PPI HDPE CONDUIT SAMPLE COLLECTION PROGRAM
PPI's Power & Communications Division (PCD) has launched a research program to analyze "used" HDPE* power conduit for research about long-term performance and durability. PPI is offering a $200 reward for samples that are selected for testing. If you have potential samples contact Patrick Vibien, PCD Director of Engineering, at pvibien@plasticpipe.org or 469-499-1048.
*HDPE conduit is flexible, in long lengths, in various colors - not to be confused with rigid PVC conduit (gray).
It is well-known that HDPE conduit is an excellent material for housing and protecting electrical power cables and fibre-optic cables, with benefits including long lengths without joints, high strength and durability, impact resistance, and installation toughness. This research effort will increase the body of knowledge about the product's long-term durability for power and communications applications.
Through the PPI HDPE Conduit Sample Collection Program, PPI is reaching out to utilities, contractors and other users and seeking assistance with collecting samples of "used" HDPE conduit. Specifically, the program is seeking samples of HDPE conduit that have been in service for 15 or more years. Ideal samples for this program have been buried in the ground, carrying power cables, of any voltage, or fiber-optics. Any diameter or SDR is useful and a length of 8 to 20 feet is sufficient. Perhaps the conduit is being removed due to damage, re-routing, or any other reason.
Some basic information about the location, use and estimated in-service history of the used conduit samples is needed.
Collected samples will be analyzed at laboratories in a series of physical and chemical tests. The PPI project task group will select up to 3 samples for testing; the project group members are not eligible for the award. When complete, the findings will made available to the community. This information may benefit utilities when forecasting for future replacements.
Click the link below to download the official letter requesting assistance in finding and collecting samples and to download the information form to accompany each conduit sample, to help researchers understand the lifetime of samples.