Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who Invented HDPE?
In 1953, Karl Ziegler of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute (renamed the Max Planck Institute) and Erhard Holzkamp invented high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

2) What is HDPE pipe used for?
HDPE pipe is a type of flexible plastic pipe used for fluid and gas transfer and is often used to replace ageing concrete or steel mains pipelines. Made from the thermoplastic HDPE (high-density polyethylene), its high level of impermeability and strong molecular bond make it suitable for high pressure pipelines.

3) What are the advantages of using PE pipes & fittings over Metal pipes?
There are so many advantages of PE pipe over conventional metal pipes, some of them are Long lengths without joints, No corrosion protection, PE Pipe is flexible, Shallow & narrow trenching, No special corrosion protection, Long radius bending of pipe, lighter than Metal.

4) What is the life expectancy of HDPE pipe in Gas & water industry applications?
Many installations of PE pipe in Gas & water applications are already reaching 50 years of successful service. The polyethylene pipe industry estimates a service life for PE pipe to conservatively be 50-100 years. This relates to savings in replacement costs for generations to come.

5) Can PE pipe be joined by solvent coupling joints?
No. At this time, there are no known adhesives or solvent cements that are suitable for pressure sealing or that have sufficient strength characteristics to join PE pipes.

6) How PE pipe segments joined or connected?
PE pipe is easily and dependably joined using the standardized butt-fusion, Electrofusion, Saddle Fusion, Mechanical Jointing Procedures.

In Butt Fusion process matching ends of the pipes to be joined are aligned and heated with standard tools until the surfaces have become molten. When engaged under moderate pressure, the melt faces flow together forming homogeneous joint. In Butt Fusion jointing of Pipes of different wall thickness is not possible.

In Electrofusion Process Pipes of different thickness are clamped after surface preparation, Electrical Energy is Passed through embedded coils using Fusion Machine, Heat generated by Coils melt both Pipe & Fittings Surface forming a monolithic, homogeneous joint that, as the material cools, yields joints that are as strong as or stronger than the pipe itself.

7) What are the causes of Electrofusion Joint Failures?
The Electrofusion Procedures should be done by skilled Person, There are So many Reasons for Joint Failure like Improper Scraping of the Pipes, Improper Holding & alignment of pipe, Machine Calibration – Machine gives lesser voltage, Excessive Scraping of pipe- Too much loose pipe.

8) Why do you scrape the pipe before Electrofusion?
Scraping is necessary to remove the oxidized layer formed on pipe, also for Easy movement of fitting on pipe surface.

9) Is scraping necessary for Spigot outlet of Saddle before Electrofusion?
There is no need of Scraping on Spigot Outlet; As Fitting is packed in plastic bag. Do not open Plastic bag until the pipe surface become ready for electrofusion.

10) Why to do Re-Rounding of pipes?
During jointing of 2 Pipes by using EF coupler, if the pipe cross section shape has become “Elliptical”, then it is necessary to Re-round the pipe. The elliptical shape does not fit correctly in the coupler socket. Only 2 ends of bigger lobe touch the coupler &there is a gap between the smaller lobe & the coupler, making the joint weak. Re-rounding clamps make the pipe round when it is clamped near the coupler, thus making the contact area to the maximum. Hence the joint becomes sturdy after electrofusion.

11) What will you do if Power goes off after half of fusion time?
Every fitting has ability to get fused twice this is for sake of Power Failure. If power failure, Wait for complete time of cooling and again repeat the procedure of fusion from start when power supply is continued.

12) Is it possible to puncture PE pipe; how is that repaired?
Yes. PE Pipe get punctured, if depth of scratch is greater than 10 times the thickness of pipe then it can be replaced by jointing Coupler or you can fix it by repair saddle.

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