subject: Poly Pipe ' A Potential Century Of Service [print this page] Advances in technology and new production methods have significantly improved the durability and longevity of Poly Pipe, making it the obvious choice for construction projects throughout the world. This type of piping can be manufactured to specification, and is proving to be a reliable and cost-effective solution to a range of problems associated with metallic piping.
Poly pipe has been used successfully in many different environments including above ground, underground, sub-surface marine and floating applications. The high density version can carry potable water, slurry, waste water, chemicals, hazardous materials and compressed gasses.
So, what exactly is it about polyethylene pipe that makes it a clear improvement on the standard of piping that has been used in previous years? There are a number of features summarised under:
=> Reliability - joins in the pipe are done by heat fusion with the result that the joins are actually stronger than the pipe itself, so there is very little risk of leakage. This joining method is also more cost-effective than others.
=> Longevity - poly pipe does not rust, rot or corrode and is resistant to most organic and bacterial substances. It is not temperature sensitive i.e. in really cold conditions, poly pipe doesn't go brittle, and due to the fact that it has an inside lining which is smaller than the outer skin, it can expand in the heat without worry of it bursting. This makes it extremely suitable for all weather conditions.
=> Flexibility - poly pipe is created in straight lengths or coils. It's light and easy to handle in any situation, so the equipment required for installation is minimal in comparison to the equipment need for metal piping. Its flexibility also means that it can be laid in shifting soils or over uneven terrain in continuous lengths without extra welding.
=> Economy - reduced installation costs as the light weight and longer lengths of the pipe save on labour costs and require fewer fittings compared to metal piping. Poly pipe is tough and resistant to damage from external forces such as loads and vibration.
Current industry estimates of the life of the piping range from 50 to 100 years, greatly reducing maintenance costs. However, when maintenance is required, it is a quick and simple task and will not require repair or replacement every few years. In fact, in the mining industry where Gas Pipe needs to be extremely reliable, it has the lowest rate of repair frequency compared to all other pressure pipe materials used in urban gas distribution.
