Full Description

Although numerous instances of permeationinvolving polyethylene (PE) pipes havebeen reported, information obtained frompermeation incidents typically has beensparse, qualitative, and incomplete, and fewdata are available to predict permeationbehavior in the field. This study simulatedpermeation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,and xylene compounds into potable water inhigh-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes fromgasoline-contaminated groundwater and gasoline-contaminated unsaturated soil. Theauthors also determined permeation rates anddiffusion coefficients necessary for developingempirical equations to predict permeationbehavior under contamination conditions typicallyencountered in the field.Results indicated that PE pipes should notbe used for drinking water conveyance in gasoline-contaminated sites because pollutantscan pass rapidly through the pipes and enterthe distribution system. For practical purposes,there is no level of contamination at whichPE pipe is resistant to permeation by petroleum-based aromatic compounds. In the eventof a gasoline spill in the vicinity of a PE serviceline, corrective action should be takenimmediately. Includes 20 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. 102 - No. 3 Published: 03/01/2010 Number of Pages: 12 File Size: 1 file , 730 KB