Sustainability.

Eco-friendly.

Environmentally kind.

Green.

They are buzz-words.

Some present them as words and not deeds for the sake of the optics.

When it comes to high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping solutions, the impact on the environment – or more importantly the lack thereof – begins at production and continues at every flexible turn.

Reducing Environmental Impact with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Piping

By utilizing HDPE – you are walking the environmental walk, not just emitting a lot of hot air.

We begin at the genesis – the physical production of the HDPE pipe and fittings.

The energy required to produce them is a fraction of what is required to produce some types of legacy pipe.

When the pipe is transported from the factory or to work sites, the burden on the vehicles is diminished due to the weight of the pipe when compared to ductile iron and concrete, limiting emissions. In some cases that allows the vehicles to carry more HDPE in one trip, dropping the negative impact even further.

Next step – fusion or joining and connection of the pipe and fittings.

The impact on the environment from the fusion of HDPE pipe ranges from zero – when using the battery-powered Highland Supercell Processor to perform electrofusion, to minimal when performing butt-fusion. If the work site does not have access to a power source, there may be the need to run a generator to power the fusion machine to perform the latter process.

The fusion of HDPE pipe requires zero glues or solvents.

Once the pipe has been fused it can be installed.

HDPE is unique in that it offers multiple installation options, and nearly all means of HDPE installation minimize environmental impact.

The use of horizontal directional drilling can place pipelines under roadways, rivers, lakes, homes, shopping centers, businesses, schools and other obstacles without disturbing the surrounding area.

When the project requires repairing or rehabilitating an existing piping system, pipe-bursting and slip-lining eliminate removal of outdated and failing piping alternatives. HDPE pipe is inserted into the existing system, eliminating the need to excavate with heavy machinery, re-route or stop traffic or alter the path where the previous system was installed.

Even if the job calls for open trench laying, because the fusion can be performed above ground, the width of the trench doesn’t have to allow space to perform the fusion, unlike many other piping materials. This again limits impact on the ecosystem. In addition – the flexibility of HDPE allows for minor changes in direction without the need for additional fittings, joints or fusion, which cuts the time in the field, minimizes impact on the environment and equipment usage.

When fusion is performed properly, HDPE pipe and fused joints are 100% leak-free. Zero resources are lost as they are being transported along the path. For much of the western United States, where water security is crucial, enclosing irrigation canals in HDPE piping can eliminate lost water due to seepage and evaporation.

If it is drinking water that is being carried through the HDPE pipe, users can rest assured that it is chemically inert, and will not corrode, tuberculate or support biological growth.

In addition to protecting what is in the pipe, when harmful solutions are flowing through HDPE, the leak-proof nature, and resistance to harmful chemicals, ensures that none of the contaminants will be introduced to the environment. If placed in an environment where the soils are considered “hot” or toxic, HDPE will not be impacted, unlike some other options.

If HDPE pipe is installed in an area that is conducive to seismic activity and an earthquake were to impact HDPE conveying gas, water, sewage or other materials, it is much less likely that HDPE will rupture or fail due to its flexibility and durability. This potentially avoids lost resources, contaminated soil or ground water and expensive repairs or replacement.

When utilized in landfills with solid waste management, HDPE plays a dual role with both aspects protecting the environment. First, a piping system is installed as leachate collection and conveyance lines. Leachate is a harmful solution that occurs when water is introduced to solid waste. That solution is carried via HDPE safely to a wastewater treatment plant. Secondly, HDPE pipelines are installed in landfills and collect methane gas. In many cases the methane, rather than being burned off is conveyed to a site that converts it into fuel that in some cases can power the machinery and vehicles at the landfill.

The final benefit of HDPE when it comes to caring for the planet, is the 50 to 100-year life cycle.

Some legacy systems require constant maintenance for leaks and other failures and eventually, well before the life cycle of HDPE expires, complete replacement. Outside of the obvious inconvenience and costs that come with addressing those problems, continued use of vehicles, disrupting everyday activity and the physical impact of digging up the failing pipe are all but eliminated with HDPE.

When it comes to protecting the planet we live on, we can’t rely on others to take responsibility.

The use of HDPE and companies like ISCO allows you to take true action in caring for the earth.

It’s time to walk the environmental walk. Give us a shout to start your next sustainable piping project.