HDPE pipes or PE Pipes  and  sometimes irrigation pipes are a new generation plastic pipes used to transport clean water, irrigation water, waste water, gas, slurry, chemicals and other effluents. HDPE pipes are made from high density polyethylene which make them stronger than other other piping systems. 

They are unique pipes in that they do not require any gluing when connecting with very low maintenance and repair costs.PE pipes can withstand substantial amounts pressure making them the piping of choice for fluid transfer. HDPE pipes for sale in Kenya are available at Bestcare Drilling Limited.

Taking the advantages of polyethylene, Bestcare Drilling Limited works with HDPE pipe manufactures in Kenya to produce best quality PE pipes for a wide range of applications.

Advantages of HDPE Pipe over other piping systems

• They are resistant to chemical corrosions. PE pipes don’t corrode or support any biological growth. Resistance to chemical corrosion makes them ideal for burying. Resistance to corrosion makes them the best water pipes for transporting highly corrosive acids and alkalis.
• HDPE pipes are flexible and light weight. The pipes can be bent easily at 30m radiuses and above with relative ease
• The pipe is available in long lengths of 12m, 50m and 100m compared to PVC and GI pipes which have maximum lengths of 6m. This reduces the number of joints. Custom lengths of more than 100m are also available for pipe sizes of 16mm, 25mm,32mm and 40mm.
• Reduced friction due to fewer joints.
• They resistant to abrasion due to good physical strength.
• Best UV resistance compared to PVC which makes them easy to expose on the surface.
• HDPE are smooth inside which make them have lower frictional loses. This reduces cost of pumping.
• Joints have zero leaks because of the techniques used of butt fusion and compression fittings. Thermal fusion ensures the joints are as tough as the pipe itself. Fused joints are self-restraining eliminating the need for thrust blocks.
• High toughness.
• Highly efficient in hydraulic systems.
• Low maintenance cost compared to other piping systems.
• Recyclable and environmentally friendly.

Disadvantages of HDPE pipe

1. High Thermal expansion. HDPE pipe cracks easily when exposed to extremely high temperatures. This may lead to pipe replacement
2. Poor weathering resistance.
3. Highly flammable. The pipe is not resistant to fire and it will burn incase.

Application of HDPE piping systems.

Irrigation.

HDPE irrigation Pipes are widely uses in agriculture for irrigation. Farmers practicing drip irrigation and overhead sprinkler systems find them easy to work with compared to PVC and GI pipes. Due to fewer joints, they are the preferred pipes for pumping water over long distances from rivers and reservoir dams.  They also serve well in borehole water reticulation.

Plumbing and drainage piping systems for clean water supply.

This includes piping for clean water supplies in shopping centres, schools, hospitals, universities, hospitals, warehouse complexes and office buildings.

Mining Industries

Main applications include are solution mining, heap leaching, process water, processing of slurry, water transportation, tailings transportation, dust suppression, mine dewatering, pit dewatering and depressurization

Electrical and telecommunication conduits

Used for cable upgrades, rail works, low-pressure HDPE pipe is installed in the ground, typically on the verge or the road, underneath side roads and driveways, and serves as a conduit which allows many cables to be quickly installed or easily upgraded.

HDPE Pipe for Gas Transfer

PE pipes are ideal for gas transportation provided that working temperature ranges between -20℃～40℃ , and long-term maximum working pressure is not more than 0.7MPa. Bestcare Drilling Limited PE Gas Pipe is suitable for Gas distribution network both for domestic & industrial consumption.

HDPE Pipe for Sewerage & Drainage lines

Normal HDPE or corrugated HDPE Pipe are used widely for drainage purposes. The Single Wall corrugated HDPE pipe is ideal for drainage projects where flexibility, light weight and low cost are important. Corrugated PE pipe is an economical, easy–to–install solution to residential storm water drainage problems. These may include downspouts run off, foundation and window well drains, driveway culverts and wet spots on the lawn. They are available from 225mm to 600mm.

HDPE Pipe Sizes

In Kenya, HDPE Pipes are available in sizes from 16mm to 800mm with corresponding pressure gauges from PN6 to PN25. For the Kenyan market, Bestcare Drilling Limited stocks HDPE Pipes in standard lengths of 6m, 10m, 12m, for larger pipe diameters and 50m and 100m for 25mm to 90mm. Longer HDPE water pipes of more than 100m are available for 16mm, 20mm, 25mm and 32mm but on special order for bulk orders.

How HDPE Pipes are joined

Mechanical using HDPE Fittings

HDPE Water Pipe fittings or PE compression fittings are commonly used for joining pe pipes upto 90mm. HDPE water pipe fittings are the most popular because of the less technicality involved in using them. They include couplers and elbows.

Electrofusion Welding

In the electrofusion welding process, welding is done by heating resistors inside the fusion fitting. Once the pipes are placed in the EF fittings, the ends of the welding machine are connected to the resistors of the ef fitting and heating them. So, Hdpe pipe will be connected with the electrofusion fitting. Pe 100 pipes can be welded by Electrofusion welding method with Hdpe pipes of 20 mm diameter and up to 1200 mm diameter.

Butt Welding

The Butt welding method is the most common welding method used for joining hdpe pipes and fittings. Here, two ends of the pipes to be heated and welded by using a butt welding machine and  both ends are pushed toward each other by pressure under a certain temperature. The joints formed is as strong as the pipe itself. Hdpe pipes up to 1200 mm in diameter can be welded by using the welding method.

How to Select HDPE Pipe

Before buying PE Pipes, always consider several factors including the usage, pressure requirement and colour coding on them. Below is what you need to check.

PE Pipe Pressure Gauge Chart (For Kenyan Market)

PE pipes are produced in different pressure grades (PN grades), which indicates the pressure in bars the pipe can support with water at 20 degrees centigrade. Here are various pressure grades according to international standards you will need to check based on your engineer or technician.

• PN 6 =max pressure 6 bar
• PN 8 = max pressure 8 bar
• PN 10 = max pressure 10 bar
• PN 12.5 = max pressure 12.5 bar
• PN 16 = max pressure 16 bar
• PN20 =max pressure 20 bar
• PN25 = max pressure 25 bar

1 bar = 105 Pa (N/m2) = 0.1 N/mm2 = 10.197 kp/m2 = 10.20 m H2O = 0.9869 atm = 14.50 psi (lbf/in2) = 106dyn/cm2 = 750 mmHg

Because of the wide pressure ranges, all types of pumps typically work well with these water pipes. Best examples are Electric booster pumps, electric submersible pumps, low and high pressure diesel and petrol pumps. Solar water pumps also work well with PE pipes.

PE Pipes Colour Codes

The table below shows colour codes used to indicate various HDPE pipe pressure grades

HDPE Pipe colour stripes coding and what they stand

PE pipe comes in many different colour options and each colour is according to the HDPE pipe colour code. The purpose of the different colour stripes on HDPE pipe is to identify the liquid or gas inside the pipe. The following list of PE pipe colours may help you identify what pipe you need.

How to install HDPE pipes

1. Trench making. Dig trenches depending on your engineers’ recommendation. The trenches should be as smooth as possible to avoid pipe damage. Avoid sharp bends and crooked trenches.
2. Pipe laying. For 50m and 100m rolls, the pipe is carefully unwound before installing it. For 6m and 12m pipes for larger diameter pipes of 110mm and above, the pipes are first joined together by butt fusion. Once joining is done, they are inserted in the trenches. Installation can be manual by hand or using machines. Pipe kinking is common during installation. To return the pipes back to their original shape, pour hot water or step on the kink on a sunny day.
3. Back filling and compaction. This is done to protect the pipe from external damage. Remove hard objects that may also damage the pipes during backfilling.

HDPE Pipe Longevity

The expected lifespan of HDPE pipes is between 50 to 100 years. This will depend on the strength and the level of UV treatment.

HDPE pipe Manufacturer in Kenya

We are happy to announce to you that Bestcare Drilling Limited is now a manufacturer of hdpe pipes in Kenya. Our manufactured hdpe pipes are ISO certified.

HDPE Pipe Prices in Kenya

Below are the best prices of HDPE irrigation pipes in Kenya. 

Where to buy HDPE pipe in Kenya

Best quality and affordable PE pipes in Kenya are available at all Bestcare Drilling Limited branches

How much do HDPE pipes cost in Kenya

The price of HDPE pipes ranges between Kes. 15 per meter to Kes. 230 for 16mm to 63mm and Kes. 310 to 847 per m for 4” to 18” Pipes

How much is 63mm HDPE pipe in Kenya

From Kes. 13,000

What sizes are HDPE pipe?

HDPE pipe sizes range between 16mm to 630mm

What is the price 3/4” (25mm) HDPE pipe?

The price ranges between Kes. 2,600 to Kes. 7,000 per roll depending on the thickness.

What is the price of 2” HDPE pipe?

The price of 2” HDPE pipe starts from Kes. 13,000 per roll.

What is the length of HDPE pipe roll?

100m

Where can I buy HDPE pipe?

Bestcare Drilling Limited