PE pipe ( polyethylene pipe ) has been produced in the world since the mid-1950s. Due to its versatility and the advantages it offers over iron, steel, and cement systems.
What Is Polyethylene Pipe?
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic material produced from the polymerization of ethylene. PE plastic pipe is manufactured by extrusion in sizes ranging from ½" to 63". PE is available in rolled coils of various lengths or in straight lengths up to 40 feet.
Generally, small diameters are coiled, and large diameters (>6" OD) are in straight lengths. PE pipe is available in many varieties of wall thicknesses based on three different dimensioning systems:
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Polyethylene Pipe Applications
These benefits make it an ideal piping material for various applications such as potable water service or distribution lines, natural gas distribution, lawn sprinklers, sewers, waste disposal, and drainage lines. PE materials are generally resistant to most ordinary chemicals.
Polyethylene can be used in low temperatures without the risk of brittle failure. Thus, a major application for certain PE piping formulations is for low-temperature heat transfer applications such as radiant floor heating, snow melting, ice rinks, and geothermal ground source heat pump piping.
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Is Polyethylene Pipe the Same as Pvc?
PVC is a durable vinyl polymer, whereas HDPE is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. Both pipes are strong through high temperatures. When comparing failure ratings when exposed to events like rain, stress, wind, heat, or cold, HDPE is proven to be more durable.
PVC pipes have a rating of one in 48,650 events; HDPE one in 10,000,000 events. Flexible PVC pipe, however, is more valuable for one-time projects.
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What Is the Problem with Polyethylene?
Polyethylene is incineration, which can result in harmful gas emissions. Polyethylene is mainly extracted from petroleum or natural gas, of which there is a finite amount.
Producing polyethylene takes a large amount of energy and also leads to high emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming and climate change.
Though it is technically possible to recycle the majority of plastic polymers, there are many different types to sort through, which is expensive and complex.
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Polyethylene pipe maintenance
Polyethylene Pipes and Fittings Are Widely Utilized for Gas (And Water) Distribution. Maintaining Their Integrity Is Critical to Long-Term Use Without Incident. It Is Important to Ensure That New Products Are Fit for Their Intended Use and to Understand the Effect of Environmental Factors During Installation and Use.
We Have Found That Contamination with Compounds Such as Bentonite-Based Clay That Is Commonly Used in Horizontal-Directional Drilling Mud Can Prevent Effective Joint Fusion, Potentially Creating Leaks with Adverse Ramifications.
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