PE pipe literacy: Five common sense issues about PE pipes

Question 1: How many colors are available for PE pipe?

Answer: PE pipe is generally black, but can be customized to different colors. Whether black, white, or red, different colors are the result of adding different color masterbatches. They have nothing to do with quality; their purpose is to prevent light transmission, which can harbor bacteria. Many people misunderstand PE pipe during use, believing its quality is determined by its color. In fact, the color of PE pipe is determined by the color of the masterbatch added. Masterbatch is a new type of colorant specifically designed for polymer materials. It consists of three basic elements: a pigment or dye, a carrier, and an additive. Common PE pipes typically use black masterbatch.

Question 2: Can PE pipe be used outdoors?

Answer: Yes, but using PE pipe outdoors will shorten its service life, as exposure to ultraviolet rays, wind, and sunlight accelerates its aging.

Question 3: Can PE pipe be used in winter?

Answer: Polyethylene has an extremely low low-temperature catalytic temperature and can be safely used within a range of -60-60°C. During winter construction, the material's excellent impact resistance prevents the pipe from cracking. PE pipe is extremely tough, so it won't freeze when used outdoors. This is one of its greatest properties: low-temperature resistance and frost resistance.

Question 4: Is PE pipe toxic?

Answer: PE pipe is divided into two types: virgin and recycled. Virgin PE pipe offers excellent hygienic properties: no heavy metal salt stabilizers are added during processing, making it non-toxic, non-stratified, and non-bacterial, effectively preventing secondary contamination of urban drinking water. Because of its clean and hygienic nature, PE pipe is widely used in industries such as urban water supply and food. However, PE pipe containing recycled materials is toxic and lacks the aforementioned hygienic properties.

Question 5: Are all PE pipe connections made by hot melt?

Answer: The most common connection method for PE pipe is hot melt. Other methods include electric fusion, flanges, and threaded connections.