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Leakage from Incorrect Fusion Joints
In the broad spectrum of HDPE pipe usage, fusion joint leakage is one of the most common occurrences. This is generally caused by a non-standard set of operational parameters including heating time which could be too short, heating temperatures which could be too low and insufficient heating time during butt fusion or electrofusion. Also, pipe ends that have been contaminated with dust, oil or moisture are weakened and allow slow but inevitable leakage under sustained pressure. Major Plastic Piping suppliers have written industry standards, and in them, have documented that the quality of fusion joints determines the overall lifespan of the piping systems. The first approach to this issue is to clean the pipes before fusing joints on site, and to perform all of the necessary operational tests to confirm that the pressure of the fusion joint is less than that of the referenced operational parameters. The results of Standardized Fusion Operations on construction projects in Eastern Europe and Puerto Rico have demonstrated that leak rate is pushed to near zero while a sustained operational period for the systems to transport water and effluents is provided.
Environmental Stress Cracking
HDPE pipes have a risk of developing environmental stress cracking from long-term exposure to combined external pressure, chemical exposure, and UV exposure Additionally, stress cracking occurs more frequently in pipes situated in complex or stressful outdoor conditions. High quality PE100 raw materials have demonstrated the best results in resisting slow crack growth. Selecting pipes with high quality raw materials, adding UV protection layers to the pipe, and avoiding mechanical damage will prevent environmental stress cracking. Professional research shows that pipes of 100 percent pure raw materials have great resistance to cracking and will have a service life of greater than 50 years. This meets the requirements of long-term engineering projects.
Uneven Trench Bedding Deformation
Uneven trench bedding often results in deformation or partial defects of HDPE pipes, which greatly affects its normal use. Unleveled trench bottom, the presence of sharp protruding stones and debris, and the foundation being poorly compacted are the most general reasons. Pipeline engineering standards and regulations are a prioritization of the trench preparation, which directly contributes to the stable operational performance of the pipeline. The solution is to prepare the trench so that it has a uniform, compacted, and clean sand or gravel cushion that is in accordance with the width and depth control, and uniform load is exerted to the pipe. Projects in Zambia have demonstrated that through standardized trench preparation, the complex geological hurdles that influence the stable delivery of the water supply pipelines have been overcome.
Damage Due to Faulty Transporation and Storage
Damage caused due to improper storage and transport before installation is often seen with issues attributed to HDPE pipes. Fogging, deformation, discoloration, and cracking are all issues caused by exposure to direct sunlight and rough or aggressive handling during transport. Best practices suggest HDPE pipes be stored in shady and ventilated areas, handling and transportation be done with care, and if they must be transported let them be transported gently. A large majority of manufacturers offer guidelines and best practices to follow when handling their materials to avoid early damage. Proper logistics management is essential to reducing damage to pipes prior to installation.
Misfit Pipe and Fitting Pairing
When there is a misfit with the pipes and their connecting fittings, issues with system instability, lack of sealing, and failure of connections may arise. This is a common issue with projects that involve a mixture of products sourced from various suppliers due to varying standards, designs, or materials. Industry best practices recommend that all products involved in the manufacturing of a pipeline system, including valves, be obtained from the same manufacturer to ensure that there is cohesion within the system. This type of procurement package is very popular in large projects because the manufacturer takes care of all the system fittings, ensuring that there are no mismatches and streamlining the entire construction process.
Stability of Maintenance and Long Term Functionality
The performance of pipes made of HDPE requires regular inspection and maintenance to prevent future problems such as blockages due to sediment build up and local damage from external influences and the performance aging systems due to extreme environmental conditions. Solutions to these problems include regular cleaning of the pipeline, timely pressure testing and prompt repair of damaged sections. Well established manufacturers provide integrated after sale guidance and support. FOSTE’s 30 plus years of manufacturing experience, ideal supply and quality control systems provide the world’s pipeline projects reliability to minimize future operation and maintenance costs and to lengthen the service life of the pipeline systems.
