What Is HDPE Pipe, And Why Do You Need One

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What Is HDPE Pipe, And Why Do You Need One

What Is HDPE Pipe, And Why Do You Need One Aug. 07, 2023

What Is HDPE Pipe, And Why Do You Need One

What is HDPE pipe, and Why is it the Best Choice for Your Pipe System?

What is HDPE pipe? HDPE pipe is a polyethylene piping used in various applications, including residential and commercial plumbing systems.

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene pipe, a plastic material with many benefits over traditional materials such as PVC, copper, or galvanized steel pipes.

HDPE pipe is strong, durable, flexible, and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for many piping applications.

It is made from a thermoplastic polymer that has a high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it easy to transport and install in difficult places. Such as under foundations or on the side of buildings.

It’s also corrosion-resistant, meaning it won’t corrode or rust due to various external factors. HDPE pipes are also ideal for use in areas where water quality is an issue, as they’re resistant to chemicals and contaminants.

HDPE piping systems offer many advantages over traditional piping technologies such as PVC, copper, and galvanized steel pipes.

It has a much higher burst pressure rating than the other materials, meaning it can handle greater volumes of water or various pressures.

It also requires fewer joints, and installation costs are lower due to fewer fittings.

Furthermore, because it is flexible, it can be curved around obstacles that would have been difficult to navigate with either rigid PVC or copper pipes.

What Makes HDPE Pipes A Preferred Choice For Plumbing Jobs

Plastic pipes have taken over the industry that was once ruled by metal and concrete pipes. However, with over a dozen different variants of plastic pipes, it is difficult to choose the best suitable option for any plumbing requirement.

With that in mind, we are talking about HDPE (High-Density Poly-Ethylene) pipes. These pipes fit the jack of all trades category so well. Whether it’s agriculture, commercial, industrial, or household, you are likely to find HDPE fittings.

What makes HDPE pipes so unique? Why are they so widely preferred over other variants? Why are HDPE piping systems so highly talked about? In this article, we will answer all these questions and much more. Let’s begin with learning what HDPE is.

What are HDPE Pipes?

High-Density Polyethylene pipes are a variant of thermoplastic pipes. The unique manufacturing of these pipes makes them highly flexible and durable. These pipes are known for their versatility as they are used for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications.

Other than that, these pipes have unique properties that set them apart from the likes of PVC and CPVC pipes. Ask any leading HDPE pipe manufacturer about the go-to piping solution, and they will point you to HDPE thermoplastic pipes.

Let’s explore the unique properties of HDPE pipes that collectively make them so special and dependable.

What makes these pipes unique?

While some of these features are similar to other plastic pipe variants, the HDPE piping system is special as it brings all these features together.

Corrosion-resistant

These pipes do not rust or get corrosion making them an excellent choice for the transfer of water, chemicals, gas, sewage, and for geothermal plants. The corrosion resistance property gives these pipes an edge over metal pipes.

Chemically inert and resistant

Another reason why these pipes are widely preferred over metal pipes is that they are chemically inert meaning that they do not bring out any chemical activity no matter the material that comes into contact.

Highly flexible

One of the best unique features of an HDPE pipe is its sheer flexibility. This makes it easier to use the pipe in various industries. The high flexibility is due to material quality and the fact that these pipes are fused with homogenous welding.

Low maintenance

Being corrosion resistant, chemically inert, and homogeneously fused, these pipes are leak-proof, long-lasting and immune to bacteria and fungi. Therefore, HDPE piping systems are cost-effective in the long run.

Lightweight yet strong

These pipes are lighter in weight but stronger as compared to steel, concrete, and other plastic pipes making them an ideal choice for heavy load-bearing applications. This is one of the key features that’s helping leading HDPE pipe manufacturers make a fortune

Easy to install

Since these pipes are lightweight and do not require a solvent for joints, they make it easier to install a fantastic HDPE piping system in no time.

Cost-effective

Being lightweight saves a lot of cost on labour and heavy weight-lifting machines. This is another reason why big industries are turning their eyes to HDPE piping systems.

Highly durable & crush resistant 

Metal, concrete and low-quality plastic pipes can not stand water hammering for long. However, HDPE piping systems are highly durable and crush-resistant and can withstand high pressure.

Heavy flow rate

The smoother internal and external surfaces of these pipes allow the gas and liquid to flow with little to zero friction. Even solid particles can flow through these pipes without much turbulence.

Recyclable

Unlike most other plastic pipes, an HDPE pipe is recyclable and can easily be moulded into different shapes. Additionally, these pipes are environmental-friendly and do not emit toxic gases while manufacturing.

Why are HDPE Piping Systems so widely used?

Given all the characteristics that we have mentioned above, it is no surprise that HDPE piping systems are dominating in the piping industry. Let’s learn why these pipes are so widely used in different sectors.

Agricultural Usage

HDPE piping systems are easily a go-to choice for irrigation and other agricultural uses because they are corrosion resistant, chemically inert, prevent the growth of germs, support heavy water flow, and can withstand heavy water pressure, thanks to the flexible walls.

Industrial Usage

When it comes to industrial uses, HDPE piping systems carry out various functions, such as high-pressure pipelines, and the transfer of chemicals, gases, and wastewater.

Household Usage

HDPE piping systems are a good choice for the transfer of potable water in residential and commercial spaces as these pipes prevent the growth of bacteria and other germs, keeping the water safe and pure.

Other Usages

High-Density Polyethylene pipes are also suitable for telephone cable protection and oil transmission.

As a leading HDPE pipe manufacturer, Vectus uses only the best quality raw materials to manufacture HDPE pipe in the following standards:

 

PE 63 – 20 mm to 110 mm.

 

 

PE 80 – 20 mm to 110 mm.

 

 

PE 100 – 32 mm to 110 mm.

 

We hope this article helped you to learn more about High-Density Poly-Ethylene pipes.

 

What Is HDPE Pipe? Features And Applications Of HDPE Pipe

The full form of HDPE is High-Density Polyethylene. HDPE pipes are made through a process known as extrusion and in this process , HDPE material is heated to a semi-molten state and then it is forced through a die to form a tube. The tube is then cooled and cut to the desired length and which helps to solidify the material. This process ensures consistent quality and high durability of the final product. Thus, the final product is a high-quality, flexible, and durable pipe that can be used for a variety of applications. HDPE pipes are widely used in water supply, gas distribution, sewage and drainage systems, and industrial processes.  

FEATURES OF HDPE PIPE

HDPE pipes have several features making them a popular choice for various piping applications. Some of the features of HDPE are as follows:

1. Flexible
HDPE pipes are highly flexible, making them easy to install and handle during construction. These pipes can be bent and curved around easily reducing the need for fittings and making them a cost-effective solution.

2. Durable                                                                                     
HDPE pipes are exceedingly durable and they can withstand various environmental conditions such as high temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and chemicals-related other impacts. These features make them ideal for use in areas where there is a high risk of damage.                                             

3. Chemical-resistant 
HDPE pipes are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, salts, etc., and can be laid in marshy and corrosive soils without any coating or cathode-based protection.  So these pipes can be used in chemical processing and wastewater treatment plants.                            

4. Leak-Proof                                                                                                    
Since HDPE Pipes are connected by butt welding and electro-fusion welding making them leak-roof 

5. Lightweight                                                                                                      
HDPE pipes are lighter than traditional piping materials, such as concrete or steel, etc. which make them easier to handle and transport during installation.                         

6. Economical                                                                                                      
HDPE pipes are not much expensive in fact, they are less expensive than traditional piping materials, which helps to reduce the overall cost of a piping project.        

7. Long Service                                                                                                
HDPE pipes have a long service life and they are designed to last for decades, even in tough conditions reducing maintenance costs and the need for frequent replacements.

8. Environment-friendly 
HDPE pipes are made from recyclable material and are free from toxic chemicals which make them an environment-friendly choice for piping applications.                                                                                         

9. Reduced noise 
HDPE pipes have a lower coefficient of friction as compared to other piping materials, which helps to reduce noise levels during the transfer of liquids or gases.

APPLICATIONS OF HDPE PIPES
HDPE pipes are used immensely for several applications due to their unique features such as high flexibility, corrosion resistance, and so on.  Following are the important applications of HDPE pipes:                                                           

1. Water Supply                                                                                              
HDPE pipes are made of food-grade polyethylene virgin material, making it safe for the transfer of potable water. These pipes are used in private and public water supply systems due to their high resistance to corrosion, wear and tear, and chemical exposure.                                                                           

2. Sewerage and Drainage                                                                       
HDPE pipes are often used in sewerage and drainage systems due to their high resistance to chemicals and corrosiveness. These pipes are sturdy enough to withstand high pressure.                 

3. Mining                                                                                                               
HDPE pipes are also best-suited and ideal for use in mining applications, such as slurry transport and process water transport, etc. Since HDPE pipes are resistant to abrasion and impact, they are ideal for use in harsh environments.                                                                                                   

4. Gas Distribution 
HDPE pipes are generally used in gas distribution systems as they are highly resistant to chemicals and UV radiation.  Due to flexibility, these pipes are the best for use in areas with soil movement and seismic activity.                       

5. Cable Protection
HDPE pipes are used to protect underground electrical and telecommunications cables due to high resistance to chemical exposure and impact.       

6. Chemical Transportation                                                                      
Being chemical-resistant, HDPE pipes are used in the transport of chemicals and hazardous materials.

APL APOLLO HDPE PIPES QUALITY AND FEATURES
APL Apollo Pipes manufactures a wide range of HDPE pipes conforming to various standards of national and international repute. Manufactured with state-of-the-art technology, these pipes are lightweight, strong, long-lasting, maintenance-free, and flexible due to inherent elasticity. These pipes are tough due to their high flexural and impact strength. They are capable of withstanding high internal and external exertions by balancing internal as well as external soil pressure. In addition to it, they are resistant to chemicals and hostile corrosive soil, strongly resistant to acids, as well as alkalis, and can be laid in marshy and corrosive soils without any coating or cathode-based protection.

APL Apollo’s HDPE pipes are used immensely in potable water supply, telecom pipes, gas pipes, sewerage, and drainage pumping, and sprinkler irrigation systems.