Flexible pipe

rigidirrigationLDPE

Overview
Polyethylene (PE) pipe systems are widely used for potable water, natural gas and sewer networks due to long service life, corrosion and impact resistance, hygienic transport and low maintenance. Compared with metallic pipelines, PE systems present a significantly lower failure rate in typical 1 km installations.

Advantages

• Long service life
• Flexible structure enabling trenchless and renovation works
• Lightweight and easy to connect
• Corrosion resistant
• Impact resistant
• Hygienic and easy to clean
• Resistant to freezing
• Cost-effective installation and operation
• Unaffected by harmful/corrosive soil substances (no cathodic protection required)
• Smooth inner surface of PE100 simplifies hydraulic design
• Unaffected by ground movements (no cracking)
• Does not alter taste or smell of water (suitable for potable water)
• Plant and tree roots cannot penetrate PE pipes
• High chemical resistance (PE100)

Applications

• Transportation and distribution of natural gas
• Potable and utility water networks
• Wastewater and sewer systems
• Agricultural irrigation
• Drainage projects
• Temporary transmission lines
• Sports field irrigation systems
• Firefighting systems
• Telecommunications cable protection
• Transport of hazardous waste
• Marine and fishery applications
• Marinas
• Power plants
• Petrochemical industry
• Cement industry
• Chemical industry
• Mining operations

Flexible PE (LDPE) Coil Pipes
Flexible coil PE pipes produced from LDPE are manufactured according to TS 418/2 and reference standards DIN 8072, DIN 8073 and prEN 12201. PIPELIFE uses PE 32 grade raw material (MRS = 3.2 MPa) for LDPE coil pipes. These are typically black with ~2.5% well-dispersed carbon black for UV protection. Coil lengths commonly available: 50 m, 100 m or 150 m depending on diameter to enable longer seamless runs and fewer fittings. Coiled pipes can be pulled through existing ducts for renovation without excavation and are suitable for crossings under seas, lakes and rivers without additional joints. PIPELIFE flexible coil pipes are approved by the Ministry of Health for potable water contact.

Rigid PE (HDPE) Pipes
ARILI/PIPELIFE produces HDPE (rigid) pipes for potable water and sewer systems in compliance with TS 418, ISO 4427, prEN 12202 and related standards. HDPE pipes are manufactured with modern computer-controlled equipment and high-quality raw materials. Production grades include PE 80 and PE 100 (PE 63 referenced). Pipes can be supplied in straight lengths or, for diameters up to Ø125 mm, in coils. For coiled HDPE pipes the minimum coil diameter should be at least 20 × pipe diameter.

Raw Material & Performance
PE grades used: PE 32 (LDPE coils), PE 63, PE 80 and PE 100 for potable water production. Materials conform to relevant EC and FDA regulations for potable water (non-toxic, hygienic). Common features: high environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR), excellent abrasion and friction resistance, high chemical resistance, superior impact strength, outstanding wear resistance, strong point-loading and squeeze-off performance, and UV stabilization.

Joining of Polyethylene Pipes
The following joining methods are used for polyethylene pipes:

• A) Electrofusion Welding — Simple and cost-effective; commonly applied for Ø20 mm to Ø110 mm; allows branch connections and is particularly useful for repairs and hard-to-access areas.
• B) Butt Welding — Pipe ends are heated on an electrically heated plate and pressed together under controlled pressure; effectively used for Ø90 mm to Ø400 mm. When executed correctly, welded joint strength is equivalent to the pipe material.

Standards & Approvals
Products are manufactured according to applicable national and international standards (examples: TS 418/2, TS 418, ISO 4427, prEN 12202, prEN 12201, DIN 8072, DIN 8073). Flexible coil pipes are produced from certified raw materials and have potable water approval from the relevant national authority.

Technical specifications

• Product family: PE Potable Water Pipe Systems (LDPE coil pipes and HDPE rigid pipes)
• LDPE coil raw material grade: PE 32 (MRS = 3.2 MPa)
• HDPE production grades: PE 80 and PE 100 (PE 63 referenced)
• Carbon black content for UV protection (typical): 2.5%
• Coil pipe lengths: typically 50 m, 100 m or 150 m depending on diameter
• Minimum coil diameter for coiled pipes: ≥ 20 × pipe diameter
• Electrofusion welding range: Ø20 mm – Ø110 mm
• Butt welding effective range: Ø90 mm – Ø400 mm
• Welded joint strength: equivalent to pipe when correctly executed
• Standards referenced: TS 418/2, TS 418, ISO 4427, prEN 12202, prEN 12201, DIN 8072, DIN 8073
• Compliance: non-toxic materials compliant with EC and FDA potable-water regulations
• Typical features: high ESCR, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, UV stabilization