Modified Permeation Coefficients for Benzene, Toluene, Ethybenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) Estimation through Polyethylene Pipe

Although permeation of hydrocarbons such as Benzene, Toluene, Ethybenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) through polyethylene (PE) pipe in potable water applications is rarely occurred. It is important to understand permeation mechanism and characterize the potential health risk. The most common potential hydrocarbon substances are originated from gasoline leaks. Previous research has shown that pipe materials made of plastic polymers are subject to permeation by hydrocarbons. It is strongly recommended to consider hydrocarbon permeation before selecting pipe materials in potentially hydrocarbon-contaminated area. This paper is to address permeation mechanism and development of modified permeation coefficients that can be used by engineers and pipe material manufacturers. Several factors are considered in this paper to reflect actual pipe design environment. This paper presents the modified permeation coefficients for BTEX contamination through polyethylene pipe. The permeation coefficients can be used to develop a BTEX permeation calculator. Keywords— BTEX, Hydrocarbon Permeation, Permeation Coefficients, Polyethylene