SCOPE

This chapter reviews the principal properties and uses of thermoplastics piping, discusses its advantages and limitations, and presents general and basic information on materials, properties, standardization, design, and installation. This information is intended to guide the reader in evaluating the applicability of thermoplastics piping for an intended application; in choosing the appropriate material and product; and in its proper design and installation. References are provided for more detailed information and for further guidance on these and related subjects.

INTRODUCTION

Plastics piping is made from either of two basic groups of synthetic materials, thermoplastic and thermosetting. Thermoplastics can be softened and reshaped repeatedly by the application of heat. In contrast thermosetting materials are irreversibly set, or cured, or hardened into a permanent shape during factory manufacture. Once hardened into their final shape, thermosetting products cannot be softened and therefore may not be reshaped by heating.

Thermoplastic materials include minimal reinforcements, whereas thermosetting resins are almost always combined with reinforcements (such as glass fibers) and sometimes fillers (such as sand) to produce structurally integrated composite constructions. Chapter D2 in this handbook presents information on fiberglass reinforced thermosetting resin piping.