Potable Water Benefits - HDPE

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Solid Wall Pipe has been used in Potable Water applications since the '60's, and has been gaining approval and growth in municipalities ever since. HDPE Pipe is specified and/or approved in AWWA C901, AWWA C906, NSF 14, NSF 61 and ASTM International D. Some distinctive advantages of HDPE pipe that provide important benefits for water applications are listed below:

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Durability

1. Heat Fused Joints -- Benefits

• HDPE pipe can be heat fused together to form a joint that is as strong or stronger than the pipe itself and is leak free.
• This eliminates the potential leak points every 10-20 feet as found with PVC and Ductile Iron bell and spigot connections.
• The Life Cycle Cost of HDPE pipe differs from other pipe materials because the "allowable water leakage" is zero rather than typical leakage rates of 10 to 20% for PVC and Ductile Iron.
• HDPE pipe fused joints are self restraining and costly thrust restraints or thrust blocks are not required.
• HDPE pipe's fused joints simply do not leak, eliminating infiltration and exfiltration problems experienced with alternate pipe joints.

2. Flexible and Fatigue Resistant -- Benefits

• HDPE pipe can be bent to a radius 25 times the nominal pipe diameter (Example: 12" HDPE can be cold formed in the field to a 25ft radius). This can eliminate many fittings required for directional changes in a piping system where fittings and thrust blocks or restraints are required with alternate materials.
• The flexibility of HDPE pressure pipe makes it well suited for dynamic soils including areas prone to earthquake.
• HDPE pressure pipe can accept repetitive pressure surges that significantly exceed the static pressure rating of the pipe.

High-density polyethylene or HDPE is a commonly used petroleum thermoplastic and the most used of the three polyethylenes for a wide range of applications. If you look at this plastic under a microscope, you would see that it has a linear structure with few branches lending to its optimal strength/density ratio. As a result of its molecular makeup, this polymer shines brightest in applications where moisture resistance and cost-effectiveness are needed.

HDPE was created in the s and used in high-frequency radar cables during World War II. It was introduced to the market commercially soon after. While its higher density versions yield a more rigid result, HDPE can vary in flexibility. Low-density grades of the thermoplastic are less stiff and the high-density grades have equally high crystallinity.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of HDPE

Even with its popularity, there are some advantages and disadvantages you should consider before using HDPE for your application:

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Advantages

• Cost-effective
• Can withstand temperatures from -148 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit
• Non-leaching
• UV-resistant
• Dishwasher safe
• Resistant to most chemical solvents
• Stiff material

Disadvantages

• Poor weathering resistance
• Flammable
• Sensitive to stress cracking
• Difficult to bond

4 Common Uses for HDPE

1. Plastic bottles: Most people are informally introduced to the durable plastic through water bottles. HDPE is great for blow-molding applications, particularly food and beverage containers because it won&#;t leach into the bottles&#; contents. In addition, HDPE is recyclable which makes it a great choice for these highly disposable products.
2. Toys: HDPE is UV resistant which helps keep the toys resistant to the ray&#;s damaging and discoloring effects.
3. Chemical containers: With its chemical resistant properties, HDPE is great for laundry, shampoo, conditioner, household cleaning products, motor oil, antifreeze and recycling bins. The strength of these bottles is increased when they&#;ve been colored or pigmented.
4. Pipe systems: HDPE pipe grade sheet has a higher molecular weight compared to the standard HDPE used in the above examples. This strengthening with its UV-resistance makes it ideal for piping and outdoor applications. Pipe grade sheet has the ability to withstand -220 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. It&#;s durable in most chemical interactions which make it useful in a lot of industrial applications.

AC Plastics has HDPE industrial sheets including pipe grade, smooth sheet, and matte sheet to suit a wide range of applications. No matter how large or small your order is, we can fulfill your order. Order today, or call us to speak to one of our specialists.

The Advantages of HDPE Include

• Affordable
• High-Quality
• Operate and Harsh Temperatures
• Non-Leaching
• UV Resistant
• Resistant to most Chemicals
• Stiff Material
• Amazing Durability
• Highly Versatile

The Disadvantages of HDPE Include

• Poor Weathering
• Highly Flammable
• Sensitive to Stress Cracking
• Not Biodegradable
• Can't Be Composted
• Not Resistant to Oxidizing Acids
• Not Resistant to Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
• High Thermal Expansion
• Poor Temperature Capability

The Top Uses for HDPE Include

• Shampoo Bottles
• Toys
• Chemical Containers
• Pipe Systems
• Milk Jugs
• Recycling Bins
• Grocery Bags
• Cereal Box Liners
• Flower Pots