HDPE piping is one of the things we do best here at US FUSION — but if you’re not working with it every day like we are, you may have some questions about what it is and how it works.
Below, we’ll explore the answers to some of those questions, giving you an overview of everything you need to know about HDPE piping: what it is, what it’s used for, and how it can benefit your application.
What Is HDPE Piping?
First things first — HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene, which is a type of thermoplastic made from petroleum. It’s flexible, but that definitely doesn’t mean it lacks in strength or performance. Among other things, HDPE is known for its outstanding water, chemical, and impact resistance — all qualities that come together to make it a top material choice for a number of applications, including heavy-duty piping.
What Is HDPE Piping Used For?
HDPE piping is corrosion and abrasion-resistant, making it a great material for transporting various solids, liquids, and gases safely and effectively. You can find HDPE piping being used for many industrial applications, some of the most common being:
- Municipal and industrial water and waste
- Potable water
- Wastewater and sewer
- Drainage
- Firewater
- Oil and gas gathering systems
- Methane recovery systems
- Landfills
- Water supply lines for oil recovery
The bottom line is, from firewater to hazardous waste, there is no system more effective at safely containing and transporting material than HDPE piping.
What Are the Benefits of HDPE Piping?
In recent years, HDPE piping has grown in popularity in various industries — and for good reason. Many have come to realize the countless benefits it brings, including:
HDPE Piping is Durable
Arguably the greatest benefit of HDPE piping is its exceptional durability. It offers water, temperature, and corrosion resistance — three things that other types of piping (galvanized steel, PVC, copper) just can’t do. Depending on how it’s applied, designed, and installed, HDPE piping can last an astounding 50-100 years.
It’s More Affordable Than Other Options on the Market
Since HDPE piping is made of plastic, it’s much more lightweight than other types of piping. This means that it usually costs less to manufacture, transport, and install. It can also help save money and resources in regards to reduced installation time and labor.
It Delivers High Performance Across Applications
One of the biggest issues you may face with other piping systems is leaks. However, HDPE’s installation and fusion process lends itself to unparalleled leak-free performance. The fusions create a monolithic connection and are even capable of handling the frequent surges common in water distribution and oil transportation.
Easy to Repair and Maintain
On the off chance that your HDPE piping does have performance issues, due to aging or normal wear and tear, repairs are simple. Electrofusion couplers and off carriage butt welds can be performed in tight conditions to repair HDPE pipe. With trenchless techniques and technologies, HDPE pipe can be used to repair failing steel, concrete, and ductile iron pipelines. If it’s time to replace or upsize your existing piping system, whether it’s an HDPE system or not, HDPE piping makes it easier than ever.
HDPE is a Sustainable Piping Option
For multiple reasons, HDPE piping is a fairly sustainable option. It takes less energy to manufacture than non-plastic pipes, requires fewer fittings due to its flexibility, and prevents hazardous toxins from escaping into the environment. It’s also capable of being recycled into non-pressure piping applications.
How Is HDPE Piping Installed?
HDPE pipes can be installed through two techniques: trenching and trenchless. Trenching involves digging deep trenches, then installing the pipe. It’s messier than the trenchless technique, but it works more effectively for certain applications.
Trenchless installation, as the name suggests, doesn’t require digging any trenches before the pipes can be installed. It makes use of many different techniques to get the job done, such as directional drilling, sliplining, and pull-in-place lining.
If you’d like to learn more about how HDPE piping may suit your application, contact US FUSION. We’re one of the only companies in the industry equipped with over 35 years of experience in complete installation, supply, and on-site fusion. All of that experience combines to deliver you some of the most specialized HDPE piping systems on the market.
