Plastic in competition with metal? Dr.-Ing. Michael Stranz, Head of Development at egeplast, outlines the advantages of plastic pipes over metal pipes. The advantages of plastic pipes in installation, their corrosion resistance and longevity, and the lower overall costs for construction and operation due to their suitability for trench-reduced and trenchless construction projects are emphasized. Important areas of application include power lines and new data networks for digitalization. Pipeline systems made from a combination of both materials are also presented, which prevent permeation and are used for the transport of chemicals that must not enter the soil or for the transport of drinking water through heavily contaminated soils. Leak-monitored pipe systems offer increased safety.
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Product advantages of PE pipe systems
- high flexibility
- corrosion resistance
- versatility in application: supply, disposal, cable protection, industrial piping systems
- simplified logistical handling – straight lengths, coiled bundles, drummed goods
- no problems with alternative, trench-reduced and trenchless installation techniques
- overall low construction costs due to suitability for trenchless installation methods
- possible protective casing for every pipe system leads to longevity of the pipe systems and increased safety
- combination with other materials is easily possible – thus, advantages of other materials are compatible with PE pipe systems
- relatively low costs for individual fittings turn the pipe into a pipe system
