The "Perfection" of Underground Piping

There are many ways to run gas lines, whether it’s outside the home or inside.  Today we are going to narrow it down and discuss piping outside the home.  For years and years, there have been theories on what is the best and most cost effective way to run pipe.  Hopefully today we can narrow that list down further to just one way, "Perfection".

Perfection offers many types of fittings for all your underground piping needs, these fittings are called "Permasert" mechanical fittings.  Why?  Before mechanical couplings, polyethylene pipe was joined by either socket or butt fusion. These processes required expensive equipment that essentially melted the pipe and fused them together to a fitting or another piece of pipe.  This process was also very time consuming and more costly to install.  Perfection has really perfected their fittings and will save you time and money on every installation.  The name "Permasert" really comes from the fact that once the connection is made, it is permanent and the pullout strength is actually greater than the pipe that it is connected to.

Below are some of the common fittings use in the industry today:

Anodeless Risers:  These risers are probably the most commonly used riser in the Industry.  They are called anodeless risers because of their design, cathodic protection is not needed.  These risers can be ordered with or without the coupling factory installed.  This allows you to make a nice clean transition to iron pipe or copper tubing at the house and the tank.

All Flex Risers:  These risers are becoming more popular because of their flexibility and wide range of sizes.  They offer 1/2" CTS and 3/4" IPS polyethylene connections along with 1/2" & 3/4" MPT outlet connections.   All Flex Risers offer lengths of 36", 60" and 84" for your convenience.  36" Risers are generally used at the building and the 84" at the tank which is generally long enough to attach straight to the regulator without addition fittings.  These risers are also ideal for connecting underground tanks and generators as well.

Permasert Mechanical Couplings: Perfection offers a variety of couplings; standard couplings, reducing couplings and repair couplings.  These couplings are approved for underground use only, they are non-corrosive and do not require cathodic protection.  The repair couplings are designed and manufactured much longer to allow more for the repair.

Permasert Mechanical Tees, Wyes and Elbows:  On multiple customer locations, tees, wyes and elbows will come in very handy.  These fittings allow you to make connections underground in many different directions with the ease of the Permasert Mechanic couplings.

Above are the common fittings used with most residential installations, although, Perfection offers other fittings such as shutoff valves and mechanical tapping tees for larger installations.  The valves allow you to isolate areas of the piping if needed and the mechanical tapping tees allow you to add a tee without having to shut down the system.  Most of these valves are available in sizes from 1/2" all the way up to 8".

Now that we have discussed some of the Permasert components we need to talk a little about the pipe itself and the installation.  Polyethylene pipe (PE) is also known as Thermoplastic and can be joined together by using heat fusion or mechanical fittings as we discussed above.  In most cases today, the majority of people are using mechanical fittings.  Fusion is generally used on larger installations and on natural gas pipelines.  PE pipe comes in a variety of sizes and lengths but mainly in our industry they range from 1/2" CTS to 4" IPS.  Most of the pipe is packaged in 250' or 500' rolls although some of the larger sizes are shipped in 40' sticks.

Now, let's take a look to see how easy it is to install Perfection fittings:

1. Cut the PE piping so that the end is square.

2. Wipe with a clean dry cloth. Inspect the last several inches of PE piping for damage.  If any, cut again to remove damaged area.

3. Use the Perfection chamfering tool for a proper O.D. chamfer. This chamfer permits the PE piping to be completely stabbed without affecting the internal seals.

4. Use a soft felt tip pen, crayon or grease pencil to mark the stab depth as indicated on you Permasert package instructions. The stab depth is the approximate distance from the edge of the fusion bead to the end of the fitting body.

5. Stab the PE piping into the Permasert fitting so that the stab depth mark is visible.

a. Within 1/8” of moisture seal on ½” CTS and 1” CTS sizes.
b. Within ¼” on all other sizes through 1-1/4” CTS
c. Approximately 3/8” on 1-1/4” IPS and 2” IPS sizes.

The PE piping must bottom out into the fitting.  Pressure test the joint in accordance with your standard procedures.  The reference mark can move outward up to an additional 3/8” during pressure testing.

Like any installation, lines need to be sized and installed properly to serve the attached equipment according to NFPA 58 requirements.  This includes choosing the proper pipe size, being aware of proper burial depths and backfill material along with the installation of tracer tape and wire. Installation of polyethylene piping system must be done by a qualified person only and they must be aware of all code requirements pertaining to the installation.  Certifications can be acquired by calling your local Tarantin Industries Sales Representative.  We can conduct onsite training, and we also offer training at each of our locations throughout the year.  Call us today at 800.922.0724 for more information.

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