Are there any special performance requirements when Plastic Pipes are used in natural gas and water supply systems?

The application of plastic pipes in natural gas and water supply systems has a wide range of advantages, such as lightness, corrosion resistance, and low cost. However, due to the particularity of natural gas and drinking water, plastic pipes need to meet a series of special performance requirements to ensure the safety, reliability and long-term stability of the system.

Natural gas pipelines usually need to withstand high pressures, so plastic pipes used for natural gas transportation must have sufficient pressure resistance. Common materials such as polyethylene (PE) pipes, especially PE80 and PE100 grade pipes, must be designed to withstand conventional pressure fluctuations and sudden pressure changes.
The pressure requirements of water supply pipelines vary according to the design and use of the pipeline network. Usually, the pipeline is required to withstand the pressure changes of water flow (such as water hammer). PE pipes and polypropylene (PPR) pipes are often used in water supply systems and must meet pressure levels (such as PN10, PN16, PN20, etc.).

Natural gas pipelines usually do not need to withstand excessively high temperatures, but the pipeline materials still need to have a certain temperature resistance. The temperature resistance of PE pipes is usually between -40°C and 60°C, which meets the natural gas transportation needs under normal conditions. For some special application scenarios, such as high temperature environments or pipes directly exposed to the sun, it may be necessary to choose high temperature resistant materials.
Water supply pipes may need to handle hot water in some areas (such as hot water supply systems), so the pipes need to have good high temperature resistance. PPR pipes (polypropylene pipes) are often used in hot water systems due to their good heat resistance, and their temperature resistance range can usually reach 90°C or even higher.

Natural gas pipelines need to withstand certain chemical corrosion, especially when buried in the soil or underground. Plastic pipes have natural corrosion resistance and are less susceptible to chemical substances (such as acids and alkalis) than metal pipes. In particular, polyethylene (PE) pipes and polypropylene (PPR) pipes are very suitable for natural gas transportation because they have extremely high corrosion resistance.
Water supply pipes often need to meet drinking water hygiene standards, so they must have high corrosion resistance. Plastic pipes such as PPR pipes, PVC pipes, PE pipes, etc. can prevent contamination by chemicals in the water and will not rust or corrode, ensuring that the water quality is not affected.

Natural gas pipelines sometimes need to be exposed to outdoor environments, so the ultraviolet (UV) resistance of the pipe is very important. Long-term UV exposure can cause aging, embrittlement, and even breakage of pipeline materials. Therefore, natural gas pipelines usually use PE pipes with added UV inhibitors, or add protective coatings on the outside of the pipes to improve their UV resistance.
Similarly, water supply pipes need to be UV resistant if they are exposed outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. Common PE pipes and PPR pipes can be added with UV-resistant ingredients during the production process, or a layer of UV-resistant coating can be applied to the outside of the pipes to extend their service life.

The anti-aging property of natural gas pipelines is crucial, especially under long-term use and different environmental conditions. High-quality PE pipes (such as PE100 grade) use special stabilizers and anti-aging formulas to make the pipes less prone to cracking or aging during long-term use. Anti-oxidation, anti-UV and high temperature resistance can also enhance their durability.
Water supply pipes need to maintain a long service life, and anti-aging performance is also very important. In particular, PPR pipes have good anti-aging properties, can maintain stable physical properties after long-term use, and are not prone to cracking, discoloration or loss of toughness.

Natural gas pipelines do not directly contact drinking water, so the sanitation requirements for pipeline materials are relatively low, but they still need to meet national and industry safety standards to ensure their chemical stability during use and prevent harmful reactions after gas contacts the pipeline.
The sanitation and safety of water supply pipelines are particularly important. They must meet drinking water hygiene standards to ensure that pipeline materials do not release harmful substances or pollute water quality. Commonly used PVC-U pipes, PE pipes, and PPR pipes usually use raw materials that meet food grade standards during production, do not contain toxic substances, and ensure that water quality is not polluted.

Natural gas pipelines must have good impact resistance, especially during transportation, installation, and burial. PE pipes, especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, have good impact resistance and can prevent pipeline rupture or damage under external forces.
Water supply pipelines also need to maintain toughness and strength to avoid rupture under pressure fluctuations or external shocks. Both PE pipes and PPR pipes have good toughness and impact strength, and can adapt to temperature changes and pressure fluctuations in daily use.

The connection of natural gas pipelines must ensure sealing and reliability to avoid gas leakage. Plastic pipes are usually connected by hot-melt connection, butt welding and other methods, which can ensure the strength and sealing of the connection parts. PE pipes suitable for natural gas transmission usually use hot-melt connection technology, which can provide a strong connection and avoid leakage.
The connection of water supply pipes also needs to ensure the sealing of water flow, usually by hot-melt connection, socket connection, threaded connection and other methods. PPR pipes and PE pipes are often connected by hot-melt connection, and the sealing of the connection parts is good and not prone to leakage.

Plastic pipes are lighter than metal pipes, easy to transport and construct, and do not require too many special tools or techniques during installation. Especially when laying underground, the flexibility and adaptability of PE pipes make the construction process simpler and more economical.
Due to the light weight of plastic pipes, construction workers can complete the installation more quickly, reducing labor costs and construction difficulties. Especially in large-scale water supply projects, the use of plastic pipes can greatly improve construction efficiency and save installation costs.

Plastic pipes used in natural gas and water supply systems have many special requirements in terms of material selection, performance requirements and installation standards. In order to ensure the safety, stability and long-term use of the system, suitable plastic pipes must be selected and meet key performance indicators such as pressure resistance, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, UV resistance, and health and safety. In addition, during the construction process, installation and inspection must be carried out in strict accordance with relevant standards and regulations to ensure the quality of the pipeline and the reliability of the system.