In the earlier days, metal, ceramic and concrete were the only preferred materials for manufacturing pipes and tubes. Still, metal pipes made from copper and galvanized steel is popularly used in residential as well as industrial sites. However, with the emergence of different types of polyethylene pipes, others have been used less and less. Today, let us learn about different types of plastics and why they are the best choice for piping applications.
Basically, plastics can simply be defined as a material consisting of a wide range of compounds that are malleable and can be shaped into the different types of solid objects. Due to its versatility, this material is also used popularly for various types of applications including piping and plumbing.
Use of plastic pipes have made the plumber’s task a lot easier. A lot of laborious installation work is canceled out when different types of plastics are used instead of other piping options.
Polyethylene or plastic pipes are usually made in a tubular or a hollow form. These pipes are mainly used to transfer various types of liquids, gases, slurries, powders and masses of small solids. We can see plastic pipes being used for transferring drinking water, waste water, chemicals, and various other types of applications.
How does different types of polyethylene pipes outperform others?
Resistivity to corrosion
Plastic pipes aren’t easily corroded when exposed to water and other household chemicals. Different formulas and techniques can be implemented during its manufacturing to ensure that they can stand up to the demanding conditions of residential and industrial plumbing.
Less Heat Conductivity
Unlike metal, polyethylene plastic does not conduct as much heat. Hence, plastic pipes helps to maintain the temperature of the product it carries. Also like in copper wires, additional insulation is not needed to avoid any sweating and dripping. Plastic pipes stay dry even without any insulation. Due to this reason, they are used in air conditioners, boilers and other appliances.
Less Reactive
When connecting dissimilar metals, we have a fear of corrosion happening. In the case of polyethylene pipes, there is no need to worry about this problem. Plastic pipes can easily be joint with each other or even with other materials such as metal. There is no risk of damaging, corrosion or any chemical reactions when combining polyethylene pipes.
Easy installation and few blockages
Along with being light and easy to handle, comes the huge benefit of effortless installation. Plumbing tasks that are done with plastic pipes are always easier and even costs less than those involving metal pipes. In addition, polyethylene pipes are also less likely to clog than other pipes. Also, they are much easier to unclog in case they are clogged.
Types of plastics
There are different types of polyethylene. All the different types have their own characteristics and is suitable for different types of applications. Here are a list of different types of plastics.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a cost-friendly and tough type of thermoplastic. And, it is also manufactured using lower temperature and pressure. It also has the high density of 0.941 g/cm3. Due to the lower amount of branching, molecules are packed tighter in HDPE material.
HDPE offers many desirable qualities such as high tensile strength, resistivity, toughness, and translucency. Along with all these, HDPE is a type of polyethylene that even has desirable insulation properties. On the hind side, this material sometimes tends to crack. It gets affected by UV rays and has a high mold shrinkage as well.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is a comparatively lower density translucent polymer. It has a semi-rigid structure and is produced under much higher pressure than HDPE. The structure is not as tightly packed, so it isn’t the strongest. However, these types of plastics have high ductile strength and lower tensile properties.
Although resistant to acids, alkalis and alcohols, it shows only average resistance to hydrocarbons, mineral oils and oxidizing agents. LDPE also shows high impact strength at lower temperatures.
This polyethylene is also FDA compliant and is popular in food packaging. But, it is also highly inflammable. So we need to take care while using this type of polyethylene.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
PEX is one of the most popular piping materials used today. These types of plastics are often installed in place of copper pipes or even as an alternative to other plastics. It is often used in delivering both hot and cold water drinking water. Known for its flexibility, low cost, easy fittings and ability to maintain pressure, these are the perfect choice for piping applications.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
This is another famous polyethylene pipe used in modern plumbing. PVC pipes are used in situations where there is a flow of high-pressure water. They are often found being used in the main supply line to the houses. However, due to its ability to warp at high temperatures, it shouldn’t be used to carry water hotter than 140 degrees.
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
CPVC is simply PVC that has been treated with Chlorine. These pipes are more flexible and also more easily shaped than PVC. In addition, these types of plastics can also be used in cases where there is high pressure and temperature. CPVC pipes are also suitable for use in industrial applications. They are better suited for more purposes than PVC. However, these pipes require more support and have a tendency to crack and break.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
This type of black pipes are often seen used in drainage, waste and vent pipes. This type of polyethylene can resist high impacts and even perform well in high temperatures. With all these features, ABS pipes are the ideal option for use in outdoors.
Grey Polybutylene (PB)
PB is another type of polyethylene that used to be popularly option for piping applications. However, due to its tendency to split and cause leaks, it is not the most popular piping choice in modern plumbing. Instead of PB, new and better pipes such as HDPE, PVC, PEX, etc. are being used.
Here at BN Mahto Group, we offer the best HDPE pipes. This is one of the most useful types of plastics used for piping. Therefore, feel free to contact us anytime if you’re looking for the finest HDPE pipes.