In the former pieces, we learn the revolution of water supply pipe and the advantages of PE pipe. This time let’s learn the connect methods of PE water supply pipe.
The connect method of PE water supply pipe mainly has three types as follow:
Hot-melt
Hot-melt means the fittings can connect to the PE pipe in hot-melt method. What’s more, the strength on the joint exceeds the strength of pipe itself. In fact, the hot-melt connection is the outstanding advantage of polyolefin material. The short PE pipe can turn to long pipe by hot melting without changing the diameter. Therefore, this creates conditions for trenchless settlement and lining repair.
The hot-melt connection of PE pipeline system also has two types. One is hot-melt docking and another one is hot-melt socket. Hot-melt is suitable for large size pipe and fittings. It’s easy to produce and it save material compared with socket. Besides, if cut off the oxidized surface before melting, the melting pressure can be controlled. In the meantime, the quality will be good. While the hot-melt socket is suitable for small size pipe and fittings (the size is normally<63mm). Because small size pipe and fittings have thin wall and small section. Therefore, it’s hard to guarantee the quality with docking.
Electric Melt
Electric melt includes electrical melt socket and electrical saddle connection. The outstanding character is reliable in quality and high construction efficiency. However, the cost is high because the high production technology requirements. It’s mainly used in small size pipeline.
Mechanical
Although the hot melt and electric melt are the main connection method, the mechanical connection is better on some occasion. For example, you can’t guarantee there is no water when repair the pipe in the pit. Besides, when set large size pipe outside, it will be expensive because it needs special machine. What’s more, if you need to connect the PE pipe into other pipes, the mechanical connection will be better.