Natural Gas Distribution Solutions with PE Pipe

At WL Plastics, we are the ideal manufacturer of high-quality medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe and tubing for natural gas distribution. We are equipped with over two decades of experience manufacturing polyethylene pipes with dedicated customer service, quality, and technical teams. WL Plastics has nine (9) ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the United States. All production lines are equipped with in-line wall monitoring and inkjet printers capable of applying ASTM F2897 codes. WL Plastics manufactures all natural gas distribution products to strict quality standards with full tracking and traceability.

Both MDPE and HDPE materials offer long-term performance, flexibility, leak-free heat fusion joints, chemical resistance, and ease of installation. All WL Plastics pipes are manufactured and tested to ensure compliance with ASTM D2513, NSF Gas, CSA Z662, and DOT CFR49 Part 192. WL Plastics’ high-performance polyethylene gas pipe meets all fusion requirements per DOT CFR49 Part 192 to all HDPE and MDPE gas distribution pipes and fittings.

MDPE natural gas pipe has been the standard for natural gas distribution, propane, and liquid petroleum gas systems since the 1960s. This solid yellow pipe made from unimodal PE2708 resin is UV protected for outdoor storage for up to 3 years. PE2708 tubing is available in CTS sizes ½ to 1.25 and PE2708 pipe is available in IPS sizes ½ to 4.

While MDPE natural gas pipe is a proven solution, HDPE pipe made from bimodal high-performance PE4710 resin is the future and the ideal piping solution for your natural gas distribution. Because PE4710 has a Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB) at 73oF that is 22% that of PE2708, it can operate at a higher pressure than PE2708 for a given DR or a higher DR (thinner wall) PE4710 can be used for a given PE2708 operating pressure. Higher DR (thinner wall) translates to cost savings, lighter pipe, and increased flow capacity.

JANA attests that WL Plastics is using best practices in producing quality pipe that is in conformance with ASTM D2513-09a.

Bimodal PE4710 also has better rapid crack propagation (RCP) resistance and slow crack growth resistance (SCG) than unimodal PE2708. Because PE4710 is denser than PE2708, it has increased tensile strength, resulting in better resistance to hydrocarbon permeation and longer allowable horizontal direction drilling (HDD) pulls. WL Plastics’ high-performance PE4710 pipe is available in black with a yellow stripe in sizes ½ CTS through 24 IPS. PE4710 pipe is UV protected for outdoor storage for up to 10 years.

ADVANTAGES OF USING POLYETHYLENE PIPE FOR NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION

Polyethylene is the ideal natural gas pipe material for use in distribution systems for the following reasons:

Leak-free joints. PE4710/PE2708 pipe is joined using heat fusion technology, eliminating potential leak points. These fused joints are as strong as the pipe itself leading to long-term, leak-free operation with little-to-no maintenance.
Extended strength and service life. PE4710 pipe demonstrates higher tensile strength than PE2708 pipe. This higher tensile strength, combined with its superior durability, enables PE4710 pipe to have higher pressure ratings, longer HDD pull lengths, and a longer design life than other piping materials.
Excellent durability. PE4710/PE2708 pipe resists damage and degradation from a variety of operating and environmental conditions. PE4710/PE2708 pipe exhibits resistance to many chemicals and solvents, including those commonly found in the natural gas distribution system. WL Plastics PE4710/PE2708 pipe meets ASTM D2513 UV resistance requirements for pipe storage in the most demanding environments.
Light material weight. PE4710/PE2708 pipe weighs less than alternative metallic materials. As a result, it is safer to handle and easier to load, transport, and position, which further reduces installation costs.
Long laying lengths. PE4710/PE2708 pipe is available in a variety of standard coil lengths, all of which offer long, uninterrupted distribution systems. This design allows for greater ground coverage without the need for additional joints, significantly reducing the potential for leakage, the cost of materials, equipment, and labor needed for installation.

NATURAL GAS PIPE FROM WL PLASTICS

To learn more about our polyethylene natural gas piping and how it can benefit your natural gas distribution system, contact us today or view our natural gas distribution documents at the links below.