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WL Plastics is North America&#;s largest manufacturer of solid wall polyethylene pressure pipe producing both high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe. These two materials are versatile, high-performance plastics that differ in density, in how they are made, and in how they are used in piping applications. MDPE and HDPE have different physical properties due to their density differences and manufacturing process. MDPE pressure pipe is generally only used for natural gas distribution while HDPE pipe is used for all pressure pipe applications.
Both HDPE and MDPE are polyethylene pipe are:
Learn more about the similarities and differences between these two polyethylene materials in the following paragraphs.
HDPE pipe is black or black with colored stripes to identify its end use (e.g., yellow for natural gas, blue for potable water, green for wastewater, etc.). Well dispersed carbon black added to the natural PE resin gives the pipe its black color and protection against UV degradation for a minimum of 10 years. PE is a bimodal resin produced from two reactors in series which gives PE a wide molecular weight distribution (MWD). A broad MWD improves processability and increases molecular side chain branching which increases the materials resistance to slow crack growth.
HDPE is the go-to choice for many applications including:
MDPE pipe is solid yellow and is primarily used for natural gas distribution. Yellow color masterbatch added to the natural PE resin the pipe its color and protection against UV degradation for a minimum of 3 years. PE resin is made by either unimodal or bi-modal process. Unimodal resins are produced in a single reactor and have narrower MWD than bi-modal resins.
PE HDPE pipe offers higher tensile strength, higher operating pressures for a given wall thickness (DR), and better resistance to rapid crack propagation (RCP) than MDPE pipe made from bimodal or unimodal PE. Because of its higher tensile strength, PE pipe can be pulled longer distances through no-dig installations such as horizontal directional drilling. The higher hydrostatic design basis (HDB) of PE allows the design engineer to use a thinner wall pipe (higher DR) for a given maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP). A thinner pipe wall increases pipe flow capacity and reduces material costs. The better resistance to RCP of PE allows operators and contractors to feel more comfortable when installing or working on PE pipe at low temperatures. Typical properties of PE and PE are shown in the Table below.
Typical Values Property Test Procedure Units Bi-Modal HDPE Bi-Modal MDPE Unimodal MDPE Material Designation PPI TR-4 PE PE PE Density, Natural (w/ UV stabilizer & color) ASTM D gms / cm3 0.955 (0.960) 0.94 (0.943) 0.94 (0.943) Tensile Strength at Yield ASTM D638 (Type IV) psi > to to PENT (Slow Crack Growth) ASTM F hrs > > >500 Hydrostatic Design Basis at 73°F ASTM D psi 1,250 1,250 Hydrostatic Design Basis at 140°F ASTM D psi 800 Color; UV Stabilizer ASTM D &#; Black w/ yellow stripes & 2-3% carbon black Colored Yellow w/ UV stabilizer Colored Yellow w/ UV stabilizer Rapid Crack Propagation Critical Pressure (Pc) @ 0°C (32°F) ISO psi 174 123 &#; 145 15 &#; 90 Rapid Crack Propagation Critical Temperature (Tc) @ 5bar ISO oF <2 28 60WL Plastics is North America&#;s largest manufacturer of solid wall polyethylene pressure pipe producing both high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe. WL Plastics has nine ISO : certified facilities strategically located across the US manufacturing pipe in compliance with industry standards such as API (15LE), AWWA (C901 & C906), and ASTM (D, F714, D, F) under strict quality control. WL Plastics also carries several third party certifications such as UL, NSF, FM, and UPC.
Contact us today to learn more about HDPE and MDPE pipe options.
HDPE and PVC pipe have several similarities, but there are important differences that you should understand when choosing a product. At Piedmont Plastics, we want you to have the right plastic for your specific application, and that&#;s why we want to point out these differences.
Both PVC and HDPE are durable and lightweight options for piping in residential and commercial buildings. They carry a low risk of leaks, can carry gas and liquid, and can be used underground and in the water. Both are corrosion-proof and resistant to bacteria and chemical buildup as well. Yet, despite these similarities, distinct differences can dictate which choice is best for your needs.
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PVC and HDPE have some distinct differences. In general, HDPE is a flexible, strong, and impermeable plastic. PVC is also strong but less flexible and more prone to cracking and failure.
Both pipes can handle standard water pressure surges common in pipelines. However, with PVC, the pipe can handle 100 psi above its pressure class. With HDPE, the pipe can withstand twice the pressure class. In addition, PVC can handle 5.5 feet per second of flow rate before changing its water pressure rating, while HDPE can handle 14 feet per second. Overall, HDPE is 2,500 more resistant to cracking and failure due to water hammer and fatigue.
PVC has a higher pressure class for static water, but HDPE has a higher working pressure rating. In addition, when creating pipe systems, HDPE has a greater bend radius, so it works well for applications that require a curved or bent design.
These two materials also vary in how they are joined. For example, HDPE is joined with heat fusion, while PFC must have a spigot or bell joint with cement. This means HDPE has less of a risk of leaks at the joints.
Finally, HDPE is more durable under extreme conditions. Unlike PVC, it is completely UV resistant and can be installed in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 140 degrees. It also has a service life of over a century.
While the most common use of HDPE and PVC pipe is plumbing, these products have additional applications:
Water and gas mains
Sewage
Irrigation
Slurry transfers
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 3 Inch HDPE Water Pipe Price. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Stormwater and drainage
Electrical and communications conduits
Mining applications
Firewater
Brine lines
Process chemicals
Ocean clean-up
Outtfall lines
Water mains
Chemical transfers
Stormwater drainage
Sewage
Household plumbing
Irrigation
Underwater Piping
Exhust fumes
HDPE and PVC differ in their resistance to certain chemicals. They have the same chemical resistance for the following:
Acetic acid, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Borax, Calcium hypochlorite, Ferrous sulfate, Hydrochloric acid, Hypochlorous acid, Phosphoric acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Sulfur, Urine, Water, and Saltwater.
Some chemicals had distinct differences. These include:
Chlorine at 50+ ppm: PVC is more resistant
Nitric acid: HDPE is more resistant
Lubricating oil: HDPE is more resistant
Sodium HypoChlorite: PVC is more resistant
Sulfuric Acid: HDPE is more resistant at most concentrations
Even though HDPE is more durable and flexible than PVC and lasts longer without degradation, it costs a little more than its competition. However, when considering cost-effectiveness, you must look beyond the purchase price.
With HDPE, you don&#;t have to use cement to join pieces. Because it is joined with heat, the process requires minimal wait time. As a result, you do not have to wait for the cement to cure, and you can use your new pipes more quickly.
HDPE is also more cost-effective to transport. You do not have to protect it from sunlight as you do with PVC because it is UV resistant. This combination of less cost and time to install and less cost for transportation helps counter the higher purchase cost.
Finally, HDPE will last longer than PVC in most applications. Not having to replace and repair pipes as often adds up to major cost savings. In light of these factors, HDPE is typically the more cost-effective option.
If you are curious about whether to choose PVC or HDPE, the sales professionals at Piedmont Plastics can help. Our knowledgeable team will help you learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each material so that you can choose the best one for your application. Reach out today.
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