HDPE Pipe Sizes and Dimensions | A Complete Analysis

Hey guys, I hope you’re doing well. Today I’m going to share a simple and detailed guide on HDPE Pipe Sizes and HDPE Pipe Dimensions.

HDPE pipe sizes and dimensions are an integral part of the puzzle if you want to work with these variants of pipes. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion among plastic professionals about HDPE pipe usage and properties because it is not used in mass-market like PVC, concrete, and steel pipes. Its high level of impermeability or water resistance and strong molecular bond makes it ideal for high-pressure pipelines.

General HDPE Sizing Chart – 

Interesting Read – ABS Pipe Sizes & Dimensions For Schedule 40 and 80

HDPE Pipes Dimension Charts with Different PSI Values – 

Engaging Read – What is PVC Fittings? | What is PVC Connection? | The Definitive Guide

Fascinating read – PVC Pipes: Schedule 40 VS 80

Advantages: HDPE Pipes – 

Corrosion and Chemical Resistant: HDPE pipes are always free of corrosion, tuberculation, or support biological growth. HDPE is a perfect piping material for harsh and torturous environmental situations. The pipes made from HDPE have a smooth ID and maintains their flow capability very well over time – even after years of use the overall performance and integrity of pipes will not degrade (at least substantially.

Flexible and Fatigue Resistance: HDPE pipe can be bent to a radius 25 times the nominal pipe diameter. This can get rid of many fittings needed for directional changes than piping systems & fittings made from other materials. Apart from that, the flexibility of HDPE pipes makes them suitable for areas prone to earthquakes and vigorous soils. HDPE pipes can also withstand consistent pressure elevations that exceed the static pressure rating of the pipe.

Leak-Proof: HDPE pipes can be joined by thermal fusion to form a bond or joint that is as strong as the pipe itself making it leak-proof. Thermal fusion eliminates the risk of potential leak point every 10-20 feet commonly found in PVC, concrete, and ductile iron pipes. Leak-proof joints are also beneficial in getting rid of infiltration and exfiltration problems found in other pipe joining methods.

Easy Installation: Leak-free joints and flexibility make HDPE pipes easy to install and work with. It allows for utilizing innovative, cost-effective methods, the same can’t be said about rigid PVC and concrete pipes. Alternative installation methods used for HDPE pipes such as pipe bursting, horizontal directional drilling, slip lining, plow & plant, butt welding, socket welding, electrofusion welding, and Submerged or Floating Pipe save a substantial amount of money, resources, and labor.

Lightweight and Impact Resistance: The easy and cost-effective handelling and installation of HDPE pipes make it a boon construction industry. It is structurally designed in a way that it is better at withstanding impact than other materials, especially in cold weather conditions where other materials like PVC are more prone to breakage and cracks.

Permanency: HDPE pipes are a permanent and cost-effective solution for your piping needs thanks to their physical properties, meager maintenance costs, and leak-free joints. According to the best estimation by the Plastics Pipe Insitute, the life span of an HDPE pipe is about 50 to 100 years.

Interesting Read – Top 10 PVC Manufacturers and Suppliers in USA

Applications: HDPE Pipes & Fittings –

Water Supply:

• Potable water supply
• Distribution
• Water mains
• Service Pipes

 Agriculture & Irrigation:

• Drip irrigation (Orchards, Nurseries, Plantations)
• Flood Irrigation (Suction & Delivery pipes in pump sets)
• Sprinkler Irrigation (Crops, Gardens, Lawns, Golf course)

Drainage Pipes:

• Sub-soil water
• Surface and rainwater
• Wastewater mains

Ducting:

• Refrigeration and Air-conditioning
• Telecommunication, as conduits for OFC
• Extraction of Fumes

Sewage and Industrial Disposable:

• Sanitary System
• Fertilizer industry
• Petrochemical Industry
• Domestic Serwage System

FAQs – 

1. What is the color of an HDPE pipe?

Ans. Different colored pipes are used for different applications. For example, drinking water line/potable water pipeline is always black with blue colored stripes and pipes passing fuel gasses, liquified gasses under pressure, and process gases are always full yellow jacket or black with yellow-colored stripes.

2. Which is better PVC or HDPE?

Ans. Talking specifically about piping applications, HDPE is softer and has a tight bending radius. however, HDPE is a reliable choice for both pressure and non-pressure applications thanks to leak-free joints. On the other side, PVC is stronger and stiffer material making it ideal for direct burial and trenchless installation.

3. How strong is HDPE pipe?

Ans. The hardness and opacity of HDPE can be measured by its ability to withstand temperatures hovering around 248°F on a short-term or even a consistent 230°F. When your application involves gas and liquid reaching and elevating those temperatures, HPDE pipes are a reliable solution.

4. How to glue HDPE pipe?

Ans. Cracked or open HDPE pipes – The best glue to bond the pieces is Polyethylene glue.

5. How do you connect HDPE Pipes?

Ans. Heat fusion is the most commonly utilized method to join HDPE pipes. It works by heating two ends and joining them together, creating a joint that converts individual sections of pipe into a single, continuous line. Heat fusion, although have its challenges but can create strong and reliable joints.

Suggested Read – 

• What are PVC Pipe Sizes? | What are PVC Pipe Dimensions? | The Complete Guide
• How to Choose the Right Lubricants For Plastic Parts?
• What is a Plastic Pallet? | The Definitive Guide
• How is Plastic made? A Simple and Detailed Explanation.
• Plexiglass Vs. Acrylic | What are the Differences and Similarities?
• Food Grade Plastic: The Best Plastics for Food Applications
• Types of Gates for Injection Molding – A Detailed Guide
• Extrusion Molding Process –A Detailed Guide
• What is a Parting Line? | Parting Line in Injection Molding | Importance of Parting Line

The Conclusion – 

That was all I had to say about HDPE pipe sizes and dimensions. HDPE pipes are being used in the mainstream industrial sector for more than 50 years now and their results are astonishing creating trust amongst manufacturers to focus more on HDPE piping solutions.

Thanks for reading. I’d appreciate it if you share your thoughts and reviews in the comment box.