HDPE Pipe Size FAQs
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1. What does HDPE pipe size mean?
HDPE pipe size typically refers to the outside diameter (OD) of the pipe. Common units include inches or millimeters, depending on regional standards. For example, a 110mm HDPE pipe has an outer diameter of 110mm.
2. What are the standard HDPE pipe sizes?
Standard HDPE pipe sizes vary by region, but commonly include:
Inches: 1/2", 3/4", 1", 2", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", etc.
Millimeters: 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 50mm, 63mm, 90mm, 110mm, 160mm, 200mm, 250mm, 315mm, 400mm, 500mm, 630mm, etc.
3. What is the difference between SDR 11 and SDR 17 HDPE pipe sizes?
The SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) is the ratio of pipe outside diameter to wall thickness.
SDR 11 has a thicker wall and can handle higher pressure.
SDR 17 has a thinner wall and is used for lower-pressure systems.
Same diameter, different pressure ratings.
4. How do I choose the right HDPE pipe size?
Consider the following:
Flow rate requirements
Operating pressure
Length of the pipeline
Compatibility with fittings and system connections
Consulting with an engineer or supplier helps ensure correct sizing.
5. Is HDPE pipe size measured by ID or OD?
HDPE pipe is usually specified by its outside diameter (OD). This is especially important when ordering fittings or matching to standards like ASTM, ISO, or DIN.
6. What SDR ratings are available for HDPE pipes?
Common SDR ratings include: SDR 9, SDR 11, SDR 13.6, SDR 17, SDR 21, and SDR 26. Lower SDR = thicker pipe wall = higher pressure resistance.
7. Can I connect HDPE pipes of different SDRs or sizes?
Yes, but you must use the proper transition fittings or reducers designed for pressure balance and compatibility. Always consult with a qualified technician for mixed installations.
8. What's the largest size available for HDPE pipe?
HDPE pipes are manufactured in sizes up to mm (about 78 inches) or more for large-scale municipal, industrial, and marine applications.
9. What’s the typical length of HDPE pipes?
Standard lengths include:
6 meters (20 feet)
12 meters (40 feet)
Coils for smaller diameters (20mm–110mm), often in 50m, 100m, or 200m rolls
10. Are HDPE pipe sizes compatible with other plastic pipe systems?
Not directly. HDPE sizing and joining methods (like butt fusion, electrofusion) differ from PVC or PPR pipes. Use transitional couplings when connecting different materials.
11. What is a DIPS Pipe?
DIPS stands for Ductile Iron Pipe Size.
DIPS pipes are sized based on the outside diameter (OD) of traditional ductile iron pipes. This sizing system is often used for HDPE, PVC, and ductile iron pipes in municipal water, sewer, and utility applications.
DIPS OD is larger than IPS (Iron Pipe Size)
Common for pipes 4 inches and above
Compatible with ductile iron fittings
What is a CTS Pipe?
CTS stands for Copper Tube Size.
CTS pipes follow the sizing system used for copper tubing, with the pipe size based roughly on the inside diameter (ID). Commonly used in plumbing, residential water supply, and smaller-diameter piping systems.
Typically used for pipes from 1/4" to 2"
Compatible with copper fittings and fixtures
Common in PEX, CPVC, and HDPE systems for homes
What is a SIDR Pipe?
SIDR stands for Standard Inside Dimension Ratio.
It’s a sizing system where the inside diameter (ID) stays proportional to the wall thickness. SIDR is often used with flexible HDPE pipes, especially in rural water, agriculture, and low-pressure systems.
SIDR-rated pipe is measured by ID
Joins using insert fittings and hose clamps (no fusion)
Typical SIDR values: SIDR 7, SIDR 9, SIDR 11.5, etc.
What are SDR and DR?
Both SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) and DR (Dimension Ratio) refer to the ratio of the pipe’s outer diameter (OD) to its wall thickness.
SDR = OD ÷ Wall Thickness
Lower SDR = Thicker wall = Higher pressure capacity
Common SDR ratings: SDR 9, SDR 11, SDR 17, SDR 21, SDR 26
Used in HDPE, PVC, and other pressure-rated pipes
Example:
A 110mm SDR 11 pipe has a thicker wall than a 110mm SDR 17 pipe, so it can handle higher pressure.
What are OD and ID?
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OD (Outside Diameter): The total outside width of the pipe.
Important for fittings and fusion in HDPE/PVC pipes
ID (Inside Diameter): The inner width (open space inside the pipe)
Determines flow capacity
In HDPE:
DIPS and IPS pipes are OD-based
SIDR pipes are ID-based
ASTM International develops and publishes technical standards for several industries, including manufacturing, chemicals, consumer products, energy and utilities, and construction. The HDPE pipe manufactured by United Poly Systems adheres to all applicable ASTM standards.
When buying Plastic Pipe, it’s critical to make sure your supplier complies with all the necessary standards. Here is a list of some of the common ASTM standards and their definitions:
Today, HDPE pipes have become a basic need since they are manufactured to handle present-day challenges in recent growth. Yet, due to a critical need to keep production prices down and keep up the performance, quality, and efficiency, HDPE pipes have turned into the best-chosen material for almost any project. As the demand for HDPE pipes in agriculture, water, gas and various industries increases, HDPE usage is on the surge and is expected to keep rising.
HDPE, or high-density polyethene, is a kind of thermoplastic material. It is formed of hydrogen and carbon atoms that are connected to generate methane gas, which is afterwards changed into ethylene, and with the use of pressure and heat, it gets converted into polyethene. There are numerous HDPE pipe dealers and manufacturers worldwide, but you must find one that is trustworthy and helps gain huge benefits.
Based on the highest-pressure withstanding ability, HDPE pipes are categorized into several pressure grades called PN grades. They are:
PN 2.5 – maximum pressure capability (2.5 bar)
PN 4 – maximum pressure capability (4 bar)
PN 6 – maximum pressure capability (6 bar)
PN 10 – maximum pressure capability (10 bar)
PN 16 – maximum pressure capability (16 bar)
PN 20 – maximum pressure capability (20 bar)
PN 25 – maximum pressure capability (25 bar)
Also, based on the type of HDPE pipe material, these pipes are classified into the following types:
PE 63 (used as medium pressure piping systems)
PE 80 – gas pipe, drinking Water Pipe, sewers, outfall pipes, and industrial piping system
PE 100 – huge demand pipe usage
The numbers indicated after PE show the minimum needed durability in Bar at 200 C for fifty years life range equivalent to ISO-. The density of HDPE pipes can vary from 930 to 970 kg/m3. Even though HDPE’s density is only slightly higher than low-density polyethylene, HDPE involves small branching, offering it more powerful inter-molecular forces and extensible force than LDPE.
HDPE Pipes and fittings are securely employed in different projects with increased strength and quality. The key usage areas include:
HDPE pipes are used in cold water network systems and house affinities. They offer ducting for AC and refrigeration.
These pipes are used in service pipes, water mains, and sewer network systems. They are also utilized for making ducts for cables in electrical facilities.
Because of the strong wall of HDPE pipes, they are utilized for spraying in water supply systems and traction lines. HDPE agriculture pipes are unsusceptible to soil erosion and salty water making them ideal for irrigation and drainage applications.
These pipes are used well in both surface and below-the-ground operations and slurries. They are utilized in conveying liquids and chemicals and mine and pit dewatering in general mining operations.
The industrial HDPE pipes are utilized in house sewage systems for sewer drainage control and water cleansing in sanitary processes. In the petrochemical industry, these pipes are used to transport most chemicals and potable water.
The use of HDPE pipes is in supply lines and floats. They can remove a large quantity of cold water from big water bodies. These pipes also enable trenchless technology that leads to the rehabilitation of present pipelines with minimum disturbance to the surface.
The HDPE pipes bring high effect resistance and also hold off dynamic and static pressure. These pipes do not break in freezing situations and bear rough dealing and traffic burdens.
HDPE is non-toxic, incurring to its property of being inactive and non-toxic. That is why HDPE is used for potable water transportation.
HDPE ducts and pipes are used quickly for underground setups. The reason is that the pipes are electrolytic and galvanic corrosion-proof.
HDPE pipes bring superior resistance to chemicals that make them suitable for dealing with corrosive alkalis and acids. As these pipes are totally neutral to chemicals, they are used extensively in chemical plants.
HDPE pipes are many times lighter than traditional pipes. That is why their conveyance and set-up are worthwhile and easy.
The HDPE ducts and pipes possess smooth outer and inner surfaces, thus letting small frictional impedance to liquid flow. Likewise, HDPE readily allows firm particles to flow together with the liquids in the pipes.
One of the critical elements of HDPE ducts and pipes is that they are very stretchy and bend simply without breaking. This main feature of HDPE pipes permits extended lengths of small-diameter pipes to be elated in the type of coils.
Incurring HDPE agility, the transportation, set-up process and handling become simple. Similarly, HDPE pipes don’t require heavy machinery to shift them.
HDPE pipes are broadly used as electrical lines because their dielectric power is high. Also, no abandoned electrical currents may be moved from outside.
HDPE pipes have a moderate life of over fifty years if used at regular working temperature and pressure. As against traditional pipes like GI, PVC, cement, steel, etc., they have only some years of life.
The pipe supplier must be well associated with the infrastructure niche. If they know the market, they will understand the best products to deliver to you. This can be quickly set up with an , a few important questions, or a speedy call.
The supplier generally offers orders in bulk quantity. This signifies they are utilized for huge volume productivity, and you can depend on their top times and your increased demand.
The supplier should possess a good track record. An organization that is proud of itself in service includes a reduced chance of providing low-grade products.
Choose a dealer that is best in the growth, study and manufacturing of HDPE and feasibly same plastic materials such as PPR, PVC, PP, PEX etc. But, be cautious of a supplier that claims to be a sole provider.
The supplier is considerably easygoing on the cost. More quantity is equivalent to the discounted cost. Most individuals do not like price bustling for a price. Thus, a supplier that stays to the point is a good indication. It is pretty easy to assure extremely reduced prices than the competitors, but purchasing cheap quality for the benefit of buying cheap involves increasing risk than reward.
HDPE pipes are in big demand due to their flexible material that fulfills the expectations of all the water sources crossways the nation. Selecting HDPE pipes for agriculture, industrial and housing water needs becomes an imperative decision that can have a lasting effect on any industrial project or on agricultural land. Buying HDPE pipes from trustworthy HDPE pipe dealers and manufacturers absolutely helps to get the most favourable advantages of HDPE pipes. We hope this post will be useful for you in getting quick knowledge about HDPE pipes. So, if you wish to get a quotation regarding your water piping requirements, feel free to contact us.
With all the advancements and applications plastics have brought to our lives, widespread uptake and mass production thereof has had a devastating impact on our environment to date.
According to Dame Ellen MacArthur, whose self-named foundation runs an initiative called the New Plastics Economy, 78 million tonnes of plastic packaging is produced in the world each year . Of that 78 million tonnes, only 2% gets recycled into the same quality of plastic.
But, where other plastics have failed to assist in protecting our environment, HDPE has proved to be the most commonly recycled plastic and is still considered one of the safest forms out there today.
HDPE has a resin identification code (RIC) of “2”. This means it is picked up by most curbside recycling programmes, thereby contributing to the reduction of resource consumption and pollution. Whenever you recycle HDPE plastic, you are helping to create new, reusable eco-friendly products and are preventing millions of pounds of waste from reaching the landfills. More than 80% of all households in the US, for example, have access to a plastic recycling programme that works with HDPE. Recycled HDPE plastic has, in fact, revealed itself to be almost as versatile as its original counterpart due to being utilized in almost as many applications as when in its virgin form. Some of the most common uses of recycled HDPE include:
Playground equipment;
Plastic lumber;
Storage containers;
Outdoor patio furniture;
Automobile parts; and
Compost bins, plastic trash cans and recycling bins.
As a material, HDPE is highly preferred in these and other applications over its heavier counterparts. This enables society and companies employing it to achieve their sustainability goals, which include reducing the amount of material used in packaging products.
Additionally, HDPE’s strong and lightweight nature translates into less impact on the environment. For instance, a recent study of six different types of packaging found that plastic delivers more food with significantly less waste, energy use and global-warming potential than alternatives.
HDPE is lightweight, durable, non-toxic, BPA-free and dishwasher safe; five significant advantages. One of the main reasons why it is so popular is that it is incredibly strong, can be recycled in many different ways and has numerous purposes.
The next time you are looking for safe plastic, make sure you seek out HDPE.
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