When Performance Matters

Since the introduction of polyethylene piping materials in the 1950’s, polyethylene resin manufacturers have continually improved the resins produced.  In 2006 “High Performance” polyethylene pipe materials were adopted in U.S. ASTM standards.   One of the new material designation codes refer to PE4710.

Compared to PE3408 (now PE3608) materials, the PE4710 resins have an increased density, higher tensile strength and higher resistance to slow crack growth.  These increased properties allow the pipe to meet higher performance requirements of the new standards that require three performance measures be met before a material could be classified as PE4710.

So what is PE4710?  This standard material designation code consists of an abbreviation for the type of plastic, followed by four numbers that describe material and physical properties in accordance with ASTM D3350 and PPI TR-4.

Performance Pipe manufactures pipe and fittings of high performance PE4710 and PE3608 materials. Performance Pipe’s PE4710 materials are listed in PPI TR-4 with a Hydrostatic Design Stress of 1000 psi at 73°F.  Where specifications and standards permit, PE4710 materials can be operated a higher pressures due to the higher Hydrostatic Design Stress rating at 73°F.

For a more detailed explanation of PE4710 materials and information regarding temperature, design factors and calculation of pressure rating, see our technical note PP 816-TN "PE3608 and PE4710 Materials Designation Codes and Pipe Pressure Ratings".

*For consideration of fluids other than water see Technical Note PP 816.