• Latest engineering design tool announced by the Plastics Pipe Institute; New 'Quick Start' model spec provides guidance for use of HDPE pipe in buried potable water installations
IRVING, TX, Jan. 19, 2010 -- It is now easier to design and write high-density polyethylene pipe (HDPE) into a specification or respond to an RFP for a buried potable water system by using a new guide developed by the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI). Issued in December 2009, Model Specification MS-3/2009 provides design engineers, public works directors, and others, including city officials, with an easy to follow template that includes authoritative references that can be included in a design, an RFP, other documentation for a project.
"To prepare a specification or to fulfill an RFP for a buried potable water project, the proper facts must be collected and included," stated Tony Radoszewski, executive director of the PPI. "This model spec contains that information as well as many references to other standards that can be used in support of a project."
MS-3/2009 is available as a free download at the PPI website, www.plasticpipe.org, by clicking on the "Literature" tab and selecting "Model Specifications." The document includes sections on system design parameters, pressure class charts, pipe, fittings, joining methods and installation.
Tool Not Only For Engineers
"Municipalities came to the PPI requesting a document that would provide a step-by-step plan which could be followed for designing and installing a potable water system using HPDE pipe. More and more towns and cities want to write design specifications in order to take advantage of HDPE pipe. We designed this latest model spec to be an easy to understand technical document," Radoszewski said. "A layperson can read and understand it in just a few minutes. And it provides supporting references and the industry standards that could be required.
"The document came about because we have had engineers and officials, such as mayors of cities, city council members and others, ask for an overview that would explain what is required for the use of HDPE pipe in a typical potable water system," he continued. "They realize that old metal and cast iron pipes are cracking and costing untold water losses, and HDPE provides the economical and practical solution. This model spec gives them the knowledge to make an informed decision for a viable, long-lasting solution for fixing the quickly failing underground infrastructure."
About the PPI
The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) is a Texas-based, non-profit organization, founded in 1950, that is the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic piping industry. PPI is dedicated to expanding awareness about plastic pipe systems and promoting plastics as the material of choice for pipe applications. It is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource that publishes data for use in development and design of plastic pipe systems. Additionally, PPI collaborates with industry organizations that set standards for manufacturing practices and installation methods. For more information about PPI, go to: www.plasticpipe.org.
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