Properties of HDPE pipe fittings and UPVC pipe fittings
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 the 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 polyethene
(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).
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, 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 into the black in color. Other color variants are
available but usually not used frequently. Coloured or striped HDPE pipe is usually 90-95% black material, where a colored
stripe is provided on 5% of the outside surface.
Properties of HDPE Pipes
The physical and mechanical properties of a typical HDPE Pipe is listed below:
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.
The
HDPE pipe fittings can be performed in several ways as
described below. It should be noted that based on the type of the fittings included in the specifications of the design one
should do pipe fittings in different parts of the plan. HDPE pipes are usually produced with two simple ends. Therefore, in
order to establish a connection between the two branches, it is necessary to connect one simple end of a branch to the other
simple end with a connection to each other. The various methods used to connect HDPE pipes, accessories and valves, are as
follows:
1- Thermal Butt (
HDPE Butt Fusion
Fittings)
2- Thermal bushing
3- Electro Fusion(
HDPE
Electrofusion Fittings)
4- Flange
5- Extrusion
6- Bolting
7- Rubber gasket latching
It should be explained that all of the above methods are currently not applicable due to the lack of production of the
necessary supplies in the country, but the explanations needed to use them, if produced, are given. The consultant engineer
will determine the pipe connection method according to the facilities available at the time of work in the specifications of
the design. At the moment, the butt thermal connection is used for the main projects of HDPE piping and the flange connection
is used for special fittings. The contractor is required to provide arrangements, and qualified personnel for any method
specified in the layout specifications, and, accordingly, proceed with the connection.
What is UPVC?
UPVC Pipe Fittings stand for Unplasticized polyvinyl
chloride. Due to its strong resistance to chemicals, and elements of nature, UPVC makes an ideal choice for residential and
commercial plumbing constructions. It also includes
UPVC Gasketed Fittings and
UPVC Solvent Weld Fittings.
Key Features of UPVC Pipes
Here are some of the main features of UPVC pipes that you should know: Harder than PVC.While manufacturing UPVC pipes,
additional plasticizing polymers are not used. This is the reason why UPVC pipes have more rigid consistency than PVC pipes.
Eco-friendly and chemical resistant. UPVC pipes
are manufactured using eco-friendly and virgin unplasticized polyvinyl chloride compounds. Thanks to UPVC’s chemical
resistance, it has become integral to plumbing.
Lightweight and hassle-free.
These are light in weight, durable, and resilient. Plus, UPVC pipes also ensure low or no maintenance. As these are 1/5th
the specific weight of steel pipes, it ensures lower transportation cost and easy installation.
Long-lasting durability.
These pipes are mineral resistant, corrosion-proof, and withstand the effects of hardware conditions. Therefore, these
pipes do not corrode or scale. UPVC pipes offer high strength and UV resistance.
Cost effective
Easy to install, these drainage pipes also offer low installation and operational costs. Also, because they are tough and
durable, they save the cost of replacement in the long run.