Maui - A Tropical Paradise
We recently traveled to Maui, HI. The tropical paradise, virtually, has it all. From breathtaking beaches to arid, Sahara-like, geography, all the way to volcanic rock. In our travels, it's hard to find an industry in which the products we work with don't have a footprint or an impact. In this instance, our example is High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE). However, let's hold there and get to the island stuff first...
Let's face it - when in Maui you could simply hang by the beach for the entirety of your stay and be able to soak in tons of the island life. However, for those more adventurous, I challenge you to explore all that this wonderful oasis has to offer. The Hana Highway is a unique adventure for those interested.
If you plan to take the Road to Hana - make sure you get a Jeep. The mini-van made it but may or may not have required an alignment check after the trek. From hairpin turns along the tropical mountainside to sheer cliffs among the arid ocean walls of the Southeast side of Maui, Mother Nature will treat you and leave you stunned at the beautiful sights.
The trip starts on the North shore of Maui and takes you past Jaws aka Pe'ahi - a popular surf destination on the island. From there one starts to climb - and climb fast. As you begin to make your way up Mt. Pu'unianiau you will wind your way through a seemingly endless amount of bridges, turns, and stunning views.
Don't forget to stop and get your banana bread - it's a little island secret but we don't want to give that away here. Just make sure where to ask to stop along the Road to Hana and you will won't be sorry that you did. It is absolutely, hands down, the best banana bread in the world.
Once you get through Hana you will begin making your way around the South side of the island - this is where the topography, as well as, geography begins to drastically change. What was once luscious jungle gives way to a Sahara-like climate.
Along the South side of Maui, you will come across the southern end of the Halekala National Park. Within this national park, you will be able to walk to the Oheo Pools or the Waimoku falls along the Pipiwai Trail. While embarking on the trek of this trail (3-mile loop) you will make your way through a bamboo forest that is truly remarkable. The gentle breeze creates a "clicking" and "clanking" that reverberates throughout the forest.
It was here, along the Pipiwai trail that we ran into our instructional scenario of the excursion. The park uses High-Density Polyethylene Pipe, or HDPE pipe for short, to transfer crystal clear water from the upper pools down to the recreational center hundreds of feet below, along the ocean shoreline.
HDPE Uses - An Extremely Versatile Product
We see HDPE pipe used from agricultural fertilizer applications to the petroleum industry in the oil fields and all the way to municipalities. The applications and uses for HDPE are endless. As the product is chemically compatible with a large number of solutions, it is a natural and obvious choice for many scenarios. Furthermore, it is an extremely economical option in comparison to steel or stainless steel pipe.
The ease of installation makes HDPE another enticing choice - a fusion machine allows installers to, essentially, weld the pipe together in what's called a butt fusion - which is an extremely robust and sure connection. Below is a simple video that illustrates HDPE pipe and a butt fusion weld to a 45-degree elbow.
While the majority of the applications, with which we are most familiar, are within the agricultural industry we do get into projects ranging from wash facilities to oil pipelines - and everything in between. If you have further questions about how HDPE pipe and/or fittings could be applied in your specific scenario don't hesitate to contact us. Here's to a wonderful 2018
