Tubes and pipes play multiple roles in numerous industries. Coming in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and applications, large diameter plastic tubing is part of the tubing equation for several industries.
Like with any manufacturing program, there are specific applications and scenarios when large diameter tubing makes sense for a project in real world applications. It’s not a large size fits all circumstance, so that begs the question, when does large diameter plastic tubing make sense?
Petro Packaging Co. Inc. answers the question with the best fit cases, when to avoid large diameter tubing, and more.
Best Fit Cases of Large Diameter Plastic Tubing
Large diameter plastic tubing works best in certain applications and environments, so long as proper design considerations, material selection, and engineering have been performed and executed prior to manufacturing. It’s essential to understand the environment where the tubes are going to serve as that plays a large role in material selection and deciding how wide the diameter of the tube should be. Part application plays the same role, and when these two are ironed out, the manufacturing process becomes easier because there’s a purpose and understanding behind production.
One of the most common applications of large diameter tubing is where there are long run sections where reducing joints is the primary objective. This can help reduce leak points in specific applications such as fluid systems or industrial applications. Generally, large diameter tubing works well in corrosive or wet environments as plastics resist rust and chemical exposure better than most metals.
Plastic tubing in general performs very well in applications where flexibility and easy installation are the selling points, like irrigation, drainage, and utility lines. When examining large diameter tubing, this means more volume can moving through tubes.
When to Avoid
Large diameter plastic tubing is a great option in specific applications as stated above. Inversely, there are also key applications where this kind of tubing shouldn’t just be avoided but outright removed from consideration.
Applications where high temperatures are going to be common in the environment of the tubes. Unless the proper material has been selected and is appropriately rated for high temperatures, most thermoplastics have lower heat tolerances compared to metal solutions when temperatures begin to move into extreme degrees. With high temperatures, another area to avoid is in high pressure systems that go beyond a tube’s rating. Depending on pressure levels, the conversation might have to turn from tubes to pipes or reinforced hoses to better support the pressure within the layout. Since the diameter is large, the tubes could fail at openings due to pressure.
Areas where mechanically harsh service or high levels of abrasive slurries exist should deter decision makers from utilizing large diameter tubing. Concerns about wall wear and impact damage become heightened and expose the weaknesses of large diameter tubing. Additionally, while extrusion promotes tight tolerances, large diameter tubing can be too flexible in some situations.
Contact Petro Packaging Co. Inc. for More Best Practices with Large Diameter Plastic Tubing
Petro Packaging Co. Inc. has operated as a family-run custom and stock plastic extrusion manufacturing company for three generations. Located in Cranford, New Jersey, our team of seasoned leadership, experienced engineers, and skilled operators work together with your team to not only manufacture your extrusion projects but learn their applications and how we can take a design and maximize it for a long, healthy service life.
Large diameter plastic tubing projects require comprehensive and collaborative engineering with design for manufacturability as the pillar to ensure proper production occurs with minimal defects and part variations. Quality management and control also play a central role not only in tubing projects, but all our extrusion programs. Extensive part validation and product testing is performed to ensure your order is ready to enter the market or head to its next destination ready for service.
Considering a large diameter plastic tubing project? Contact Petro Packaging Co. Inc. today for an initial consultation and first steps.
