Project Design And Planning Now Easier For PE Pipe Systems
Free On-Line Programs Introduced By PPI
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has added two new online software aids to assist in the design and installation of polyethylene (PE) pipe.
The PPI-BoreAid software simplifies the design process of complex calculations for trenchless applications of PE pipe used in gas distribution, water and sewer systems. Project and pipe details can be entered into the PPI-BoreAid tool to assess deflection, critical collapse, pull back force and allowable pullback force.
The PPI Design and Engineering Calculator makes available to engineers a tool that assists in greater understanding of PE pipe capabilities. Specifically, the calculator will assist the design engineer in performing multiple computations relating to internal and external pressure ratings, pressure and gravity water flow, water hammer, low pressure and high pressure gas flow, and automates other assessments for above and underground systems. For more information, visit www.plasticpipe.org.
"These two new additions to the vast technical resources of the PPI demonstrate our ongoing commitment to help consulting engineers and specifiers design infrastructure systems," said Tony Radoszewski, executive director of the PPI. "As the significant economic advantages of trenchless construction methods are increasingly being documented, the engineering and contracting industries are paying closer attention to this alternative construction method," Radoszewski continued.
Both the PPI BoreAid and Design Calculator are applicable for use in analysis and design of PE pipe systems for fuel gas lines, or for municipal pressure and non-pressure applications.
"The PPI-BoreAid software was developed by ETrenchless engineers, Dr. Karl Lawrence, BoreAid technical/software consultant and Dr. Ali Bayat, P. Eng., assistant professor, University of Alberta," said Dr. Mark A. Knight, P. Eng., associate professor and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Trenchless Technology (CATT) at the University of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada). "The software allows the user to select the type of PE (PE4710, PE3608 or PE 2708), the pipe classification (IPS, DIPS) and application (Gas, M&I Pressure Pipe, M&I Non-Pressure Pipe/Gravity Flow) to design HDD-installed pipelines. It is an extremely useful and expeditious evaluation aid that blends all available industry guides."
The PPI-BoreAid tool facilitates in the design process as outlined in PPI's Handbook of Polyethylene Pipe, Chapter 12, which supplies guidance in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects in accordance with the ASTM F1962 standard. For more information, visit http://plasticpipe.org/pdf/chapter12.pdf.
The PPI-BoreAid tool employs calculation methodology and framework as developed and used in BoreAid, a more comprehensive HDD design tool that can be found at www.boreaid.com.
"The design of PE pipe systems is being simplified to assist designers and owners," observed PPI's Radoszewski. "The design equations and relationships are well-established and can be used with the performance properties of the material to create a pipe system which will provide years of durable and reliable service for the intended application."
About PPI:
The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) is the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry and is dedicated to promoting plastics as the material of choice for pipe applications. PPI is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource publishing 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.
SOURCE: The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI)