Review of Permeation of Hydrocarbons through Plastic Piping Systems

摘要

The potential for contamination of potable water by the aromatic components of gasoline, namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), is of enduring concern due to their well-known health effects. Permeation of BTEX through plastic pipe and the elastomeric gaskets used in the assembly of some pipe systems has been discussed and debated in academic literature for years. Recently, new insights have been gained through studies of water piping systems by using Fick’s Law and relevant engineering variables. This paper will review the state-of-the-art regarding the important question of how various water systems may be affected by hydrocarbon permeation.