The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) today announced new, free, on-line plastic pipe pressure design software for water distribution, transmission main systems and force mains. Called PPI PACE for Plastics Pipe Institute Pipeline Analysis & Calculation Environment, the Beta version is available at www.ppipace.com.

"PPI PACE allows engineers and industry professionals to easily perform plastic pipe pressure pipe design calculations in accordance with current published AWWA and ASTM industry standards," stated Tony Radoszewski, executive director of the PPI. "The web-based program will assist professionals in the selection of appropriate pipe class for the required design life by providing an easy-to-use tool that is consistent with these existing standards and practices. PPI PACE was constructed by two experienced and renowned engineers." PPI is the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry.

Standards used include AWWA C900, AWWA C901, AWWA C905, AWWA C906 plus ASTM F714 and ASTM D2241.

Input parameters for PPI PACE include Type of Materials and Pipe Size, Pipeline Length, Design Velocity for Recurring and Occasional Surges, Working Pressure, Anticipated Recurring Surges, Temperature, and Minimum Design Life. PPI PACE produces a summary report and then pressure and life charts comparing PE4710, ASTM-F714, PE4710 AWWA-C906 and PVC AWWA-C900, for example.

The principal authors of the PPI project were Dr. Karl Lawrence of eTrenchless Consulting Ltd (Waterloo, Ontario) and Dr. Mark A. Knight, P. Eng., an associate professor and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Trenchless Technology (CATT) at the University of Waterloo (Ontario). "This is the same team that developed PPI-BoreAid and BoreAid™, the first comprehensive and preliminary HDD design tool for trenchless applications of PE pipe used in gas distribution, water and sewer systems," Radoszewski continued.

PPI PACE can be used with PPI's BoreAid and the PPI Design and Engineering Calculator, which can also be found on the PPI’s website: www.plasticpipe.org.