must
be at least 10% smaller in outside diameter than the inside diameter of the host pipe. The host pipe
must be depressurized and cleaned, and tight bends removed. A sloped entrance pit is excavated, and
a section of the top of the host pipe is removed. Then the new pipe is pushed or pulled or push-pulled
into the host pipe. Once installed, the new pipe is connected to the system at both ends. In many cases,

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the improved flow characteristics of DriscoPlex® 4000 and DriscoPlex® 4100 HDPE pipe can deliver
flows comparable to the original capacity, even though the new pipe is smaller. See ASTM F 585
Standard Practice for Insertion of Flexible Liners into Existing Sewers.

In pipe bursting, preparations are similar to pull-in sliplining, but a bursting head is placed ahead of the
new pipe. The bursting head breaks the host pipe into fragments so an equal size or larger new pipe
can be pulled inside. Pipe bursting is limited to host pipes that can be fragmented.

Other rehabilitation techniques include tight-fitting liners where proprietary techniques are used to install
liner inside the host pipe in intimate contact with the host pipe ID. These proprietary techniques typically
use a mechanical procedure such as rollers, swaging or deformation into a u-shape to reduce the
diameter of a liner. It is then installed inside the host pipe similar to sliplining, and then re-expanded
against the host pipe ID using various means to revert the liner pipe to its original diameter7.

After Installation
Post installation procedures generally include leak testing and disinfecting for potable water lines.

Leak Testing
Take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of persons and property while conducting leak tests.
Leak tests should always be conducted using hydrostatic leak testing procedures. In general, the
maximum allowable test pressure for leak testing is 150% of the pipe working pressure at the lowest
elevation in the line; the maximum time allotted to conduct a leak test is eight (8) hours including bringing
the line up to pressure, maintaining test pressure, and depressurizing; if leaks are found, depressurize
the line before repairs are made; and if retesting is necessary, allow the line to relax for at least eight (8)
hours before repressurizing the line. See Performance Pipe Technical Note PP-802 Leak Testing for
recommended leak testing procedures.

WARNING - Correctly made fusion joints do not leak. When pressurized, leakage at a faulty
fusion joint may immediately precede catastrophic separation and result in violent and
dangerous movement of piping or parts and the release of pipeline contents under pressure.
Never approach or attempt to repair or stop leaks while the pipeline is pressurized. Always
depressurize the pipeline before making corrections. Faulty fusion joints cannot be repaired.
Disinfecting
Applicable procedures for disinfecting new and repaired potable water mains are presented in standards
such as ANSI/AWWA C651 Disinfecting Water Mains. ANSI/AWWA C651 uses liquid chlorine, sodium
hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite to chemically disinfect the main. Disinfecting solutions must not
exceed 12% active chlorine because greater concentration can chemically attack and degrade
polyethylene. After disinfecting, all disinfecting solution must be flushed from the system, especially
from dead-end lines.

7
Because some proprietary tight-fitting liner installation techniques can impose high stresses on a polyethylene liner, the installer
should provide validation data and information, and should certify the long-term performance of the installed liner.
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 www.performancepipe.com

Repairs
Damage generally requires replacing the damaged section. With larger pipes, replacing the damaged
section with a flanged section of pipe is usually necessary. Smaller pipes may be flexible enough to fuse
a replacement pipe section at one end, and then deflect the other end to the side so a fully restrained
mechanical coupling or electrofusion fitting can be installed.
Temporary repairs to seal minor leaks or punctures, or to reinforce damaged areas until permanent
repairs can be performed typically employ a full encirclement repair clamp. Polyethylene pressure pipe
cannot be repaired or restored to full service capacity using extrusion or hot air welding to fill or plug
damaged areas.
Cautions
Observe all local, state and federal codes and chains or wire ropes. Do not roll or drop pipe off the
regulations, and general handling, installation, truck, or drag piping over sharp rocks or other abrasive
construction and operating safety precautions. The objects. Improper handling or abuse can damage piping
following are some additional precautions that should be and compromise system performance or cause injury or
observed when using Performance Pipe polyethylene property damage. Obtain and observe the handling
piping products. instructions provided by the delivery driver.
Fusion and Joining Striking the pipe with an instrument such as a hammer
During heat fusion, equipment and products can exceed may result in uncontrolled rebound. Store DriscoPlex®
400°F (204°C). Take care to prevent burns. products so that the potential for damage or injury is
Do not bend pipes into alignment against open butt minimized. See the Performance Pipe Engineering
fusion machine clamps. The pipe may spring out and Manual.
cause injury or damage.
Testing
Performance Pipe polyethylene piping products cannot When testing is required, observe all safety measures,
be joined with adhesive or solvent cement. Pipe-thread restrain pipe against movement in the event of
joining and joining by hot air (gas) welding or extrusion catastrophic failure, and observe limitations of
welding techniques are not recommended for pressure temperature, test pressure, test duration and making
service. repairs. See Performance Pipe Technical Note PP-802
Leak Testing PE Piping Systems.
Liquid hydrocarbon permeation may occur when liquid
hydrocarbons are present in the pipe, or where soil Protection Against shear and Bending Loads
surrounding the pipe is contaminated with liquid Where a polyethylene branch or service pipe is joined to
hydrocarbons. Permeated polyethylene pipe should be a branch fitting and where pipes enter or exit casings or
joined using suitable mechanical connections because walls, structural support such as properly placed,
fusion joining to liquid hydrocarbon permeated pipes may compacted backfill and a protective sleeve should be
result in a low strength joint. Mechanical fittings must be used. Whether or not a protective sleeve is installed, the
installed in accordance with the fitting manufacturer's area surrounding the connection must be structurally
instructions. Obtain these instructions from the fitting supported by embedment in properly placed compacted
manufacturer. See Performance Pipe Bulletin PP 750 backfill or other means to protect the polyethylene pipe
and the Performance Pipe Engineering Manual. against shear and bending loads. See the Performance
Pipe Engineering Manual and ASTM D 2774.
Weight, Unloading and Handling
Although polyethylene piping is lightweight compared to
some other piping products, significant weight may be
involved. Move polyethylene piping with proper handling
and lifting equipment. Use fabric slings. Do not use

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Page 15 of 16 © 2002-2005 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
 RN FFBF HG
Bloomfield, IA
WT Brownwood, TX
Fairfield, IA
KV Hagerstown, MD
PR ST Knoxville, TN
Plano, TX
Pryor, OK
BW Reno, NV
Startex, SC
Williamstown, KY
Quérétaro, MX
Pipe
Fittings
General Office

CONTACT INFORMATION: QR

To secure product information

or technical assistance:
PERFORMANCE PIPE, a division of
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP www.performancepipe.com
PO Box 269006 Phone: 800.527.0662
Plano, TX 75026-9006 Fax: 972.599.7348

Product Literature
www.performancepipe.com

Technical Notes & Bulletins*:

Bulletin: PP 502 Polyethylene Piping for Sewer Rehabilitation

Bulletin: PP 503 Municipal and Industrial Brochure

Bulletin: PP 109 PE 3408 Data Sheet

Bulletin: PP 152 Municipal & Industrial Size and Dimension Sheet - IPS

Bulletin: PP 153 Municipal & Industrial Size and Dimension Sheet - DIPS

Bulletin: PP 750 Performance Pipe General Fusion Brochure

Bulletin: PP 900 Performance Pipe Engineering Manual

*
Additional product literature will be available upon completion. Visit Performance Pipe on the web for the latest completed literature.

Bulletin: PP 501 August 2005 Supercedes all previous publications

Page 16 of 16 © 2002-2005 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP