In the construction of water supply systems, the material selection of above ground pipelines directly affects water supply safety, service life and maintenance costs. Unlike buried pipelines, above ground pipelines are exposed to the natural environment and need to consider factors such as ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, and mechanical shock. This article will comprehensively analyze the materials suitable for Above ground water pipelines to help you make a scientific and reasonable choice.
Before choosing the material of Above ground water pipeline, it is necessary to clarify the requirements brought by its special use environment:
Strong weather resistance: can resist natural erosion such as ultraviolet rays, rain, wind and snow for a long time
Temperature adaptability: can withstand changes in the highest and lowest temperatures in the local area
High mechanical strength: resistant to wind loads and impacts, not easily damaged by external forces
Aesthetics: some application scenarios need to consider the appearance of the pipeline
Easy installation: convenient for on-site construction and later maintenance
1. HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe
Advantages:
Excellent weather resistance (especially black HDPE has good UV resistance)
Extremely strong flexibility, can adapt to temperature changes (-60℃~60℃)
Light weight, easy installation, hot-melt connection without leakage risk
Corrosion-resistant, no scaling, ensuring water quality safety
Service life of more than 50 years
Disadvantages:
Need to be treated with sunscreen (products with UV protection layer can be selected)
Rigidity is not as good as metal pipes, and long spans require additional support
Applicable scenarios:
Industrial plants, agricultural irrigation, temporary water supply systems
2. Stainless steel pipe (304/316)
Advantages:
Excellent weather resistance and mechanical strength
Beautiful and elegant, suitable for places with requirements on appearance
Completely rust-proof, high sanitation level
Service life of more than 50 years
Disadvantages:
High cost
Compensation measures need to be considered for thermal expansion and contraction
Possible burns when the surface is high temperature (insulation treatment is required)
Applicable scenarios:
High-end residential areas, hospitals, food factories and other places with strict requirements on water quality
3. PPR (random copolymer polypropylene) pipe
Advantages:
Moderate cost, easy installation
Smooth inner wall without scaling
Good heat resistance (long-term use temperature 70℃)
Disadvantages:
Poor UV resistance, need sunshade protection
Evident low temperature brittleness (not suitable for outdoor use in cold areas)
Relatively short service life (about 25 years)
Applicable scenarios:
Temporary water supply system for short-term use, indoor and outdoor transition section
4. Galvanized steel pipe
Advantages:
Extremely high mechanical strength
Good impact resistance
Low initial cost
Disadvantages:
Easy to rust and corrode (water quality will be affected after 3-5 years)
Heavy weight, complex installation
Short service life (usually no more than 15 years)
Applicable scenarios:
Temporary projects, industrial water with low water quality requirements
5. PVC-U pipe
Advantages:
Lowest price
Easy installation
Resistant to chemical corrosion
Disadvantages:
High brittleness, easy to break
Poor UV resistance (will age and become brittle)
Poor low temperature performance
May release harmful substances
Applicable scenarios:
Short-term temporary water supply, not recommended for long-term use
1. Best choice: HDPE pipe (UV-resistant)
HDPE pipe with carbon black layer is recommended (UV-resistant)
PE100 grade pipe with UV stabilizer is more durable
Suitable for most ground water supply scenarios
2. High-end choice: stainless steel pipe
316 stainless steel is more suitable for highly corrosive environments such as coastal areas
It is recommended to use plastic-coated stainless steel pipe to enhance weather resistance
Suitable for places with high requirements for water quality and appearance
3. Economic choice: PPR pipe (protection required)
Shading measures (such as casing, coating) must be taken
Recommended only for use in temperate regions
Suitable for short- and medium-term projects with limited budgets
4. Choices to avoid
Ordinary PVC pipe (easy to age and crack)
Galvanized steel pipe (will rust quickly and pollute water quality)
Untreated ordinary HDPE pipe (ultraviolet rays will accelerate aging)
Reasonable support spacing (different materials require different spacing)
Set expansion joints (especially metal pipes)
Take antifreeze measures (insulation is required in cold areas)
Regular inspection and maintenance (especially connection parts)
Avoid mechanical damage (set up guardrails or warning signs)
For most above ground water pipeline projects, UV-resistant HDPE pipes are the best choice, which balances durability, safety and economy. Stainless steel pipes can be used in special occasions (such as high-end communities and hospitals). No matter which material is chosen, local climate conditions and usage environment must be considered, and corresponding protective measures must be taken.
