What is the lifespan and economy of HDPE pipes?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic known for its high strength-to-density ratio, flexibility, and chemical stability, making it ideal for pressure and non-pressure piping applications. HDPE pipes are usually made using PE100 resin, which has a density ranging from 930 to 970 kg/m3, which is about 7 times that of steel. The lighter pipe is easier to transport and install. At the same time, HDPE has very high strength and good insulation. HDPE is not affected by the galvanic-based corrosion processes common in pipes exposed to salts, acids, and alkalis.
The smooth surface of the pipes will not corrode; with low friction, plastic pipes are less susceptible to microbial growth. This ability to resist corrosion damage and provide constant flow makes HDPE pipes very low maintenance. HDPE pipes can be made with a reinforced resin classified as PE100-RC, which increases slow crack growth properties.
The pipes produced can have a very long service life, and HDPE has economic advantages throughout the life cycle of the project.
The Economics of Long HDPE Life
Now that the durability of HDPE has been established and these properties are used for HDPE pipes in water infrastructure applications, economics are important. Compared with ductile iron pipes, the most obvious advantage of using the pipes is that they can prevent leaks. There are two types of pipe leaks: joint leaks (mainly occurring through pipe joints and punctures), and burst and puncture leaks (caused by longitudinal cracks and circumferential ruptures). This problem is also easy to deal with.
Large-diameter pipes are extremely durable and reliable and can operate for decades when buried underground with little maintenance, making them ideal for wastewater treatment applications. The durability of HDPE pipe increases with its size, and this pipe exhibits incredible resistance to shock. In a case study of the 1995 Great Earthquake in Kobe, Japan, where all other pipes in the city’s infrastructure failed at least once every 3 kilometers of pipe, HDPE pipes had zero failures throughout the system.
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