Marine Construction Application: HDPE Pipe

Tips & Advice

HDPE pipe is a type of pipe made out of high-density polyethylene, most often used for transfer of fluids and gas. It is frequently used as an alternative to or a replacement for concrete and steel pipelines that serve the same purposes. HDPE pipe is highly impermeable with a tough molecular bond, which makes it great for high pressure pipeline applications. It’s resistant to corrosion and helps prevent leaks. Additionally, it’s a low-cost alternative to other kinds of piping. Most HDPE pipe lasts between 50 and 100 years before having to be replaced. Its longevity is another reason it’s a very cost-effective choice.

BENEFITS

HDPE pipe also offers benefits like requiring minimal or no welding, lower risk of joint failures, and low instances of damage during transport, storage, and handling. Additionally, transporting HDPE pipe is generally less costly than transporting other types of pipe. HDPE pipes of the same diameter and level of performance weigh approximately one-tenth of the weight of concrete pipe and one-half the weight of cast iron. The lightweight nature of HDPE pipe is another benefit, and so too is the fact that it floats.

BENEFITS MARINE CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

For marine construction applications, the ability of HDPE pipe to float is a major plus. Because its density is so low, HDPE pipe floats even when it is full of water of other liquids. Long lengths of HDPE pipe can be installed on shore to allow empty pipe to be weighted, ultimately allowing pipe filled with air to be floated to its desired location offshore. This makes getting the pipe where it needs to go much easier. Once HDPE pipe reaches its final destination, it can be weighted to keep it in place and prevent it from additional floating.

HDPE is flexible, especially in comparison to concrete and steel pipe. In marine construction, this means that it can be gradually lowered into the water in a way that allows it to adapt to the natural topography of its surroundings. The flexibility of HDPE pipe also allows it to be situated directly on the natural bottom of the water without the need for trenching in many cases.

The high strain capacity of HDPE pipe enables it to securely and safely adapt to pressures placed upon it by external forces, particularly waves and currents in marine applications. Its high strain capacity additionally allows it to bend itself when needed to prevent damage from waves and currents. This differs from concrete, steel, and iron pipes, which have lower strain capacities and lower abilities to bend. They are more susceptible to leaks and structural failures of their joints because of their comparative inflexibility.

As mentioned, HDPE pipe is a low-cost option for numerous reasons. Its overall lower cost provides marine construction operations with the option to install several small outfalls instead of one large one. This makes HDPE pipe the eco-friendlier choice in many cases too. More outfalls translate to smaller amounts of effluent discharge in spread out areas. Ultimately, this also results in lowered costs for onshore pretreatment.

VARIOUS MARINE APPLICATIONS

HDPE pipe is used in a number of different kinds of marine construction applications, including:

  • Wastewater applications (sewer mains, slurry transfer lines, etc.)

  • Stormwater applications

  • Transmission line protection at offshore windfarms

  • Intake and outfall

  • Irrigation projects

  • Drainage pipe applications

INSTALLATION

HDPE pipes are delivered using barges and/or tug boats to marine construction sites. Once they arrive, they are ballasted, submerged, and then installed. Offshore, they can be installed using S-Bend methods or directional drilling methods. Onshore installation may be open trench, above the ground, or using pipe bursting. When welding is necessary, HDPE pipes can be welded using electrofusion, extrusion, butt fusion, or saddle welding.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used HDPE pipe, Eiffel Trading’s construction material inventory includes used sheet pile, used steel pipe, and much more. Furthermore, our marine equipment listings range from used deck barges, to used tug boats, and everything in between.

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