PE Pipe Classification
Polyethylene (PE) pipe is categorized in several ways, based on the material grade, structure, application, and governing standards. Here are the primary classification methods:
Classification of PE Pipes By Material Grade (The Core Classification)
This is the most critical classification, as it directly determines the pipe's performance, pressure capacity, and application. It is based on the Material's Minimum Required Strength (MRS).
PE 80: One of the most widely used grades.
MRS: 8.0 MPa
Characteristics: Good pressure resistance and toughness.
Applications: Municipal water supply networks, gas distribution (medium and low pressure), irrigation.
PE 100: The mainstream choice for high-performance pipelines.
MRS: 10.0 MPa
Characteristics: Higher pressure rating, superior resistance to Slow Crack Growth (SCG), and longer service life. Allows for thinner walls at the same pressure, saving material.
Applications: High-pressure water mains, large-diameter water transmission projects, gas distribution, industrial pipes.
PE 100-RC: The latest generation of high-performance material.
"RC" stands for "Crack Resistant".
Characteristics: Builds upon PE 100 with significantly enhanced resistance to Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP). It is highly resistant to damage propagation from incidents like excavation impacts.
Applications: Trenchless installation (e.g., pipe bursting, directional drilling), seismic zones, unstable ground conditions, and high-safety applications.
Classification of PE Pipes By Pipe Structure
Solid-Wall Pipe: The most common type, with a solid, homogeneous wall structure. All grades like PE80 and PE100 are available in this form.
Double-Wall Corrugated Pipe:
Structure: Smooth inner wall and a corrugated (hollow-structured) outer wall.
Characteristics: Lightweight, high ring stiffness (excellent resistance to external loads), easy installation.
Applications: Primarily for non-pressure drainage systems, such as municipal sewerage, stormwater, and cable ducting.
Profile-Wall Wound Pipe:
Structure: Formed by coiling and welding a profiled strip into a pipe.
Characteristics: Can be manufactured in very large diameters (up to several meters), high ring stiffness.
Applications: Large-scale drainage and sewer projects, such as for highways and railways.
Classification of PE Pipes By Application
Water Supply Pipe: Typically blue or black with blue stripes. Must be hygienic, non-toxic, and comply with potable water standards.
Gas Pipe: Typically yellow or black with yellow stripes. Has extremely high requirements for long-term stability and safety; usually made from PE 80 and PE 100.
Drainage/Sewer Pipe: Typically black or black/grey. Can be solid-wall but is more commonly double-wall corrugated or wound pipe.
Mining Pipe: Used for mine ventilation, water supply, and methane drainage, with special requirements like anti-static and flame-retardant properties.
Agricultural Pipe: Used for irrigation and drip systems, often black to prevent algae growth.
Ducting / Conduit: For protecting underground power and communication cables, often in multi-channel (honeycomb), silicone-coated, or corrugated forms.
Classification of PE Pipes By Standardization System
| Chinese National Standards (GB): | |||
| GB/T 13663 | Polyethylene (PE) piping systems for water supply. | HDPE Water Supply Pipe | |
| GB 15558 | Polyethylene (PE) piping systems for buried gas supply. | HDPE Gas Supply Pipe | |
| GB/T 19472 | Polyethylene (PE) structured wall piping systems for buried applications. | Double-Wall Corrugated Pipe; Profile-Wall Wound Pipe | |
GB/T 32439 | Steel Wire Mesh Reinforced Polyethylene Composite Pipeline for Water Supply | HDPE Steel Wire Mesh Skeleton Composite Pipe | |
How to Select the Right PE Pipe ?
Define the Application: Is it for water, gas, or drainage? This determines the pipe type and color coding.
The recognition of color markings is one of the basic basics for PE pipelines. Common color markings include blue, orange, yellow, and red, with blue corresponding to the most common PE water supply and drainage pipes, orange and yellow corresponding to gas pipes, and red corresponding to mining pipes.
Determine Pressure Rating: Choose PE 80 or PE 100 based on the operating pressure. For critical or high-pressure applications, prefer PE 100 or PE 100-RC.
Consider Installation Environment: For trenchless methods or poor ground conditions, strongly consider PE 100-RC pipe.
Follow Standards: Always select products that comply with relevant national or international standards (e.g., ISO, EN, ASTM, GB) and request the manufacturer's test reports and certifications.
Pay Attention to SDR: The Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) is the ratio of the pipe's outside diameter to its wall thickness. A lower SDR number indicates a thicker wall and higher pressure resistance. The correct SDR is selected based on the operating pressure and material grade.
