HDPE and PVC pipe have several similarities, but there are important differences that you should understand when choosing a product. At Piedmont Plastics, we want you to have the right plastic for your specific application, and that&#;s why we want to point out these differences.
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Both PVC and HDPE are durable and lightweight options for piping in residential and commercial buildings. They carry a low risk of leaks, can carry gas and liquid, and can be used underground and in the water. Both are corrosion-proof and resistant to bacteria and chemical buildup as well. Yet, despite these similarities, distinct differences can dictate which choice is best for your needs.
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Differences Between PVC & HDPE
PVC and HDPE have some distinct differences. In general, HDPE is a flexible, strong, and impermeable plastic. PVC is also strong but less flexible and more prone to cracking and failure.
Both pipes can handle standard water pressure surges common in pipelines. However, with PVC, the pipe can handle 100 psi above its pressure class. With HDPE, the pipe can withstand twice the pressure class. In addition, PVC can handle 5.5 feet per second of flow rate before changing its water pressure rating, while HDPE can handle 14 feet per second. Overall, HDPE is 2,500 more resistant to cracking and failure due to water hammer and fatigue.
PVC has a higher pressure class for static water, but HDPE has a higher working pressure rating. In addition, when creating pipe systems, HDPE has a greater bend radius, so it works well for applications that require a curved or bent design.
These two materials also vary in how they are joined. For example, HDPE is joined with heat fusion, while PFC must have a spigot or bell joint with cement. This means HDPE has less of a risk of leaks at the joints.
Finally, HDPE is more durable under extreme conditions. Unlike PVC, it is completely UV resistant and can be installed in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 140 degrees. It also has a service life of over a century.
Different Applications of PVC & HDPE Pipe
While the most common use of HDPE and PVC pipe is plumbing, these products have additional applications:
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Water and gas mains
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Sewage
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Irrigation
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Slurry transfers
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Stormwater and drainage
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Electrical and communications conduits
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Mining applications
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Firewater
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Brine lines
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Process chemicals
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Ocean clean-up
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Outtfall lines
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Water mains
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Chemical transfers
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Stormwater drainage
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Sewage
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Household plumbing
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Irrigation
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Underwater Piping
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Exhust fumes
Chemical Resistance and Compatability
HDPE and PVC differ in their resistance to certain chemicals. They have the same chemical resistance for the following:
Acetic acid, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Borax, Calcium hypochlorite, Ferrous sulfate, Hydrochloric acid, Hypochlorous acid, Phosphoric acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium carbonate, Sodium chloride, Sulfur, Urine, Water, and Saltwater.
Some chemicals had distinct differences. These include:
Chlorine at 50+ ppm: PVC is more resistant
Nitric acid: HDPE is more resistant
Lubricating oil: HDPE is more resistant
Sodium HypoChlorite: PVC is more resistant
Sulfuric Acid: HDPE is more resistant at most concentrations
Which Is More Cost -Effective: HDPE or PVC?
Even though HDPE is more durable and flexible than PVC and lasts longer without degradation, it costs a little more than its competition. However, when considering cost-effectiveness, you must look beyond the purchase price.
With HDPE, you don&#;t have to use cement to join pieces. Because it is joined with heat, the process requires minimal wait time. As a result, you do not have to wait for the cement to cure, and you can use your new pipes more quickly.
HDPE is also more cost-effective to transport. You do not have to protect it from sunlight as you do with PVC because it is UV resistant. This combination of less cost and time to install and less cost for transportation helps counter the higher purchase cost.
Finally, HDPE will last longer than PVC in most applications. Not having to replace and repair pipes as often adds up to major cost savings. In light of these factors, HDPE is typically the more cost-effective option.
Get Expert Guidance
If you are curious about whether to choose PVC or HDPE, the sales professionals at Piedmont Plastics can help. Our knowledgeable team will help you learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each material so that you can choose the best one for your application. Reach out today.
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At Shell Polymers, we want to build (Real)ationships by making sure we&#;re more than just a polymer supplier. We also want to be a converter&#;s knowledgeable friend who shares insights on things that help grow your business.
Take, for example, the market for pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE Resin). It&#;s booming. Let&#;s look at five things converters need to know about HDPE pipe, the growth opportunities in this sector, and how your polymer supplier can enable those opportunities.
HDPE Pipe is In Demand
When you think of pipes, what may first come to mind are more traditional materials like copper, ductile iron, concrete, or clay. But the future of pipe is being driven by HDPE &#; and for good reasons. The durability, sustainability, flexibility, chemical and corrosion resistance, light weight, affordability, and robust properties of HDPE plastic has made it a prime choice for a wide array of HDPE pipe applications in:
As a result, Transparency Market Research estimates the global HDPE pipe market to expand at a CAGR of around 6% from to .1 The global HDPE pipe market is expected to be valued at $32.7 billion by .2 Helping fuel that growth is increasing demand for pipeline infrastructure in oil and gas exploration activities.3
Further driving HDPE pipe demand is renewed focus and funding for infrastructure in the coming years, as our societal underpinnings continue to age. There is an excellent opportunity in this sector, as underground infrastructure is experiencing a water main break every two minutes.4
HDPE Plastic is Strong & Durable
HDPE plastic is known for its high resistances and a longer life expectancy than clay, steel, ductile iron, or copper when it comes to piping. It also offers resistance to corrosion, bacteria, and chemical buildup. In fact, HDPE pipes are mainly used in the oil and gas industries due to their ability to withstand high corrosion resistivity and zero reactive properties, and long service periods.5
HDPE pipe is also resistant to temperature changes, rain and wind, load changes (such as water hammer, a pressure wave caused when a liquid or gas is forced to stop or change direction suddenly), and expanding or contracting soils. It won&#;t break when water in the lines freezes and can withstand and even dampen shock waves more than other pipe materials. That makes it well-suited for rugged and changing environments.
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