Stanley D. Adams, K.M.A. Pipe Co., Inc.
Polyethelene pipe is a petroleum-base product. It is highly resistant to corrosion from all forms of acid with the exception of banana oil. Polyethelene pipe is effective from approximately 0 to 325 pounds of working pressure, depending on the size of the pipe, the well thickness of the pipe, and the temperature. The main ingredient in polyethelenepipe is resin. The quality of the pipe is determined by the type of resin used. Two of the main advantages of polyethelene pipe over steel pipe are that it can be produced for about one half the cost of steel pipe and that it is resistant to minerals in the soil. Whereas minerals will eat steel from the outside in, even though it is chemically treated on the inside, the minerals from the soil will eventually eat through from the outside. Polyethelene pipe will not be deteriorated by minerals. Polyethelene pipe compares to most other pipes of equal size and strength to be about 20 to 30 percent lighter. Tools for operation include a 110 volt AC generator for heating facers necessary to fuse the pipe together, a depth gauge, a facing tool, and an alignment jig. There is a constant struggle for capitol to invest in drilling programs and therefore we must constantly seek new ways to save money and time. Polyethelene pipe when used in its proper perspective is one of the answers to this problem.