The advantages of PE-RT pipes have attracted numerous manufacturers, who have started mass production. Initially, there were only a few producers, but now the number has grown to nearly 1,000. There are at least three suppliers of PE-RT II pipe materials, and both the application of PE-RT pipelines and the production technology have seen rapid development. However, this fast growth has also brought about various challenges.
One major issue is raw material adulteration, which can lead to hidden defects in PE-RT pipes. At the early stage of domestic PE-RT pipe development, many questioned the product's qualification rate. This was mainly due to poor manufacturing practices and lack of quality control. Two key issues stand out: first, the use of substandard raw materials. Some companies add linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) to reduce costs, making the pipes less likely to pass short-term hydrostatic tests. Others may even use non-PE-RT specific high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and blend it with LLDPE, which is hard to detect through normal temperature hydraulic testing.
Additionally, when different density polyethylenes are mixed, the refractive index and color of the final product can vary. To mask these differences, some manufacturers add color masterbatch, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine and fake products. Moreover, some domestic producers mislabel Type I materials as Type II, which creates unfair competition and undermines the integrity of the market.
Another problem lies in the quality inspection process. The quality of PE-RT pipes depends not only on the raw materials but also on consistent production monitoring. Companies must ensure uniform wall thickness and a clean surface free from contaminants. Since floor heating pipes are often sold in coils, factory inspections should include full-length pressure tests. However, many small-scale manufacturers neglect real-time checks, leading to a large number of substandard products reaching construction sites. Even during factory sampling, many unqualified products slip through, creating long-term risks for heating projects.
To address these issues, regulating industry standards is crucial. A new national standard for PE-RT piping systems is currently being finalized. This standard takes into account the current state of production and addresses several market irregularities. It sets clear guidelines for pipe colors—floor heating pipes should be natural, while hot and cold water pipes should be gray. This helps prevent raw material adulteration.
The new standard also distinguishes between Type I and Type II PE-RT pipes based on performance criteria, such as increased hydrostatic strength reference lines and stricter testing requirements. This promotes fair competition among manufacturers. Additionally, the melt flow rate (MFR) change is controlled to prevent excessive use of recycled materials. The standard requires that the MFR difference between raw materials and finished products does not exceed 0.3 g/10 min or ±20% of either value, making it more stringent than international standards.
Standards are essential for healthy industry growth, but they must be supported by company self-discipline. If manufacturers truly understand and implement these regulations, the industry can thrive. On the other hand, if companies prioritize profit over quality, they risk damaging their reputation and the entire sector. Therefore, companies should take social responsibility seriously and commit to long-term, sustainable development. Those failing to do so may eventually become a burden on both society and the industry.
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