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Law Offices of
George H. Lyons
(602) 912-3888(phone)
(866) 912-3888(toll-free)
(602) 912-3898(fax)
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Polyethylene
Most gas piping material commonly used by gas utilities today is generically referred to as PE (polyethylene). In reality there are a wide range of materials grouped under the generic description of polyethylene. Most of the PE varieties are most accurately described by reference to a number after the acronym PE.
In Phoenix and several other locations, the first type of PE used by the gas company was a variety known as PE 3306. Even more specifically, the PE resin was referred to 3306 Super Dylan. This PE variety of pipe was used extensively in the Phoenix area for a number of years.
The history of this type of pipe was tragic. The particular variety used in Phoenix was subsequently determined to have a premature aging characteristic that rendered the pipe unsafe after a relatively short period of time underground. Once again, the number and severity of explosions involving this specific type of pipe resulted in a determination to remove all of the underground PE 3306 installations. Some 40,000 feet of the PE 3306 installations were dug up or otherwise abandoned and replaced in the Phoenix area.
The history of litigation involving the specific PE 3306 variety of pipe involved in Arizona is recorded in many decisions and Arizona Corporation Commission press releases.
Today, most utilities, including those in Arizona, use PE piping material classified as 2306, 2308, and 4406 among others. These materials are thought to have advantages to most other types of gas piping material, but each variety has its individual advantages and disadvantages and each variety has sensitivity to specific chemicals and failure stresses.
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ABS
PVC
Polyethylene
Joint Utilities Trench Explosions
Odor/Odorless Gas
Propane Gas v. Natural Gas
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