Frequently used in the mining industry, in irrigation, for plant engineering and municipal drinking water installations, HDPE fittings have been found to be highly reliable when it comes to high pressure and in fact all transportation of water, and gas, within pipelines. Discover everything buyers need to know about the different types of fittings, their benefits over other fitting types, what to be wary of when dealing with suppliers and more.
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CONTENT
1. HDPE Fittings: A Definition
2. Electro-Fusion Process
3. Types of HDPE Fittings
4. Creating Trust in HDPE Fittings
5. A Timeline of HDPE Fittings
6. In The Factory
7. Can HDPE Fittings Be Recycled?
8. Range of Sizes
9. Industrial Uses and Safety
10. Benefits Over Other Fitting Types
11. Selecting Suppliers
HDPE fittings are widgets that reinforce both water and gas pipelines.
While sizes can vary quite a bit, any fittings with a threaded portion greater than 32mm should ideally be reinforced externally. Placing a stainless steel ring around such a fitting, for example, will allow for maximum durability.
A good-quality fitting will allow for reliable, high-performance joining and a long lifespan.
Remember: the most important step before installation is cleaning and degreasing the fitting. This is ideally performed with a special cleaning solution for PE welding, as any other fluid may cause damage to the joint.
To apply the solution, use clean lint-free wipes or wipes made of fabric or paper. It is absolutely necessary to clean all the welding surfaces. Once these surfaces have been cleaned, you should not touch them with your hands.
Since a clean, dry surface is fundamental to good welding practice, go with a manufacturer that provides fittings in sealable plastic bags. Remove the fitting from its original packaging only when you are ready to de-grease it and install it on the prepared pie.
While it is possible to manually join up two sections of piping, the automated process is most economical due to its low potential for operator error.
When perusing supplier websites, readers may come across as many as 14 or more different HDPE fitting variations, excluding custom designs.
See the bulleted list below for examples of types, images and preferred applications:
• long neck applications: structure, gas, hydraulic
• flange applications: mining and process applications, fire systems, rural and metro water supplies
• bend molded applications: structure, plumbing, chemical handling, gas, drinking water
• fabricated 45 degree applications: structure, gas, hydraulic
• spigot and molded tee applications: structure, gas, hydraulic
• reducer applications: engineering, industrial, construction
• cross fitting applications: structure, gas, hydraulic
• end cap applications: pharmaceutical, oil refineries, petrochemical industries
• butt fusion applications: structure, gas, hydraulic
• wafer butterfly valve applications: liquid, gas
For an in-depth look at HDPE follow this link to “HDPE A Complete Buyer’s Guide“
Did you know that international authorities require that HDPE fittings are clearly marked, on their outer surfaces, with their manufacturing details?
These may include: the manufacturer’s name or trademark; a code for the compound used; a diameter and pressure rating; and a date or code of manufacture.
Did you know that to limit potential product defects, you should strive to make your requirements 100 percent clear to your supplier?
Otherwise, you may find yourself becoming one of numerous importers who have lost money due to customer returns and/or unsellable products. But, how do you go about ensuring that your supplier fully understands your expectations for a product?
An excellent way to proceed is to set up a quality control (QC) checklist which shows: important product qualities such as dimensions, volume, weight, material, color and labeling; packaging requirements designed to minimise damage to your goods during shipment; on-site product tests and checks; and a vendor agreement.
We can attest to the fact that putting in place clear and well-defined requirements for your products, before they are actually manufactured and shipped, is key to preventing quality defects.
For safety and performance reasons, the above information allows the manufacturer to be traced through a Quality Assurance (QA) system, which means that any further details – such as grade or raw material used, batch test results or process conditions – can be sourced, if necessary.
In this way, all installations can be traced back to the resin batch from which they were produced, including all related history. Interestingly, the most up-to-date traceability systems are based on the use of barcodes, which record data as diverse as:
• equipment information;
• site logistics;
• data on fittings;
• fusion-jointing parameters;
• installation dates; and
• assembly procedures.
The above information, contained in the barcodes, is ideally linked to a Geographical Information System (GIS).
At any subsequent excavation or operation, the barcode can be read and all data accessed on the pipes and fittings concerned.
Similarly, in planning operations and works, the data is readily accessible from the GIS or database.
One such system, Traccoding, uses ‘ISO’ and a series of five numbers in its unique barcoding.
Note: It is up to the user to create the link between the various data elements.
Care is necessary when determining which data are to be downloaded and the minimum information to be stored in the database for later retrieval. Of importance is the fact that all fittings are fabricated to SANS ISO , ISO and related standards, in compliance with the relevant authorities.
The traceability barcode on this HDPE fitting
Fabricated HDPE fittings can solve a great many on-site pipeline-installation issues that builders and engineers face.
Typically, fittings such as bends, tees, laterals, reducing tees and laterals, and manifolds are made out of HDPE Pipe.
While fittings can be manufactured in either plain ended, flanged, Tak stub ends or Victaulic ends, they can also be made with a combination of the different ends.
The permissible working pressure of a fitting is 60% of the rated pressure of the pipe used to manufacture it.
So, for example, a 10 bar pipe will produce a 6 bar fitting.
While fittings generally feature an expected range of benefits (see “Benefits of HDPE fittings” below), they can also be manufactured to customer requirements.
Yes, they can, although the quality of the end product very much depends on the condition of the recycled fitting.
Of benefit is the fact that there is generally minimal material degradation during the fittings manufacturing process, meaning any fittings that don’t make the cut in terms of shape or structure can be recycled back into future fitting types that will, indeed, conform to the required parameters; and even into other plastics products that are less mechanically demanding.
Recycling continues to keep the volume of material waste in fittings manufacturing at an all-time low.
As you’ll have realised in the section above, fittings can also be produced in a range of different sizes according to client specifications.
It all depends on the size of the pipeline to which they must be affixed – from around 20mm to approximately 650mm in outer diameter.
While the outer diameter of the pipe must, of course, be worked out and specified, ideally using a pipe size hydraulic design tool (see “Benefits of HDPE fittings” below), so too must the required inner thickness of any fitting be specified.
Alternatively, you could opt to contact a hydraulic consultant with any queries.
HDPE fittings are currently used in industries that range from fertilizer, paper and pulp manufacturing, to power and petrochemical plants, dredge and water operators and those that need to transport liquefied Natural Gas.
Because the substances transported within the piping can be hazardous if leakage occurs, the Plastics Pipe Institute has recently updated its Material Handling Guide for HDPE Pipe & Fittings , available for download here.
According to the PPI, the purpose of this guide is to “provide important safety information on handling, lifting, storing and installing polyethylene pipe and fittings.
By adhering to these and other safety guidelines, it is the sincere hope of the PPI and its members that the number of serious accidents and injuries [related to HDPE pipeline and fittings] can be kept to a minimum.”
In what ways are fittings made from HDPE superior to those made from other materials?
Well, they allow for:
• ease of handling, due to being as much as 1/8th of the density of metals like steel;
• are flexible, allowing for installation over uneven terrain;
• can be heat-welded using techniques like butt fusion and electro fusion, which provides joints that may even be stronger than the piping itself;
• are leak and rust proof;
• are corrosion and chemical resistant;
• have a high impact strength;
• are non-stick, resulting in excellent hydraulic characteristics and impressive durability;
• are UV resistant; and
• are unaffected by organic substances, such as bacteria and fungi.
Another commonly cited benefit is that HDPE fittings are easily installed, meaning team managers can train their staff rapidly and accurately. What a pleasure!
So, what do you need to know when ordering HDPE fittings?
We believe that the vendor you choose to work with should be efficiently connected to the international infrastructure industry.
This is because the greater an understanding they have of the market, the better the products they are able to offer.
Concerned about building a good relationship with your supplier?
You can do this by paying when you said you would; communicating regularly and honestly, via both voice/skype call and ; and by managing expectations related to both quality and timing.
Enquire as to whether your vendor is associated with others industry agents who take an interest in research, development and the production of their fittings; and whether they are capable of supplying bulk orders of prime quality goods.
Finally, a reputable vendor will be happy to show you their service record, including how they’ve approached past challenges; and will offer you competitive pricing that reveals they’ve done their research among industry competitors.
Have any questions or thoughts regarding HDPE fittings? Which industry are you currently using HDPE fittings in? Get the conversation started by leaving us a comment below!
Because of significant uses and applications of HDPE pipe in the industry, there are solutions and tips that if you pay attention to, you can have a great purchase and your Pe Pipe will have the best quality and the most affordable price and you will be able to make significant savings on the project. Purchasing a Polyethylene pipe can be difficult, and you will be faced with inaccurate information that do not comply with your project. Therefore, we mention a few basic things when purchasing a Polyethylene Pipe that you need to pay attention to.
First, note that Polyethylene pipes must have a standard emblem. A valid brand name, manufacturer's name, production date, production line number, Polyethylene material type, and pressure class should be inserted on the pipe, and by referring to this information, you can get basic information about PE pipe, and if the pipe does not have one of these, quit purchasing the intended PE pipe.
We are great supplier HDPE pipe in the Middle East and Iran with the highest quality
HDPE pipes in Iran are manufactured according to the INSO -2 standard of the Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran and the table in this standard is the manufacturing and quality control laboratories reference. Previously, German DIN was the reference standard, and at the time there was still no national standard for PE pipes, which has been resolved in recent years, but still this standard and their tables can be a reference for you, but it is not credible in reference and quality control laboratories. Now that we have ensured the marking on the PE pipe and its standardization, we should be sure of the manufacturer's plant and its history that the manufacturer is reputed and that its products are demanded by the market. In the phase of the manufacturer, be sure to coordinate the visit to the plant, which plays a very important role in purchasing PE pipe. When visiting the Polyethylene pipe manufacturer, consider the following, and be sure to check before visiting. Read the production, storage and transportation of HDPE pipes.
• The plant's location is in a renowned industrial complex and has unrestricted access to the freeways of the country.
• The working space and environment are regular and free from excessive elements
• The materials are stored in the shade and away from moisture
• Raw materials are injected into extruders through silo
• The age of manufacture of extruders and other components of the production line is low and these devices are new
• The gravimetric system is installed on the PE pipe production line
• The PE pipe production line is equipped with an ultrasonic system
• A Cooling system inside and outside the PE pipe
• Auxiliary systems for production line (pool, electricity, compressors, etc.)
• The system and process control of the PE pipe dimensions during and after PE pipe production
• Quality control unit and laboratory
• The PE pipe storage location has a smooth surface
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 6 Inch HDPE Pipe.
• Handling and loading procedures of PE pipes
The items mentioned above are important things that you should pay particular attention to in your visits to the HDPE Pipe manufacturing plant.
Buying Polyethylene pipe is very convenient, if you choose a good quality supplier and that manufacturer can provide you all the certificates, standards and conditions for an excellent purchase.
Buy from companies that respect employees, customers and the environment
5 Things you must know about HDPE Pipes & Fittings
Here are NIF Technical Expert’s Guide on 5 things you must know about HDPE Pipes.
The high density-polythene pipe is also known as HDPE pipe. HDPE became popular for its high demand in agriculture, municipal and industrial water applications. It is the most used plastic material today. PE pipes come in various density ranges starting from very low density, cross-linked, ultra-low molecular weight, high molecular weight, medium-density, ultra-high medium-density & linear low-density.
There isn’t much difference in the density of higher density polythene and lower density polythene. The density of HDPE can vary between 920 to 970 kg/m3. This blog will help you get a quick understanding of HDPE pipes and fittings.
What does PE mean in pipe?
Polyethylene: Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic material produced from the polymerization of ethylene. PE Plastic Pipe is manufactured by extrusion in sizes ranging from ½” to 63″.
Are HDPE and polyethylene the same?
Let’s get this basic understanding regarding the difference between HDPE pipes and PE pipes. Are these both the same?
This has been a topic of contention about whether these two are different or not. HDPE pipe is among the many classifications of PE pipes. PE pipes can be divided into Low-Density Polyethylene Pipe (LDPE), Medium Density Polyethylene pipes (MDPE) & High-Density Polyethylene pipes (HDPE). HDPE pipe has a higher molecular weight making it more wear-resistant.
Polyethylene plastic pipe (PE) is one of the most basic with excellent chemical resistant properties used in areas of industrial and domestic water while HDPE pipes or high-Density Polyethylene Pipes have characteristics that make it the most preferable choice for agriculture, domestic and Industrial requirements.
So basically, HDPE and polyethylene are the same. But technically HDPE and Polyethylene are not the same. HDPE is a type of PE pipe. However, HDPE pipes are more durable than other PE pipes because they come with high melting and impact points. HDPE pipe is tough, resistant to chemicals, resistant to corrosion, and light in weight.
Below are 5 major insights about HDPE pipes that will help you to get decent information about HDPE pipes and their applications.
HDPE Pipes are Known For its Leak-free feature.
How are two HDPE pipes actually connected?
The most common way to connect two HDPE pipes is through “BUTT FUSION ” also termed butt welding. Out of the many benefits of butt fusion is that, when fused together, it can form a one-piece fully welded pipeline that helps in the easy flow of fluid and can withstand any pressure. The other ways are electrofusion, socket welding, and extrusion welding but the most common is butt welding. This way of interconnecting two pipes leaves behind no chances of leakage.
HDPE is not only easy to install and cost-effective but rarely requires any maintenance.
Enjoy a Lifetime Warranty on HDPE Pipes and Fittings
HDPE pipes have a rapture prolongation of more than 500% and can withstand earthquakes & landslides without getting affected. HDPE pipes, when installed properly, can withstand both traffic pressure as well as soil pressure. These pipes have high abrasion qualities making them the most suitable choice for industrial piping systems. HDPE pipes are lightweight pipes that are fused together making it easy to maneuver. Being compatible with extreme weather conditions, HDPE pipes require fewer maintenance charges and overseeing activities. Iron pipes corrode whereas plastic pipes break because of which the regular visit and maintenance of these pipes become a necessity.
HDPE pipes are among the best budget-friendly innovations with extended service life.
Preferring pipes that last long and are pocket-friendly generates a lot of value in the infrastructure sector. With very low maintenance costs and easy-to-install features, these pipes have become the best cost-effective option. The service life of HDPE pipes is estimated to be between 50-100 years depending on the installation, usage, and design of the pipes making them ideal for agriculture, industrial & petroleum requirements. Iron pipes and plastic pipes generally get affected due to extreme pressure and corrosion.
HDPE pipes are passive to chemicals.
Metal pipes are being replaced by HDPE pipes
Today various industries have moved towards HDPE pipes because of their chemical-resistant applications. Metal pipes are being replaced by HDPE pipes to carry various fluids and gas. HDPE pipes offer unmatched chemical and corrosion resistance. Being non-corrosive, HDPE pipes are most acceptable in hostile environmental conditions and can be used in saline environments. The flint water crisis can’t happen if the pipes aren’t capable of leaching lead in the water.
HDPE pipes are referred to as the best sustainable option and are ecological.
When compared to other pipes, HDPE pipes are easily recyclable and are highly biodegradable. HDPE pipes, these days are made from recycled materials and pre-consumer material. The energy required to produce HDPE pipes is minimal when compared to other pipes. Manufacturing HDPE plastic requires only a fraction of the energy making it an Eco-friendly choice. Owing to its properties of being non-toxic and inert, HDPE is non-hazardous for the transportation of portable water.
HDPE pipes are known as the most ecological plastic as it does not generate & release harmful fumes into the environment.
HDPE Pipe Size FAQs
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?
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
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