3 minute read
The power of polyethylene
from IMIESA July 2020
by 3S Media
George Diliyannis
Technical Service Leader
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Safripol
The power of POLYETHYLENE
What are the benefits of HDPE pipes in terms of longevity and ease of maintenance and replacement?
GD High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has an excellent design life when compared to the traditional alternatives, such as steel, ductile iron and concrete. HDPE pipes have a minimum design life of 50 years and can be designed to last for up to 100 years.
HDPE pipes require virtually no maintenance and are corrosion resistant, unlike steel, for example, which requires an anti-corrosion wrapping or cathodic protection that must be maintained over the life of the pipeline. HDPE is also resistant to bacterial and microbial growth.
Butt-welded and electrofusion joints are water tight, have the same strength as the pipeline, and are designed to share the same long life of 50-plus years of service. HDPE is also highly resistant to soil movement, which makes it excellent for use in dolomitic areas.
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How does HDPE measure up when it comes to sustainability and lifecycle costing?
The life-cycle assessment of polyethylene is highly favourable and beats the traditional alternatives in many aspects, such as carbon footprint and environmental impact.
First, it is more cost-effective to manufacture and transport HDPE pipes compared to steel and concrete. Second, HDPE pipes have a lower manufacturing carbon footprint than traditional materials and the energy required for conversion from resin into the final product is less than that required for steel.
Additionally, the inner pipe surface of HDPE does not deteriorate in the same way as steel and concrete. This ensures that the pipe’s hydraulic capacity is without requiring additional maintenance costs. This is increasingly important as urban densification increases and higher volume demands are placed on existing water infrastructure.
Tell us about your iMPACT100® product.
iMPACT100, Safripol’s flagship HDPE PE100 pipe resin, is produced with Hostalen bimodal technology and supported by international technology agreements with LyondellBasell Industries and Qenos. iMPACT100 exceeds the ISO and SANS 4427 standards for PE100 materials, with more than three times the required crack resistance. iMPACT100 is a premium material and,as a high molecular mass grade, offers good impact strength, abrasion, chemical and UV resistance. iMPACT100’s intrinsic properties – including resistance to cracking and longevity – make it suitable for potable water pressure mains, stormwater and sewerage pipes.
Most notably, it is a locally manufactured, complies with global standards and comes with the benefit of the support and flexibility of a local company.
maintained for its entire life cycle, typically
being SANS 4427-1 certified?
Our SANS 4427-1 certification, via the South African Bureau of Standards, gives our customers and end-users peace of mind in knowing that iMPACT100 meets and exceeds local and global standards for PE100 pipe materials.
What are the opportunities for using recycled materials in plastic pipes?
The current local and global ISO-based standards for pressure pipe applications do not permit the use of recycled material because the potential negative effects on pipe longevity are not currently known.
However, opportunities do exist, via ISO and SABS standards, to use recycled material in non-pressure pipelines such as for stormwater drainage.
What should engineers, specifiers and pipe manufacturers keep in mind when selecting a raw materials supplier?
When selecting a supplier, you should look for a commitment to quality and consistency, proof of conformance to relevant SANS and ISO standards, a good track record, as well as an ongoing commitment to the local market.
Safripol has deep roots in South Africa, and we pride ourselves on bringing the very best technologies and products to the local market. As a local supplier of raw materials, Safripol offers many advantages to customers, including quicker access to product and technical support, reduced supply response times, as well as supporting local communities through job creation and various CSI initiatives.
By pairing this with world-class products, we work to ensure that Safripol continues to shape your world responsibly.
