What are HDPE Pipes? All Information You Need Before Buying Them

You would have heard of an HDPE pipe and PE pipe if you ever had to get one for your home. PE pipes have become a popular pipe material and are widely used in chemical and mechanical industrial applications. One similarity between these two types of pipes is that they both are made using high-density polythene material. According to several experts, an HDPE pipe is considered to be a classification or sub-category of PE pipes. This article aims to explain all facts and characteristics of HDPE pipes.

Properties of HDPE Pipes-

• Yield Strength- 18-26 Mpa
• Elastic Modulus- 900 Mpa
• Hardness- 61 Rockwell (Shore)
• Poisson’s Ratio- 0.45
• Linear Coefficient of thermal expansion- 0.17 mm/m-0C
• Brittleness temperature- <-700C

Material Used For Constructing the pipes

High-density polythene pipes or HDPE pipes are constructed using a crystalline, non-polar thermoplastic resin material. The outer appearance of an HDPE pipe is white in color and is translucent in certain areas. Polythene plastic pipes or PE pipe is the most basic kind of plumbing pipe. A high-density polythene plastic pipe or HDPE pipe is a kind of PE pipe. PE pipes that are double-wall corrugated are known as HDPE pipes.

Different Types of PE pipes Available in the Market

1. LDPE or low-density polythene pipe– This type of pipe is also known as high-pressure polyethene pipes. These pipes are constructed using the lightest polyethene resin. This plastic resin is odourless, white in color, glossy, and non-toxic. The main characteristic of this type of pipe is- softness, flexibility, insulation, transparency, and extensibility. Apart from this, LDPE pipes have other characteristics too. These include- cold-resistant, moisture resistant, and oil-resistant. LDPE is widely used in the petroleum industry and as film products, such as agricultural films, packaging films, heavy packing bags, etc.
   
   
2. MDPE or medium-density polyethene pipes– The main characteristics of this type of pipe include- log lasting strength and crack-resistant. Thìs medium density material is helpful in power molding, packaging films, wire coatings, and other types of waterproof materials. Apart from being used in pipes, this material is also used for manufacturing films and containers.
   
   
3. HDPE or high-density polythene pipes– HDPE pipes are manufactured using high-density polythene, which has a wax-like sticky consistency and is white in color. This material is soft and lighter than LDPE. the characteristics that make HDPE a suitable material for pipes are-

• Heat-resistant and cold-resistant
• Chemical stability
• Toughness
• High mechanical strength
• High tensile strength
• Wear-resistant

Other than used for constructing pipes, HDPE is also used in the following applications-

1. Used in manufacturing containers, toys, corks, and accessories.
2. Used in manufacturing pipes, strapping belts, and wire and cables.
3. Used in manufacturing hollow containers, decorative panels, synthetic wood, synthetic paper and films.

Benefits of using HDPE pipes

The two main characteristics of HDPE pipes are toughness and chemical resistance, which have made the pipes a durable and cost-effective solution to all plumbing issues. As per the latest release from the Plastic Pipe Institute, PE pipes have been used extensively in Europe and American domestic and commercial buildings since the 1950s to solve leakage, corrosion, and durability troubles.

HDPE pipes can easily be joined using different kinds of weldings, including butt, socket, electrofusion welding. This welding process is essential to make the hold stronger and long-lasting. This does not require rubber seals or any other types of chemical holds to secure the connection. Apart from this the chemical and environmental pollution caused is also less.

HDPE pipes are cost-effective solutions to all piping issues. They are durable, flexible and can easily withstand temperature changes.

According to experts, HDPE pipes can last for about 50 years, and some can even reach the 100-year mark. However, many experts believe that these pipes can easily withstand the wear and tear caused by time and last for more than 100 years.

HDPE pipes were extensively used for fluid and gas transfer. However, in recent years, they are also being used for carrying potable water, hazardous wastes and even firewater.

Since these pipes are able to withstand high amounts of pressure, they are used for supplying high-pressure water for mining, water, gas, oil industries. In addition, its low weight and anti-corrosive properties make it a popular choice for most plumbers.

Types of HDPE Pipes

Based on the different grade levels, HDPE pipes are divided into several pressure grades. These are-

• PN 2.5 – maximum pressure 2.5 bar
• PN 4 – maximum pressure 4 bar
• PN 6 – maximum pressure 6 bar
• PN 10 – maximum pressure 10 bar
• PN 16 – maximum pressure 16 bar
• PN 20 – maximum pressure 20 bar
• PN 25 – maximum pressure 25 bar

HDPE is completely safe for carrying drinking water. This makes them highly popular in the water industry.