Polyethylene (PE) pipes are plastic pipes made of polyethylene resin as the main raw material, with appropriate amount of additives added, and made by extrusion molding. According to different densities, PE pipes can be divided into:
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes: have higher strength, rigidity and temperature resistance
Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipes
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pipes: better flexibility but lower strength
In the field of drinking water transportation, HDPE and MDPE pipes are mainly used, and their operating temperature range is generally -60℃ to 60℃, and the designed service life can reach more than 50 years.
1. Raw material purity:
Food-grade PE raw materials must comply with GB/T 17219 "Safety Evaluation Standards for Drinking Water Distribution Equipment and Protective Materials"
Recycled materials or additives that do not meet hygiene standards must not be used
2. Chemical stability:
PE is an inert material and will not react chemically with water
Resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, and will not release harmful substances due to changes in water quality
3. Additive safety:
Antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers and other additives must pass toxicology testing
Heavy metal stabilizers (such as lead, cadmium, etc.) must not be contained
1. Microbial control:
The inner wall is smooth (roughness coefficient is only 0.01), which is not easy to breed bacteria and algae
No dissolution, no nutrition source for microorganisms
2. Tasteless and odorless:
High-quality PE pipes will not produce plastic odor
Does not affect the sensory properties of water
3. Long-term stability:
Extremely low dissolution content within 50 years of use
Good resistance to environmental stress cracking, avoiding water pollution due to aging
GB/T 13663-2018 "Polyethylene (PE) pipes for water supply"
Specifies physical and mechanical properties and hygienic indicators
Requires passing 8760 hours (1 year) hydrostatic strength test
GB/T 17219-1998
Strict requirements for the quality of soaking water
Test items include color, turbidity, pH change, heavy metal dissolution, etc.
NSF/ANSI 61: US drinking water system component health effects standard
KTW: German plastic product drinking water license certification
WRAS: British Water Advisory Scheme certification
|
Property |
PE Pipe |
PVC Pipe |
Galvanized Steel Pipe |
Copper Pipe |
PPR Pipe |
|
Microbial Growth |
Very Little |
Relatively Little |
Prone to Growth |
Very Little |
Very Little |
|
Heavy Metal Leaching |
None |
Possible (Low Quality) |
Yes (Zinc) |
Yes (Copper) |
None |
|
Chemical Stability |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Odor Production |
None |
Possible |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
|
Service Life |
50+ years |
30-50 years |
10-15 years |
30+ years |
50+ years |
To ensure the safety of drinking water in PE pipes, please note:
1. Purchase regular products:
Look for "Sanitary Permit for Water-Related Products"
Check the sanitation indicators in the test report
2. Correct installation:
Use hot melt connection to avoid using unqualified adhesives
Rinse and disinfect after installation
3. Reasonable use:
Avoid long-term exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet rays accelerate aging)
Do not use to transport high-temperature water (over 60°C)
4. Regular maintenance:
Establish a pipeline cleaning system
Pay attention to changes in water quality and promptly investigate problems when they are found
1. Direct drinking water system:
Special pipes made of PE-RT or PE100 grade raw materials are required
It is recommended to add antibacterial treatment process for the inner wall
2. Renovation of old residential areas:
Replacing PE pipes can effectively solve the water quality problems caused by rust of cast iron pipes
Attention should be paid to the treatment of the connection between new and old pipes
3. Rural water supply projects:
PE pipes have good frost resistance and are suitable for areas with large temperature differences
Pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals should be prevented from contacting the pipes
Polyethylene (PE) pipes that meet national standards are a safe and reliable drinking water transportation material with better hygienic performance than many traditional pipes. By selecting qualified products, standardizing construction and reasonable maintenance, PE pipes can fully meet the safety requirements of drinking water.
