Will HDPE Pipe Float In Water?

Oct. 26, 2022

Oil and gas companies and mining companies looking for cost-cutting measures may be considering high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes as a money-saving alternative to steel pipes. Reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTP) offer the benefits of corrosion resistance and light weight, and are already in use in medium temperature and pressure applications.

The Plastic Pipe Institute website explains some of the reasons why plastic pipes meet the requirements of the mining industry.

Polyethylene (PE) pipes are rust-resistant, fracture-resistant and corrosion-free.

PE pipe can withstand harsh chemical environments.

PE pipe is abrasion resistant and well suited to the solid environment of mining applications.

PE pipe is semi-rigid and can withstand high external loads. Its flexibility extends with pressure fluctuations, thus extending the life of the pipe.

HDPE Dredge Pipes

PE pipe installations offer long-term cost advantages due to its physical properties, leak-free joints and reduced maintenance costs.

The service life of PE pipes is estimated at 50–100 years.

PVC and ductile iron have a zero ‘allowable leakage rate’ rather than the typical 10% to 20% leakage rate.

Lightweight PE can be easily installed without heavy lifting equipment. In most applications, alternative installation methods (horizontal directional drilling, pipe bursting, sliplining, ploughing and planting, submerged or floating pipes, etc.) can save a lot of time and money.

PE pipe is available in straight lengths up to 50 feet and coiled diameters up to 6 inches. Coiled lengths in excess of 1,000 feet are available, depending on size.

Applications of Self Floating Hoses

PE and HDPE pipe has been used for many years in the oil and gas exploration industry. HDPE pipe is used in hydraulic fracturing to collect and transport hydrocarbons and to transport and collect the water used in the process. Composite pipes made up of multiple layers of HDPE and metallic and non-metallic (glass and carbon fibre) substrates are used to withstand pressures from 300 psi to 3,000 psi and are used in some of the most difficult terrain in the country. Plastic pipes are also valued for their flexibility; when gas distribution systems are made from molten PE pipes, they are more likely to withstand severe ground changes, especially earthquakes.

PE Pipe Floaters

Pipe Float (PE Float or Pipe Floater) is the object like floating plate that can provide buoyancy so that it can work above water or slurry which can’t work on land by the buoyancy. The floating for the discharge hose, its outer shell made of medium density polyethylene (MDPE) that has the higher compressive strength and excellent toughness. Filled with the plastic shell by high strength and high buoyancy PURF. The floating is the best choice of the discharge hose floating materials cause of shock resistance, anti-wave, reasonable compact structure, easy for installation and high performance.

PE Pipe Floaters

Do HDPE pipes float in water?

Yes, HDPE pipes will float even when filled with water as they are slightly less dense than water. When it is necessary to ensure that the line floats, various forms of collars, saddles and strap-on floatation devices can be used. For underwater anchored pipe installations it is important to specify the appropriate weight and spacing of the weights. Helical anchors are a practical alternative. Where possible, submerged pipes should be installed in trenches with a protective gravel cover.

What is the life expectancy of HDPE pipelines in water applications?

Many HDPE pipes installed in water applications have been used successfully for 50 years. The polyethylene piping industry estimates the life expectancy of HDPE pipes to be conservatively 50–100 years. This is related to the savings in replacement costs for future generations.

PE Pipe Floaters and plastic pipes can be ordered from us, for immediate pick up or delivery. Valor Pipe can be designed and manufactured in any shape or size according to your requirements. Whether you need more information, samples, a quote, or advice for a project, we would be delighted to talk to you.