Introduction to the Properties of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene Pipes

Introduction to the Properties of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene Pipe

1. Wear Resistance: The wear resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) pipes is more than 8 times that of medium carbon steel and more than 5 times that of nylon 66. Data obtained through slurry erosion wear tests on lining materials using a slurry wear testing machine are shown in Table 1:

Table 1: Erosion Test Wear Rate

Corrosion Resistance: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is an inert material that can withstand corrosion from various chemical media, including strong acids and alkalis, except for a few strong oxidizing agents. Its chemical resistance properties are shown in Table 2:

Table 2: Chemical Resistance of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Impact Resistance: The impact strength of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is currently the highest among plastics, being 3-5 times higher than polycarbonate, which is known for its impact resistance. The impact strength of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and other engineering plastics is shown in Figure 5

                         Figure 4: Impact Strength of Engineering Plastics4. High Tensile Strength: With a tensile strength exceeding 23MPa and a tensile elastic modulus reaching 100-125GPa, it effectively solves the problem of easy peeling of the lining's flanged edges.
5. Heat Preservation and Viscosity Reduction: With a thermal conductivity that is 1/20th of steel, it exhibits excellent thermal insulation properties. Oil pipelines lined with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene can significantly reduce heat loss during fluid flow, lowering the viscosity of crude oil.　
6. Scale and Salt Prevention: Due to its low friction coefficient and non-polarity, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene lining material has excellent surface non-adhesiveness, making it highly resistant to sticking. Even when transporting complex fluid media, it won't form scale or salt deposits.
7. Anti-aging: The theoretical service life of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene lining material can reach over a hundred years. The aging and embrittlement rates are very slow, and under natural sunlight conditions, its service life exceeds 50 years.
8. Water-resistant: It is almost water-resistant and does not expand in water.
9. Good Self-lubricating Properties: With a friction coefficient smaller than other engineering materials, comparable to that of ice, it has good self-lubricating properties. This can reduce resistance, improve gathering and transportation capabilities, and minimize sediment.
10. Good Environmental Adaptability: It can operate in environmental temperatures ranging from -50℃ to +100℃ for extended periods.