What Does High Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE) Mean In Construction?

What Does High Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE) Mean In Construction?

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic resin made by the copolymerization of ethylene and a small amount of another hydrocarbon.

It is lightweight, super strong and can easily be molded into any shape. HDPE piping systems are used for municipal and industrial water applications, as well as for other applications such as geothermal ground loop systems.

HDPE pipes are also used in infrastructure construction, such as for conveying fluid or gas at low temperatures.

The properties of HDPE make it an excellent material for piping, providing a cost effective solution with many benefits such as being resistant to corrosion and abrasion, having a long service life, and being flexible enough to be bent on site to a radius twenty-five times the nominal pipe diameter.

What Are The Advantages Of HDPE Pipe?

The advantages of HDPE pipe include good low-temperature impact resistance, excellent chemical resistance, safety of potable water, long-term durability, lightweight and easy to install, recyclability to create other products, suitable for water pressure levels up to 1,500 psi and temperatures of -30°F to 160°F, no need for expensive maintenance or cathodic protection, smaller PE pipe can carry an equivalent volumetric flow rate at the same pressure due to its smoother surface than steel or iron pipes, reduced need for fittings due to heat fusion joints being as strong as the pipe itself and virtually leak free.

HDPE pipes are also resistant to shifting soils and perform well in earthquake-prone areas.

Additionally, HDPE pipes are produced in straight lengths or in coils which reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment during installation.

Is HDPE As Strong As Steel?

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is not as strong as steel. HDPE has an ultimate tensile strength of 4,600 psi, while Grade 304 stainless steel has an ultimate tensile strength of 73,200 psi.

HDPE is also softer than steel and can be damaged by impacts or heavy loads more easily than steel.

However, HDPE does have some advantages over steel. It is more resistant to scratches and graffiti than metal, and it is also lighter and more cost-efficient to install than carbon steel.

Additionally, HDPE has superior chemical resistance to corrosion compared to steel, making it a better option for disposal of brine.

Which Is Better PVC Or HDPE?

It is difficult to definitively say which material is better for piping applications, PVC or HDPE, as both have advantages and disadvantages.

PVC is a durable vinyl polymer that has a higher tensile strength than HDPE pipe, making it suitable for direct burial and trenchless applications. However, PVC pipes are more prone to water leakage through joints due to their stiffness.

HDPE is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum that is softer and more bendable than PVC.

This makes it better suited for lower pressure, tight bending radius situations.

Additionally, HDPE pipes can be joined underwater while PVC cannot, and HDPE can withstand the sun’s UV rays for up to 20 years while PVC may not last three years.

Overall, when looking for a more suitable pipe for lower pressure applications, HDPE is the better choice due to its flexibility and resistance to damage from water hammer and fatigue.

However, both materials are popular choices in various categories of trenchless technology due to their suitability for buried wastewater and water pipe applications.

What Are Two Properties Of HDPE?

Two properties of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) are its high strength-to-density ratio and its resistance to chemicals.

HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber due to its strength-to-density ratio.

It is also resistant to many chemicals, making it a popular choice for garden containers and milk bottles.

Additionally, HDPE is available in a variety of grades for different applications such as FDA compliant for cutting boards, UV stabilized for outdoor environments, and orthotic and prosthetic grade for medical applications.

How Long Will HDPE Pipe Last?

HDPE pipe is a flexible, corrosion-resistant plastic pipe that is generally lighter in weight and more cost-effective than metal pipe.

It can operate in temperatures ranging from -220° F to 140°F. According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, HDPE pipe used in municipal potable water systems can have a lifespan of over 100 years.

This is supported by a study which found that PE pipe can last in excess of one hundred years under most water quality conditions, service environments and disinfection methods.