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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]
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HDPE communications conduit pipe being installed by directional drilling in Perth, Western AustraliaHDPE is resistant to many environmental factors and has applications where cheap but durable fluid piping systems are required. According to a press release from the Plastics Pipe Institute, "PE [polyethylene] piping has been used for water and other fluids in Europe and America since the 1950s due to its durability, leak-free joints, resistance to corrosion, and long-term cost-effectiveness".[promotion?]
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.[4][promotion?]
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.[5]
Freshly extruded HDPE PipeManufacturing
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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.
HDPE pipe with blue stripesLongevity
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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.[6]
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High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a natural gas-derived thermoplastic known for its impressive tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and impact resistance. These traits make it the ideal material choice for piping in a wide range of applications including pressure and non-pressure pipe, conduit and drainage. WL Plastics manufactures HDPE pipes for potable water systems, mining operations, oil and gas collection, wastewater removal, protecting fiber optic cables, natural gas distribution and more.
HDPE pipes are durable and resistant to physical damage, corrosion, common chemicals, and other environmental hazards. They are a cost-effective choice for long-term piping needs. Learn more about HDPE, including the material’s unique features, benefits, and applications.
Structure
High Density Polyethylene is a polymer. Polymer molecules are made of repeating chains called monomers. The monomer that makes up HDPE is ethylene, with the chemical formula of (C2H4)n. Catalysts are then added creating new ethylene co-monomers on the ends of the polymer chain. Since the polymer has a simple structure with minimal branching, it forms tightly packed chains that give the material its strength, flexibility, and stability. Because of its strength and durability, HDPE is the most widely used type of plastic, representing 34% of all plastic made.
HDPE has a:
Density of 0.944-0.965 g/cm
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Tensile strength of >3500 psi
Thermal coefficient of expansion of 8 x 10
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Maximum continuous use temperature of 140° F
Slow Crack Growth Resistance PENT of >10,000 hours
Benefits of HDPE
HDPE is a ductile and strong pipe material that can stand up to harsh environmental conditions. This makes it both versatile and cost-effective for pipes, storage containers, and other applications.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HDPE
Malleability
HDPE stays solid and rigid until it reaches its high melting point, but once it reaches that point, it can be molded into any shape. This malleability allows HDPE to be made into everything from food packaging to playground equipment.
Easy Recyclability
HDPE is one of the easiest types of plastics to recycle, which helps companies take care of the environment and save costs. Recycling materials minimizes plastic production expenses and allows companies to market their products as more sustainable, which is an incentive for many customers.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
HDPE can withstand different weather and environmental conditions, including rain, common chemicals, acids, solvents, and detergents. Strong acids and bases can occur naturally in soil, so HDPE pipes are a suitable option for underground piping.
Applications of HDPE in Piping
HDPE is an excellent material for pipes in a range of settings.
Agriculture and Irrigation
HDPE piping can provide irrigation for gardens, farms, and other settings. This includes intake and delivery pipes for flood irrigation and sprinklers for watering crops, lawns, gardens, or golf courses. For orchards and nurseries that require drip irrigation, HDPE piping is both strong and lightweight.
Using HDPE to transport drinking water avoids the risk of corrosion that comes with metal piping while maintaining a leak free system.
Sewage, Waste, and Industrial Effluent Disposal
HDPE pipes are a good solution for residential sewage disposal, fertilizer transportation, and waste disposal in the petrochemical industry. H2S gas from these applications does not harmfully affect HDPE pipe.
Electrical and Communications Conduits
HDPE piping can provide secure coverage for electrical and telecommunications cables because of its resistance to water and other environmental hazards. The material can prevent cable malfunctions due to damage.
Drainage Pipes
Piping to drain surface water, rainwater, and subsoil water needs to be strong and corrosion-resistant. HDPE pipes work well for drainage as well as wastewater mains.
Gas Mains/Distribution
Polyethylene pipes are the most commonly used pipe in the transfer and distribution of natural gas to customers. This is because of its leak-free joining system, strength, flexibility and low cost.
HDPE vs. Other Materials
To fully understand the benefits of HDPE, consider the material in comparison with its common alternatives in water applications.
Ductile Iron
Ductile iron is commonly used for industrial water and sewage pipes. The main benefit touted by ductile iron manufacturers is its tensile strength being higher than other types of thermoplastics. However, it is more expensive and susceptible to corrosion.
PVC
PVC is a vinyl polymer, while HDPE is a thermoplastic. PVC has a higher tensile strength than HDPE pipe but is less flexible. PVC is not resistant to UV damage and is susceptible to fatigue failures due to surge events. PVC and ductile iron both use bell and spigot joints which can leak where HDPE pipe has a fused joint system that is leak-free.
Reliable HDPE Piping Solutions From WL Plastics
High-density polyethylene is a versatile thermoplastic made of ethylene monomers. The material’s simple, linear molecular structure makes it strong, dense, and durable. It is resistant to heat, cold, corrosion, and water damage, which means it is an ideal material for underground pipes in many applications.
WL Plastics’ HDPE pipes meet industry standards, strict safety regulations, and specific customer needs. With nine state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the United States, we have the capacity to produce more than 800 million pounds of HDPE piping per year. Our high-volume production allows us to manufacture these pipes at the lowest possible cost for our customers while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Contact WL Plastics today to discuss how we can provide HDPE piping that fits your company’s needs.
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