Polyethylene Tubing

What is Polyethylene Tubing?

Poly tubing, also known as PE tubing or polyethylene tubing, is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material that can be used for a variety of liquid, gas, and fluid transmission applications. PE tubing is made from polymers that give improved dimensional stability, homogeneity, and long-term strength.

PE tubing is the most cost-effective option for chemical and food applications, as well as stress crack resistance. Additionally, laboratory-grade, FDA, NSF-51, and NSF-61 compliant, flame resistant for pneumatic controls in HVAC applications, and UV resistant for usage in sunny locations are all available options.

How Polyethylene Tubing is Made

The main method used in making polyethylene tubing is the extrusion process:

Extrusion Process

Like all other thermoplastics, polyethylene can be formed using various thermoforming techniques. However, plastic extrusion is the most frequent way of producing plastic tubes. Plastic extrusion is the process of melting raw plastic ingredients, forcing them through a die, and transforming them into usable plastic products.

The extrusion process starts with stock (raw plastic material) being collected in a hopper hung above a conveying channel. Next, the stock is guided into the conveyance channel, where it is pressurized and moved as it turns by a long, spinning screw. The twisting of the screw generates friction, which warms the stock as it moves through the channel.

The friction and heat from electric heating sources throughout the channel cause the stock to melt by the time it reaches the die. The die, a tool for shaping raw materials, is a large plate with a hole and pin in the case of plastic tubing. Molten stock is driven through the hole and emerges on the other side of the die as a newly extruded plastic tube.

The new tube is allowed to cool and harden once it has been formed. After that, it's cut to length and ready for shipment or further processing.

Types of Polyethylene Tubing

Polyethylene is a versatile plastic that can manufacture thin, break-resistant tubing or thick, break-resistant tubing with walls as thin as soda bottles. It has a variety of applications, including soda machines, municipal water systems, drainage systems, petrochemical processes, and many more. Polyethylene tubing is utilized for a wide range of purposes, which necessitates a large range of polyethylene variations.

Liquiflex POE Tubing

Liquiflex combines chemical resistance comparable to polyethylene, flexibility comparable to polyurethane, and great memory in a single tube. In addition, Liquiflex, like polyurethane and nylon, can be produced into self-storing, retractable coils. Liquiflex POE tubing is made of the same polymer family as polyethylene and polypropylene. It is suited for fluid handling, low-pressure applications, and other applications where users want flexibility and FDA compliance.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene Tubing

Compared to standard polyethylene tubing, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) tubing offers greater flexibility, tensile strength, and conformability. It's noted for its puncture and environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR). Gasses and moisture cannot pass through the LLDPE tube.

HDPE Tubing

The thickness, strength, and durability of high-density polyethylene make it ideal for transporting large volumes of liquids or pressured gasses. In addition, it is impact resistant and can withstand rusting.

LDPE Tubing

The flexibility of low-density polyethylene contrasts with the rigidity of high-density polyethylene. LDPE is better for applications where the tubing is moved often or is attached to mobile equipment.

Applications of Polyethylene Tubing

Agriculture

Poly tubing or pipes are used in agriculture to irrigate crops because they do not corrode, rust, or decay. Irrigation canal fluctuations are a persistent challenge since they do not offer a constant volume of water. All that is required with poly tubing is to open the outlet. Water is continuously delivered without the need for maintenance or monitoring. Although poly tubing or piping has a higher initial cost, it is offset by cheaper labor expenses because it only requires two personnel to install. Poly tubing's dependability is another economic benefit, as it stays in place and does not shift or break. Poly tubing is available in several diameters and wall thicknesses to fulfill the needs of the irrigation project.

Air Compressors

Poly tubes are the preferred way of conveying compressed air in air compressors since they are highly reliable and efficient.

To be effective, air compressor tubing must deliver sufficient volume, quality, and pressure to power the component or device to which it is connected. Inappropriate tube design and connections result in higher costs and equipment damage.

Air compressor tubing is made of polyethylene, which does not corrode or rust and is lightweight and simple to connect and install. Its smooth inside allows air to flow freely, and its strength, toughness, and durability assure its long life.