All the polyethylene pipes, also known by its abbreviation PE, are the most widespread in its use for irrigation systems, mainly in secondary network for agricultural facilities. In this post we will explain the general characteristics of polyethylene pipes and the different types that we can use for water conduction in agriculture.
Polyethylene is the simplest polymer that chemically exists. The way to obtain it is through the polymerization of ethylene. One of its main uses is the manufacture for network of pipes and accessories.
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General main characteristics of polyethylene pipes:
Durability- The shelf life of polyethylene is approximately 50 years. This could be higher or lower depending on the conditions to which you are exposed.
Resistance: polyethylene is a material that offers great resistance to external factors, such as corrosion, chemicals, high and low temperature, sun and breakage. Its insulating capacity makes it resistant to freezing.
Area: it is characterized by having a smooth finish inside, which facilitates the passage of elements without friction. Also, as a consequence, less clogging occurs and prevents the deposit of impurities or encrustations.
Lightness: this feature facilitates installation on any type of surface compared to other materials for conducting water, such as PVC pipe or mainly ductile iron.
Flexibility: its flexibility, in addition to facilitating its installation, makes this material more resistant to shocks compared to more rigid materials such as PVC. In addition, it can be contracted or expanded in most of its typologies.
Toxicity: Polyethylene is not a toxic material, so it can be used to transport drinking water intended for human consumption. For its food function, the use of PE40 or PE100 is regulated, since agricultural polyethylene, PE32, is manufactured with recycled polyethylene, and does not ensure a total smooth surface without chips inside.
Main PE pipes commonly used in agriculture:
PE32 Agricultural Polyethylene Pipe: are those that are used for agricultural facilities, both in gardening and agriculture in general. This pipe is known as PE32, and they are manufactured in low density. Due to this characteristic, the joints of these pipes are made
by means of polypropylene fittings by mechanical compression union. Depending on their wall thickness, they can withstand different water pressures, measured in atmospheres. They are the pipes most used in agriculture, mainly for secondary network as they are the carriers of
droppers, both punctured on it, or integrated every certain distance inside.
PE40 / PE100 food polyethylene pipe: these pipes are used for drinking water supply. They are distinguished from agricultural pipes in that they have a blue stripe on the pipe, as opposed to agricultural pipes, which have a green stripe. The difference between PE40 and PE100 is that the former are of low BD density, and the latter, the PE100, are of high AD density. In this way, the PE100 pipe achieves the same pressure as the PE40 using less wall thickness, less polyethylene, and as a consequence, it is more economical with the same diameter and maximum pressure to withstand. The PE100 pipe, being of high density, needs electroweldable joints or brass fittings for its continuity, this being more used than PE40, both because it is more economical and because of its polyethylene purity.
Polyethylene microtube tubing: are those intended for use for hydroponics in gardening or for hydraulic control. This microtube is usually distributed with a flexible diameter of 5x3mm or 6x4mm for use in pots, gardens, greenhouses, hydroponics, etc ... and 6x4mm or 8x6mm, more rigid, for use in valves for hydraulic control. Due to its dimensions, it is usually distributed in reels.
Polyethylene sanitation pipe: they are those destined to evacuate waste and rainwater of great dimensions. They are distinguished by being corrugated on the outside to withstand movements under the ground. They work without pressure and their union is by means of an elastic joint. Its use is mainly intended for canalization of ditches, rivers, road crossings or rural roads.
Polyethylene drainage pipe: they are usually made of high-density polyethylene, usually double-walled, whose use is the collection and drainage of groundwater, both rain and seepage. In addition to agricultural use, it also has a high application in sports facilities, buildings or civil works.
Polyethylene pipe electrical conduit: they are double-walled pipes, usually red in color, used for electrical supply, lighting or signaling systems. For this reason they are lighter, maintaining the same characteristics of polyethylene in electrical insulation and resistance to attacks under the surface that may cause breakage.
For any additional information on polyethylene pipes, you can consult with us through our section CONTACT On our website www.mundoriego.esWe are also experts in micro-spray systems, aspersion, water pipes y drip irrigation.
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