Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Pipes
Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Pipes
Implementation Standard: Follow GB/T 19472.1-2019 “Polyethylene (PE) structural wall piping systems for buried use – Part 1: Polyethylene double wall corrugated pipes”. In addition, there are specialized standards such as T/CECS 10022-2021 for buried drainage and sewage projects
Material: High density polyethylene (HDPE)
Caliber range: 32.0mm~32.3mm
Custom orders are supported.
Description
1.Product Introduction
Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) pipes are high-performance pipelines specifically engineered for ground source heat pump systems, typically manufactured from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material. These pipes form the underground heat exchanger, buried in the ground to facilitate heat exchange with the soil or rock, thereby enabling heating in winter and cooling in summer. Serving as the “circulatory system” of a GSHP system, these pipes are responsible for carrying and transporting the heat transfer fluid, playing a crucial role in the efficient operation of the entire system.
Designed for the specific working environment of GSHP systems, these pipes require characteristics such as corrosion resistance, stress crack resistance, and reliable connections to ensure long-term, stable performance in complex underground conditions. The most common type on the market today is the PE GSHP pipe. It is produced primarily from high-quality polyethylene resin, with necessary additives like antioxidants and UV absorbers, through an extrusion process.
Parameter Categories | Specific Metrics | Standard Value |
Basic Parameters | Working Pressure | 1.0-1.6MPa |
Design Pressure | 1.6MPa |
Operating Temperature | -20℃~40℃ |
Dimensions & Specifications | Outside Diameter Range | 32.0mm~32.3mm |
Wall Thickness Range | 3.0mm~3.5mm |
Material Properties | Elongation at Break | ≥350% |
Oxidation Induction Time (OIT) | ≥20 minutes |
Thermal Conductivity | 0.41W/m·K |
Service Life | Design Service Life | 50+ years |
3.Connection Methods
- Heat Fusion Jointing：A specialized fusion machine is used to heat the pipe ends to a molten state, followed by pressurized joining. This method creates joint strength exceeding that of the pipe itself, resulting in a fully integrated pipeline system.
- Electrofusion Jointing：Connection is achieved by energizing a fitting with embedded electric heating wires. This method is simple to operate and particularly suitable for on-site construction under constrained conditions.
- System Connections for Different Pipe Diameters：
- For pipe diameters DN ≤ 50 mm, welded galvanized steel pipes with threaded connections may be used.
- For pipe diameters DN > 50 mm, seamless steel pipes with welded connections are recommended.
4.Key Advantages & Selling Points
- Long Service Life:Under normal operating conditions, GSHP-specific pipes can last over 50 years, far exceeding conventional piping.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance:Resistant to a wide range of chemical media; soil-based chemicals do not degrade the pipes.
- Outstanding Physical Properties
- High Stress Crack Resistance:Excellent notch sensitivity, high shear strength, and scratch resistance, protecting against potential installation damage.
- Good Flexibility: The pipe’s flexibility allows easy bending, simplifies installation, reduces labor intensity, and minimizes the need for additional fittings.
- Superior Abrasion Resistance:Five times more wear-resistant than steel pipes, making it suitable for complex geological conditions.
- Efficient Thermal Conductivity
- Excellent Thermal Conductivity:The material provides good heat transfer, enhancing geothermal exchange efficiency while reducing material and installation costs.
- Smooth Inner Surface:Low flow resistance reduces pressure loss and energy consumption for fluid transportation.
- Environmental & Economic Benefits
- Energy Efficiency:GSHP systems can achieve a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.0 or higher, significantly outperforming conventional central air conditioning (COP ~2.5) and boiler systems (COP ~0.9).
- Eco-Friendly Operation: No boiler required, eliminating combustion emissions and substantially reducing greenhouse gas output.
- Renewable Energy Utilization:Extracts heat from or rejects heat to shallow soil—a solar-renewed, inexhaustible thermal source.
5.Product Applications
- Residential Heating and Cooling:Particularly suitable for ground source heat pump systems in single-family homes and residential communities. Pipes can be laid underground in yards or gardens to provide stable heating and cooling for the entire dwelling.
- Commercial Buildings:Widely used in large commercial establishments such as office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels to meet the demand for high-capacity, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
- Public Facilities:Applicable to energy systems in public buildings like schools, hospitals, and stadiums to provide stable indoor environmental control.
- Agricultural Greenhouses:In agricultural greenhouses, heat generated by the GSHP system can be evenly distributed inside during winter to provide optimal growth temperatures for crops. In summer, heat from inside the greenhouse can be transferred underground to lower the indoor temperature.
6.Testing & Certifications
- International Standards:Compliant with the NSF/ANSI 358-4-2022 standard, which specifies physical and performance requirements for polyethylene (PE-RT) pipes and fittings used in water-based ground source (geothermal) heat pump systems.
- Domestic Standards:Compliant with Chinese national and industry standards, including GB/T 13663-2000 “Polyethylene (PE) Pipes for Water Supply” and CJ/T 317-2009 “Polyethylene Pipes and Fittings for Ground Source Heat Pump Systems”.
- Test Items:Encompass multiple aspects, including working pressure testing, burst pressure testing, sealing performance inspection, cyclic pressure testing, tensile strength, ring stiffness, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and creep performance.
- Test Methods:Employ various professional testing methods such as hydrostatic pressure testing (using the constant pressure duration method specified in GB/T 6111), pulse testing, leak tightness testing, and tensile testing.
7.Manufacturing Process Flow
- Raw Material Preparation:High-quality polyethylene resin (PE100 grade) is used as the primary raw material, supplemented with necessary additives such as antioxidants and UV stabilizers.
- Extrusion Molding:The raw material is heated and melted in an advanced extruder, then formed into the pipe shape through a die. The outer diameter, wall thickness, and roundness of the pipe are strictly controlled during this stage.
- Cooling & Sizing:The formed pipe is gradually cooled in a water cooling tank to ensure dimensional stability and a uniform internal structure.
- Haul-Off & Cutting:A haul-off unit controls the pipe’s drawing speed, after which it is cut to standard lengths.
- Inspection & Testing:The pipes undergo comprehensive quality inspection, including dimensional measurement, pressure testing, and visual examination.
- Marking & Packaging:Qualified products are marked with specifications, model, production date, etc., and are then packaged and stored in the warehouse.
8. Packaging and Delivery
- Professional Packaging:GSHP pipes are packaged professionally for safe transport and storage. Common packaging specifications include coils of 85 meters, 91 meters, and other lengths to ensure the pipes remain undamaged during transportation.
- Flexible Delivery:A variety of pipe specifications and lengths are available to meet customer needs. Customized delivery solutions can also be provided based on project requirements.
- Logistics Assurance:Products are delivered safely and promptly to the designated location via professional logistics partners, ensuring alignment with project construction schedules.
9. Sales Service
- Technical Consultation:Provide product selection support and technical solution design to help customers choose the most suitable piping system.
- On-Site Guidance: Offer site surveys and installation plan recommendations as needed to ensure rational system design.
- Installation Guidance:Provide professional technical guidance during pipe installation to ensure connection processes meet standard specifications.
- Quality Monitoring:Supervise the installation process for quality, promptly identifying and resolving potential issues.
- Quality Guarantee:Implement a comprehensive quality assurance policy to give customers peace of mind.
- Technical Support:Offer long-term technical support and maintenance guidance to ensure stable system operation.
- Issue Response:Maintain a rapid response mechanism to promptly address customer feedback and requests.
10. Corporate Strengths
- Professional Expertise:Possess specialized design and manufacturing technologies for GSHP piping systems, offering tailored pipe solutions for geothermal exchange system characteristics.
- Quality Assurance:Strictly adhere to international and domestic quality standards to ensure stable and reliable product performance.
- Extensive Experience:Have accumulated substantial practical experience from numerous GSHP projects, enabling the provision of viable and effective solutions to customers.
- Innovation & R&D:Continuously engage in product development and technological innovation to enhance product performance and service life.
- Comprehensive Service:Deliver full-cycle professional services from design and production to installation and after-sales support.
Zhongcai(Sancai) Pipe has 20 years of industry experience and serves over 500 customers worldwide. Its advantages include:
- Advanced production capacity: Automated production line with an annual output of over 100000 tons, meeting large-scale demand. R&D Strength: Collaborate with universities to continuously innovate products, such as anti-static PE pipes. Customer case: Successfully participated in the Asian municipal water supply project, with a customer satisfaction rate of 98%. Environmental Commitment: Use recyclable materials, reduce carbon footprint, and support green buildings.
- Strict quality control: Establish a sound quality management system, implement full process quality monitoring from raw material procurement to product delivery, and rigorously inspect every link to ensure reliable product quality.
- Rich industry experience: With years of deep cultivation in the pipe and fittings industry, we have accumulated rich project experience and successfully served numerous large-scale municipal, construction, industrial and other projects, winning widespread recognition and praise from customers.
