Since we arrived on the scene to educate you about high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping solutions, we have covered a lot of ground.

Now, we introduce a rising force in piping solutions—Spirolite®—engineered for easier installation, superior corrosion resistance, and a 100-year lifespan that outlasts traditional materials. When I first heard of Spirolite®, I imagined two coveted childhood toys—Spirograph and Lite Brite—creating a mind-blowing offspring.  Guess I’ll file that million-dollar idea away for later, unless you beat me to it!

Spirolite®: A Closer Look

While the ACTUAL Spirolite® isn’t as colorful as the imaginary progeny, its value and versatility can be quite illuminating.

Spirolite® is a specialized HDPE piping system designed for fluid conveyance that includes pipe, fittings, lift stations, manholes, and other structures made from spirally wound HDPE pipe.

In a day where aging infrastructure is being replaced by higher capacity systems and new projects are planning for future expansion, the demand for larger diameter, long-lasting, and low maintenance piping solutions is increasing.

How Spirolite® Stacks Up Against Steel, RCP and CMP

While steel, reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and Corrugated metal pipe (CMP) have long been used for large-diameter piping, Spirolite® provides superior advantages for low pressure and gravity applications—offering diameters up to 120” with a design that simplifies installation before the pipe is even in the ground.

It begins with Spirolite® ’s profile extrusion process, which is far more efficient than the elaborate and expensive process used to manufacture concrete and CMP. 

Spirolite® is manufactured using an exclusive profile extrusion process, where recycled HDPE material is continuously wound onto a mandrel. This innovative design minimizes weight while maximizing stiffness, delivering a superior strength-to-weight ratio. Available in multiple standard classes, Spirolite® allows engineers to choose the most cost-effective option for their specific application.

Compared to CMP, steel and RCP, Spirolite® is considerably lighter, resulting in major cost savings in:

• Shipping – Lower freight costs due to lighter weight
• Handling – Easier maneuverability at the jobsite
• Installation – Less need for heavy-duty equipment, reducing labor and machinery expenses

In addition to these advantages, Spirolite® reduces vehicular emissions at every step, supporting sustainability goals in modern infrastructure projects.

Easy Joining for Leak-Free Performance

Spirolite® offers two joining options depending on application and preference, both of which take advantage of the easy bell and spigot assembly.

The Spirolite® pipe gasket, designed to meet ASTM F-477, won’t “fishmouth” or roll out of its groove when homed. Its unique profile provides dual sealing for double protection:

• Compression seal to prevent exfiltration
• A combination of compression and hydraulic sealing to prevent infiltration

For applications involving exotic effluents (that would be a great band name BTW) or requiring a higher-pressure rating than 25 feet of head, Spirolite® can also be thermally welded.  A field extruder applies a bead of polyethylene at the bell and spigot junction, forming a completely leak-proof joint. The weld bead can be placed inside, outside, or on both sides of the pipe.

With either joining process, the ease and simplicity of the bell and spigot joint allows for faster, more efficient installation.

Fewer Joints, Faster Installation

Another major advantage? Longer pipe lengths mean fewer joints. 

• Spirolite® is produced in 20-foot standard lengths, meaning a 5,000-foot run requires just 249 joints.
• Compare that to 8-foot pipe lengths, where you’d be dealing with over 620 joints—a massive difference in labor and time savings. 

That being said, if shorter lengths are needed for specific applications, Spirolite® can accommodate that as well.

Long-Term Performance Advantages

As if you needed more convincing – once installed, the advantages of Spirolite® continue.

Unlike traditional pipe materials, Spirolite® performs exceptionally well in changing conditions–whether gradual (settling) or abrupt (such as an earthquake). 

Its resistance to deformation, cracking and breaking during transport and handling, eliminates the need to order extra pipe as a backup, which is sometimes the case with more fragile legacy systems like CMP and RCP.

Superior Hydraulics and Leak-Free Performance

Spirolite® delivers hydraulic performance equal to or better than any other piping materials, allowing for:

• Smaller diameters to meet flow requirements
• Reduced slopes, optimizing system design

And while the bell and spigot make installation easier, it also ensures leak-free performance in sanitary sewer, industrial waste and other critical applications.

100 Years of Reliability with Minimal Maintenance

With high resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and abrasion, Spirolite® offers long-term reliability–unlike steel pipe which rusts and degrades over time.

And finally, who doesn’t love a long-term solution?  Spirolite® delivers a 100-year design life with minimal maintenance, making it one of the most durable piping solutions available.

Where Spirolite® Excels: Real-World Applications

Now, about those applications. Spirolite® is designed for fluid conveyance, making it an ideal choice for: 

• Stormwater Management– Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport recently installed 120” Spirolite® as part of a major stormwater retention system.
   
• Irrigation and Canal Trench Enclosures—Spirolite® ‘s efficient design makes it a popular choice for managing water in irrigation systems and canal enclosures.

• Sanitary Sewers and Waste Management– Due to its chemical resistance and odor control, Spirolite® is ideal for sanitary sewer systems, landfills, mining, and industrial waste applications.

• Pipeline Rehabilitation– The bell and spigot joining system also makes Spirolite® an excellent choice for rehabilitating existing pipelines.

• Custom Fabrication – Beyond piping, Spirolite® can be fabricated into:
  • Above-ground tanks
  • Below-grade storage tanks
  • Lift stations
  • Manholes and risers
  • Geothermal vaults

In 2024 ISCO fabricated and installed the largest HDPE geothermal vault ever constructed for Princeton University. Built from 31.5 feet of 120” Spirolite®, the vault housed 557 additional components in the 35,000-pound engineering masterpiece that now supports a massive campus geothermal system.

Spirolite® : The Smarter Choice

By now, I hope you see why Spirolite® outperforms traditional legacy piping in efficiency, installation, and long-term durability.

And while it may be new to some, Spirolite® has a long track record of success, as it has been in use since the late 1970s.  We were listening to 8-track tapes of The Doobie Brothers and the Bee Gees in our car while Spirolite® was initially being installed.

Want to learn more? Visit our Spirolite® web page or talk with one of our experts about using Spirolite® for your next project.

And let me know how that Spirograph-Lite Brite thing turns out.