The popularity of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes is increasing rapidly due to their exceptional performance in various applications such as sewage systems, irrigation, and ventilation for mines and buildings. Their durability and resistance to corrosion make them a highly preferable choice for a wide range of industries.
However, the growing demand has led to an influx of HDPE pipe products with varying quality standards in the market. This has made it challenging for wholesalers and consumers to assess the reliability of these pipes. That is why conducting proper pipe tests is essential to make these products comply with the required standards.
In this article, we will talk about the key HDPE pipe testing procedures to help you identify high-quality HDPE pipes, avoiding getting substandard products in the saturated market out there.
Importance of Quality Identification for HDPE Pipes
Let’s first see why is HDPE pipe testing procedure is important. Here are the top benefits of conducting HDPE pipe tests:
1. Security
The structural integrity of HDPE pipes directly impacts the safety of the systems they are part of. Qualified pipes have no material defects or insufficient processing accuracy, making them less likely to lead to leaks, broken systems failures, and even dangerous accidents. A rigorous identification process to test pipes eliminates risks associated with using inferior pipes that may compromise safety.
2. Economy
High-quality HDPE pipes typically exhibit excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, making them uneasy to damage during use. This eliminate risks of frequent repairs and replacement, reducing long-term costs.
In addition, such pipes often have smooth inner walls and low fluid resistance, reducing energy loss and enhancing transport efficiency. Therefore, a strict pipe test offers better economics from a long-term operational perspective.
3. Environmental Friendliness
Qualified HDPE pipes that last longer can reduce polyethylene material waste. In addition, these pipes won’t generate much waste and pollutants during production and recycling, which follows the concept of sustainable development. From these two perspectives, high-quality pipelines are more environmentally friendly.
How to Test the Quality of HDPE Pipes?
The quality of HDPE pipes can be evaluated through several key pipe tests, such as:
1. Appearance Inspection
A thorough visual examination is the first step to test pipe quality. During this inspection, you should check for:
- Color: HDPE pipes should have a uniform color without any inconsistencies or mottled spots. Generally, common colors include black, blue, etc.
- Surface Smoothness: The pipe surface should be smooth without obvious defects such as dents, protrusions, bubbles, cracks, etc. When touched by hand, it should feel flat without any roughness. This indicates a higher level of manufacturing precision.
- Texture and Structural Integrity: Observe whether the texture on the pipe surface is clear, uniform, and without cracks or damage. For double-wall corrugated pipes with special structures, their corrugations should be continuous, consistent, regular, and not easily deformed.
- Inner Wall Smoothness: A smooth inner surface makes sure that the fluid flow is not hindered.
- Label Information: Make sure the pipe’s labeling is complete, accurate, and adheres to industry standards. It usually includes manufacturer, trademark, specification, model, production date, execution standard, and certificate of conformity. The absence of proper labeling could be an indicator of substandard manufacturing.
2. Odor Inspection
High-quality HDPE pipes should have no obvious odor or only a slight plastic odor. The presence of an unusual or strong odor could indicate using poor-quality raw materials or containing harmful additives. Such issues will affect the pipe’s safety and performance. An odor pipe test ensures that the material is free from dangerous additives or improper processing.
3. Welding Inspection
HDPE pipes often undergo welding processes to connect different sections. Qualified welds should be uniform without any omissions, blowholes, burning, deformation, or other phenomena. The surface of the weld should be smooth and flat, similar in color to the pipe, without obvious color differences.
4. Dimensional Inspection
Measure the outer diameter, inner diameter, wall thickness, and weight of the pipes to confirm they meet the required specifications. Excessive size deviation may affect the connection sealing and overall performance of the pipe.
5. Physical Performance Test
This pipe test assesses different mechanical properties of the HDPE pipe, such as comprehensive strength and impact resistance.
- For the HDPE pipe pressure testing procedures, place pipes horizontally and apply even pressure with heavy objects to observe whether there are any deformation, rupture, or other issues. Moreover, you can also fill the pipe with water and maintain its pressure for a specified period of time. During the experiment, the pipe is observed for leaks and pressure loss to ensure its reliability under normal conditions.
- For impact resistance pipe testing, place the pipe at an appropriate height, allowing it to fall freely and inspect for cracks, damages, etc.
6. Corrosion Resistance Test
The common application of HDPE pipe is sewage discharge, so it’s important to test the pipe’s ability to resist various corrosive elements. Some of the common pipe tests in this category include acid, alkali, and salt resistance tests. Conducting these tests ensure that the pipe can withstand the exposure against all the common substances that can contribute to their corrosion in the long run.
7. Elongation at Break
The elongation at break is the ratio of the length at break to the original length. For this strength testing, take a section of pipe sample and apply tension to it. The greater its elongation at break, the better the flexibility.
8. Environmental Friendliness
In order to guarantee that the pipe meets environmental standards, conduct pipe tests for heavy metal and bacterial detection. The presence of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium can pose health risks, while bacteria and other pathogens could contaminate water supplies. They involve the use of professional testing equipment and methods.
Where to Buy High-quality HDPE Pipes?
If you are dazzled by the products on the market and don’t know which HDPE pipe supplier to choose, LESSO is your trusted choice. LESSO’s HDPE double-wall corrugated pipes have a two-layer design with a smooth inner wall that minimizes fluid friction for improved flow efficiency and a corrugated outer wall that enhances structural strength.
These pipes come in various sizes ranging from 110mm to 800mm and are UV-resistant, lightweight, and easy to install. They have high corrosion resistance and perform well in harsh environments. On top of this, they are highly durable, flexible, and capable of withstanding ground subsidence and movement, which extends HDPE pipe lifespan.
Due to all these properties, LESSO’s HDPE double-wall corrugated pipes can be used in a large number of applications, such as municipal sewage systems, stormwater drainage, agricultural irrigation, industrial wastewater treatment, and underground cable protection!
Wrapping-Up
Overall, testing the quality of HDPE pipes ensures safety, durability, and environmental responsibility. The aspects of the HDPE pipe test include appearance, odor, welds, dimension, physical performance, corrosion, elongation at break, and environmental friendliness.
LESSO’s high-quality pipes are an excellent choice for a wide variety of uses as they offer superior corrosion resistance, flexibility, and strength. Contact us now for a customized solution!
