Polyethylene Pipe Standards are Changing - with Critical Implications to Asset Owners and Contractors

A. Shore (PIPA NZ & Ravago NZ), F.O’Callaghan (Iplex NZ), L. Tabachnik (Waters & Farr)

The creation in 2015 of PIPA NZ (Plastic Industry Pipe Association) heralded a polyethylene pipe industry group devoted to leading the correct specification and installation of polyethylene pipe systems. Group members have presented to past Water NZ conferences; in 2017 focusing on the creation of new New Zealand Unit Standards for fusion welding of PE pipe, and in 2020 on the global implementation of PE100-RC becoming recognised in polyethylene pipe materials and manufacturing standards.

As we approach the NZ Water October conference a re-draft of one of the most critical conjoint standards used in the industry – ASNZS2033 “Installation of Polyethylene Pipe Systems” will have been out for public discussion. Comprehensive amendments have been proposed to the current 2008 standard which will have significant implications for contractors and asset owners alike. For the first time, all polyolefin materials - not just Polyethylene - will be included in the standard. 

There is a clear view prevailing in Australia as there is in New Zealand that PE Fusion welding practice needs to be improved and training formalised. A practical way to reach that objective is via pipe standards. This standard re-draft will look to adopt measures that include formal welder training. In Australia the relevant qualification set is PMBWeld301E, PMBWeld302E which are equivalent to the New Zealand qualification set US31524, 31525. Further to this, there is a possibility to reference the acceptability of fusion joints and make specific reference to butt welding parameters’ validation by test prior to commencement of work.

In addition, ASNZS2033 will include focus on renovation and trenchless replacement of underground networks by inclusion of recently adopted international standards. This should more rigorously frame the discussion on acceptable pipe installation especially when using advanced materials that are available today.

This paper will present information on the accessibility and adoption of the New Zealand Fusion Unit Standards, their place in the NZQA framework and how retention of the learned skills will become critical to ongoing work on PE pipelines. It will also further illustrate how new generation PE pipe materials may be utilised once they are ratified and published in new standards.