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Pipe Material Report 2 22-8-2023
Pipe Material Report 2 22-8-2023
1)
Types of Pipes Used in Water Supply System
August 2023
Engineering Services (Design) for Strategic Reservoir Stations (Phase 1)
Table of Content
1 Introduction 4
1.1 Types of Pipes Used in Potable Water System........................................................................4
1.2 Factors Affecting the Selection of Potable Water Pipe Types.................................................5
2 High-Density Polyethylene Pipes (HDPE) 6
2.1 General Characteristics............................................................................................................6
2.2 Advantages..............................................................................................................................6
2.3 Restrictions..............................................................................................................................6
2.4 Methods of Installation............................................................................................................7
2.5 Protection of Pipes Outer and Inner Surfaces..........................................................................7
2.6 Usages.....................................................................................................................................7
3 Un-plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (uPVC) 8
3.1 General Characteristics............................................................................................................8
3.2 Advantages..............................................................................................................................8
3.3 Restrictions..............................................................................................................................8
3.4 Methods of Installation............................................................................................................8
3.5 Protection of Pipes Outer and Inner Surfaces..........................................................................8
3.6 Usages.....................................................................................................................................9
4 Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pipes (GRP) 10
4.1 General characteristics..........................................................................................................10
4.2 Advantages............................................................................................................................10
4.3 Restrictions............................................................................................................................10
4.4 Methods of Installation..........................................................................................................11
4.5 Protection of Pipes Outer and Inner Surfaces........................................................................11
4.6 Usages...................................................................................................................................11
5 Pre-stressed Concrete Pipes 12
5.1 General Characteristics..........................................................................................................12
5.2 Advantages............................................................................................................................12
5.3 Restrictions............................................................................................................................12
5.4 Methods of Installation..........................................................................................................12
5.5 Protection of Pipes Outer and Inner Surfaces........................................................................12
5.6 Usages...................................................................................................................................13
6 Ductile Iron Pipes (DI) 14
6.1 General Characteristics..........................................................................................................14
6.2 Advantages............................................................................................................................14
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6.3 Restrictions............................................................................................................................14
6.4 Methods of Installation..........................................................................................................14
6.5 Protection of Pipes Outer and Inner Surfaces........................................................................14
6.6 Usages...................................................................................................................................15
7 Steel Pipes 16
7.1 General Characteristics..........................................................................................................16
7.2 Advantages............................................................................................................................16
7.3 Restrictions............................................................................................................................16
7.4 Methods of Installation..........................................................................................................16
7.5 Protection of Pipes Outer and Inner Surfaces........................................................................17
7.6 Usages...................................................................................................................................17
8 Standards and Criteria of Choosing Pipes 18
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List of Figures
Figure 1 |Types of pipes used in potable water supply system.....................................................................4
List of Tables
Table 1 | A summary of selecting the most appropriate pipe for installation.............................................18
Table 2 | A summary of pipes’ inner and outer surfaces that needed protection........................................18
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Engineering Services (Design) for Strategic Reservoir Stations (Phase 1)
1 Introduction
The Water Transmission and Technologies Company (WTTCO) is planning to construct strategic Reservoir stations
for potable water in all kingdom governorates to achieve sustainable water supply in all regions and to meet
consumer demand for the years 2030 and 2050. This program consists of approximately 314 locations, which will
serve around 452 city gates.
Due to the fact that this program is considered one of the mega initiatives, WTTCO decided to split it into bundles in
order to achieve the best outcome. The first bundle, which falls under the project and shall be covered in this project,
consists of 50 locations that must be designed based on the best local/international practices.
Due to the long lifespan of water pipes in infrastructural projects, which lasts up to 50 years, and as the value of
pipeline supply and installation costs is considered a large proportion of the budget for establishing water supply
projects, choosing the appropriate type of pipes is mandatory economically and technically to ensure that the project
is properly serviced during its lifespan.
This report aims to clarify the types of pipes used in the potable water system and the characteristics of each type to
facilitate the process of selecting the appropriate type of pipe material used in potable water projects.
- Health and safety of personnel and the public, and protection of the environment.
- Optimization of cost versus projected design life.
- Consideration of a fall back or repair position.
- Effect on product and process contamination.
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Cost
Lifespan
Weight
Durability and rigidity
Ease of installation and maintenance
Resistance to erosion by soil, stray currents, or the transmitted liquid.
Resistance to internal stresses, external loads and water hammer.
The size of pipe and its capacity to carry the required flows, as some pipes are produced in small diameters
and others with large diameters.
Accordingly, the optimal pipe type varies from project to another according to the expected operating conditions.
In order to choose the optimal pipe type, a technical and economic study and comparison must be made, considering
all these factors.
In this report, the technical indicative considerations for different pipe types are explained, the methods of protecting
both the inner surface and the outer surface of the pipe are illustrated, and a summary of the installation and the
special sizes of some pipe types is presented.
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They are characterized by their lightweight and smooth inner surface, which increases their hydraulic efficiency.
Noting that this type of pipe requires special precautions in storage and handling, as it must not be stored in the open
air to avoid being affected by direct sunlight and temperature factors.
3.2 Advantages
3.3 Restrictions
Its toughness and resistance to stress are negatively affected by time, which must be taken into design
consideration.
Avoid storing the pipes in the open air to avoid being affected by direct sunlight.
The effect of dynamic loads on pressurized pipelines must be studied in view of data from the producing
companies.
Pipes elongation must be considered during pressure tests.
Installing the pipes needs soft material beddings in the trenches.
Pipe welding requires both equipments as well as trained and skilled labor.
Metal tape is needed to easily locate them using electromagnetic devices.
Low ability to withstand water hammer effect.
Butt Welding:
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In this method, the pipes are connected longitudinally by heating their two ends to be welded with a special welding
machine that works electrically. This is considered the cheapest installation method used at the installation site of
the pipeline, bearing in mind that the pipes to be connected must have the same thickness.
Electro-fusion Welding:
Welding is done by equipping the connection with a metal heating coil, where the ends of the pipes to be connected
are placed at both ends of this joint. An electrical transmission device is then used to heat the coil to complete the
welding process of the joints of the pipes.
HDPE pipes show good corrosion resistance to soil and groundwater effects, so there is no need for any protection
against different soil types.
The outer and inner surfaces of these pipes do not need any protection or precaution.
3.6 Usages
Due to the lightweight of HDPE pipes, the ease of installation, and the possibility of their use in all types of soil and
water transfer without the need for special protection, the following uses are considered the most appropriate for
these pipes:
House connections
Water supply networks
It is not recommended to use these pipes in water transmission systems with large diameters and high pressures.
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4.2 Advantages
Relatively lightweight.
Ease of connections.
Good resistance to erosion. due to the impact of soil and groundwater.
Easy to repair and connect.
Costs of supply and installation are relatively economical.
4.3 Restrictions
Its toughness and resistance to stress are negatively affected by time, which must be taken into design
consideration.
Avoid storing the pipes in the open air to avoid being affected by direct sunlight.
The effect of dynamic loads on pressurized pipelines must be studied in view of data from the producing
companies.
Pipe elongation must be considered during pressure tests.
Installing the pipes requires soft material bedding in the trenches.
Not suitable to transfer liquids with temperatures higher than 60°C.
Not suitable to transfer acids and highly concentrated solvents (there is a limit for them in related
specifications).
Not suitable to use above the ground or under direct sunlight.
Low ability to withstand the water hammer effect.
Several methods are used in uPVC piping work, the most common of which are the following:
uPVC pipes show good corrosion resistance to soil and groundwater effects, so there is no need for any protection
against different soil types.
The outer and inner surfaces of these pipes do not need any protection or precaution.
4.6 Usages
Due to the light weight of uPVC pipes, the ease of their installation, and the possibility of using them in all types of
soil and water transfer without the need for special protection, the following uses are considered the most
appropriate for these pipes:
House connections
Water supply networks
It is not recommended to use these pipes in water transmission systems with large diameters and high pressures.
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5.2 Advantages
5.3 Restrictions
Its toughness and resistance to stress are negatively affected by time, which must be taken into design
consideration.
The effect of dynamic loads on pressurized pipelines must be studied in view of data from the producing
companies.
Vulnerability to damage due to shocks.
Avoid storing the pipes in the open air to avoid being affected by direct sunlight.
According to the specifications of the manufacturer, a high degree of compaction and a bed of sand is
needed to avoid bending or transformation of the pipes.
It might be overstressed due to land subsidence or movement.
Avoid digging around the pipes in order not to loosen the compactions.
Need for metal tape to be able to locate them with electromagnetic devices.
It needs special design and precautions, especially for the main transmission lines, as they are exposed to
the water hammer effect.
The soil and the type of foundation affect the choice of pipe stiffness, which should not be less than 5000
Newton/m2. It is recommended to use pipes with a stiffness of 10,000 Newton/ m2.
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Engineering Services (Design) for Strategic Reservoir Stations (Phase 1)
Mechanical Joint
These connections are made of carbon steel covered with PVC and follow the same specifications used in the
installation of uPVC pipes in terms of excavation, bedding, installation, and backfilling.
GRP pipes show good corrosion resistance regarding soil and groundwater and do not need protection against
different types of soil.
The outer and inner surfaces of these pipes do not need any protection or precaution.
5.6 Usages
Due to the possibility of manufacturing GRP pipes with relatively large diameters, they can be used as water
transmission lines.
However, as a result of the issues observed in many of the constructed lines, it is preferable to use them in the
transmission lines that are operated by gravity only. Additionally, it is not preferred to use them in pressurized
transmission lines due to the problems that occurred in many of the existing projects.
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6.2 Advantages
6.3 Restrictions
Heavyweight, especially in large diameters, which leads to high costs of transportation and installation.
Pipes cannot be cut on site.
Joints are relatively rigid.
Difficulty in adding connections or joints after installation.
It usually takes longer to repair than other pipes.
Concrete pipes are subject to corrosion in some types of soil if not properly protected. Therefore, these pipes are
usually manufactured using sulfate-resistant cement to protect the pipe in general.
The outer surface must also be protected with one of the following methods:
Coating the outer surface with three layers of bituminous coating with a total thickness of at least 450
microns. The thickness is increased in cases of very aggressive soil.
Coating the outer surface of the pipe with epoxy tar, then enveloping the pipe with polyethylene. The
thickness of the polyethylene layer is determined based on the aggressiveness of the soil.
As for the inner surface protection, there is no need for it as this pipe is made of sulfate-resistant cement, making the
inner surface secure.
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6.6 Usages
Due to the possibility of manufacturing concrete pipes with relatively large diameters and the ability to withstand
high pressure, they can be used as water transmission lines.
However, as a result of the relatively large costs of transportation and installation as well as the time required for
maintenance and repair work, concrete pipes are not the appropriate choice for use at the present time in potable
water projects.
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7.2 Advantages
7.3 Restrictions
Ductile iron pipes are subject to corrosion in some types of soil and groundwater, especially if the inner and outer
surfaces are not protected. Therefore, the type of soil and its aggressiveness must be identified in order to determine
the necessary protection for the pipe. In general, ductile iron pipes’ outer and inner surfaces should be protected.
Spraying the outer surface with a layer of zinc, and then coating it with a layer of bitumen is considered the
most common method.
Spray the outer surface with a layer of epoxy.
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Engineering Services (Design) for Strategic Reservoir Stations (Phase 1)
As for the protection of the inner surface, it shall be done by one of the following methods:
The inner surface is lined with high-density impermeable cement mortar, which is the most common
method.
Spraying the inner surface with three layers of epoxy.
7.6 Usages
Due to the availability of DI pipes in large diameters up to 2000 mm and operating pressures up to 40 bar, DI pipes
are the ideal choice for the following uses:
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Engineering Services (Design) for Strategic Reservoir Stations (Phase 1)
8 Steel Pipes
Steel pipes are made of rolled steel sheets and welded longitudinally, spirally, or seamlessly (without welding). They
are distinguished by their impact resistance and ease of assembly and formation using electric arc welding, which
facilitates the operations of joining the pipes, making branches from them, or carrying out maintenance and repair.
The major disadvantage is that they are easily corroded while existing in aggressive soil or being exposed to stray
electrical currents due to their presence near electrical cables or electrical substations.
When using steel pipes, the outer surface must be well protected with a corrosion-resistant material such as (epoxy,
bitumen, fiberglass impregnated with bitumen-polyethylene tape).
8.2 Advantages
8.3 Restrictions
Butt Welding:
The pipes are connected longitudinally, and the welding is done manually or automatically with special electrically-
operated welding equipment used at the installation site of the pipeline. The pipes to be connected must be of the
same thickness.
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Steel pipes are subject to corrosion in some types of soil and are mainly affected by stray electrical currents, which
necessitate the installation of a cathodic protection system. Therefore, the type of soil and its aggressiveness must be
identified in order to determine the necessary protection for the pipe. In addition to cathodic protection, the inner
and outer surfaces of steel pipes should be protected.
As for the protection of the inner surface, it shall be done by one of the following methods:
The inner surface is lined with high-density impermeable cement mortar, which is the most common
method.
Spraying the inner surface with three layers of epoxy.
8.6 Usages
Due to the availability of steel pipes in large diameters up to 2000 mm and operating pressures up to 80 bar, steel
pipes are the ideal choice for multiple uses in the potable water system and in transmission lines.
In addition, the installation method carried out by welding reduces the problems of separating and leakage in the
pipeline compared to other pipe installation methods (such as sockets and spigots, as well as flanges).
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Pipe diameter
Transmission system operating pressure
The aggressiveness of the soil
Knowing the route of the pipeline and determining the parts exposed to the sun and the underground.
But in general, and based on what was previously explained in this report regarding the advantages and restrictions
of each pipe type, it is possible to summarize the selection of the most appropriate pipe based on the following:
Operating pressure (bar) Pipe Diameter (mm) First Choice of pipe Second Choice of pipe
material material
Less than 10 bars Less than 630 mm HDPE DI
Less than 25 bars From 600 mm and up to DI Steel
2000 mm
More than 25 bars All Diameters Steel ---
All operating pressures Larger than 2000 mm Steel ---
As for the protection required for the selected pipes, it can be summarized as follows:
Table 2 | A summary of pipes’ inner and outer surfaces that needed protection.
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