HDPE Pipe Manufacturer | Reliable HDPE Pipe Supplier and Custom Solutions-Luoyang Max Pipe Industry Co., Ltd.

Product Features

HDPE Pipe Features

Ductility and Toughness

HDPE pipes are strong, resilient, and highly ductile, allowing them to flex under stress and return to their original shape. This makes them ideal for installation in dynamic soils, including earthquake-prone areas.

Corrosion and Abrasion

Unlike traditional metal pipes, HDPE does not rot, rust, or corrode. It exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and many solvents, making it suitable for industrial applications involving aggressive fluids. It is also resistant to biological growth.

Leak-Free Joints

HDPE pipes are typically joined by heat fusion (butt welding, electrofusion welding, socket welding, or extrusion welding), creating a homogeneous, leak-free joint that is as strong as, or even stronger than, the pipe itself. This eliminates the need for rubber seals or jointing chemicals.

Lightweight and Flexible

HDPE pipe is significantly lighter than steel or concrete pipes, which reduces transportation and handling costs and simplifies installation. Its flexibility allows for bends in the pipe system with relative ease, reducing the need for additional fittings and making it suitable for trenchless installation methods.

UV Resistance

HDPE pipes typically contain carbon black, which provides excellent resistance to UV light, allowing them to be used in above-ground applications without degradation from sun exposure.

Low Thermal Conductivity

HDPE has a lower thermal conductivity compared to many metals, which helps maintain more uniform fluid temperatures and reduces the need for insulation.

Long Service Life

Due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and leak-free joints, HDPE pipes have a long life expectancy, often ranging from 50 to 100 years, depending on the application and installation.

PRODUCT FEATURES

HDPE Pipe Production Process

HDPE Pipe Technological Process

STEP 01

Raw Material Preparation & Dosing:

HDPE Resin: The primary raw material is HDPE resin, typically supplied in pellet or granule form. The grade of HDPE is chosen based on the pipe's intended application (e.g., pressure rating, flexibility).

Additives: Various additives are mixed with the HDPE resin before extrusion:

Carbon Black: Crucial for UV stabilization, especially for pipes exposed to sunlight (typically 2-2.5%). This gives most outdoor HDPE pipes their black color.

Pigments: For color-coding (e.g., blue for potable water, yellow for gas, orange for conduits).

Antioxidants: To prevent thermal degradation during processing and extend the pipe's service life.

Processing Aids: To improve melt flow and surface finish.

Drying (if needed): Although HDPE is not highly hygroscopic (absorbs less moisture), some drying might be done to ensure consistent processing, especially if the resin has been stored in humid conditions.

Mixing/Blending: The resin and additives are thoroughly mixed in a blender to ensure a homogenous compound. This mix is then fed into the extruder hopper.

STEP 02

Extrusion Process

Feeding: The blended material is fed from a hopper into the extruder's barrel.

Melting & Mixing:

Inside the barrel is a rotating screw. As the screw rotates, it conveys the material forward.

The barrel is surrounded by heater bands divided into several temperature-controlled zones. These heat the HDPE pellets.

The mechanical shear and friction generated by the rotating screw also contribute significantly to melting the plastic.

The screw design (flight depth, pitch) ensures proper melting, mixing, and pressurization of the molten polymer.

Screen Pack & Breaker Plate: Before entering the die, the molten plastic passes through a screen pack supported by a breaker plate. This filters out any contaminants and helps build back-pressure for better mixing.

Die Head (Forming the Pipe):

The molten, pressurized HDPE is forced through a die. The die consists of an outer die ring (bushing) and an inner mandrel (or pin).

The space between the mandrel and the die ring determines the pipe's wall thickness and outer diameter.

The design of the die is critical for achieving uniform flow and consistent pipe dimensions.

STEP 03

Sizing/Calibration:

As the molten pipe (extrudate) exits the die, it's still hot and soft. It needs to be accurately sized and cooled to maintain its shape.

Vacuum Sizing Tank: The most common method. The pipe passes through a sizing sleeve (or calibrator) located at the entrance of a vacuum tank.

A vacuum is applied to the outside of the pipe, pulling it against the inner surface of the sizing sleeve. This sets the outer diameter.

The tank is filled with water, which begins the cooling process.

Pressure Sizing (less common for HDPE): Internal air pressure is used to push the pipe against the sizing sleeve.

STEP 04

Cooling

After initial sizing, the pipe passes through one or more cooling tanks.

These tanks typically use water sprays or full water immersion to cool the pipe thoroughly and solidify it.

Gradual and controlled cooling is important to minimize internal stresses and prevent deformation.

STEP 05

Haul-Off / Pulling

A haul-off unit (often a caterpillar or belt puller) grips the solidified pipe and pulls it away from the extruder at a consistent speed.

The speed of the haul-off is synchronized with the extruder output. This speed control is critical for maintaining the correct pipe wall thickness (faster pulling for a given extruder output results in a thinner wall, and vice-versa).

STEP 06

Marking/Printing

While the pipe is moving, an inkjet printer or laser marker prints required information directly onto the pipe surface.

This includes: manufacturer's name, pipe size (diameter and wall thickness/SDR), pressure rating, material designation (e.g., PE100), relevant standards (ASTM, ISO), production date/batch code.

STEP 07

Coiling (for smaller diameters) / Stacking

Coiling: Smaller diameter pipes (typically up to 110mm or 125mm, sometimes larger depending on equipment and SDR) can be wound into coils of specific lengths (e.g., 50m, 100m, 200m). This is advantageous for long, continuous installations.

Stacking: Larger diameter pipes are cut into straight lengths and then stacked, often bundled for storage and transportation.

STEP 08

Cutting

A cutter (e.g., planetary cutter, saw) automatically cuts the pipe to predetermined lengths (e.g., 6 meters, 12 meters, or longer for coiling).

For smaller diameter pipes, they might be coiled onto large spools instead of being cut into straight lengths.

STEP 09

Quality Control & Testing

In-Process Checks:

Dimensional checks (diameter, wall thickness, ovality) using ultrasonic gauges, calipers, or laser scanners.

Surface finish inspection.

Temperature monitoring.

Offline/Laboratory Tests (on samples):

Melt Flow Rate (MFR): Checks material consistency.

Density: Verifies material grade.

Tensile Strength & Elongation: Measures mechanical properties.

Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Short-term & Long-term): Simulates internal pressure conditions to ensure pipe integrity.

Oxidation Induction Time (OIT): Assesses thermal stability and antioxidant effectiveness.

Carbon Black Content & Dispersion: Verifies UV protection.

Reversion Test: Checks for internal stresses.

STEP 010

Storage and Dispatch

Finished pipes (coils or straight lengths) are stored appropriately to prevent damage or deformation before being dispatched to customers.

Our Products Are Everywhere

Industry Applications

Municipal and rural drinking water distribution Potable water mains and service lines Irrigation systems for agriculture

Water Supply Systems

Gravity and pressure sewer systems Stormwater drainage systems Wastewater treatment plant pipelines

Sewage and Drainage

Low-pressure natural gas and LPG networks Underground gas transportation due to leak-tight fusion joints

Gas Distribution

Transport of chemicals, slurry, and abrasive materials Cooling water pipelines in power plants Mining operations for tailings and process water

Industrial Applications

Protection of fiber optic and electrical cables Underground ducting systems Cable protection in high-voltage applications

Telecommunications and Electrical Conduits

Underground firewater mains Water supply for sprinkler systems

Firefighting Systems

Dredge discharge lines Marine outfall pipelines Seawater intake and return systems

Marine and Dredging

Drip and sprinkler irrigation lines Water supply in fish farms and hatcheries

Agriculture and Aquaculture

Ground source heat pump piping Water circulation in solar heating systems

Geothermal and Renewable Energy

HDPE Pipe FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

01 · What is HDPE pipe?: HDPE pipe is a flexible plastic pipe made from high-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer. It is known for its high strength-to-density ratio, making it lightweight yet incredibly durable. It is widely used for fluid and gas transfer in municipal, industrial, agricultural, and residential applications.

02 · What is HDPE pipe used for?: HDPE pipe is extremely versatile and is used for a wide range of applications, including: Potable Water Mains: Transporting drinking water. Sewer & Wastewater Systems: Gravity and force mains. Natural Gas Distribution: A primary material for gas lines. Industrial & Chemical Transport: Resists a wide range of chemicals. Irrigation & Agriculture: Mainlines and distribution lines. Geothermal Heating & Cooling: Ground source heat pump systems. Electrical & Fiber Optic Conduit: Protecting cables and wires. Mining & Slurry Lines: Abrasive and corrosive material transport.

03 · What are the main advantages of using HDPE pipe?: Leak-Proof Joints: Heat fusion (butt, socket, electrofusion) creates a monolithic, permanently sealed system that is as strong as the pipe itself. High Durability & Flexibility: It can withstand significant pressure and stress without breaking. Its flexibility allows it to be installed in challenging terrains and makes it resistant to seismic activity. Corrosion & Chemical Resistance: HDPE is inert and does not rust, rot, or corrode. It is resistant to most acids, bases, and salts. Long Service Life: HDPE pipe systems are projected to last 50-100 years or more. Lightweight: It is much lighter than materials like ductile iron or concrete, reducing transportation and installation costs. Abrasion Resistance: It performs exceptionally well in transporting abrasive slurries.

04 · What does SDR mean for HDPE pipe?: SDR stands for Standard Dimension Ratio. It is a numerical value that represents the ratio of the pipe's outer diameter to its wall thickness (SDR = D/t). A lower SDR number means a thicker pipe wall, which translates to a higher pressure rating. A higher SDR number means a thinner wall and a lower pressure rating.

05 · What is the difference between PE100, PE80, and PE4710?: These are classifications for the grade of polyethylene resin used to make the pipe. The number indicates the material's long-term strength. PE100: A higher-performance material that allows for thinner walls (higher SDR) for the same pressure rating compared to older materials. It's the most common modern standard. PE4710: The North American designation, largely equivalent to PE100 in performance. It is the current standard for water and industrial applications in the US. PE80: An older generation material. While still used, PE100/PE4710 is preferred for new pressure applications due to its superior strength.

06 · Can HDPE pipe be used for hot water?: No, standard HDPE pipe is not recommended for hot water applications. Its pressure rating significantly decreases as the temperature rises. The maximum recommended service temperature is typically around 140°F (60°C) for low-pressure or non-pressure applications only. For hot water, other materials like PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) or CPVC are more suitable.

07 · Is HDPE pipe UV resistant? Can it be stored outside?: HDPE pipe is naturally susceptible to degradation from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To counteract this, a minimum of 2% carbon black is added during manufacturing. This additive makes the black HDPE pipe highly UV resistant, allowing it to be stored and used outdoors for many years without significant damage. Non-black HDPE pipes are not UV stabilized and should be protected from direct sunlight.

08 · How do you connect or join HDPE pipe?: The most common method is heat fusion, which melts the pipe ends and allows them to be permanently joined, creating a seamless, leak-proof system. The main types of heat fusion are: Butt Fusion: The most common method for pipes 2" and larger. Pipe ends are heated on a hot plate and then pressed together to form a permanent bond. Socket Fusion: Used for smaller diameter pipes (typically under 4"). The pipe and fitting are heated simultaneously and then pushed together. Electrofusion: Involves a special fitting with built-in heating coils. When an electric current is applied, the coils melt the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe, creating a strong joint. This is ideal for repairs and tight spaces. Mechanical Fittings: Flanges, couplings, and compression fittings can also be used to connect HDPE pipe to itself or to other pipe materials like steel or PVC.

09 · Can HDPE pipe be buried?: Yes, absolutely. HDPE pipe is an ideal material for direct burial. Its flexibility allows it to conform to trench contours, and its durability and corrosion resistance ensure a long, maintenance-free life underground.

010 · What is the bend radius of HDPE pipe?: The flexibility of HDPE pipe is a major advantage. The allowable bend radius depends on the pipe's SDR, but a general rule of thumb is that it can be cold-bent to a radius of about 20 to 25 times its outside diameter. This allows for gradual directional changes without needing extra fittings.

011 · How long does HDPE pipe last?: The design life of HDPE pipe is conservatively estimated at 50 to 100 years. Its resistance to common failure mechanisms like corrosion, chemical attack, and fatigue means it often outlasts the projects it's installed in.

012 · Is HDPE pipe better than ductile iron pipe?: For many modern applications, yes. HDPE is superior in terms of corrosion resistance (it doesn't need coatings), joint integrity (fusion joints don't leak), and flexibility. Ductile iron is very strong but is heavy, susceptible to corrosion, and its gasketed joints can be potential leak points over time.

013 · Is HDPE pipe safe for drinking water?: Yes. HDPE pipe that is certified to NSF/ANSI 61 standard is approved and widely used for potable (drinking) water systems. The material does not leach harmful chemicals into the water and is resistant to biofilm buildup, ensuring clean and safe water transport.