HDPE pipe terminology - everything you need to know
Are you new to the HDPE piping world? No problem. Take a few minutes between projects to review the below collection of common HDPE pipe terminology and definitions. Once you have finished, please contact us for additional information and guidance or to discuss your company&#;s specific HDPE needs.
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HDPE: High density polyethylene (HDPE) refers to the thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. HDPE piping has a high strength-to-density ratio and highly bendable, allowing for pipe to be coiled. HDPE is lightweight, flexible, inexpensive and corrosion resistant. In addition to piping, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, geomembranes, grocery bags, toys, containers and plastic lumber.
IPS and DIPS: Iron Pipe Size or IPS represents the nominal diameter of the pipe. A 6-in. IPS pipe has an inside diameter of six inches. Ductile Iron Pipe Size or DIPS is used to specify the size of ductile iron pipe. Typically, IPS refers to black iron or carbon steel pipe while DIPS refers to cast/ductile iron pipe. IPS and DIPS are used in the HDPE market to replicate the familiar dimensions of these other IPS pipe is available in size ranging from ¾-in. to 65-in. diameters while DIPS is available from 4- in. to 36-in. diameters.
CTS: Copper Tube Size is specific to plumbing and potable water systems. In copper, the OD is always 1/8 inch larger that the nominal size of the pipe, and that has carried over to HPDE that is built to CTS sizes. As a replacement for traditional copper lines for water, a 2-in. HDPE pipe that follows CTS sizing standards would have an OD of 2 1/8 in. For water applications HDPE pipe can be sized as small as ¾ in OD.
Bend Radius: Bend radius, measured to the inside curvature, is the minimum radius one can bend a pipe, tube, sheet, cable or hose without kinking it, damaging it or shortening its life. The smaller the bend radius, the greater is the material flexibility. HDPE piping is more flexible than other competitive piping options, offering a smaller bend radius. However, exceeding minimum bend radiuses may result in mechanical failure and decreased longevity. And for HDPE-encased fiber-optic cabling, it is problematic, as exceeding minimum bend radius can cause light attenuation resulting in performance loss.
Dimension Ratio (DR): The Dimension Ratio (DR) is the ratio of the pipe outside diameter to the pipe minimum wall thickness. As diameters change, the pressure rating remains the same for the same material, dimension ratio and application.
Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR):
Certain Dimension Rations (DRs) that meet an ASTM International specified number series (32.5, 26, 21, 17, 13.5) are referred to as Standard Dimension Ratios (SDRs). There is approximately 25% difference in minimum wall thickness between each SDR.
Calculating SDR: SDR is defined as the ratio of the nominal outside diameter to the nominal wall thickness.
SDR = dn/en
Where dn is the nominal outside diameter of pipe and en is the nominal (minimum) wall thickness of the pipe.
Carbon Black (CB): Carbon Black products are additives used to improve the strength and performance of HDPE pipe. CBs are typically used to improve UV resistance and to reduce or lower moisture absorption in pipe
Coefficient of friction: Coefficient of friction measures the amount of friction existing between two surfaces. As this measurement relates to piping, a lower coefficient of friction typically means less friction damage in piping (example: outer layer wear). To find the coefficient of friction (fr) use this formula:
Fr/N = fr
Where Fr is the resistive friction force and N is the normal force pushing on objects.
Surge pressure - Recurring and occasional: American Water Works Association standard AWWA C901 defines two types of surge pressure, recurring and occasional. The safe peak pressure or allowed total pressure for HDPE pipe is 1.5 times the pipe&#;s pressure rating for recurring surge and 2.0 times the pipe&#;s pressure rating for occasional surge.
Temperature derating: Materials rated for operating pressures or tensions at a standard temperature, must be &#;derated&#; when temperatures increase. Derating is usually expressed graphically or in terms of derating factors. HDPE piping loses its strength to pressure and tension as temperature is increased.
FM approved: FM Approvals is a third-party testing and certification service. FM Approved-HDPE pipe and fittings are subjected to more severe performance testing. The five-step certification process includes product review, testing, and manufacturing facility audits.
UL Rating: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global safety science company and third-party certification company founded in . The company tests products and technologies for safety. Beginning in , UL published a series of standards for polymer raceway products, including rigid PVC conduit as well as HDPE conduit.
Seismic loading: Seismic loading is one of the basic concepts of earthquake engineering which includes application of a seismic oscillation to a structure. It happens at contact surfaces of a structure either with the ground or with adjacent structures.
According to an Electric Power Research Institute report Nondestructive Evaluation: Seismic Design Criteria for Polyethylene Pipe Replacement Code Case, there are two potential sources for seismic loads on the piping: loads from wave propagation in the soil and from seismic anchor motion of the buildings that form the boundary for the buried pipe.
Most of these definitions come from industry-recognized sources such as PPI. See below for a complete list of sources.
About United Poly Systems
United Poly Systems produces quality HDPE pipe in diameters from ¾-in. to 26-in. IPS, 4-in. to 24-in. DIPS, and ¾-in. to 2-in. CTS for use in many industries including telecommunications, power utility, water, electrical and oil and gas. The market for HDPE pipe continues to expand as initiatives to improve, repair and expand the country&#;s infrastructure are implemented.
Our off-the-shelf HDPE conduit/pipe is available in a variety of sizes, colors, dimensions and lengths, with or without stripes. We also offer fully customizable HDPE conduit options. In addition, piping can be customized with a ribbed interior (to maximize the distance cable may be pulled or jetted), pull tape, or a lubricated interior (for easier installation).
Success at UPS can be attributed to our vast experience, extensive client relationships, state-of-the-art manufacturing and quality processes. Our agile business model that allows UPS to quickly meet customers&#; needs without the overhead expenses that are incurred by many of the larger producers in the industry.
Conveniently located in Springfield, Missouri and Albuquerque, New Mexico, United Poly Systems can provide quick delivery to a majority of the U.S. market.
What is High-Density Polyethylene? (HDPE)
What is High-Density Polyethylene?
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is a natural gas-derived thermoplastic known for its impressive tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and impact resistance. These traits make it the ideal material choice for piping in a wide range of applications including pressure and non-pressure pipe, conduit and drainage. WL Plastics manufactures HDPE pipes for potable water systems, mining operations, oil and gas collection, wastewater removal, protecting fiber optic cables, natural gas distribution and more.
HDPE pipes are durable and resistant to physical damage, corrosion, common chemicals, and other environmental hazards. They are a cost-effective choice for long-term piping needs. Learn more about HDPE, including the material&#;s unique features, benefits, and applications.
Structure
High Density Polyethylene is a polymer. Polymer molecules are made of repeating chains called monomers. The monomer that makes up HDPE is ethylene, with the chemical formula of (C2H4)n. Catalysts are then added creating new ethylene co-monomers on the ends of the polymer chain. Since the polymer has a simple structure with minimal branching, it forms tightly packed chains that give the material its strength, flexibility, and stability. Because of its strength and durability, HDPE is the most widely used type of plastic, representing 34% of all plastic made.
HDPE has a:
Density of 0.944-0.965 g/cm
3
Tensile strength of > psi
The company is the world’s best 8 Inch HDPE Pipe supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Thermal coefficient of expansion of 8 x 10
-6
Maximum continuous use temperature of 140° F
Slow Crack Growth Resistance PENT of >10,000 hours
Benefits of HDPE
HDPE is a ductile and strong pipe material that can stand up to harsh environmental conditions. This makes it both versatile and cost-effective for pipes, storage containers, and other applications.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HDPE
Malleability
HDPE stays solid and rigid until it reaches its high melting point, but once it reaches that point, it can be molded into any shape. This malleability allows HDPE to be made into everything from food packaging to playground equipment.
Easy Recyclability
HDPE is one of the easiest types of plastics to recycle, which helps companies take care of the environment and save costs. Recycling materials minimizes plastic production expenses and allows companies to market their products as more sustainable, which is an incentive for many customers.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
HDPE can withstand different weather and environmental conditions, including rain, common chemicals, acids, solvents, and detergents. Strong acids and bases can occur naturally in soil, so HDPE pipes are a suitable option for underground piping.
Applications of HDPE in Piping
HDPE is an excellent material for pipes in a range of settings.
Agriculture and Irrigation
HDPE piping can provide irrigation for gardens, farms, and other settings. This includes intake and delivery pipes for flood irrigation and sprinklers for watering crops, lawns, gardens, or golf courses. For orchards and nurseries that require drip irrigation, HDPE piping is both strong and lightweight.
Using HDPE to transport drinking water avoids the risk of corrosion that comes with metal piping while maintaining a leak free system.
Sewage, Waste, and Industrial Effluent Disposal
HDPE pipes are a good solution for residential sewage disposal, fertilizer transportation, and waste disposal in the petrochemical industry. H2S gas from these applications does not harmfully affect HDPE pipe.
Electrical and Communications Conduits
HDPE piping can provide secure coverage for electrical and telecommunications cables because of its resistance to water and other environmental hazards. The material can prevent cable malfunctions due to damage.
Drainage Pipes
Piping to drain surface water, rainwater, and subsoil water needs to be strong and corrosion-resistant. HDPE pipes work well for drainage as well as wastewater mains.
Gas Mains/Distribution
Polyethylene pipes are the most commonly used pipe in the transfer and distribution of natural gas to customers. This is because of its leak-free joining system, strength, flexibility and low cost.
HDPE vs. Other Materials
To fully understand the benefits of HDPE, consider the material in comparison with its common alternatives in water applications.
Ductile Iron
Ductile iron is commonly used for industrial water and sewage pipes. The main benefit touted by ductile iron manufacturers is its tensile strength being higher than other types of thermoplastics. However, it is more expensive and susceptible to corrosion.
PVC
PVC is a vinyl polymer, while HDPE is a thermoplastic. PVC has a higher tensile strength than HDPE pipe but is less flexible. PVC is not resistant to UV damage and is susceptible to fatigue failures due to surge events. PVC and ductile iron both use bell and spigot joints which can leak where HDPE pipe has a fused joint system that is leak-free.
Reliable HDPE Piping Solutions From WL Plastics
High-density polyethylene is a versatile thermoplastic made of ethylene monomers. The material&#;s simple, linear molecular structure makes it strong, dense, and durable. It is resistant to heat, cold, corrosion, and water damage, which means it is an ideal material for underground pipes in many applications.
WL Plastics&#; HDPE pipes meet industry standards, strict safety regulations, and specific customer needs. With nine state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the United States, we have the capacity to produce more than 800 million pounds of HDPE piping per year. Our high-volume production allows us to manufacture these pipes at the lowest possible cost for our customers while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Contact WL Plastics today to discuss how we can provide HDPE piping that fits your company&#;s needs.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website HDPE Pipe Price.
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