| Why Polyethylene Encasement Film for Corrosion Control for Buried Ductile and Grey Iron Pipe?
Polyethylene Encasement Film, as defined by ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5 American National Standard for Polyethylene Encasement for Ductile-Iron Pipe Systems is the recommended practice of ductile-iron pipe producers for corrosion control in most corrosive soil conditions.
Since when?
The history of polyethylene encasement film for corrosion control of buried gray and ductile-iron pipe systems dates back to 1951, with field installations dating from 1958, and this referenced standard (ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5) has been in effect since 1972.
Film is film, right? Why can't I just use film from the hardware store?
Polyethylene film that has the characteristics defined in the ANSI/AWWA C105 standard does not "just happen". Of the millions of pounds of polyethylene film made in America, only a small fraction is manufactured to meet the minimum requirements of the standard. Film that meets the physical attributes of the standard is made from virgin polyethylene resins and must meet the prescribed density, thickness, tensile strength, elongation, dielectric strength, impact resistance and propagation tear resistance. The required features must be engineered into the film and the product must be closely monitored to ensure that all of the requirements are evidenced in the finished film.
It is the combination of all of these features that provides the constructability and effectiveness expected from this technology.
Why does the standard specify "virgin" polyethylene?
There are several reasons why only virgin resins should be used. One is that in order to make film that meets the physical characteristics required for toughness, durability, and longevity, only virgin polymers will work. This is especially important in HDD applications.
Most importantly consider that recycled post consumer waste may contain biodegradable polyethylene, such as is found in agricultural films that are designed to rapidly decompose. Use of products containing these forms of revert material severely limit the intended longevity of the product. Film made in this manner does not meet the requirement of the standard and should never be considered for this application.
Only by utilizing virgin resins can complete traceability of material be maintained.
How can I be certain that the film supplied by Fulton meets the C105 standard?
Fulton Enterprises, Inc., an ISO 9001 Certified company, has been supplying Polyethylene Encasement film to the industry for over thirty years, both domestically and internationally.
All of our film products undergo rigorous and continuous testing to insure that all of the requirements of the ANSI/AWWA C105/A21.5 standard are met using only virgin resins. Records are maintained and audits performed to verify that effective quality control is evident in all of our film products. Each roll of 8mil film bears a label that links the roll to actual lab data.
We submit samples of our product to independent testing laboratories, as well as to the Ductile Iron Research Association (DIPRA), for testing to make certain that we meet all of the requirements of the Ductile Iron Pipe industry.
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