When to Use HDPE Pipe？

Type of flexible plastic pipe

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HDPE pipe is a type of flexible plastic pipe used to transfer fluids and gases. It is often employed for replacing aging concrete or steel main pipelines. Constructed from the thermoplastic HDPE (high-density polyethylene), it has low permeability and robust molecular bonding, making it suitable for high-pressure pipelines. HDPE pipe is often used for water mains, gas mains,[1] sewer mains, slurry transfer lines, rural irrigation, fire-suppression system supply lines, electrical and communication conduits, and stormwater and drainage pipes.[2][3]

Attributes

HDPE is resistant to many environmental factors and has applications where cheap but durable fluid piping systems are required.

HDPE pipe can be joined by butt welding, electrofusion welding, socket welding, or extrusion welding. These joints heat the pipe during the joining process to create a completely homogeneous joint without the need for additional seals or jointing compounds, reducing the likelihood of failure or negative environmental effects. HDPE is less likely than PVC pipe to have problems with root intrusion and provides integrity for the pipeline, even when installed in unstable soils.[citation needed]

Due to the fusion welding system, HDPE pipe does not need any additional supports around joints. This also allows for safer excavation close to the pipeline in the future, which is particularly important for high-pressure gas pipelines. HDPE pipe is highly durable and flexible even at lower ambient temperatures, enabling bends in the pipe system to be created with relative ease. Due to its high impact resistance and flexibility, HDPE pipe is well-suited for installation in dynamic soils, including those in earthquake-prone areas. HDPE has been considered to be cost-effective due to its versatility in installation and reduced need for maintenance.[citation needed]

Because food-grade polyethylene virgin material is used to fabricate HDPE pipes, they are safe for the transfer of drinking water. HDPE is resistant to many chemicals, facilitating its use in process plants or in corrosive or acidic environments without use of protective coatings or galvanization. As HDPE has a lower thermal conductivity than many metals it can maintain more uniform temperatures than metal pipes when carrying fluids, which reduces the need for insulation around a pipeline.[4]

Manufacturing

To make lengths of HDPE pipe, polyethylene raw material is dried, heated to ~180 °C (356 °F), and extruded through a die.

Polyethylene pipe is usually black due to the addition of 3-5% of carbon black to the clear polyethylene material, which adds UV light resistance to the finished pipe. To create striped HDPE pipe a different die is used, containing small channels that the colored material runs through just before it is pushed through the die. Co-extruded, or co-ex HDPE pipe has an extra 'skin' of color around the black HDPE pipe, allowing the pipe to be colored on the outside for the identification of thermal cooling requirements.

After coming through the die the pipe is cooled by submerging in or spraying with water. The rate of cooling is carefully controlled to avoid deformation of the extruded pipe. Once cooled, a laser or powder printer prints the size, type, date, and manufacturer's name on the side of the pipe. It is then cut by a saw cutter or coiled into longer lengths on a coiler.

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Longevity

HDPE piping is estimated to last 50 years. However, technical white papers written by the Plastics Industry Pipe Association assert that HDPE pipe systems can be reasonably expected to last up to, or over 100 years.[5]

References

At Shell Polymers, we want to build (Real)ationships by making sure we&#;re more than just a polymer supplier. We also want to be a converter&#;s knowledgeable friend who shares insights on things that help grow your business.

Take, for example, the market for pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE Resin). It&#;s booming.  Let&#;s look at five things converters need to know about HDPE pipe, the growth opportunities in this sector, and how your polymer supplier can enable those opportunities.

HDPE Pipe is In Demand

When you think of pipes, what may first come to mind are more traditional materials like copper, ductile iron, concrete, or clay. But the future of pipe is being driven by HDPE &#; and for good reasons. The durability, sustainability, flexibility, chemical and corrosion resistance, light weight, affordability, and robust properties of HDPE plastic has made it a prime choice for a wide array of HDPE pipe applications in:

As a result, Transparency Market Research estimates the global HDPE pipe market to expand at a CAGR of around 6% from to .1 The global HDPE pipe market is expected to be valued at $32.7 billion by .2 Helping fuel that growth is increasing demand for pipeline infrastructure in oil and gas exploration activities.3

Further driving HDPE pipe demand is renewed focus and funding for infrastructure in the coming years, as our societal underpinnings continue to age. There is an excellent opportunity in this sector, as underground infrastructure is experiencing a water main break every two minutes.4

HDPE Plastic is Strong & Durable

HDPE plastic is known for its high resistances and a longer life expectancy than clay, steel, ductile iron, or copper when it comes to piping. It also offers resistance to corrosion, bacteria, and chemical buildup. In fact, HDPE pipes are mainly used in the oil and gas industries due to their ability to withstand high corrosion resistivity and zero reactive properties, and long service periods.5

HDPE pipe is also resistant to temperature changes, rain and wind, load changes (such as water hammer, a pressure wave caused when a liquid or gas is forced to stop or change direction suddenly), and expanding or contracting soils. It won&#;t break when water in the lines freezes and can withstand and even dampen shock waves more than other pipe materials. That makes it well-suited for rugged and changing environments.