Is HDPE Pipe the Best Solution for Aging Water Infrastructure?
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The HDPE pipes are made from thermoplastic high-density polyethylene, which consists of a high level of impermeability and strong molecular bond that makes it suitable for high-pressure pipelines. These pipes are used all over the world in various applications including potable water supply, irrigation schemes, chemicals and edibles transportation, effluent/slurry collection and disposal system, submarine and underwater pipelines, hydro transport system, gas/compressed air system, cable ducting, etc.
Major Reason Behind Using HDPE Pipes:
* Economical than traditional pipe material.
* High corrosion resistance, resulting into a longer life.
* High impact strength and flexibility.
* Very good thermal insulation due to low thermal conductivity.
* Ease of installation.
* Low maintenance cost.
* High chemical resistance, inert to any pH value.
Key Drivers Impacting the Usage of HDPE Pipes:
Aging Water Infrastructure in the United States
The HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipes are used as a medium for supplying drinking water. Various countries in Americas are facing the problem with the water which is affecting the individual household and communities. The United States totally depends upon the underground pipes for their water supply, but the network of these underground pipes has reached the end of their useful life, which is resulting in various health problems. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of more than USD 95.0 Million in new funds to help the State of Michigan. Due to this, increasing spending on water infrastructure and wastewater treatment, the demand for HDPE pipes are believed to grow at an alarming rate in the United States.
HDPE Pipes in Sanitary System
Due to the continuous infrastructure development of sanitary systems in the developing countries, the demand for plastic pipes has increased exponentially, on the back of which the demand for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes is also increasing. The HDPE piping systems also provide long service life, excellent joint performance, and offer leak-free protection. These pipes offer various functional advantages such as sustainability, durability, and flexibility along with superior resistance to corrosion and abrasion which are needed in the sewage water treatment.
HDPE Piping in Oil & Gas Applications
The oil & gas companies are trying to adopt high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes as an alternative of steel pipes due to the cost-effectiveness of these pipes.
In the oil & gas industry, the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are used in the fracking (a process of injecting liquid at high pressure) for the collection and transportation of hydrocarbons, as well as the transportation and collection of water which is used in this process. The major reason behind using the HDPE pipes in this process is its excellent impact resistance, high tensile strength, low moisture absorption, and ease-of-handling.
Role of HDPE Pipes in Mining
Many industries rely on pipelines to function. Similarly, the mining industry also relies heavily on its plastic pipe infrastructure for water distribution, dewatering and slurry disposal. In Southern Africa, 30% of all HDPE pipes are used in the mining application due to its superb chemical and abrasion resistance. These pipes offer a variety of environmental benefits to mine, such as reducing the carbon footprint from transportation because of it lightweight and the ability to maximize consignments. The HDPE pipes are used to transfer minerals and wasters in the mines and offer unique mechanical characteristics such as high reliability and security. These unique mechanical characteristics of the polyethylene have increased the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping systems in the mining industry.
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