WHAT IS HDPE PIPE?
DRD's HDPE PIPES are environmentally friendly - these HDPE enviropipes are more sustainable than using steel or concrete pipes

HDPE Pipe or PE Pipe is a robust, flexible piping system, used for fluid and gas transfer across the world.

Polyethylene’s toughness, immunity from corrosion, excellent resistance to chemicals and low weight have contributed to its continued appeal for use in situations where cost-effective and reliable piping systems are required such as activities like horizontal direct drilling.

Wikipedia states: “HDPE is known for its large strength to density ratio. The density of HDPE can range from 930 to 970 kg/m3. Although the density of HDPE is only marginally higher than that of low-density polyethylene, HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger inter-molecular forces and tensile strength than LDPE. The difference in strength exceeds the difference in density, giving HDPE a higher specific strength. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/ 248 °F for short periods).

High-density polyethylene, unlike polypropylene, cannot withstand normally required autoclaving conditions. The lack of branching is ensured by an appropriate choice of catalyst (e.g. Ziegler-Natta catalysts) and reaction conditions.

The physical properties of HDPE can vary depending on the moulding process that is used to manufacture a specific sample; to some degree a determining factor are the international standardised testing methods employed to identify these properties for a specific process. For example, in rotational moulding, to identify the environmental stress crack resistance of a sample, the Notched Constant Tensile Load Test (NCTL) is put to use. Owing to these desirable properties, pipes constructed out of HDPE are ideally applicable for potable water [8], and waste water (storm and sewage).” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_polyethylene

Harnessing the power and advantages of polyethylene, DRD manufactures robust high-performance poly pipe / polyethylene pressure pipes for a wide range of applications.

Where can Polyethylene pipes be used?
HDPE Pressure Pipes can be used for the following applications:

Drinking Water Pipelines 
Fire Main Pipelines 
Gas Piping Systems 
Above-Ground Pipelines 
Wastewater Pipeline 
Electrical Conduit
Imperial Pipe for Rural Areas 
General Use Pipelines 
Communications Conduit
Recycled Water Pipelines
Sewer Pipelines 
Sanitary & HVAC PP-R systems

Types of HDPE Pipe

HD-PE100 pipe comes in 20 mm to 800 mm in lengths and coils. Clients have the option of striping or full coating for system-specific colour coding.

Polyethylene’s toughness, immunity from corrosion, excellent resistance to chemicals and low weight has contributed to its continued appeal for use in situations where cost-effective and reliable piping systems are required. HDPE’s ability to be easily recycled makes it very environmentally friendly – these poly pipes are more sustainable than using steel or concrete pipes.

Other modified poly materials can be used to make HDPE Pipe – such as the Qenos HSCR pipe, made from RCD Alkadyne HCR193B material, which is an improvement of PE100 material, and increases the pipe’s resistance to cracking. 

HDPE / PE Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is the difference between Polyethylene and HDPE?
HDPE is actually a type of Polyethylene, (High Density Poly-Ethylene) which has been modified to give it a high level of impermeability and strong molecular bond, making it suitable for high pressure pipelines.

Are PE and Polyethylene the same thing?
Yes – P.E. stands for Polyethylene, which is a thermoplastic derived from petroleum, discovered in 1898 by accident!

Can High Density Polyethylene be recycled?
Yes – HDPE is commonly recycled, and has the number “2” as its resin identification code.

Is HDPE and PE100 the same thing?
No – PE100 is a class of HDPE, with the ‘100’ referring to the Minimum Required Strength (MRS), which is based on the long-term strength of the respective materials, in accordance with ISO 12162. Current standards call for PE100 – PE80 is the next grade down from PE100, and PE120 is the next grade up (although it is still in development). Each grade is developed to withstand its environment and issues from previous grades, such as Rapid Crack Propagation, Slow Crack Growth, or Chemical Resistance.

What does MRS poly pipe mean?
In HDPE Pipe terms, MRS stands for “Minimum Required Strength” (MRS). Poly Pipe MRS is always calculated at an ambient temperature of 20°C, and is the minimum required strength at which PE compound is defined. The MRS is the lower predicted limit of the hydrostatic strength at a time of 50 years, rounded down.

Why is polyethylene plastic pipe considered cost effective?
Polyethylene as HDPE can be recycled into other products, which is more cost effective than manufacturing a new product from new plastic.

What is rapid crack propagation?
Rapid crack propagation is a phenomenon that can occur in piping systems when a long, fast-moving brittle crack propagates a pipe material body. Cast iron pipes and plastic pipes under certain conditions can experience this phenomenon if the pipe grade and minimum required strength is not considered in manufacturing. It can also happen with age.

What is the difference between pressure pipe and non-pressure pipe in water applications?
Water supply relies on water pipes that are either pressurized through an externally generated stimulus, like flushing, leading to a higher pressure rating. Non-pressurized pipe relies on pressure that comes from gravity and the weight of the existing amount of water in the pe pipe.

What is the difference between pvc pipe and hdpe pipe?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is a vinyl polymer that is typically used in construction projects whereas HDPE is a high density polyethylene thermoplastic that is made from petroleum. PVC is heavier and stronger while HDPE is a harder, heat resistant substance.

What are compression fittings?
Compression fittings, spigot fittings, pe electrofusion fittings are basically used in joining two pipes together but it is suited to a variety of applications and are Australia’s choice for the industries rural, civil and industrial in joining pipes.. Acu-tech provides a wide range of common or less common compression fittings which can be found here: Other compression fittings. They are commonly used for temporary or low-pressure pipelines.