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PPI forms geothermal and polypropylene pipe committees

Irving, TX – The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. has created two groups as part of its Building and Construction Division: the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee and the Geothermal Steering Committee.

The Geothermal Steering Committee focuses on two types of polypropylene pressure pipes: PP-R, polypropylene random copolymer, and PP-RCT, polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance, said PPI, a North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry, in a news release. Both types of pipes are approved for potable hot and cold water plumbing systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, as well as other applications.

The Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee (P4 SC), which will focus entirely on polypropylene pressure pipe, reflects the rapid growth and continuing acceptance of polypropylene pressure pipe in the North American market, the company said.

The Building and Construction Division focuses on plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems used within buildings and on building premises for applications such as plumbing, water service, fire protection, hydronic heating and cooling, snow and ice melting and ground source geothermal piping systems. Its mission is to promote the expanded acceptance and use of reliable plastic pressure pipe and tubing systems in building and construction environments by providing research, education, and code and standard development with a focus on delivering sustainable and safe plastic system solutions that enrich people’s lives.

PPI technical staff co-ordinates industry research programs, develops technical publications and creates educational information about these systems, and participates within standards development organizations, code bodies and other organizations.  

Its first publication related to polypropylene (PP-R) pressure pipe, PPI TN-57 Proper Integration of Copper Tubing and Components with PP-R Piping Materials for Plumbing Applications, was published in June 2018. The purpose of this technical document is to provide information regarding proper integration of copper tubing and components with random copolymerized polypropylene (PP-R) piping materials for plumbing applications.