Pipelines degrade over time. Physical abrasion, chemical processes and biological activities all take their toll. In order to prevent leakage from occurring, pipeline companies need to either replace the affected pipes or rehabilitate them. One means of rehabilitating a damaged pipe is to install a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner. This form of pipeline liner continues to prove to be effective at reducing the risk for leakage resulting in environmental damage and costly economic losses.
What Is an HDPE Liner?
HDPE liners are made from polyethylene. The material is classified as a thermoplastic formed from petroleum. It is naturally milky white and may be semi-translucent.
Common usage of the material is:
* Corrosion-resistant piping
* Geomembranes
* Hard hats
* House wraps
* Plastic bags
* Plastic bottles including milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles
* Plastic lumber
Its origins date back to the United Kingdom when Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson, two British chemists, produced a solid form of polyethylene. It first found employment during World War II as radar cable insulating material. However, HPDE did not appear until 1953 when two chemists, Karl Ziegler and Erhard Holzkamp developed a new production process. Two years later, the first HDPE pipe made its appearance. During this period, the material became popular in the United States. Since then, it has become the most widely used of all plastic material.
As piping and pipe linings, HDPE has been employed for above as well as below ground usage in various industries including water, sewage, mining, oil, and gas. Pipes lined with HDPE can safely carry everything from potable water to hazardous wastes. In fact, of the various material available for producing pipes and pipeline liner, it is the most common field fabricated material.
Why Choose HDPE?
Oil and gas as well as pipeline liner companies turn to HDPE for a variety of reasons. The popularity of the material does not purely relate to its cost-effectiveness. In fact, this is only one of several significant and valid reasons for preferring pipeline liners and even pipes composed of HDPE. The material is
* Dimensionally stable
* Very durable
* Leak tight
* Long service life
* Easy to install
* Flexible
* Chemical Resistant
* Corrosion Resistant
* Abrasion Resistant
* Ductile
* Lightweight
* Exhibits excellent flow characteristics
* Has reduced installation costs
* Overall possesses relatively low cost
For some companies and various consumers, HDPE liners have another attractive quality. They have a high level of recyclability.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipeline Liner
Pipelines age. They become corroded. Before this results in serious environmental and economic consequences, companies need to either replace or rehabilitate them. When it comes to the latter service, Pipeline Liner Companies use some of the best material possible – HDPE.
