Specifications of HDPE Duct used for the Telecom Network

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ducts are used for the construction of underground duct system for fiber optic and copper cables in the telecommunication’s outside plant network. HDPE duct intended to be installed by direct buried in a normal trench or mini trench at standard depths. Today HDPE duct widely used in FTTH network all over the world.

The HDPE ducts are intended for housing of copper or fiber optic cables installed by traditional pulling techniques. Also, the ducts can accommodate fiber optic cables that are installed by blowing method. HDPE duct also provide the strong protection of optical cable from environmental conditions. The HDPE ducts and its accessories shall be unaffected by all kinds of corrosive liquids and other compounds which exist in the underground system.

HDPE Duct used in telecom network

Different type of HDPE Duct used in telecom network

What is HDPE Duct?

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is also called the "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for pipes. All material used in the HDPE ducts shall be non-toxic and dermatologically safe. Mainly it is light weight and flexible.

We know, today HDPE duct widely used in telecommunication network especially in optical network construction. Mainly three types of HDPE duct used in optical network construction-

1. Main HDPE Duct :- available in two sizes, with OD of 110mm and 75mm.

2. Mini HDPE Duct :- available in five sizes, with OD of 20, 32, 40 and 50 mm.(may be more in size)

3.Micro HDPE Duct :- Ducts which are less than 20 mm OD.

HDPE ducts, to be supplied in variety of sizes, categorized as Main, Mini-ducts and Micro-ducts. The HDPE ducts shall be compatible with the latest installation standards and operation and maintenance practices for the telecommunication’s duct system.The HDPE ducts supplied empty or with built-in sub-ducts or inner-ducts, shall be flexible and easy to install.

The HDPE ducts shall have inner and outer surfaces that are clean and free from grooves, cracks, blisters, shrink holes or any other defects or foreign matters, which might impair the performance of the ducts in service.The HDPE ducts shall be acceptably rounded. They shall be supplied with its ends neat, smooth and cut cleanly at right angles or perpendicular to the axis of the ducts.

The HDPE ducts shall be highly resistant to all kinds of corrosive liquids, aggressive media and chemicals usually found in the ground.The HDPE ducts shall be Light weight, flexible and shall contain correct type of carbon black protection against Ultra Violet (UV) degradation.
HDPE Duct jointing can perform by the the mechanical joint fitting is installed by pushing the back nut, spring follower and rubber ring on to the plain pipe end, and then inserting into the socket of the filling. The back nut is then tightened by hand.

Parameters of HDPE Duct

The HDPE ducts shall be supplied according to the requirements.

Parameters of Duct

Parameters of HDPE Duct

thickness details of HDPE

Thickness details of HDPE Duct

OD Tolerances- ± 0.5 percent (maximum) of Nominal values.

Color Code- HDPE duct available in different colors-Blue,Black,Orange,Green. It is depend upon the company demand.Ducts with OD from 110mm to 20mm shall be Black in color with 4 orange equally spaced stripes of sufficient width and color intensity to be easily distinguished from a distance of 3 meters and from any angle.

For Mini-ducts 32 and 20mm (in addition to Black in color with 4 orange equally spaced stripes), they shall be available in 2 additional colors: full Black and full Orange

Supply lengths- 300,500, 600, 900,1000 and 1200 m, unless requested otherwise or other lengths agreed by telecom operators.

Bending- Maximum permissible bend radius 30 times OD in temperature 20°C.

Cuttings - Can be cut using either a specialized cutter, or a sharp knife or a metal or woodworking saw.

Labeling- The HDPE duct information shall be clearly marked on the duct at the intervals of 1 meter throughout the whole length of the duct. The marking shall be durable, clear and distinct to the naked eye from a minimum distance of 50cm.

HDPE Duct Accessories

HDPE Duct Jointing - The HDPE duct can be joint using the Mechanical or any equivalent technique such as fusion method. The Mechanical joint fitting is installed by pushing the back nut, spring follower and rubber ring on to the plain pipe end, and then inserting into the socket of the filling. The back nut is then tightened by hand. No special machine required to install the fitting couplers.

HDPE Duct Sealing Plug - Used for sealing the duct ends before cable installation, prevents ingress of dirt, water, moisture, insects etc.

HDPE Duct 90° Bend - Long sweep 90° bend is used for routing of conduits around corners and for the interfacing between the duct and the base of a cabinet or termination boxes.

Bend in HDPE Duct

HDPE 90° Bend Dimensions

Properties of HDPE Duct

Below table explain the properties of the HDPE Duct.

Mechanical,Thermal & Chemical properties

Properties of HDPE Duct

Other Requirements of HDPE Duct

➤The HDPE duct should be supplied in steel reels to protect the HDPE from damage during handling, storage and transportation.
➤Drum lengths as mentioned on the HDPE Duct. Different cut lengths per drum must be available when requested.

➤If the duct stored in open area (for a short time only) must be protected from direct sunlight or heat and must not be in contact with hot surfaces.
➤The accessories shall be sufficiently packaged in a carton box to be protected from damage during handling, storage and transportation.

➤The individual packages may be multi-packed in a strong carton box suitable for shipping, handling and storage, to a maximum weight of 25 Kg.