Plastic Pipes Conference Association # 2023 Lake Buena Vista
Chris Ziu, Deanne Hughes, Steve Sandstrum
Plastic pipe is an environmentally responsible choice for a broad array of piping applications. The exceptional chemical/corrosion resistance, superior joining techniques and overall durability of these piping products have resulted in industry-leading life-cycle analyses (LCA’s) in the applications for which they are intended. In this paper we investigate one specific environmental aspect of plastic pipe, specifically the estimated comparative carbon footprint for polypropylene (PP-RCT) pipe installed in one specific project.
A case study involving the installation of dual-wall, pre-insulated PP-RCT pipe at the University of Illinois in the United States was presented during Plastic Pipes XX 2021 in Amsterdam. The case study provided insights into a number of innovations that were associated with the University of Illinois hydronic heating project. Included within these innovations were: a) dual-wall, pre-insulated PP-RCT pipe, b) simultaneous dual-wall heat fusion of the PP-RCT pipe, and c) both direct burial and horizontally directionally drilled (HDD) installation techniques.
In this paper, we re-visit the same project from a different perspective, specifically from the viewpoint of the carbon footprint associated with this unique installation. As indicated in the original paper, the hydronic heating project at the University of Illinois was originally specified for steel pipe. As such, we will attempt to provide a comparative carbon footprint assessment for this project on the basis of the PP-RCT pipe that was installed versus the carbon steel pipe that was originally specified. While a detailed carbon footprint analysis of this project is beyond the scope of this writing, we will utilize industry accepted criteria and resources in constructing a reasonable comparative carbon assessment. From an assessment such as this, the reader will gather an understanding of the intrinsic benefits of plastic pipe, specifically PP-RCT pipe, as a responsible approach from an engineering, environmental and social perspective based on a comparison to a more traditional piping material such as steel.
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