How to choose HDPE pipe for agricultural irrigation

Core Advantages of HDPE Pipes in Agricultural Irrigation

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipes have become the preferred choice for modern agricultural irrigation systems due to their outstanding advantages:

Exceptional Weather Resistance: UV-resistant additives ensure over 20 years of outdoor use without aging

Superior Flexibility: Can withstand ground settlement with seismic resistance 5 times that of steel pipes

Ultra-Low Water Delivery Loss: Inner wall smoothness of 0.009mm, with friction coefficient only 1/3 of steel pipes

Eco-Friendly and Safe: NSF certified, fully compliant with drinking water standards

Cost-Effective and Durable: 40% lower overall cost than steel pipes with a service life of 50 years

Five Key Indicators for Scientific Selection

(1) Golden Rules for Pipe Diameter Calculation

Flow Rate Formula:
Q=π×(D/2)²×v×3600
(Q: m³/h; D: Pipe diameter in m; v: Flow velocity in m/s)

Flow Velocity Control Standards:

Branch pipes: 0.6-1.0m/s

Main pipes: 1.0-1.5m/s

Maximum not exceeding 2.5m/s

Common Specification Reference Table:

Irrigation Area (acre)	Drip Irrigation System	Sprinkler System	Main Pipeline
Below 50	Φ32-50mm	Φ63-75mm	Φ90-110mm
50-200	Φ50-63mm	Φ75-90mm	Φ110-160mm
200-500	Φ63-75mm	Φ90-110mm	Φ160-200mm

(2) Pressure Rating Selection Guide

Pressure Loss Formula:
hf=λ×(L/D)×(v²/2g)
(λ value: 0.02-0.03)

Pressure Rating Recommendations:

Irrigation Type	Working Pressure	Recommended Rating	Safety Factor
Drip Irrigation	0.15MPa	PN0.8	1.5
Micro Spray	0.25MPa	PN1.0	1.6
Sprinkler	0.5MPa	PN1.6	1.8
Hub Project	0.8MPa	PN2.0	2.0

(3) Advanced Material Selection Guide

PE100 vs PE80:

Strength: PE100 is 25% stronger than PE80

Cost: PE100 is 15-20% more expensive

Application Scenarios:

Drip irrigation branch pipes: PE80

High-pressure main pipes: PE100

Anti-Aging Performance:

Standard type: 3 years outdoor lifespan

UV-resistant type: Contains 2.5% carbon black, lifespan 20+ years

Recommendation: Above-ground sections must use UV-resistant type

Solutions for Special Working Conditions

(1) High-Sediment Water

Choose SDR11 thick-walled pipes

Maintain flow velocity above 1.2m/s to prevent sedimentation

Install sediment traps every 500m

(2) Cold Climate Areas

Use low-temperature impact-resistant PE-RT material

Burial depth ≥ frost line +20cm

Implement electric heat tracing systems

(3) Slope Irrigation

Use SDR17 series for slopes >15°

Install pressure relief valves every 50m

Use flange-type anchor blocks for fixation

Cost Optimization Strategies

Pipe Diameter Combination Plan:

Main pipes: PE100 PN1.6

Branch pipes: PE80 PN1.0

Capillary pipes: PE40 PN0.6

Procurement Techniques:

Bulk purchase discounts: >5000 meters can get 20% off

Seasonal procurement: 10-15% lower prices in winter

Direct factory purchase eliminates middleman margins

Key Quality Control Points for Installation

Hot Melt Welding Parameters:

Temperature: 210±5℃

Pressure: 0.15-0.3MPa

Time: Pipe diameter ×10 seconds (mm)

Pressure Testing Standards:

Strength test: 1.5× working pressure, hold for 1 hour

Leak test: 1.1× working pressure, hold for 2 hours

Backfill Requirements:

First layer: 20cm fine sand bedding

Compact in layers (each layer ≤30cm)

Compaction density ≥90%

Solutions to Common Problems

Water Hammer Effect:

Install slow-closing check valves

Set up pressure regulating towers

Use SDR26 thin-walled pipes to absorb impact

Algae Growth:

Choose black opaque pipes

Regularly inject sodium hypochlorite solution

Install UV sterilizers

Rodent Damage:

Use HDPE material with rodent repellent

Burial depth ≥80cm

Use protective sleeves for critical sections

Through scientific selection, HDPE irrigation systems can achieve 30% water savings, 25% energy savings, and 15% yield increase. We recommend involving professional irrigation engineers at the planning stage and adopting EPC mode to ensure optimal system performance.

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