Polyethylene pipes and fittings (also known as HDPE? PE 100 and poly pipe), are designed for a long service life. Compared to traditional materials, poly pipe installations are the most competitive due to these major advantages:
High durability
Less maintenance than traditional steel and iron piping and a potential service life of 50-100 years
Can be used for a diverse range of applications
Rated in the “smooth flow “category for pipe, meaning low resistance to fluid flow
Non-corrosive and chemical resistant integrity and performance of the pipe
Fusion joining has less opportunity for leaks than gasket joining (can be thought of as one continuous pipeline without joints due to high quality fusion jointing capabilities
Available in a wide range of sizes, thickness and pressure ratings with fittings and equipment to create an entire system
Light weight and flexible for easier and more cost effective freight, handling and installation
For more information, please refer to the Benefits of PE
What are PE100, DN, PN & SDR?
Pipe and fittings specifications will reference various factors that help determine measurements and pressure ratings of HDPE (high density polyethylene) pipe.
PE Material type: polyethylene
DN Diameter Nominal= pipe outside diameter in mm
PN pressure Nominal
SDR standard dimension ratio
The basic polyethylene material types used for pipe production are PE63, PE 80 and PE100.
The number indicates long term strength (in anticipated years).
The pressure rating of a pipe- PN is determined by the diameter, wall thickness and material type and is expressed as:
Pressure rating in Bar at 20° (Mpa ×10) SDR
Is used to describe the pipe; in combination with the material type. The higher the SDR, the thinner the wall thickness and the lower the pressure rating.
Uses standard pipe pressure ratings, which are shown in our catalogue. Click here to request a copy
SDR = Min. OD/Min. Wall thickness.
What if I need stock quickly?
We maintain comprehensive stocks and offer same day dispatch with a range of priority service options to destinations throughout Senegal.
Do you offer free quotes?
Of course! We take the time to listen and work with you to fully understand your needs so we can deliver your quote accurately and fast.
Does KAP provide technical support for projects?
We pride ourselves on customer service and offering more than just products. Our sales and customer service team are all qualified butt and electro fusion welders and can offer valuable expertise and advice throughout your entire project, from quoting stage to onsite and maintenance.
Is advanced piping professional Accredited?
Quality and professional accreditation is fundamental to Kekendo Africa Poly to ensure our customers receive the highest quality products and services.
All of our sales staff are certified butt welders and certified electro fusion welders
We are third party certified to AS/NZS ISO 9001 quality Management system.
Should I use butt welding or electro fusion welding to join the HDPE pipes?
This depends on your project size and type, and location of installation. You have to consider:
The area surrounding where the pipe is to be welded and installed- electro fusion is better for smaller, tighter spaces where onsite welding is being used
The size of the pipe. Electro fusion systems are only available for systems ranging in size from 20mm to 710mm, whereas butt-welding can be performed up to 2000mm.
Training, accreditation and experience will also inform your decision. The preparation of pipe for both fusion methods is a meticulous manual process, however the weld itself is where the big difference is electro fusion can be more automated process using a welding machine that has parameters set for appropriate fusion. Butt welding has more manual elements in the process.
Who can perform poly welding?
Operator-trained personnel, experienced and qualified (Electro fusion weld polyethylene pipelines) with a current statement of attainment. Trained welders also need to demonstrate relevant ongoing experience and attendance at refresher course. Typically the period between refresher training is 2 years.
All operators planning to conduct electro fusion procedures on a project should have an up to date training statement from an accredited and should have demonstrated competency and experience with the sizes and types of fittings being installed on the project. Kekendo Africa Poly offer training courses regularly. Click here for more information.
How do I calculate weld times?
When performing electro fusion welding, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and the electro fusion unit itself. Automatic units with a scanning function will upload the data to the machine. Other machines require to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When performing butt welding, there are very specific weld parameters to follow according
To the pipe size, SDR and pressure requirements. Qualified welders should follow a methodical process, in accordance with their training, to calculate and adhere to the weld time.
What do the numbers on the barcode of an electro fusion fitting (EF) mean?
In poly welding, electro fusion (EF) welding parameters must be strictly followed to ensure a successful joint.
Manual EF welding is done following strict instructions relevant to the pipe and fitting dimensions and manufacturer’s information, with data entered manually into the control unit.
Automatic EF welding using a control unit with a barcode scanner ensures the information is 100% correct for that fitting and ensures a fully automated and controlled data entry.
The barcode on an EF fitting has 24 numbers in it, most of which can be interpreted by using an industry wide method. This may vary slightly from each manufacturer but generally the numbers represent:
- 1-8 Manufactures mark
- 9-11 Dimension(e g 63mm)
- 12-13 Fusion current in voltage
- 16-18 Electrical resistance in OHM
- 19-21 fusion time in seconds
- CT cooling time
All information is provided to best of our knowledge as a general guide. Users should conduct their own test to determine the suitability of products to actual job condition.