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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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PVC
After large diameter ABS gas piping was scrapped, the local gas company switched to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) for use in various gas piping applications. Like ABS, PVC is relatively rigid and was installed in the gas system as feeder mains in long lengths (generally 2 inches in diameter). PVC used for gas piping was joined both through use of mechanical means and through fusion processes. Piping made from PVC is sensitive to a different set of chemicals than was the case involving ABS and appears to be more sensitive to elevated temperature changes than other types of piping material. Since Phoenix temperatures frequently exceed 110 degrees, questions were raised concerning the appropriateness of use of PVC piping material in Arizona. After extensive study and testing, the Arizona Corporation Commission, Pipeline Safety Division, issued a rule prohibiting future use of PVC as gas piping material unless the material was certified as appropriate for elevated temperature environments. Incredibly, no requirement yet exists to remove PVC gas piping already installed.
Although PVC was used as the preferred piping material for only a relatively short period of time, it has been involved in significant gas explosions. Mr. Lyons resolved a PVC gas line explosion involving seven burn victims as recently as 2004.
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ABS
PVC
Polyethylene
Joint Utilities Trench Explosions
Odor/Odorless Gas
Propane Gas v. Natural Gas
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