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Why are plastic pipes useful for oil, natural gas, and water pipelines?
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polymer
Industrial polymers are synthesized from simple compounds joined together to form long chains. For example, polyvinyl chloride is an industrial homopolymer synthesized from repeating units of vinyl chloride.
Plastic pipes are highly valued for infrastructure projects, including water and natural gas distribution, due to several distinct physical and mechanical advantages:
- Corrosion Resistance: Unlike many metal pipes, plastic is inherently resistant to corrosion, which significantly increases the longevity of the infrastructure and reduces maintenance needs.12
- Ease of Installation: Plastic pipes are lightweight and flexible, making them easier to handle and install compared to heavier materials like steel or cast iron.12
- Hydraulic Efficiency: The smooth interior surface of plastic piping provides excellent hydraulic characteristics, which facilitates the efficient flow of liquids and gases.1
- Versatility: Depending on the specific polymer used, these pipes can be engineered for different levels of stiffness, toughness, and flexibility to suit specific environmental or pressure requirements.34
While steel remains the standard for high-pressure transmission lines, plastic has become the preferred material for smaller distribution lines—such as those connecting natural gas to individual users—because it is both economical and reliable.25