Characteristics of SDR 11 Polyethylene Pipe

Standard Dimension Ratio

• SDR stands for "Standard Dimension Ratio." This is the ratio of pipe diameter to wall thickness. SDR = Diameter/ Wall thickness. SDR 11 means that the outside diameter is 11 times as thick as the wall.

Corrosion Resistant

• Polyethylene piping is much more corrosion resistant than metals and reacts well with most chemicals as it is almost inert. It does not require a lot of maintenance and is not affected by by bacteria, fungi or the most aggressive naturally occurring soils. This means that it can transport abrasive slurries better than other materials.

Leak Free

• When polyethylene pipes are joined, it is done with heat fusion, which can create a joint that is as strong as the pipe and mostly leak free. This can be a much cheaper way of joining piping in comparison to other materials.

Flow Characteristics

• Polyethylene is smoother than other materials such as steel, concrete, cast iron or ductile iron meaning that it can carry equivalent volumetric flow rate at the same pressure. This results in less drag and turbulence.

Weight

• One eighth the density of steel, polyethylene is a much more lightweight alternative meaning that machinery to install it is not as expensive, there is not as much need for fittings and it can be used in shifting soils such as tectonic plate (earthquake prone) areas.