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Plastic Pipes: Uses and Common Types

Posted On Monday, 03 June 2024 11:40
Plastic Pipes: Uses and Common Types Image by nuraghies on Freepik

Plastic pipes are a popular material for constructing drainage, sewage, and water transport systems. They are also used in gas distribution systems and as electrical wiring conduits.

There are several types of plastic pipes. Each one has a unique set of characteristics, making them suitable for distinct applications. If you want to know which type of plastic pipe you can use in a project, you can ask pipe installation companies in the UAE.

Plastic Pipes: Potential Applications

Consider plastic pipes whenever you need to transport gas or fluid from one point to another or encase cabling as they travel from source to access points. Plastic pipes are durable, corrosion resistant, lightweight, and easy to install.

As long as you use them according to building standards and with expert piping guidance, you can use plastic pipes in the following applications:

•  Water supply: Plastic pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) may be used to transport drinking water. Even more plastic pipe variants can be used in non-potable water transport systems.
•  Drainage and sewage: Smooth-walled plastic pipes are great for transporting liquid waste in sewage systems. They are also appropriate for directing run-off water away from the surface and into dry wells, soakaway pits, or municipal drainage systems.
•  Irrigation and agriculture: Polyethylene (PE) and PVC pipes can be used in agriculture, such as irrigation and fertigation (nutrient-enhanced irrigation). You can use plastic pipes for mains and laterals since they are ‌flexible, easy to cut and use, and resistant to chemicals.
•  Underfloor heating: Cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X) pipes can be used in radiant underfloor heating systems.
•  Gas distribution: Polyethylene pipes are a popular material in natural gas distribution systems.
•  Chemical transport: Polypropylene (PP) and PVC pipes may be used to transport corrosive chemicals because of their high resistance to chemical wear. The choice of pipe will depend on which chemicals the piping system will transport.
•  Electrical conduits: PVC pipes are used as conduits, insulating wires and cables and providing protection from external elements.
•  Cable ducts: HDPE pipes can shield underground communication and power cables from physical damage.
•  Rainwater harvesting: PVC and PE pipes can be used in systems that collect water from the roof and redirect it into rainwater storage tanks, the garden, or other usage points.
•  Swimming pool plumbing: PVC is the material of choice for swimming pool plumbing, handling functions from circulation to filtration.
•  Industrial applications: In chemical manufacturing and factories, plastic pipes are integral for transporting substances and cooling equipment. Their suitability varies depending on fluid type, temperature, and pressure.
•  Geothermal heat pump systems: Geothermal applications, such as circulating heat exchange fluids, typically call for polypropylene and polyethylene pipes.

3 Common Types of Plastic Pipes

Below are some types of plastic piping commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

1.     PVC Pipes

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic plastic polymer. PVC is used in various construction and industrial applications because it's durable, cost-effective, and resistant to environmental degradation. PVC pipes are particularly valued for their strength, lightness in terms of weight, and resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and biological growth. You may also paint PVC pipes with architectural and decorative paint if needed.

PVC pipes are suitable for water supply, sewage, drainage, agricultural and electrical conduit applications. They are available in different sizes and can be joined using various techniques, including solvent welding and threading.

PVC pipes can be of the following types:

•  Unplasticized PVC or UPVC is suitable for applications where rigidity is the primary requirement.
•  Chlorinated PVC or CPVC has been chlorinated in post-production to increase thermal, chemical, and corrosion resistance.
•  Molecular Oriented PVC or PVCO undergoes a special process that aligns polymer chains in a specific direction. This molecular orientation enhances the plastic's strength and impact resistance.
•  Modified PVC or PVCM is PVC modified using a chemical agent to improve PVC’s toughness and ductility.

2.     PE Pipes

Polyethylene pipes are resilient, flexible, and corrosion-resistant. They can be used in water supply, irrigation, and gas distribution systems. Polyethylene’s resistance to a wide range of temperatures and chemicals makes PE pipes suitable for industrial and residential applications. PE’s flexibility is particularly advantageous in areas prone to seismic activity, as it can bend without breaking.

Polyethylene pipes come in various grades, such as high-density (HDPE) and medium-density (MDPE), each offering specific benefits and suitability for different pressures and environments. There are also cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X) pipes. The crosslinking process chemically bonds the polymer chains, resulting in a material that is more durable, temperature-resistant, and stress-resistant than regular polyethylene.

The installation of PE pipes is pretty straightforward, often involving heat fusion techniques to ensure strong, leak-proof joints.

3.     PP Pipes

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its light weight, thermal stability and excellent resistance to chemical corrosion. Polypropylene pipes are resistant to fatigue from cyclic loading, are non-conductive, and have a low friction coefficient, ensuring smooth fluid flow and reduced energy consumption in pumping systems. For these reasons, PP pipes are suitable for transporting hot and cold liquids and aggressive substances. They are commonly utilised in industrial and chemical processing environments.

The installation of PP pipes is generally straightforward, often involving heat fusion or mechanical connections. PP pipes are available in various dimensions and pressure ratings, accommodating multiple application requirements.

Versatile Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes come in various types, including PVC, PE and PP. They are lightweight and highly resistant to chemicals and corrosion. Plastic pipes are suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

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