High density polyethylene (HDPE) piping systems have been used for municipal and industrial water applications for over 50 years. Within PPI's Building & Construction Division, HDPE pipes are used for ground source geothermal applications, also known as earth energy or geoexchange systems.
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For other applications of HDPE piping systems, please refer to the webpages of PPI's other divisions.
HDPE is currently produced from compounds with pipe material designation codes of PE 3608 or PE 4710, and a color and ultraviolet stabilizer code of C or E, per ASTM D3350.
HDPE is available in both IPS (iron pipe size) and CTS (copper tube size) sizes. IPS sizes are more common in geothermal ground loop applications. HDPE tubing and pipe are produced in coils and straight lengths. Consult the specific HDPE manufacturer's literature and listings for appropriate pressure ratings.
High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic resin made by the copolymerization of ethylene and a small amount of another hydrocarbon. The resulting base resin density, before additives or pigments, is greater than 0.941 g/cm.
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 >3500 psi
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
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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.
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