When is it suitable to use PE pipe?

PE pipe (polyethylene pipe), due to its unique material properties, is suitable for a variety of applications, particularly where corrosion resistance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are crucial. The following are suitable environments for PE pipe:

1. High Corrosion Resistance Requirements
Applications:
Transporting acidic, alkaline, or saline media (such as chemical wastewater and seawater desalination).
Underground pipes to avoid corrosion from acids, bases, or electrolytes in the soil (traditional metal pipes are susceptible to rust).
Advantages: PE pipe is chemically stable and requires no additional corrosion protection.

2. Flexibility and Impact Resistance Requirements
Applications:
Earthquake-prone areas or areas of foundation settlement (pipes can bend and deform, making them less susceptible to breakage).
Pipes that require frequent movement or temporary installation (such as temporary water supply at construction sites).
Advantages: PE pipe has good ductility and can withstand a certain degree of compression and stretching.

3. Low-Temperature Environments
Applications:
Water or gas distribution in cold regions (such as outdoor pipelines in northern China). Advantages: PE pipe remains tough at low temperatures (-60°C to -40°C) and is less susceptible to brittle cracking (compared to PVC pipe, which is prone to freezing and cracking).

4. High Hygiene Requirements
Applicable Applications:
Drinking water transportation (such as municipal tap water and direct drinking water systems).
Fluid transportation in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Advantages: PE pipe is non-toxic and odorless, complies with the GB/T 17219 hygiene standard, and is not prone to bacterial growth.

5. Long-Distance or Complex Terrain Laying
Applicable Applications:
Mountainous areas and river crossings, where welding is difficult.
Water/gas transmission projects requiring fewer joints (such as agricultural irrigation and oil and gas field gathering and transportation).
Advantages: PE pipe can be coiled and can be extended in length (up to hundreds of meters). It uses hot-melt connection technology, providing excellent sealing and reducing leak points.

6. Prioritizing Economy and Ease of Construction
Applicable Applications:
Medium- and low-pressure pipeline projects with limited budgets (such as rural water supply and drainage systems).
Emergency repairs or rapid construction needs (PE pipe is lightweight and welds quickly). Advantages: Lower overall cost than steel and copper pipes, and easier maintenance.

7. Special Media Transportation
Applicable Applications:
Gas transportation (PE gas pipe, such as PE80/PE100, has strong permeability resistance).
Sludge, slurry, and other high-solids fluids.
Advantages: PE pipe has a smooth inner wall, low friction, and is less susceptible to scaling and clogging.

Unsuitable Applications for PE Pipes
High-temperature fluids: Long-term operating temperatures generally do not exceed 40°C (cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X) or metal pipes should be selected for high-temperature resistance).
High-pressure applications: PE pipe has limited pressure bearing capacity (usually ≤1.6 MPa; steel or composite pipes are required for ultrahigh pressures).
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure: For outdoor installations, choose black PE pipe (containing carbon black for UV protection) or add a protective layer.