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What Is HDPE Pipe Types and Design of HDPE Pipes With PDF
What Is HDPE Pipe Types and Design of HDPE Pipes With PDF
What Is HDPE Pipe Types and Design of HDPE Pipes With PDF
HDPE pipe is a flexible plastic pipe made of thermoplastic high-density polyethylene widely
used for low-temperature fluid and gas transfer. In recent times, HDPE pipes got their
extensive uses for carrying potable water, hazardous wastes, various gases, slurry, firewater,
stormwater, etc. The strong molecular bond of HDPE pipe materials helps it to use for high-
pressure pipelines. Polyethylene pipes have a long and distinguished service history for gas,
oil, mining, water, and other industries. Due to its low weight and high corrosion resistance,
the HDPE pipe industry is growing tremendously. In the year 1953, Karl Ziegler and Erhard
Holzkamp discovered high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE pipes can work satisfactorily
in a wide temperature range of -2200 F to +1800 F. However, the use of HDPE Pipes is not
suggested when the fluid temperature exceeds 1220 F (500 C).
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Pressure Consideration for HDPE Pipes
Advantages of HDPE Pipes
Disadvantages of HDPE Pipes
HDPE Pipe Frequently Asked Questions
HDPE pipes are made by the polymerization of ethylene, a by-product of oil. Various
additives (stabilizers, fillers, plasticizers, softeners, lubricants, colorants, flame retardants,
blowing agents, crosslinking agents, ultraviolet degradable additives, etc.) are added to
produce the final HDPE pipe and components. HDPE pipe lengths are made by heating the
HDPE resin. It is then extruded through a die, which determines the diameter of the pipeline.
The Pipe wall thickness is determined by a combination of the die size, the speed of the
screw, and the speed of the haul-off tractor. Usually, 3-5% carbon black is added to HDPE to
make it UV resistant, which turns HDPE pipes black in color. Other color variants are
available but usually not used frequently. Colored or striped HDPE pipe is usually 90-95%
black material, where a colored stripe is provided on 5% of the outside surface.
Governing Codes: ISO 1183, ISO 4427, AS/ NZS 4130, BS EN 12201, EN 12056,
AWWA C901, AWWA C906, etc
Available size range: DN 16 to 1600 (However, other customized sizes can be
manufactured)
The density of HDPE Pipe: 930-970 kg/m3
Typical Mechanical Properties of HDPE Pipe are given in Table 1 below. However,
these values vary from one manufacturer to another. So, must be consulted with the
manufacturer.
Elongation 10%
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Types of HDPE Pipes
Depending on maximum pressure withstanding capability, HDPE Pipes are classified into
several pressure grades known as PN grades. They are
Again, based on the types of materials used HDPE pipes are grouped into the following
types:
The numbers following PE indicate the minimum required strength in Bar at 200 C for 50
years life span corresponding to ISO-4427. The rated working pressure of HDPE pipes is
determined at 200 C. For higher temperatures, a derating factor (Table 2 Below) is used to
determine the maximum pressure to which the HDPE Pipe can be subjected.
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>20-25 0.9
>25-30 0.8
>30-35 0.7
>35-40 0.6
>40-45 0.5
>45-50 0.4
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As HDPE Pipe manufacturing is a continuous process, pipes of any length can be
manufactured. However, due to transportation requirements and ease of handling at the site,
the HDPE pipe length is limited and normally produced in standard lengths of 6, 10, 12, 15,
24, and 30 meters. HDPE Pipe lengths of 50 and 100 meters can be produced on request.
Various types of mechanical joints can be used for joining HDPE pipes to HDPE or dissimilar
pipes. They are
Plug-in joint
Snap joint
Screw-thread joint
Flanged joint
Contraction sleeve
Sleeve coupling
Metal coupling
Rubber collar joint
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Fig. 1: HDPE Pipe Joining Methods
Bends
Elbows
Reducers
Branches
End caps
Electrofusion couplers
Mechanical connection fittings
Traps
Sanitary fittings
Spare parts
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Fig. 2: Typical HDPE Pipe Fittings
Temperature: For pressure systems, the use of HDPE pipes is usually limited to -400C
to 500 C. For non-pressure services, higher temperatures can be used. Consult with
the manufacturer for getting information about their product. Note that, the coefficient of
linear thermal expansion for HDPE pipes is approximately 10 times higher than that of
metal pipes. So, the potential of thermal expansion due to temperature fluctuations is
very high and must be considered in the design. A typical Thumb rule is HDPE pipes
will expand or contract by 0.2mm per meter per °C increase or decrease in
temperature.
Internal Pressure
Chemical exposure
Potential mechanical impact or loading: Extra protection must be given if the HDPE
pipe is installed in a region of high traffic or mechanical abuse.
Ultraviolet radiation: To safeguard against ultraviolet radiation effects, black HDPE
pipes containing a minimum of 2% carbon black are selected.
Standard Dimension Ratio or SDR is defined as the ratio between the outside HDPE
Pipe diameter and the wall thickness.
The hydrostatic design stress of the HDPE material being used (PE63, PE 80, PE100)
for HDPE Pipe Manufacturing.
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The maximum and minimum operating temperatures.
The duration and variability of the stress applied by the internal hydrostatic pressure
during hydrostatic testing.
The chemical resistance of the HDPE pipe for the service chemical (the standard
pressure rating is based on a pipe carrying water).
Usually, HDPE pipe can withstand short-term hydrostatic water pressures that are
considerably higher than the pressure rating, or class. But the duty of the HDPE pipe should
always be determined following the pipe’s long-term strength at 20°C to ensure a design life
of at least 50 years.
Barlow’s Formula is also applicable for HDPE piping that is related to the internal pressure,
pipe outer diameter, wall thickness, and circumferential hoop stress and is given by
p = 2 x t x σ /d or alternatively t = p x d/(2.σ + p)
Here:
The design hoop stresses for HDPE pipe materials are considered as follows as given in ISO
4427:
PE 63: 5 MPa
PE 80: 6.3 MPa
PE100: 8 MPa
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Lower maintenance cost
High Quality
Reduced installation cost
Due to its flexible shape, simple to use on slopes.
Simple joining methods.
Not affected by underground movements (Seismic Resistant)
Bad conductor of electricity.
low-friction
Ability to dampen water-shock
Sun-resistant
Non-stick surface.
Leak-free due to its seamless nature.
Prefabricated HDPE pipe sections can be easily installed
The full form of HDPE is High-Density Polyethylene. This hydrocarbon polymer is produced
from petroleum by a catalytic process. Famous for its tensile strength in a similar product
category, High-Density Poly Ethylene is a kind of thermoplastic.
Both HDPE and PVC are considered plastics. However, they are not the same. HDPE is a
thermoplastic made from petroleum and PVC is a durable vinyl polymer. While comparing
HDPE and PVC, HDPE due to its flexibility, high strength-to-density ratio, no corrosion, and
chemical stability is a strong choice for low-pressure and low-temperature applications.
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HDPE or High-density polyethylene pipe is widely used to carry potable water, slurries,
wastewater, chemicals, hazardous wastes, and compressed gases. They have been used in
various industries like gas, oil, mining, water, and other industries.
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