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Products > Polyethylene pipes > Features |
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| Features |
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Unidelta polyethylene pipes are manufactured according to current laws using raw materials approved by the Istituto Italiano dei Plastici.
The polymers used are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for irrigation and high-density |
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polyethylene PE80 and PE100 (HDPE) for mains water supplies, gas lines, fire hydrants, sewers, etc. The Unidelta production is very comprehensive, with pipes that range from 16 mm to 630 mm diameter with nominal pressure ranging from 3.2 bar to 25 bar. Unidelta pipes meet Italian standards and bear IIP-UNI marking.
Polyethylene is an extremely effective alternative to pipes made from traditional materials such as cast iron, steel, concrete, etc for technical and economic reasons. The big development and widespread use of polyethylene pipes is due to the its special properties.
Abrasion
Polyethylene's resistance to abrasion is greater than that of steel and concrete. This makes it ideal for conveying solid particles suspended in water (sludge) and for sand and gravel dredging operations. When the piping is laid, the outer surface should not, however, be scratched or cut by sharp objects. The pipes should therefore be handled with care in order to prevent deep cuts to the surface that would reduce the piping mechanical performance.
Flexibility
Polyethylene's high flexibility and its ability to regain its original shape after deformation make it readily absorb vibrations, collisions and stress due to ground movement. As a result it is suitable for installation in unstable areas.
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 Lightness
Polyethylene pipes have a low specific weight and can therefore be easily transported and installed. This results in considerable costs savings.
Corrosion
Polyethylene is chemically inert within its normal temperature range of use. For this reason, it does not crack or corrode and the wall thickness is not reduced after electrochemical reactions with the surrounding terrain. It does not encourage the growth of algae, bacteria and fungi.
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Low temperatures
Polyethylene's mechanical properties allow the pipes to work at low temperatures such as –60°C.
Chemical effects
Polyethylene has good resistance to a wide range of chemicals. Nevertheless, if it comes into contact with certain highly oxidising chemical agents over a long period of time, it can deteriorate. Detergents may encourage fractures to develop, especially at high temperatures. Some solvents (hydrocarbons such petroleum and oil) may be absorbed, this reducing mechanical resistance and affecting the taste of the transported fluid.
Heat stability
Exposing polyethylene to normal environmental temperature variations does not make it deteriorate. When pipes are manufactured, the material is subjected to temperatures of 200°C - 240°C , so certain stabilisers are added to prevent chemical and physical deterioration.
Resistant to UV rays
To prevent polyethylene from deteriorating (ageing) through exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight), carbon black is added to it. This stabiliser enables the pipes to be stored outdoors for a long time.
Poor conductor of heat and electricity
Polyethylene is a poor conductor of heat but is flammable. Direct flame must not therefore be used to defrost pipes or for other operations. Pipes should also be protected if they are near sources of heat that could raise its surface temperature above 60°C . Polyethylene is also a poor conductor of electricity, so that no particular precautions need to be taken in laying the pipes.
Non toxic
Polyethylene is a completely non-toxic material and is therefore suitable for conveying drinking water or water that is to be made potable. In fact it complies to the Hygiene and Health Standards of the Italian Ministry of Health (Circular 102 of 2/12/1978). |
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