The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has created the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee within its Building and Construction Division (BCD).  This new group will focus entirely on polypropylene pressure pipe.

The Steering Committee focuses on two types of polypropylene pressure pipes: PP-R, polypropylene random copolymer, and PP-RCT, polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance. Both types of pipes are approved for potable hot and cold water plumbing systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, as well as other applications.

The recent formation of the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee (P4 SC) reflects the growth and continuing acceptance of polypropylene pressure pipe in the North American market. 

According to PPI President Tony Radoszewski, CAE: “PPI has been a strong advocate and technical resource for many types of plastic pipe systems since its formation in 1950, including new materials as they develop. While not new in Europe, polypropylene pressure pipes are relatively new in North America, and PPI can serve members by helping to grow this market in a technically correct and responsible manner.  Pipe producers see the value in this industry collaboration.  In fact, the number of polypropylene producer members at PPI has tripled since this Steering Committee was initiated in late 2017.”

“Our first activity was to publish a new PPI webpage dedicated to PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems. This webpage - https://plasticpipe.org/building-construction/bcd-pp.html - contains technical information, lists of advantages and applications, plus links to PPI member firms that produce PP-R and PP-RCT systems,” said PPI’s BCD Director of Engineering Lance MacNevin, P.Eng. “The new committee will engage in a wide range of activities.  For instance, supporting industry efforts to update and harmonize product standards ASTM F2389 and CSA B137.11; coordinating and publishing research on proper uses of PP systems for plumbing and hydronic applications; developing online calculators for design of PP piping systems; and creating educational content about PP materials.”

The first technical document related to polypropylene (PP-R) pressure pipe is posted now online https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-57.pdf

Visit www.plasticpipe.org.