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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