REVIEW OF THE PLASTIC PIPE USAGE FOR NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION IN NORTH AMERICA.

The evolution of plastic for gas distribution piping has been the most significant change in the industry since the introduction of natural gas into the established metropolitan areas of the continent. A significant part of present distribution systems are of plastic materials and the expertise associated with the installation and maintenance of plastic is now essential to the knowledge of the modern gas engineer. This paper summarizes the North American experience with plastic pipe and outlines the present state-of-the-art.