Polyethylene can simply be defined as a type of thermoplastic polymer that can be used for a wide range of tasks and applications. This is a type of polymer which also has a wide variety of crystalline structure depending on the type of product. PE is also one of the most extensively produced type of plastics worldwide, due to its usefulness and advantages.
PE is a light, versatile synthetic resin manufactured from polymerization of ethylene and it belong to the family of polyolefin resins. This versatile product is used in making all sorts of products, ranging from wraps, shopping bags, bottles and fuel tanks to pipes as well. Plus, polyethylene is also that material which can be modified to give it the elastic properties of a rubber.
History and major compounds of PE
PE was first manufactured all the way back in England in 1933. However, this product’s commercial production began only in 1939. Initially, this was even used in World War II as an insulator for radar cables.
PE also has various types of compounds. All these different compounds have their own different features and can be used accordingly. Low density PE, linear low density PE, HDPE and, ultrahigh-molecular-weight PE are some of its types.
LDPE has high ductility but it offers low tensile strength. This is evident in its real world use as it has propensity to stretch when it is strained. LLDPE is also very similar to LDPE. But this type of PE offers additional advantages to LDPE and its properties can also be altered by adjusting formula constituents. Also, producing LLDPE needs less energy than in LDPE, making it more beneficial.
On the other hand, HDPE is a robust and stiff-type of PE which has high crystalline structure. It is used in piping applications, making bins, cartons, etc. UHMW is the densest version of PE. This type of material is used in equipment that need high performance such as bulletproof vests. This product can also be spun into multiple threads with a tensile strength much greater than that of steel.
Use of Polyethylene in pipes
Implementation of PE in piping applications has been a popular option. This is because of the possibility of use of PE pipes wide range of applications, including industrial, mining, marine, agricultural and mechanical sectors. The durable and heavy-duty PE pipes offers lifespan of 100 years in general. Also when compared, PE pipes have the least repair frequency among all the other types of pipes. Plus, the anti-corrosive and chemical resistivity of PE pipes only add to its advantages.
As the polyethylene pipes come with a wide range of thickness and pressure ratings, flexible systems can be created that increase the efficiency. They can carry a wide range of fluids, including wastewater, slurries, potable water, mining and hazardous wastes.
PE pipes are also unique in a sense that they can be joined by using the fusion process. And the resulting join in PE pipes are of a homogeneous type, which offer a joint that is actually stronger than the original pipe itself. This is one of the benefits that simply cannot be ignored as in most materials, the fusion joints is often the weak point.
In most cases, especially in case of PVC, joints might even blow out and leakages may occur in bends and corners. However, one need not worry about such problems with PE pipes. PE joints are also totally resistant to end loads. This removes any additional need for any type of thrust blocks, saving both material and costs in the process.
Due to these features, the future excavations and working on these pipes will be much easier. In addition, PE material also facilitates dynamic designs. This leads to implementing piping systems that are efficient and highly operational. In a nutshell, we can say that PE pipes don’t allow any sort of leakages, joints are stronger and is one of the best option for any sort of piping application.
Why Polyethylene pipes are the best option in Nepal’s case?
PE piping is an incredibly useful type of piping. Due to its wide diversity and use, it can be used for almost any type of piping applications. And in our country Nepal’s case, we can say that PE pipe is the best option.
Polyethylene pipes, along with all the other benefits, even act as the perfect piping solution for our earthquake-prone nation. PE pipes have the characteristics such as high ductile strength and ability to resist deflections. This makes PE pipes a perfect match to be installed in the shaky grounds of our nation.
PE pipes are proven and tested option for earthquake prone areas. Hence, we should use them if we want our city’s system to have any sort of supplies after an earthquake strikes. Apart from this, PE pipes also come with several other benefits. Its Corrosion resistance, fatigue resistive, durable, leak-free, good fusion, easy installation and adaptability and, eco-friendly features have made polyethylene pipes a favorite choice among all users.
PE pipes also have smooth inner and exterior walls. Due to this, these pipes offer low frictional resistance along with a good temperature resistance and other appealing features. Along with all the other significant benefits and a service life that is four to six times that of steel pipes, PE pipes are the perfect economical solution in Nepal’s context and is suitable for underground supply systems.
In a nutshell, we can say that PE pipes are so useful that it is quite simply unmatched by any other type of piping material. And with time, it is sure that these versatile pipes are only going to be more effective and innovatively produced. PE pipes are the first choice of piping material and its popularity only seems to be getting bigger with each passing day.
Here at BN Mahto Group, we produce and distribute the best quality polyethylene pipes in Nepal. So feel free to contact us if you are looking to get the best PE pipes for a smooth piping structure.