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AssessingRiskOfPEPipeSqueezing

Assessing the Risk of Squeezing Activities and Reviewing the Impact of Squeezing Polyethylene Pipe

For years, gas distribution operators have squeezed polyethylene (PE) pipe as a method of isolating a section of pipe or performing a branch installation. Modern testing and plastic pipe manufacturing techniques have alleviated many of the concerns that were associated with squeezing early-generation pipe such as slow crack growth (SCG) propagation. Still, while some operators are considering moving away from squeezing, others believe that squeezing is, and should remain, an acceptable practice.