Plastic pipes for gas lines get a new safety standard

US pipeline regulators just updated the safety standard for a specific type of plastic pipe used in gas distribution. This means gas companies can now use a newer version of these pipes, which are made from Polyamide-12 plastic and joined by electrofusion.

For years, pipeline operators had to use an older standard for these plastic pipes, even as manufacturers improved the material. This update means new gas lines can use the latest version of the pipe, which is designed to be more durable and safer. It also reduces the paperwork burden for companies that want to use the newer technology.