Mechanical and chemical properties of sewage pipes

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the compatibility of the physico-chemical properties of sewage pipes with the requirements of PN – EN ISO 1401-01: Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage. This article is based on a research carried out for the water supply company. The article presents the results of mechanical and chemical testing of four pipes of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride and one pipe of polypropylene. All the test pipes were applicable to the sewage systems. The aim of the article was to confirm the high property thermoplastic pipes in comparison with conventional sewage system. High property mainly resulting from the flexibility of thermoplastic pipe compared to conventional rigid pipes sewers. Plastic piping systems also offer a reliable method for joining technology.Design/methodology/approach: The subject of the study was the analysis of the macrostructure, the analysis of the mechanical and chemical properties of sewage thermoplastic pipes. The research was based on international and national standards for pipes made of thermoplastics pipes and sewage systems. During the tests we measured density, ring stiffness, longitudinal shrinkage, additional weight impact resistance and chemical resistance to dichloromethane.Findings: The standards and literature provide the average density for the pipes with PVC-U of 1.4 g/cm3. The research has shown that the material of all the tested PVC-U sewage pipes exceed this value. The highest specific density is 1.555 g/cm3, which may indicate the use of large quantities of fillers.Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the experiment was a failure to compare the properties of samples from the properties of the pipes after long time use. When considering suggestions for future research, there should be carried out spectroscopic tests. FTIR spectrum would allow to verify that the plastic was added fillers.Practical implications: The research shows that more frequent inspections are necessary. These inspections should include execution of pipeline technology, but also controls the material from which pipes are produced.Originality/value: The advantage of the article are the results of the comparative analysis of a few mechanical tests and chemical resistance. The value of this article is to draw attention to the need for studies of thermoplastic pipes for sewage systems. The installation of thermoplastic pipes shows less damage, but it should not cause non-compliance with standard specifications.