Nonmetallic Pressure Piping System Components

Abstract

This chapter discusses the current and future nonmetallic construction codes and standards using nonmetallic plastic polymers. It is divided into four parts. Part A provides an overview of the major nonmetallic materials used in structural applications, namely, thermoplastic materials, thermoset plastic materials, and graphite materials. It describes the importance of a design specification as well as its recommended contents and major aspects. Part A also provides information on two extensively utilized thermoplastic jointing techniques: butt fusion and electro-fusion. Part B and C cover NM-1 and NM-2 Standards, which prescribe requirements for the design, materials, fabrication, erection, inspections, examination, and testing of thermoplastic piping systems and glass-fiber-reinforced thermosetting-plastic piping systems, respectively. Included within the scope of the NM-1 Standard is thermoplastic piping which interconnects pieces or stages within a packaged equipment assembly. The contents and coverage of the NM-2 Standard address pipe and piping components that are produced as standard products, as well as custom products that are designed for a specific application. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipe and piping components manufactured by contact molding, centrifugal casting, filament winding, and other methods are covered. The organization of the NM-3 Standard, addressed in Part D, is modeled on the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II – Materials. ASME NM-3 addresses material specifications and material properties for both thermoplastic and thermoset plastic with glass reinforcing fibers. The NM-1 and NM-2 Standards reference NM-3 Standard for applicable material specifications and material physical and engineering property data. History Some of the material in this chapter had been originally covered in Chapter 3.6 in the Fourth Edition of the Companion Guide but consistent with the current activity of the ASME Code Committees it was considered appropriate by the authors to cover the efforts of the committee in a separate chapter. The current online edition was updated by C. Wesley Rowley and Thomas M. Musto