HDPE is a high-density polyethylene pipe. HDPE is one of the toughest and most durable choices for a pipe material used for utility construction today. HDPE is currently used for a variety of applications. Through this article, we will show you what makes an HDPE pipe so ideal for municipal usages, such as water, and also for industrial applications. We will focus on the benefits of an HDPE pipe as well as its applications. An HDPE pipe has been groundbreaking for the safety of underground utility delivery systems today, like municipal water, as it does not add chemicals to the water source. This innovation and many more are why HDPE pipe applications are leading the market today.
What is an HDPE pipe?
An HDPE pipe is a type of plastic pipe that is made from high-density polyethylene. This type of pipe has many applications. HDPE pipe is often used to transport water and other utilities. HDPE pipe and its fittings also have a variety of applications when it comes to excavating oil, or other fluids. HDPE pipe is strong and durable, which is what makes an HDPE pipe a popular choice for many applications. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a resin made of plastic and an HDPE pipe is comprised of the fusion of copolymerization of ethylene and small parts of another hydrocarbon. The fusion of those ingredients will supply an HDPE pipe with a base resin density greater than 0.941 g/cm before anything else is added to the HDPE.
What is this type of pipe used for?
An HDPE pipe is a popular type of plastic pipe used for a variety of purposes, including water and oil pipelines. The high-density polyethylene used in an HDPE pipe is durable and HDPE can withstand a great deal of abuse. Even when the fittings from HDPE are put to the test, the fittings of this pipe are able to withstand the pressure, making HDPE a great choice for a variety of applications.
The material for an HDPE pipe is vital for the long-term integrity of geothermal systems for ground sources. The installation process of the HDPE pipe is also much faster than other pipe products because HDPE has the ability to bend.
An HDPE pipe is currently being used for the construction of water and other utility lines. HDPE is also used for sewer mains. An HDPE pipe and its fittings are the superior options for drainage pipes, and stormwater drains. HDPE is low-maintenance and easier to install than others. This pipe system is being used today for the irrigation of rural properties. HDPE is also chosen for fire system supply lines, and slurry transfer lines. An HDPE pipe system is also the industry choice as conduits for electrical and communication lines. As many in the industry turn to HDPE, the uses of this pipe continue to increase. HDPE is incredibly durable and the pipe has unique properties that have allowed HDPE to set the standard for underground pipe systems.
How is High-Density Polyethylene different?
HDPE versus PVC:
Although both HDPE and PVC materials are strong, HDPE pipe is harder and the pipe has a greater ability to withstand abrasion and heat. An HDPE pipe can also absorb and dampen shockwaves, giving HDPE the ability to minimize surges through utility lines. A PVC pipe is also much more likely to crack, whereas HDPE is crack-resistant. Studies have shown that a PVC pipe can also leak toxins into the surrounding environment.
HDPE versus PPR:
Unlike an HDPE pipe, a PPR pipe cannot withstand temperatures over 60 degrees celsius over a long-term period without corroding. A PPR pipe is also unbendable, which means a significantly larger amount of fittings would be necessary to accomplish a project. HDPE on the other hand is very bendable and flexible, which not only makes the HDPE installation process easier but the pipe doesn’t require a fitting installation at every turn.
HDPE versus UPVC:
A UPVC pipe is unable to withstand higher temperatures, making the application of that pipe limited, as opposed to HDPE which has a large range of uses in the industry today.
What are the benefits:
An HDPE pipe is resistant to corrosion, tuberculation, and deposits. Chemical resistance is also a great benefit of an HDPE. This pipe is bendable and flexible, which increases installation speed, and lowers job cost. This pipe is safe for water lines, which makes this pipe a great option for both municipal and rural water supply.
An HDPE pipe is resistant to impact and freeze-breaking and this pipe is resistant to slow crack growth. This pipe is lightweight, making for easy transport and an HDPE pipe has a low resell value, which prevents the pipe from being a job site theft risk.
An HDPE pipe has the capacity to withstand long-term hydrostatic strength pressure and the pipe is resistant to temperature. An HDPE pipe has very suitable heat transfer capabilities. This pipe has many fitting and joining options, and no flame is required for joining an HDPE pipe to other fittings.
Most of all, HDPE has steller leak-free performance, making it a superior choice for many industries.
High-Density Polyethylene pipe is a tough, durable pipe material with unique performance properties that allow for its use in a broad range of applications, utilizing a variety of different construction techniques.
Can it connect to other pipelines?
An HDPE pipe is designed to be used as straight pipe components. However, the pipe can also fit into other pipe systems. A transition fitting is a permanent factory-made joint that connects HDPE pipes to other pipe materials. Joints from HDPE to another pipe, are secured with an O-ring seal. This creates a circumferential compressive fit of the HDPE pipe to other types of pipe materials.
HDPE for Water and Sewage lines:
A high density polyethylene pipe has become the leader in piping solutions for public and private sewer and wastewater systems in recent years. In the past, more conventional materials such as concrete, ductile iron, or PVC are subject to corrosion, fatigue, and chemical attack, HDPE sanitary sewer pipe remedies these problems. HDPE is also known to have a lifespan of 100 years, making HDPE the ideal investment for all municipal sewer and water lines. HDPE is also the preferred choice for private or rural sewer owners. The low-maintenance nature of HDPE makes this pipe the optimal choice for construction today.
Uses:
HDPE is a choice for sewer force mains and gravity flow sewers. The low-maintenance nature of HDPE makes the pipe useful for sanitary sewer lines and culvert lining or relining. Black HDPE is the superior answer for storm drains, intake, and outfall lines, and HDPE is the priority pipe when laying sludge lines. HDPE is being used today for the repair and replacement of municipal sewer lines.
UPSCO For All Your Supply Needs
UPSCO has been a pillar in this industry, since 1965. Our mission is to support utilities, contractors, and material integrators to build and remediate utility infrastructures.
If you’re interested in learning more about HDPE pipe systems or if you want to supply them for your next project, be sure to reach out to us today. Our team is ready to answer your questions and work with you to develop a system that’s right for you.
