One type of polyethylene pipe is the gas grade model. The use of this pipe in various industries, especially in our country, has become very widespread, and this is due to the unique characteristics of polyethylene pipes specifically designed for gas distribution. A distinctive feature of gas polyethylene pipes is their high resistance to heat and fire, which has led to their use in the petrochemical industry; this characteristic also enables the transportation of various gases such as liquefied gas, natural gas, and propane. In this article from Vala Polymer, we will review some of the most important features of this product together.
Unique Characteristics of Polyethylene Pipes for Gas Distribution
Polyethylene pipes are a type of plastic pipe used for transporting gas and other fluids, and they are also highly popular. The reason for this popularity is their exceptional and unique characteristics. In recent years, these pipes have brought about a remarkable revolution in urban gas distribution.
They were initially used on a limited scale from the early 1960s for gas distribution to residential areas in developed countries. However, today, due to advancements in the manufacturing of polyethylene pipes, the use of this type of pipe has expanded tremendously, owing to their high quality, reliability, health and safety benefits, and the specific characteristics of polyethylene pipes for gas distribution.
Today, over 90% of the pipes used for gas distribution in the United States and Canada are plastic pipes, 99% of which are polyethylene pipes.
Gas polyethylene pipes are black with a yellow stripe and are produced in sizes ranging from 16 to 400 millimeters and larger. As mentioned, the unique features of these pipes have led to their widespread use in various industries, especially the petrochemical industry. Below, we will explain 6 characteristics of gas distribution polyethylene pipes for you.
The weldability of gas polyethylene pipes.
It is evident that pipeline systems cannot be seamless, and it is necessary to connect pipes at various locations and stages. Perhaps the most important feature of gas polyethylene pipes is their electrofusion connectivity. Electrofusion connection is one of the types of joints used in gas transmission pipelines and other plastic pipes carrying fluids.
Electrofusion connection occurs through heating using electric current, and due to its very high safety, this method is the only type of connection with IGS standard for gas transmission lines. With electrofusion connection, there is no possibility of gas or other fluids leaking. This type of connection is so reliable that it is also used in nationwide gas distribution networks.
Another positive feature of polyethylene pipes for gas distribution is the clean connections they provide. Using electrofusion connection eliminates the need for open flames or external heating. In electrofusion connection, heat is generated internally through conductive lines, resulting in much higher efficiency. Additionally, the strength achieved with this method is far greater and more reliable compared to other methods, such as conventional welding or butt welding.
The lightness and easy transportability of gas polyethylene pipes.
Transportation has always been a costly and challenging issue in the piping and pipeline industry. Polyethylene pipes have solved this problem with their exceptional features. The most economical characteristic of gas distribution polyethylene pipes is their lightness and easy transportability. Polyethylene pipes are sold in both coiled and straight lengths, and their low weight makes the transportation process much easier and more cost-effective.
The ability to use gas polyethylene pipes in a mechanized manner.
The process of installing and using pipes is a time-consuming and troublesome issue, and this problem has also been resolved with the help of another feature of gas distribution polyethylene pipes. The ability to mechanize gas polyethylene pipes makes the installation and utilization process of these pipes very convenient and easy, significantly reducing the installation and placement time compared to other pipes.
Read more: What characteristics make polyethylene unique?
Flexibility of gas polyethylene pipes
Gas distribution polyethylene pipes have very high flexibility, allowing the pipes to bend up to approximately 25 times their diameter. This is why the use of these pipes is more common in areas where changes in direction or pipe angles are required. Additionally, by bending and utilizing the flexibility of gas polyethylene pipes, excessive and unnecessary pipe usage can be reduced. With this key feature of gas polyethylene pipes, they are the best and most suitable option for use in earthquake-prone areas.
Gas polyethylene pipe resistant to chemical corrosion
Corrosion is a fundamental problem in the piping industry. It doesn’t matter whether the piping is for building and municipal use or for petrochemical and oil and gas industries; however, this characteristic of gas distribution polyethylene pipes has also resolved this issue.
Gas distribution polyethylene pipe has three anti-corrosion layers that protect it against all corrosive factors, such as chemicals.
These three protective layers include the following:
- Epoxy powder coating
- Intermediate adhesive layer
- Polyethylene outer layer
Epoxy powder coating is a hard, non-toxic structure that, in the form of a cross-linked, high molecular weight coating, imparts exceptional chemical and mechanical anti-corrosion properties to gas polyethylene pipes.
The polyethylene outer layer has an HDPE coating, which offers high resistance to chemicals and is also highly effective in cathodic disbondment prevention.
The polyethylene intermediate adhesive layer ensures that the two protective and resistant surfaces of the pipe are bonded together.
High durability and long lifespan of gas polyethylene pipes.
The lifespan and durability of polyethylene pipes are very suitable relative to their grade, and compared to other pipes, they offer exceptionally better longevity and durability. According to many credible studies, polyethylene pipes have a very good and high rating in terms of durability and quality due to their HDPE capability. In summary, resistance to corrosion, abrasion resistance, hydraulic performance, hardness, flexibility, and long life are among the advantages mentioned for gas polyethylene pipes.
conclusio
In Iran, and until the early 1990s, metal pipes were used in most of the country’s gas distribution networks. These pipes had a pressure tolerance of 60 to 250 pounds per square inch; however, due to the characteristics of polyethylene gas pipes, metal pipes were quickly phased out and replaced by polyethylene pipes.
Polyethylene gas pipes, with their significantly higher pressure tolerance, led to the replacement of metal pipes with polyethylene pipes in parts of the country’s gas distribution network, especially in the provinces of Tehran, Isfahan, and Khorasan. Given the advantages and characteristics of polyethylene pipes and the continuous expansion of the national gas distribution network, it is predicted that we will witness broader and more extensive use of polyethylene gas pipes in the urban gas distribution industry in the future. In this article from Vala Polymer, we discussed the unique features of polyethylene gas pipes and hope it was useful for you.
