HDPE pipes are one of the most widely used pipes in the world in today’s date. It is strong, flexible, durable and lightweight; in overall it is everything a welder needs for an easy and efficient installation. It is made from thermoplastic high-density polyethylene and is available in both iron pipe size (IPS) and copper tube size (CTS).
Built to be very tough and strong, the thickness of the HDPE pipe can be from 930 to 970 kg/m3. Although the thickness is hardly higher compared to low thickness polyethylene, HDPE pipes have small expanding giving it more grounded inter-molecular power and rigidity than low-density polyethylene or medium density polyethylene. This distinction in quality surpasses the distinction in thickness, giving HDPE a higher particular strength.
Well, there is more to HDPE pipes as being one of the highly used pipes around the world doesn’t come easy. So, let us look at why HDPE pipe is widely used.
It gives Zero Leak
One of the main features of HDPE pipe is that it can be extended to any distance by joining; butt welding, electrofusion welding, socket welding or extrusion welding. Using these methods, we can join the pipes, creating a completely homogenous joint so the weld would become stronger than the existing pipe on either side of the weld.
With such an extreme fusion process, there is no question of leakage in HDPE pipes. Leakage problem with PVC and the ductile iron pipe is a common occurrence, but HDPE pipe and its fusion process give zero leaks.
Resistance to Corrosion and Chemical
HDPE pipe is very tough, and resistance to chemicals of polyethylene as well as corrosion resistance and low weight have contributed to its growing use in situations where cost-effective and durable fluid and gas piping systems are required.
As HDPE pipes are high impact resistance and flexibility, they can be installed in dynamic soils including earthquake-prone areas. Also, it is unlike the ferrous piping system that rust and builds to internal resistance to fluid flowing through it. HDPE pipe does not corrode in the environment and maintains its flow capabilities over time.
Environment-Friendly
HDPE pipe is a sustainable choice that is also superior to the traditional method of piping. In recent time, HDPE is the safest and environmentally friendly pipe material, the “greenest” pipe available to deliver water, removing wastewater or any other applications for homes and businesses in the most cost-effective manner. Its flexible and lightweight feature makes things even better through low-impact installation practices.
The usage of HDPE pipe for water distribution results in energy efficiency through reduced electric consumption. Using fewer energy results in lower carbon footprint and HDPE’s jointless fusion technology means it never releases toxins from sewage into the ground or potable water supply.
Not only the applications, but its very production is environmentally friendly too. The pipe is produced from HDPE resin that uses significantly less energy to manufacture compared to materials like iron and concrete.
Economical
HDPE pipes are very cost-effective to install as they are lightweight and very accessible. It allows cheaper installation methods like horizontal directional drilling, pipe bursting, slip lining, floating and submerged pipe. Also, as HDPE pipes are leakage proof, you won’t face any problem in future which automatically saves your repair and maintenance costs.
Higher Value
HDPE pipe gives you a higher value service once you have installed it for your purpose. If the whole pipe system has been correctly manufactured and installed, then the life expectancy can be expected to be over 100 years until major rehabilitation is needed.
Leakage of the pipe means more electricity to process and pump additional water into households, while HDPE pipes give no leakage issues, relatively less electricity is needed meaning you can save on utility costs.
Perfect for Trenchless
Although Trenchless Technolgy is not a new concept, it has become widely popular in recent years because it is less invasive than other methods of sewer pipe repair and replacement. This technology uses new techniques and equipment to install or replace underground infrastructure without causing any disturbance to ground above. Using this technology avoids interfering with surface-level activities like people, traffic, and residential areas.
And as it happens HDPE pipe is the number one choice for trenchless installations as the coils of HDPE makes it safer and less intrusive. The pipes serve for multiple application providing standard trenching for water mains, sewer mains, gas mains, and fire ring mains pipelines.
Light and flexible
Last but not least and quite often mention above as well, HDPE pipe is very lightweight that requires no extra effort of lifting for transportation or installation. HDPE pipes reduce the need for fitting and work excellently in shifting the soil and perform well in earthquake-prone areas. Also, its flexibility solves many problems that cannot be fixed with rigid concrete, PVC or ductile iron pipe.