Electron beam crosslinking of large diameter thick-walled polyethylene pipes

AbstractThe crosslinking of polyethylene by irradiation is a well known technology in the sanitary and heating pipe market. For more than 20 years, crosslinked polyethylene (PE-Xc) pipes have been used successfully in this market in dimensions up to 40 mm and wall thicknesses up to 4 mm. With the development of new crosslinking technology using irradiation in combination with higher energy (10 MeV) electron accelerators, together with an improved pipe conveying system, the crosslinking of polyethylene pipes has been extended up to 450 mm dia., 40 mm wall thickness and 12 m lengths. A general overview of the properties of large diameter PE-Xc pipe is presented, which include excellent resistance to crack growth. This new technology will extend the range of PE-X pipes for gas and water, as well as industrial applications.