UHMWPE Lined Steel Pipe | UHMWPE Inner Lined Composite Pipe For Mining Slurry & Abrasive Material Conveying - Sunny Steel Industrial Pipe Product

UHMWPE Lined Steel Pipe

UHMWPE Inner Lined Composite Pipe For Mining Slurry & Abrasive Material Conveying

Composite steel pipe lined with UHMWPE liner, outstanding anti-abrasion & anti-corrosion performance, smooth inner surface reduces slurry blockage, ideal for long-distance abrasive solid-liquid mixed medium conveying projects.

UHMWPE lined steel pipe also named high wear resistant PE-steel composite pipe, it is combined by carbon steel UHMWPE pipeline through special technical method, and the diameter of the composite pipe is available from DN200~DN1200.

With the lining thickness of 8mm -20mm, the UHMWPE steel composite pipe not only make full use of the excellent properties of UHMWPE,it also can adapt high pressure, enhance the long distance fieldwork transmission, effectively prevent external destruction,filling the domestic gap in the field of composite pipe, expand the application area

Detailed dimension as below

Outer steel pipe Inner uhmwpe pipe Uhmwpe-steel composited pipe
Type Specification/mm m/kg Specification /mm Inner diameter/mm m/kg m/kg Working pressure Mpa
Straight seam steel pipe Φ89*3 6.36 Φ75*8 59 1.63 7.99 3.0
Seamless steel pipe Φ102*4 9.67 Φ89*10 68 2.41 12.08 4.0
Straight seam steel pipe Φ140*3.5 11.79 Φ130*10 110 3.66 15.45 3.0
Straight seam steel pipe Φ165*3 11.99 Φ159*10 139 4.54 16.53 3.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ180*5 21.57 Φ168*10 148 4.81 26.38 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ194*4 18.74 Φ184*12 160 6.29 25.03 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ219*6 31.52 Φ203*8 187 4.57 36.09 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ245*6 35.36 Φ230*10 210 6.70 42.06 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ273*6 39.51 Φ256*10 236 7.49 47.00 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ325*6 47.20 Φ310*10 290 9.14 56.34 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ373*4 36.40 Φ360*10 340 10.66 47.06 4.0
Spiral steel pipe Φ377*6 54.89 Φ360*10 340 10.66 65.55 3.0

Custom sizes available, where moulds already exist from 20-1400mm OD, up to 65 WT. Product can be manufactured in any colour, and to all conformance requirements.

UHMWPE Lined Steel Pipe Application

UHMWPE lined steel pipes are widely used in mining, chemical processing, water treatment, and bulk material handling. They combine the structural strength of steel with the superior wear and corrosion resistance of UHMWPE, providing a reliable solution for abrasive and corrosive fluids.

Lining steel pipes with UHMWPE offers several advantages for demanding industrial applications:

What is UHMWPE lined steel pipe used for?

UHMWPE lined steel pipes are designed to transport corrosive, abrasive, and challenging fluids in mining, chemical processing, water treatment, and materials handling. They offer excellent resistance to corrosion and abrasion, reducing maintenance and extending service life compared to conventional steel pipes.


How is the UHMWPE lining applied?

The UHMWPE lining is bonded to the inner surface of the steel pipe using methods such as adhesive bonding, sintering, or mechanical interlocking. This ensures a strong, durable bond capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions.


What are the benefits?

UHMWPE lined steel pipes provide:

  • Exceptional corrosion resistance
  • High abrasion resistance
  • Smooth internal surface & low friction
  • Wide chemical compatibility
  • Longer service life & lower maintenance costs

These advantages improve flow efficiency and reduce downtime in aggressive service environments.


What is Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene?

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an advanced engineering thermoplastic. Unlike HDPE, UHMWPE has significantly higher molecular weight and longer polymer chains, delivering outstanding toughness, impact strength, and wear resistance.

UHMWPE Lining Properties

Corrosion Resistance

UHMWPE is highly resistant to chemicals, acids, and corrosive substances. Lining steel pipes with UHMWPE can help protect the pipe from internal corrosion caused by aggressive fluids or chemicals.


Abrasion Resistance

UHMWPE has excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for pipelines that transport abrasive materials such as slurries, ores, and industrial waste.


Smooth Interior Surface

The smooth and low-friction surface of UHMWPE lining reduces the frictional resistance of fluids flowing through the pipe, thereby improving flow efficiency and reducing energy consumption.


Chemical Compatibility

UHMWPE is compatible with a wide range of chemicals and fluids, making it suitable for conveying various liquids in chemical, pharmaceutical, and processing industries.


Reduced Scaling

The non-stick surface of UHMWPE lining prevents scaling and build-up of materials on the interior of the pipe, minimizing maintenance and cleaning requirements.


Long Service Life

The durability of UHMWPE helps extend the overall service life of the lined steel pipe, reducing the need for frequent replacements.


Hygienic Applications

UHMWPE is approved for use in food and beverage industries due to its non-toxic and non-contaminating properties.

Features

UHMWPE lined steel pipe combinds advantages of both UHMWPE and steel which make it wear resistant, impact resistant, anti-corrosion, resistant to high pressure, self-lubricating, impact resistant.

High wear resistance

The wear resistance is 4 to 7 times of Q235 steel pipe, 10 times of HDPE, it has the smallest friction coefficient in plastic ranks


High impact strength

5 times of ordinary PE pipes, 4 times than HDPE, 2 times of polycarbonate pipe, and 10 times of PTFE pipe


Low-energy consumption

High self-lubrication and not adhesion, friction coefficient of only 0.006, the UHMWPE pipe can save energy of 20% under the same flow rate


Without scale sediment/no-scale

Surface roughness of Ra0.00022, no dirt, no bacterium in long term service


High weatherability

The molecular weight of UHMWPE is more than 2 million, as saturated molecular structure, it has strong ability of aging under ultraviolet light, and mechanical properties is stable if not lower than -70℃


Cost-saving

Small working face, low requirement of foundation, and with the performance of wear-resisting, corrosion resistance, frost resistance and anti-pollution, etc, after the operation, the pipe do not need to make daily maintenance, such as anti-rust and freeze-proofting, descaling, etc, and maintenance cost can be saved by more than 95%.


Non-toxic

Odourless and high environment protection: it has smooth surface, will not be microbial adhesion in the ocean or sewage engineering, and ensure the stability of water quality

Role of Molecular Weight

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is superior in comprehensive performance, abrasion resistance, low temperature, corrosion resistance, self lubrication, impact resistance in all plastic for the highest value, wear-resistant properties than PTFE, nylon, carbon steel and other materials, can be long-term in-169 to +80℃ conditions, known as "amazing" engineering plastics, Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Engineering Plastics (UHMW---PE) pipeline technology is becoming more and more mature in China, more and more projects adopt this kind of pipeline, become a kind of new thermoplastic engineering plastics with good price, it almost concentrates the advantages of various plastics, wear-resisting impact, self-lubricating, corrosion resistance, low temperature, hygienic non-toxic, Non-adhesion, water and other comprehensive properties, is an ideal pipe, can be widely used in mining (ore powder, pulp, tailings discharge pipelines) metallurgy, electricity, petroleum, textile, papermaking, food, chemical, mechanical, electrical and other industries.

What is UHMWPE

UHMWPE denotes Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene which is a polyethylene polymer with an average molecular weight is greater than 3,100,000 as defined by ASTM D4020 – Standard specification for UHMWPE polymers. This molecular weight is well above the molecular weight of most typical polymers which are between 1,000,000 and 400,000 thus earning the title Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Polyethylenes with molecular weight in the 3.1 -4.5 Million range have been found to exhibit the best combination of impact strength and abrasion resistance.

For Polyethylene molecular weight classification the following guidelines can be used:

  • HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): 100,000 – 400,000 MW
  • HMWHDPE (High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene) 500,000 – 1,999,999
  • VHMWHDPE (Very High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene) 2,000,000 – 3,100,000
  • UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) > 3,100,000 + MW

UHMWPE liner steel pipeline

UHMWPE Lined Steel Pipe is a bimetallic composite pipeline with carbon steel outer pipe and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene inner lining. It combines steel pipe’s structural strength with UHMWPE’s ultra-low friction, superior wear and corrosion resistance, widely used for mining tailings, coal slurry, chemical sewage and abrasive particle transportation.

To cater to the requirements of long-distance transportation, high-pressure systems, exceptional wear resistance, and anti-adhesion properties, our company has undertaken the development and manufacturing of composite pipes ranging from DN63mm to DN630mm. Our UHMWPE pipes are capable of being combined with spiral welded pipes, high-quality seamless pipes, and other compatible materials. This innovative approach ensures the creation of pipes that are robust, versatile, and tailor-made to meet the diverse challenges posed by various industries.

UHMWPE liner steel pipeline

A UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) lined steel pipeline combines the durability of steel with the exceptional properties of UHMWPE to create a highly effective solution for conveying abrasive materials, corrosive fluids, and other challenging substances. In this pipeline design, a layer of UHMWPE is applied to the inner surface of the steel pipe, offering benefits such as superior abrasion resistance, chemical inertness, low friction, and reduced scaling or buildup. This combination provides an extended service life for the pipeline while maintaining a smooth flow and minimizing maintenance requirements. UHMWPE liner steel pipelines find applications in industries like mining, chemical processing, water treatment, and more, where the need for both strength and resistance to demanding environments is essential.

UHMWPE Pipe

Attributes of UHMWPE Pipe

UHMWPE by virtue of its extremely high molecular weight yields several unique properties, including the highest abrasion resistance and highest impact strength of any plastic.

  • Abrasion resistance – UHMWPE pipes have excellent abrasion resistance providing long life in abrasive slurry applications.
  • Chemical resistance – outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemical reagents allows the use of UHMWPE systems in tailings pipelines and chemical treatment applications used in mining operations.
  • Flexibility – UHMWPE pipes can be bent to a minimum of 30 times the pipe’s outside diameter for HDPE. This flexibility and resiliency allows the pipe to absorb surge pressures, vibration and stresses caused by soil movement. This makes the pipes particularly useful in submarine pipe lines, mine subsidence and earthquake prone areas.
  • High flow capacity – low friction compared with materials such as fibre reinforced cement and resistance to material deposit buildup give UHMWPE pipes long lived high flow capacity.
  • Lower pumping cost due to greater hydraulic capacity as compared with steel and HDPE pipes.
  • Ease of installation – UHMWPE is easy to install with light weights and flanged couplings.
UHMWPE Piping

UHMWPE Piping

Excellent Characteristics of UHMWPE Piping

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is known as the “crown of wear-resistant plastics”, offering 3–7 times the wear life of carbon steel and stainless steel.

With a low friction coefficient, self-lubrication, anti-adhesion, and non-scaling properties, UHMWPE reduces energy loss during material transfer. It delivers top-tier impact strength, excellent chemical stability, superior low-temperature resistance, and food-grade hygiene compliance.

  1. Very high wear resistance – The unique molecular structure provides outstanding sliding resistance. Wear resistance is up to 6.6× that of alloy steel, 27.3× stainless steel, 17.9× phenolic resin, 6× nylon-6, and 4× standard polyethylene. Annual wear rate is as low as 0.58%, greatly extending service life.
  2. Extremely high impact resistance – Among current engineering plastics, UHMWPE offers the highest impact toughness. Tested per GB1843 cantilever beam standards, the material shows no breakage even under repeated impact.
  3. Excellent chemical stability – Highly resistant to chemical corrosion. Stable in hydrochloric acid (<80%), nitric acid (<75%), and sulfuric acid (<20%). Only slightly affected by certain hot acids.
  4. Good self-lubrication – Contains wax-like compounds with a friction coefficient of only 0.219 mN/m (GB3960). Outperforms oil-lubricated steel or brass, especially in dusty or sandy environments.
  5. Non-toxic and biocompatible – Suitable for water, solids, slurries, and powders. Replaces metal piping in applications requiring corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and vibration damping.
  6. Unique low-temperature performance – Retains impact and wear resistance down to –269 °C. Usable continuously from –269 °C to +80 °C, making it ideal for cryogenic service.
  7. Non-stick surface – Extremely low surface energy prevents scaling, even in high-pH media. Ideal for fly ash discharge, crude oil, and slurry pipelines.
  8. Superior environmental stress crack resistance – ESCR >4000 h. Elastic modulus is 1.5× PE100, with fatigue life up to 500,000 cycles.
  9. Additional benefits – Noise and vibration damping, anti-static, neutron shielding, non-absorbent, lightweight, easy to machine and color.

Benefits of Ultra-High Molecular Weight PE

  • UHMWPE delivers the highest abrasion and impact resistance of any plastic due to its extremely high molecular weight.
  • Avoid modified “UHMWPE” blends containing intermediate MW polyethylene, which reduce impact strength and wear resistance.
  • High MW provides an unmatched combination of impact strength, low friction, and abrasion resistance—outwearing carbon steel up to 10:1.
  • Ideal for mining and industrial slurry systems requiring high impact strength and low friction.
  • With a molecular weight above 3 million, UHMWPE outperforms conventional HDPE (e.g., PE100) in wear rate and flow efficiency.

Exceptionally High Wear Resistance

UHMWPE exhibits outstanding wear resistance due to its ultra-high molecular weight, entangled chain structure, surface softness, and waxy, low-friction surface. This makes it exceptionally durable in abrasive and high-wear environments.

Frequently Asked Questions
It is composite wear-resistant pipeline made of outer carbon steel pipe and inner ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene liner, combining steel’s structural strength with UHMWPE’s super abrasion and corrosion resistance for slurry conveying.
Our UHMWPE raw material molecular weight reaches more than 3,000,000 g/mol, which guarantees long-term ultra-high anti-abrasion performance under solid particle medium scouring.
Stably work between -40℃ and 80℃, adapt northern low-temperature open-air laying and medium-temperature industrial slurry transmission working conditions.
Two mainstream modes: butt welding for long-distance trunk pipeline, flange detachable connection for branch pipelines and equipment interfaces.
Mine tailings, coal slurry, thermal power ash, chemical acid/alkali sewage, metallurgical slag water, river sand and other abrasive solid-liquid mixed media.
Inner wall wear resistance is 3-7 times higher, anti-corrosion against acid and alkali medium, smooth self-lubricating surface prevents slurry blockage, overall service life greatly extended.
Adopt integrated thermal extrusion lining process, tight compound without interlayer air bubbles, no peeling or delamination under normal temperature alternation and medium impact.
Install Type B full pressure containment half repair pipe sleeve on the corroded pipe segment for permanent welding reinforcement and sealing repair.
Yes, liner thickness adjustable from 8mm to 20mm; heavy abrasion mine tailings pipeline choose thickened liner version to extend service cycle.
Full series lined elbows, tees, concentric reducers and steel flange accessories are provided for integrated pipeline layout construction.

What are the characteristics of UHMWPE Pipe?

Because UHMWPE Pipe has a high molecular weight, it has good comprehensive properties and has become a new type of thermoplastic engineering plastic with excellent performance. It has almost the advantages of various plastics and has unparalleled wear resistance and resistance to ordinary polyethylene and other engineering plastics. Impact, self-lubrication, corrosion resistance, low-temperature resistance, hygienic non-toxic, non-adhesion, non-water absorption and other comprehensive properties. It has unique advantages in the transportation of solid particles, powder, slurry and gas.

At present, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipes have achieved industrial continuous production in China. However, due to the characteristics of the UHMWPE raw materials, it is difficult to process UHMWPE pipes. Although the production of UHMWPE pipes has realized continuous extrusion production by a plastic extruder, its production speed is only ordinary plastics. The pipe production speed is 1%, so increasing the production rate of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipes and improving the wear resistance index has become the focus of industry research.

Because the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe has excellent characteristics such as friction resistance, corrosion resistance, impact resistance, self-lubrication, non-adhesion, non-absorption of water, etc., it is recognized by the market, so the application range of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe is expanding.

The unique properties of the UHMWPE pipe material determine the slow speed of the pipe production line. The main equipment is the extruder and the mold.

As a Polyethylene UHMWPE Sheet Manufacturer, share with you the characteristics of UHMW-PE pipe products.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe refers to the pipe that is formed by using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as the main raw material. Its main characteristics are shown in the following points:

No leakage

China's water supply and drainage pipelines mainly use PCCP pipes, cast iron pipes, and glass steel pipes. They are connected by sockets, sealed by rubber rings, and have serious leakage in the pipe network. The average leakage rate is about 15-30%, which wastes resources and increases pipe maintenance costs. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe successfully solved this problem with excellent performance and brought major changes to the water supply and drainage engineering.

Low energy consumption

The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe has a roughness of 0.0065, the steel pipe has a roughness of 0.012, and the cement pipe has a roughness of 0.013. The water flow rate of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipes of the same caliber is greater than that of PCCP pipes and cast-iron pipes. At the same flow rate, UHMWPE pipes can save energy by 25%.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe has a series of characteristics such as corrosion resistance, low-temperature resistance, non-scaling, and no leakage. Therefore, the pipe does not need to be rust-proof, decontaminated and overhauled for decades after operation, which can save more than 95% of operating and maintenance costs.

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