PN (Pressure Nominal) is an important parameter of the pipeline system, indicating the maximum working pressure that the pipe can safely withstand for a long time at standard temperature (usually 20°C). HDPE pipe PN10 means that the nominal pressure of the pipe is 10bar (1MPa), which is suitable for medium and high pressure transmission systems.
1. Key parameters of PN10
Rated pressure: 10bar (under 20°C water temperature conditions)
Applicable temperature range: -20°C to 40°C (derating is required for high temperature)
Material grade: usually PE80 or PE100 high-density polyethylene
SDR value: commonly found in SDR17 series (outer diameter/wall thickness = 17)
{C}2. {C}Comparison of PN10 with other pressure grades
Pressure Rating |
Applicable Pressure (bar) |
Typical Application Scenarios |
PN6 |
6 |
Low-pressure irrigation, drainage |
PN10 |
10 |
Municipal water supply, industrial pipelines |
PN16 |
16 |
High-pressure water supply, gas transmission |
PN10 is a medium pressure grade in HDPE pipes. It can meet most water supply needs and has more cost advantages than PN16. Therefore, it is widely used in municipal engineering and building water supply.
1. Excellent pressure resistance
PN10 pipe is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), has high ring stiffness and creep resistance, and can operate stably for a long time under 10bar pressure. Its pressure resistance mainly depends on:
Material grade (PE80 or PE100)
Wall thickness design (SDR17 standard)
Manufacturing process (extrusion molding to ensure uniformity)
2. Good chemical corrosion resistance
HDPE itself has strong acid and alkali resistance and corrosion resistance. PN10 pipe is suitable for:
Municipal tap water (no rust problem)
Chemical fluid transportation (partial acid and alkali medium)
Sewage treatment (corrosion resistance is stronger than metal pipe)
3. Excellent flexibility and impact resistance
Compared with PVC or metal pipes, PN10 HDPE pipe has better flexibility, can adapt to a certain degree of soil settlement, and has strong impact resistance and is not easy to break.
4. Low temperature adaptability
HDPE can still maintain good flexibility at -20°C and is suitable for cold areas, while metal pipes are prone to brittle cracks at low temperatures.
1. Municipal water supply system
PN10 pressure level is suitable for:
Urban tap water mains
Community secondary water supply network
Rural centralized water supply project
2. Industrial fluid transportation
Chemical industry: transportation of some non-corrosive liquids
Food industry: transportation of liquids that meet hygiene standards
Cooling water system: pressure and temperature resistance (≤40°C)
3. Agricultural irrigation
Suitable for medium and high pressure requirements of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, more durable than PN6 pipes, and more economical than PN16 pipes.
4. Temporary water supply and mining projects
Due to the light weight and easy connection of HDPE pipes, PN10 pipes are often used for:
Temporary water supply at construction sites
Mine drainage systems
Emergency water supply pipelines
{C}1. {C}How to choose suitable PN10 pipes?
Parameter |
Recommended Value |
Description |
Material Grade |
PE100 (preferred) |
Higher strength and longer lifespan compared to PE80 |
SDR Value |
SDR17 (standard PN10 pipe) |
Moderate wall thickness with high cost performance |
Connection Method |
Butt fusion or electrofusion |
Ensures reliable sealing |
2. Installation precautions
Foundation treatment: The pipeline groove should be flat to prevent sharp stones from damaging the pipe.
Temperature influence: If the water temperature exceeds 20°C, the working pressure needs to be reduced (for example, it is recommended to use 8bar at 40°C).
Pressure test: After installation, a 1.5 times PN (15bar) water pressure test is required, and the pressure is maintained for 30 minutes without leakage.
Backfill requirements: Fine sand or soft soil should be used for backfill to avoid mechanical damage.
3. Maintenance and life
Design life: 50 years (under standard conditions)
Maintenance recommendations: Check the interface regularly to prevent external damage
Common problems: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays may cause aging, it is recommended to bury or add a protective layer
{C}1. {C}PN10 vs PN6 vs PN16
Characteristic |
PN10 |
PN6 |
PN16 |
Applicable Pressure |
10 bar |
6 bar |
16 bar |
Wall Thickness |
Medium (SDR17) |
Thinner (SDR26) |
Thicker (SDR11) |
Cost |
Moderate |
Lowest |
Higher |
Typical Applications |
Municipal water supply, industrial pipelines |
Low-pressure irrigation, drainage |
High-pressure water supply, gas pipelines |
2. When do you need to choose a higher pressure level?
High-pressure system: such as water supply and gas transmission in high-rise buildings, PN16 or higher is required.
High-temperature environment: When the temperature is above 40°C for a long time, PN10 may not be applicable, and temperature-resistant pipes need to be selected.
Special media: Highly corrosive or highly abrasive fluids may require higher-grade materials.
HDPE PN10 pipes are ideal for municipal water supply, industrial fluid transportation and agricultural irrigation due to their balanced pressure resistance, economy and durability. Its key advantages include:
10bar pressure bearing capacity, meeting most medium and high pressure requirements.
Excellent corrosion resistance, life of up to 50 years.
Flexible and easy to install, adapt to complex terrain.
High cost-effectiveness, more economical than PN16, more durable than PN6.
When selecting, it is necessary to combine actual working pressure, temperature, medium characteristics and other factors to ensure safety and reliability. For higher pressure or special environments, PN16 or customized solutions can be considered.