Most of the piping systems that are used for either industrial water application or by municipal use high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes since more than 50 years.
Various compounds are used for producing HDPE material and pipes are the most common application of such materials. It is available in both iron pipe size as well as copper tube sizes which are commonly used for geothermal applications. You can find HDPE pipes and tubing both as a coil and also in straight lengths. You may refer to the manufacturer’s catalog to choose right HDPE pipes of any particular pressure ratings as per your need.
HDPE can be defined as plastic resin which is made with small amount of hydrocarbon and copolymerization of ethylene. For the success of geothermal system of the ground source piping material is very important. There must be chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, impact resistance, flexibility, resistance to growth of any slow crack, temperature resistance and long-term hydrostatic strength properties in the pipes.
HDPE is considered as durable and tough piping material which can perform in a range of applications by using different construction techniques. HDPE material was used for piping material by ground source geothermal industries for a very long time. It is because of its combination of characteristics that is suitable to meet the demand for all these applications that are mentioned above.
HDPE materials are also found to be suitable for wholesale plastic jug’s that is also used for supplying and storing water. In the USA, this is an approved material for the use of all kinds of geothermal ground loops.
HDPE Advantages
Following are few advantages of this high-density polyethylene materials:
- For long-term reliability and safety of potable water this material is suitable
- Offers resistance to tuberculation, corrosion, deposits
- Flexibility to speed installations
- Lightweight, easy to transport
- Toughness and durability to survive jobsite installations
- Freeze-break resistance
- Recyclable as well as eco-friendly material
- Because Of its low scrap value there is no chances of theft from jobsite
- No flame used for joining
- Heat fusible for virtually leak-free performance
- Many different fittings and joining options
Few Disadvantages of HDPE
- Difficult to bond
- Flammable
- High thermal expansion
- Poor temperature capability
- Poor weathering resistance
- Subject to stress cracking
This kind of high-density polyethylene have densities in the range of 0.97 g/cm^ which is not too high as compared to low density polyethylene.