7 Ways to Identify the Quality of HDPE Pipe

What is HDPE pipe?

HDPE pipe, also known as High Density Polyethylene Pipe, is a strong, flexible piping system that is the ideal piping material of choice for many applications including fluid and gas transportation around the world. Polyethylene&#;s toughness, corrosion resistance, excellent chemical resistance, and light weight allow it to provide long-term, cost-effective piping systems.

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Unlike decades past, today more and more companies are choosing HDPE pipe fittings because of their affordability and efficiency. Users recognize the environmentally friendly nature of HDPE pipes and thus apply it as a green solution.

Characteristics of HDPE Pipes

• Durability: HDPE pipe is durable enough to withstand high pressure applications and extreme temperature fluctuations, HDPE pipe maintains its chemical and abrasion resistance properties even under harsh environmental conditions.
• Safety: The main joining technology used for HDPE pipes is heat fusion. This leak-free connection technology creates an integrated piping system where the joints are as strong as the pipe itself, providing a piping system that is durable. This not only improves the overall system performance, but also increases the safety of the surrounding environment by reducing the risk of media leakage. When performed correctly, hot melt joints will not leak and will greatly reduce the operating costs of the piping system over its service life.
• High Corrosion Resistance: HDPE pipe will not corrode, nodulate, or support biological growth. HDPE pipe has a C-factor of 150 for the pipe design life, unlike metal pipe which suffers from internal diameter shrinkage over time. The inner diameter of HDPE tubing does not change over time, providing consistent flow without increasing pumping energy.
• Cost-Effective: HDPE pipes are heat-fused to join and require no additional couplers, gaskets or fittings to join the pipes together. Due to the durability and simplicity of HDPE piping, there is no need to worry about frequent repairs or the cost of replacing parts.

Is HDPE the same as PE?

Polyethylene (PE) pipe refers to the general term for thermoplastic pipes made of ethylene gas as raw material. There are different types of PE pipes including very low density, low density, cross-linked, ultra-low molecular weight, high molecular weight, medium density, ultra high molecular weight, chlorinated and linear low-density.

HDPE means a PE pipe that is dense than the basic pipe. HDPE pipes are not as flexible as regular samples because they have a high melting and impact point. During the manufacturing process, companies may add carbon black or other colors to HDPE tubing to resist UV light.

Unlike regular PE pipe, HDPE pipe is rust-resistant and resistant to internal pressure for reliable use. HDPE pipe maintains initial flow despite prevailing environmental factors.

How to identify the quality of HDPE pipes?

The performance of HDPE pipe depends on raw materials, processing equipment and technology. Many manufacturers add recycled materials to pipes to reduce costs and achieve higher profits, but this greatly reduces the performance of the pipes. How to identify the quality of PE pipes? We have described 7 ways to check:

1. Appearance 

High-quality pipes: the inner and outer surfaces of PE pipes are smooth, without defects such as bubbles, dents, and impurities.

Inferior pipes: the surface is not smooth, not bright, with obvious pitting.

2. Milling edge strip

The qualified pipe strip milled out by the welding machine is bright in color, and it is not easy to break after repeated folding. The milled strips are whitish or have other colors, which is caused by the addition of recycled materials or uneven mixing.

High-quality pipes: the milled strips are bright in color, neat, and can be folded repeatedly without breaking.

Inferior pipes: the milled strips are darker in color and easy to break after repeated folding.

3. Butt welding joint

Qualified butt weld joints should have smooth and symmetrical wrapping around the pipe ring, and the depth of the wrapping should not be lower than the pipe surface. The tolerance of both sides of the outer circle of the weld is not more than 10% of the tube thickness. The wrap edge should be firm and smooth, slightly wider at the bottom. No impurities, small holes, deformation and damage caused by unfavorable aspects of the tumbling.

High-quality pipes: the flanging is flat, and it will be slightly longer after the welding seam is pressurized.

Inferior pipes: There are more pores on the welding surface, and the edge wrapping is shorter after butt welding is pressurized.

4. Smell

High-quality pipes: stable chemical performance, and the finished product will not have any peculiar smell.

Inferior pipes: unstable chemical properties, unpleasant odor or odor after heating.

5. Soak

High-quality pipes: resistant to acid, alkali, salt and various solvents, anti-corrosion and anti-aging.

Inferior pipes: Under the action of acid, alkali, salt or detergents, various aging phenomena are prone to occur &#; embrittlement, cracking, molting, etc.

6. Elongation at break

Elongation at break is the ratio of the length at break to the original length. The greater the elongation at break, the better the flexibility and the better the performance.

High-quality pipes: 3.5 times the original length without fracture

Inferior pipes: poor flexibility and easy to break.

7. OIT

OIT (Oxidative induction time) is the time for the autocatalytic oxidation reaction of the pipe to occur under higher temperature and oxygen, which can characterize the thermal degradation ability of the PE pipe during processing, storage, welding and working. The longer the OIT, the better the aging resistance of the PE pipe.

Related News

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is outstanding in many applications thanks to its efficient delivery capabilities. The flexible material can replace traditional pipes and last a long time! Discover the ins and outs of HDPE by reading this guide to the different types of HDPE pipe.

What Is HDPE Pipe?

HDPE pipe is flexible plastic made of thermoplastic high-density polyethylene. A common use is transferring low-temperature fluid and gas. However, chemical and corrosion-resistant pipes often replace aging concrete or steel pipeline mains.

High-density polyethylene is a synthetic polymer that comes from petroleum. The pipe&#;s molecular bond makes it suitable for high-pressure pipelines. Modern uses include carrying hazardous waste, stormwater, and various gases.

Quick History of HDPE Pipe

The first polyethylene (PE) pipe was produced in . Unfortunately, the manufacturing costs were extremely high, and chemists needed to discover innovative ways to reduce costs while achieving better profits. There was a breakthrough after 20 years.

A chemist at Phillips Petroleum Co. created the first HDPE pipe in the s. Manufacturers initially used HDPE material to create baby bottles since it was safe (and didn&#;t break like glass).

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During the late s, HDPE pipe took over the functions of metal pipes in gas systems. Throughout the s&#;s, manufacturers integrated these pipes in construction and conduit systems.

Today, HDPE is a thermoplastic resin with optimal performance capabilities. After evolving from its origins of replacing glass baby bottles, the material is common for piping, metal bails, gas tanks, and much more.

Why Is HDPE Pipe Superior?

Because they have excellent characteristics while being cost-effective, HDPE pipe can replace traditional systems. Let&#;s learn why HDPE pipe is superior.

Chemical and Corrosion Resistant

HDPE pipe is resistant to chemicals that could corrode weaker materials. It&#;s important to know that these pipes are chemically inert and don&#;t conduct heat or electricity. They can&#;t create an environment that allows chemical reactions to take place, preventing situations that would decrease performance and longevity.

Temperature Friendly

The pipes are suitable for hot or cold water in various environments. HDPE pipe can handle environmental temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the pipes manage freeze and thaw cycles without sustaining damage.

Cost-Effective

HDPE pipe is less expensive than traditional pipe materials. The pipes are lightweight and easy to handle, which cuts material handling and installation costs. HDPE pipe can replace concrete pipes in sewer systems. Concrete pipes can crack and burst, but HDPE eliminates this possibility, ultimately saving time and money.

Durable

High-density polyethylene is durable and resistant to damage from external loads, pressure surges, or vibrations. The pipes should last from 50 to 100 years because they offer high-impact, chemical, and water resistance. The material doesn&#;t break down like traditional piping, and its lightweight nature adds to a long lifespan.

Lightweight and Flexible

HDPE pipe has solid, straight, or flexible coiled lengths. Their lightweight materials are easy to transport and don&#;t require heavy equipment for installation. Polyethylene pipes have a bend radius of up to 20 times the pipe&#;s diameter, allowing them to conform to unique installation paths without breaking. Additionally, the pipes are not brittle!

Types of HDPE Pipe

The physical and mechanical properties of HDPE pipe include density, yield strength, elongation, hardness, and elastic modulus. Manufacturers classify pipes into pressure grades, known as PN grades. It also includes the standard dimension ratio (SDR), which describes the correlation between the pipe dimension and the thickness of the wall.

Note that the type of HDPE pipe varies depending on the material that the system transfers and its density. Pipes sizes vary in thickness, diameter, and length. Manufacturers can customize pipes for specific applications. There are several different types of HDPE pipe. You can refer to pressure rating charts for an in-depth look at different pipes.

HDPE 80 and HDPE 100 are the main types of HDPE pipe. HDPE 80 pipes transport gas, and HDPE 100 pipes transport liquids like oil and water. HDPE 100 pipes offer higher density for extra durability. They also work under high operating temperatures, making them the most popular!

Pressure Rating Chart

A pressure rating chart lets you classify HDPE pipe systems. Here are common pressures to consider:

• PE 32 &#; low-pressure piping
• PE 40 &#; low-pressure piping
• PE 63 &#; medium-pressure piping
• PE 80 &#; gas pipe for natural gas distribution
• PE 100 &#; high-demand piping applications

HDPE Pipe Applications

Several industries use HDPE pipe for specific purposes. The long-lasting and robust material is ideal for many piping systems. Here are some typical applications:

Industrial

High-density polyethylene is common for domestic sewage systems, sewer effluent control, and water purification in sanitary systems. HDPE pipe transports chemicals and filters water in the petrochemical industry.

Agriculture

HDPE pipe is ideal for irrigation in water supply systems and suction lines. Since the pipes are corrosion and chemical resistant, they don&#;t experience soil corrosion, making them suitable for irrigation and drainage.

Aquaculture

Industries use HDPE pipe for supply lines and floats. The pipes withdraw large volumes of water from various water bodies. They can also serve as cages for planting, seeding, and grading. Some companies use the cages for fish farms.

Mining

The mining industry uses HDPE pipe for surface and underground operations and slurries. The pipes typically transport fluids and chemicals but are also useful for mine dewatering in open mine operations.

Building

Residential and commercial buildings also experience the benefits of HDPE pipe. Builders use the pipes in cold water reticulation systems and to provide ducting for air-conditioning and refrigeration.

Civil Engineering

Companies use HDPE pipe in water mains, service pipes, and sewer reticulation systems. They are also popular conduits for cables in electrical systems.

How Does HDPE Pipe Stick Together?

HDPE pipe and fittings come together by welding or with mechanical fittings. The two types of welding methods are electrofusion welding and butt-welding.

Electrofusion permanently joins individual pipes and fittings or prefabricated sections in tight areas. This method is appropriate for on-site joints.

Butt-welding joins HDPE pipe and fittings into prefabricated sections using heat and pressure. Welders do this without using additional connection fittings.

Besides those two methods, socket welding and extrusion welding can join HDPE pipe. Regardless of the technique, welding pipes prevents weak and leaking joints.

Picking a Good Pipe Supplier

A good HDPE pipe supplier is essential in all applications. The right supplier can ensure high-quality pipes with low maintenance. Companies interested in suppliers should assess service records, cost, reputation, and volume output.

It&#;s best to ask suppliers about their quality control process. Visual inspections, material traceability, and density tests influence performance and longevity. Ultimately, companies need pipes from a hands-on supplier that prioritizes quality assurance.

The Future of HDPE Pipe

You can expect HDPE pipe to replace cast iron, concrete, and steel in most piping and conduit systems. It will improve natural gas distribution, plumbing, underfloor heating, mining, and much more! HDPE pipe won&#;t slow down anytime soon!

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