The experimental and numerical study of water leakage from High-Density Polyethylene pipes at elevated temperatures

Abstract

Plastic pipes are increasingly used in water distribution networks (WDNs) in recent years. Although the leakage behavior in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is sensitive to pressure, it is extensively used because of low price, ease of installation and rapid repair. Leakage mechanism in HDPE pipes is so complicated and related to many parameters. Few studies have been carried out for recognition of the leakage mechanism in HDPE pipes. In the present study, the temperature effect has been investigated by a semi-industrial pilot-scale and numerical modeling for longitudinal slits in HDPE pipes. The experiments were performed for a fixed pressure and the temperature increased. The results showed that the temperature has a great impact on leakage and the slit behavior could be changed even in normal pressure from elastic to plastic phase. In accordance with the results, it is suggested that in the tropic area the temperature parameter should be considered as an important factor for leakage control and management in WDNs.