Rapid crack propagation in loosely fitted PE liner pipe
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Leevers, PS
Henderson, A
Pereira, R.
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Laboratory-scale tests have been used to assess whether a loosely-fitted PE liner within a rigid host pipe could, at any realistic working pressure, fail by Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP). The standard `S4' test method for RCP was modified, the usual cage of containment rings being replaced by a rigid, closed sleeve maintaining a pre-defined radial clearance from the unpressurised pipe. 125 mm diameter pipe specimens with wall thicknesses of 11.4 and 7.1 mm, made from a PE80 polyethylene in which RCP is normally possible at 0$\,^{\circ}$C, was tested with three different clearances as well as with the usual S4 cage. For pipe having an unpressurised clearance down to 2% or so of the diameter, the RCP critical pressure was increased by about 50% for both thicknesses; for smaller clearances, by progressively more. These results reinforce suspicions that pipe installation conditions may effect full-scale RCP resistance.
Version
Published version
Date Issued
2007
Citation
Plastics Rubber and Composites: Macromolecular Engineering, 2007, 36 (5), pp.180-183
ISSN
1465-8011
Publisher
Maney Publishing
Start Page
180
End Page
183
Journal / Book Title
Plastics Rubber and Composites: Macromolecular Engineering
Volume
36
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2007 IOM Communications. Published by Maney Publishing www.maney.co.uk/journals/prc
Source Volume Number
36
Subjects
POLYETHYLENE
GAS
PIPE
Rehabilitation
Liner
S4 test
Coverage Spatial
UK