For over 70 years, BBA Pumps has been manufacturing and supplying portable piping systems. Our specialty lies in HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) piping, designed specifically for use in temporary pump installations. The most common pipe sizes we provide are 4", 6", 8", and 12". A 10" size is also available, although it's less commonly used. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the advantages of HDPE piping and explain why it’s the preferred solution for efficient and energy-saving temporary pump systems.

Key Considerations for Temporary Pump Installations

When designing a temporary pump system, there are three main priorities:

• Minimize installation time;
• Use lightweight piping for easier handling;
• Reduce friction loss to lower energy consumption.

These challenges are exactly why the Bruin family chose to work with HDPE pipe systems and quick couplings back in the early 1960s. HDPE pipes are lightweight, offer minimal internal resistance, and have a long service life—making them ideal for mobile setups.

Benefits of HDPE Pipes

HDPE offers several key advantages:

• Lightweight: Easy to transport and install, even in larger diameters;
• Low friction loss: Promotes energy efficiency and cost savings;
• Quick couplings: Made from galvanized steel, they’re tough and reusable for years. Rubber O-rings provide a tight, leak-proof seal;
• Durable: Weather-resistant, impact-resistant (even in cold conditions), UV-resistant, and long-lasting in wet or exposed environments.

Standard Pipe Lengths & Easy Shipping

To streamline logistics, BBA Pumps manufactures HDPE pipes in standard lengths of 19 feet (5.8 meters). This sizing allows for efficient global shipping in standard 20-foot intermodal containers. Small diameters (like 4" and 6") can be handled by one person, while larger sizes require just a small crew.

This ease of handling means a complete pipe system can be installed rapidly on-site.

What is HDPE?

HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene:

• HD (High-Density): Enhances strength and reduces expansion.
• PE (Polyethylene): Known for flexibility and strength.

Advantages:

• High tensile strength;
• Impact resistance;
• UV and weather resistance;
• Extremely long lifespan, even in outdoor or wet environments.

PE100: The Quality Standard

BBA Pumps uses only PE100-grade HDPE pipes for longevity and reliability. PE100 outperforms lower-class PE80 in:

• Chemical resistance;
• Resistance to Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP);
• Strength and service life.

What is RCP?

RCP (Rapid Crack Propagation) describes a pipe's resistance to sudden cracking. PE100 excels here, especially in mobile pump systems exposed to rough conditions.

HDPE Pipe Sizes and Specifications

What Does SDR Mean?

SDR stands for Standard Dimension Ratio. It's the ratio between the pipe's outer diameter and its wall thickness. A lower SDR means thicker walls and higher pressure tolerance.

What Does PN Value Stand For?

PN (Pressure Nominale) indicates the pressure class of a pipe. The lower the SDR, the higher the pressure the pipe can handle. For safety, BBA Pumps also installs heavy-duty hose clamps on each quick coupling to prevent blowouts at high pressure.

Energy Savings with HDPE Pipes

HDPE pipes offer reduced internal friction, which means less energy is needed to pump fluids. Here’s a real-world example:

Scenario

• Temporary sewer bypass;
• Flow: 1,320 gallons per minute (300 m3/h);
• Pipe length: 656 feet (200 meters);
• Pipe diameter: 6 inches.

Results

• HDPE resistance: 66.8 ft (20.36 mwc);
• Steel resistance: 76.2 ft (23.24 mwc);
• Pump power savings: 3.3 kWh using BBA BA150KS D285 pump at 70% efficiency.

This efficiency translates into significant energy cost savings over the pipe’s lifetime.

Need a Custom Energy Savings Estimate?

Want to know how much your project can save with HDPE pipes? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

BBA Pumps – Building the World’s Best Portable Pump Solutions