The advantages of PE-RT pipes have attracted numerous manufacturers, who have started production in response to the growing market demand. Initially, only a handful of companies were involved, but now there are nearly 1,000 PE-RT pipe manufacturers, with at least three major suppliers of PE-RT II materials. The application of PE-RT piping systems and the development of raw material production technologies have both seen significant growth. However, this rapid expansion has also brought about various challenges and issues.
One of the main concerns is the adulteration of raw materials, which can lead to hidden defects in PE-RT pipes. Some manufacturers try to cut costs by mixing linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) into their production process. This can result in pipes that fail short-term hydrostatic strength tests. Others may use non-PE-RT-specific high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), blending it with LLDPE to reduce expenses. Under current industry standards, these substandard products are often difficult to detect through normal temperature hydraulic testing.
Moreover, when different polyethylene densities are mixed, the refractive index of the final product changes, leading to variations in color and transparency. To mask these differences, some companies add color masterbatch, making it harder for consumers to distinguish between genuine and adulterated products. Additionally, some domestic producers mislabel type I materials as type II, taking advantage of the lower hydrostatic index requirements for type II pipes in international standards. This creates unfair competition and undermines the integrity of the market.
Another issue lies in quality control during the manufacturing process. PE-RT pipes require strict monitoring of wall thickness and surface quality to ensure uniformity and avoid defects like foreign particles or streaks that could affect performance. For floor heating applications, where pipes are often sold in coils, full pressure testing should be conducted before delivery. However, many small-scale manufacturers neglect this step, leading to a large number of unqualified products reaching construction sites and causing long-term problems.
To address these issues, regulating the industry and improving standards is essential. A new national standard titled "PE-RT Piping System for Hot and Cold Water" is currently under approval. This standard aims to address existing market irregularities and introduce stricter controls. It specifies that floor heating pipes should be natural in color, while hot and cold water pipes for residential use should be gray, with other colors determined by mutual agreement. This helps prevent raw material adulteration.
The standard also distinguishes between type I and type II PE-RT pipes, setting higher hydrostatic strength requirements for type II. This promotes fair competition among manufacturers. Additionally, it introduces specific limits on the melt flow rate (MFR) change, ensuring that excessive recycled materials are not used. The MFR difference between raw materials and finished products must not exceed 0.3 g/10 min or ±20% of either value, making the standard more rigorous than international guidelines.
Standards are crucial for the healthy development of any industry. Companies must understand and implement these regulations effectively. If they do, the industry will thrive. On the contrary, if substandard products dominate the market, it will harm both businesses and consumers. Therefore, companies should prioritize self-discipline, take responsibility, and focus on long-term growth. Those that ignore quality and ethics risk becoming harmful to both society and the industry.
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