Polyethylene (PE) piping for potable water is a replacement product for steel piping and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) drinking water pipes.

PE water supply pipes can withstand certain pressure, usually requiring the use of PE resins with high molecular weight and good mechanical properties, such as HDPE resins. LDPE resins have poor rigidity, poor dimensional stability during molding and processing, and are difficult to connect, making them unsuitable for use as water supply pressure pipes. LDPE, especially LLDPE resins, have become common materials for producing drinking water pipes. LDPE and LLDPE resins have low melt viscosity and good fluidity, making them easy to process, thus offering a wide range of melt index choices, typically between 0.3-3g/10min.

Compared to traditional piping materials, HDPE pipe systems possess the following range of characteristics:

1. Polyethylene pipe systems are connected using electric heat fusion.

2. Polyethylene has a low-temperature brittleness point, allowing for use within a temperature range of -60 to 60°C. During winter construction, it is less prone to pipe cracking.

3. HDPE pipes are susceptible to corrosion from various chemical media. Chemical substances present in the soil do not cause degradation to the pipes. Therefore, they are not prone to rotting, rusting, or electrochemical corrosion. Additionally, they are also not conducive to the growth of algae, bacteria, or fungi.

4. Excellent Flexibility: The flexibility of HDPE pipes allows for easy bending, enabling them to navigate around obstacles by altering the pipeline direction. In many cases, this flexibility can reduce the need for fittings and lower installation costs.

5. Low Flow Resistance: HDPE pipes feature a smooth inner surface with a Manning coefficient of 0.009. The smoothness and non-adhesive properties ensure HDPE pipes have higher conveying capacity than traditional piping materials, while also reducing pressure loss in the pipeline and water transportation energy consumption.

6. Easy to Handle: HDPE pipes are lighter than concrete pipes, galvanized pipes, and steel pipes, making them easy to transport and install. This reduces the need for excessive manpower and equipment, implying a decrease in installation costs for the project.

7. Various Construction Methods: HDPE pipes offer a range of construction techniques, including conventional excavation. Additionally, non-excavation methods such as jacking, directional drilling, lining, and bursting can be employed. This is an excellent choice for locations where excavation is not permitted.