What type of plumbing materials is used for high-pressure lines?

1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pipes are well-known for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand high pressures. They are used for industrial and commercial purposes that require high-pressure water lines. The type of stainless steel used in plumbing systems include

a. Austenitic stainless steel (304 and 316)

i. 304 Stainless Steel: This is the most common type of stainless steel found in plumbing applications. It has high corrosion resistance, and strength, and can withstand a wide temperature range. It's commonly used in water supply pipes, fittings, and fixtures.

ii. 316 stainless steel: This is marine-grade and has stronger corrosion resistance than 304, making it ideal for chloride-rich situations. It's commonly used in marine plumbing systems or where corrosive substances are needed.

b. Duplex Stainless Steel (2205)

Duplex stainless steel, 2205, combines great strength with outstanding corrosion resistance. It has a balanced microstructure of austenite and ferrite phases, making it great for plumbing systems like high-pressure water lines in corrosive environments.

c. Martensitic stainless steel (410)

Martensitic stainless steel (410) is known for its great strength and hardness. But less corrosion-resistant than austenitic or duplex stainless steel, it's good for high-pressure valves and fittings.

2. Carbon Steel

Carbon steel pipes are good for high-pressure water lines due to their strength and durability. It's used in industrial environments, however, they may require additional coatings or treatments to avoid corrosion. The most common types of carbon steel pipes in plumbing are.

a. Seamless Carbon Steel Pipes

These pipes are made without any welding seams. They are created by pulling a solid billet through a piercing rod to make a hollow tub. Seamless pipes are noted for their consistent wall thickness and good mechanical qualities. Plumbers use them in high-pressure and high-temperature plumbing systems, where strength is needed.

b. Carbon Steel Welded Pipes

Welded carbon steel pipes are made by rolling a flat steel plate into a tube and welding the edges together to form a seam. These pipes can be made in many sizes and thicknesses, and they are less expensive than seamless ones. They are used in less demanding plumbing systems like low-pressure water lines, structural supports, and plumbing in general.

c. ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) Pipes

ERW carbon steel pipes are produced using a high-frequency welding process that applies electrical resistance to the edges of the steel strip to create a welded seam. These pipes are known for their uniformity in wall thickness and are widely used in plumbing, construction, and infrastructure projects.

d. Submerged Arc Welded (SAW) Pipes

SAW carbon steel pipes are made by a submerged arc welding method, which involves submerging the welding arc under a layer of flux, to prevent atmospheric contamination. These pipes are frequently used for bigger-diameter pipes and in applications that need high welding speeds, such as pipeline construction and oil and gas transport.

e. LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) Pipes

These carbon steel pipes are the same as the SAW pipes but have a longitudinal welding seam. They are used in large-diameter pipelines and structural plumbing systems that demand great strength and resilience to bending and deformation.

3. Ductile Iron

Ductile iron pipes are good for high-pressure water distribution systems because they are robust, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. They are used in large-scale infrastructure projects and municipal water supply systems. There are different types of ductile iron depending on their specifications and applications.

a. Ductile Iron Pipe (DI)

These pipes are used in plumbing systems. They are made by a centrifugal casting method, which results in a cylindrical pipe with a smooth internal surface. It's known for its great tensile strength, impact resistance, and longevity. It's available in a variety of sizes and pressure

b. Ductile Iron Fittings

Ductile iron fittings are used to connect ductile iron pipes and other plumbing components in water distribution systems. They are available in various configurations such as elbows, tees, reducers, and flanged adapters to accommodate different piping layouts and requirements.

c. Ductile Iron Valves

Ductile iron valves are used to control the flow of water in plumbing systems. They are available in various types, including gate valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, and check valves. These iron valves offer excellent corrosion resistance and are suitable for both above-ground and below ground.

d. Ductile iron manhole covers and grates

These iron are used to allow access to underground drainage systems. They are also built to handle big loads and offer a strong, long-lasting, and safe cover for maintenance needs.

e. Ductile Iron Repair Clamps and Couplings

Ductile iron repair clamps and couplings are used to repair leaks or breaks in ductile iron pipes without the need for cutting or welding. They provide a quick and cost-effective solution for repairing damaged pipes and restoring water service.

4. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE pipes are used for high-pressure water lines in both above-ground and below ground. They are lightweight, flexible, and corrosion-resistant. These pipes are used in plumbing systems, especially in places with difficult topography. There are several types of HDPE pipes available for various plumbing systems.

a. HDPE Pressure Pipes

HDPE pressure pipes are designed for conveying potable water, wastewater, and other fluids under high pressure. They are manufactured to meet specific pressure ratings and standards such as ASTM D3035, AWWA C901, and AWWA C906. These pressure pipes are used in municipal water supply systems, industrial plumbing, and irrigation systems.

b. HDPE Drainage Pipes

HDPE drainage pipes are used for stormwater management, drainage systems, and underground sewer lines. They are designed to transport rainwater and wastewater away from buildings. These drainage pipes are available in various sizes, including single-wall, double-wall, and corrugated pipes, to accommodate different flow rates and soil conditions.

c. HDPE Fusion Pipes

HDPE fusion pipes are made using fusion welding, which involves heating and fusing the pipe ends to form a smooth union. Fusion welding creates a strong and leak-free connection, making HDPE fusion pipes suited for underground and above-ground plumbing systems.

d. HDPE Geothermal Pipes

These pipes are specifically built for geothermal heating and cooling systems. They can endure extreme temperatures and pressure changes found in geothermal plumbing systems. HDPE geothermal pipes have high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, making them perfect for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

e. HDPE Pipe Liners

HDPE pipe liners are used to rehabilitate deteriorating pipelines by inserting a new HDPE liner into the existing pipe and forming a tight fit. These pipe liners are used in sewer rehabilitation projects to extend the service life of aging infrastructure without the need for costly and disruptive pipe replacement.

5. GRP/FRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic/Fiber Reinforced Plastic)

GRP/FRP pipes offer high strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties, making them suitable for high-pressure water lines in corrosive environments or where weight is needed. They are often used in industrial and offshore applications. There are several types of GRP/FRP pipes based on their manufacturing process, reinforcement materials, and intended applications

a. Filament-Wound GRP/FRP Pipes

Filament-wound GRP/FRP pipes are made by winding continuous glass or other reinforcing fibers around a spinning mandrel and impregnating them with resin. This procedure creates pipes with great strength and stiffness, making them ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications like oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing, and desalination plants.

b. Centrifugal Cast GRP/FRP Pipes

Centrifugal cast GRP/FRP pipes are manufactured by centrifugally casting, a mixture of resin and chopped glass fibers into a rotating mold. This process produces pipes with a smooth inner surface and excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for water and wastewater distribution systems, sewage pipelines, and industrial effluent conveyance.

c. Pultruded GRP/FRP Pipes

Pultruded GRP/FRP pipes are made by drawing continuous fibers (e.g. glass or carbon fibers) through a resin bath and shaping them with a heated die. This technique generates pipes with homogeneous cross-sectional characteristics and high stiffness, making them appropriate for structural applications such as bridge decks, structural supports, and offshore platforms.

d. Hand Lay-Up GRP/FRP Pipes

Hand lay-up GRP/FRP pipes are manufactured by manually laying up alternating layers of chopped strand mat or woven roving and resin in a mold. This process allows for the fabrication of custom-sized and shaped pipes with varying wall thicknesses and reinforcement. Hand lay-up pipes are commonly used in small-scale plumbing systems such as chemical storage tanks, scrubbers, and fume exhaust systems.

e. Continuous Filament Winding (CFW) GRP/FRP Pipes

Continuous filament winding (CFW) GRP/FRP pipes are manufactured by continuously winding a resin-impregnated roving or tape around a rotating mandrel in a helical pattern. This process produces pipes with high strength and stiffness, making them suitable for pressure piping systems, water distribution networks, and hydropower penstocks.

Conclusion

When choosing plumbing materials for high-pressure water lines, it's good to know the operating pressure, temperature, water quality, and environmental conditions to ensure that the material can meet the plumbing system's demands. Consulting with engineers or specialists who have experience with high-pressure piping systems can assist in determining the best material for a specific project.