Polyethylene (PE) revolutionized low-pressure gas distribution pipeline design on a global basis. It's unique benefits make it a preferred material of choice.To maximize benefits, gas transporters continue to push the PE design envelope with more demanding applications, larger pipe diameters and higher operating pressures.Rapid crack propagation (RCP) is sometimes referred to as a "fast brittle fracture" or as a "linear split" by the construction industry. RCP is caused by the forced introduction of a brittle crack into a material, where a combination of material quality, temperature and internal pressure determine how far the crack will propagate along the pipe, the point at which the crack tip is blunted, and the fracture event arrested.A critical temperature and critical pressure must be established for the conceptual conditions of RCP to take place. There must also be a fracture initiation point to enable the RCP event to commence. Therefore, theincreased risk of RCP and the key variables that affect RCP performance must be considered when increasing the diameter and wall thickness of PE pipe.
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