For various pipeline applications, increasingly there is a shift towards the use of what are known as thermoplastics. High density polyethylene or HDPE is a type of high quality thermoplastic and offers high levels of permeability, which makes it suitable for the transport of liquids and gases. HDPE fittings are often employed in pipeline renovations where metal and plastic pipes need to be replaced to make secure connections. There are different types of HDPE pipe fittings which are used for different applications. Let us look at them for better understanding:
1. Tee Joints: One of the most common types of HDPE fittings are the tee joints which are also known as spigots. These are, as the name suggests, shaped as the alphabet ‘T’ and are used to either divert a single line into two lines or connect two separate lines into a single line. Tees can have socket or threaded ends.
2. Elbows: In order to bend a pipeline in HDPE pipe plumbing network, a fitting known as the elbow can be used. The elbow type HDPE fitting is available for 45- and 90-degree bends and some manufacturers also make available bends of 120 and 30 degrees. This type of fitting is used to create a bend in the pipe network. These can be either in the form of corner elbows or side elbows, with the former having three ends.
3. Reducers: Typically, these reducer HDPE pipe connectors are used for aligning pipes of different diameters. A wider width pipe may be connected to a smaller width pipe using a reducer fitting in order to reduce the flow of the pipeline as per requirement. These types of fittings are used in engineering, industrial and construction applications.
4. Crosses: If one wants to connect four different pipelines together, cross type HDPE plumbing fittings are the best choice. With four ends, the cross is shaped like an ‘X’ or a plus sign and is used to connect either two pipelines or three into a single outlet or divert a single or two inlets into two outlets. These types of fittings also come with threaded or socket type joints.
When you require high quality HDPE pipe connectors for water or gas mains, choose from the comprehensive range of solutions offered by Wavin, the global leader in the manufacture of sustainable plastic pipes and fittings.
