KRAH Technology
Discover the core of Krah USA's leadership in large HDPE pipe: our one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. This isn't just advanced; it's a revolutionary, innovative system that sets us apart. We are currently the only USA HDPE pipe manufacturer capable of producing pipe in this unique and highly efficient way, allowing us to achieve unprecedented precision, superior structural integrity, and custom diameters unmatched by conventional methods. This proprietary technology ensures every pipe we deliver meets the highest standards for your most challenging projects.
Why Choose Krah USA?
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100 Year LifespanThe lifetime of the entire Krah® High Density Polyethylene Pipe System for gravity and low pressure applications is estimated to be 100 years, including a safety margin. Each component is designed for a 50 year full and constant load case. Krah® pipes, due to the use of polyolefins, have additional security. As soon as the load is released, the time starts again, and with it the extra security. From this diagram it can be seen that the pipes are designed for 100-year use (a), including a calculated safety margin, stability (b) is achieved at constant load.
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Tailor-made RigidityKrah® high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes can be manufactured with the necessary rigidity, assigning different profiles depending on the different load conditions that the conduction will have to face along its route. IRAM 13414 Standard establishes that the annular rigidity of HDPE pipes must be at least SN2. When this rigidity is not sufficient, the profile must be designed according to the requirements of the work or project, the minimum data necessary to size it are: Type of conduction Minimum and maximum cover Type of traffic Type of natural and containment soil Depth of the water table Once the rigidity necessary for driving has been determined, the type of profile is determined and dimensioned. Krah Structured Wall Pipe, Cross Section.
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Abrasion High ResistanceAbrasion is defined as wear on the surface of one body caused by particles from another body, called an abrasive. It is a fundamental parameter when defining the field of application of a pipe, since it will determine the use, or not, of different materials. In the case of installations that carry suspended solids, or are unblocked with hydrojet, this property must be evaluated as essential. Wear depends mainly on four variables: The characteristics of the abrasive material (such as its granulometry or its chemical composition) The constituent material of the surface (or the constituent surface material) The relative speed between the surface and the abrasive material The frequency of the solicitation Abrasion resistance accross various types of pipe showing the superiority of HDPE pipe.. To determine the resistance to abrasion, the overturning test is performed using the Darmstadt method. This test allows comparing the behavior of different types of pipes. As seen in the graph above, high-density polyethylene has the least wear.
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Convenient lengthsThe standard length of the pipes is 6mts, but in the event that you have to solve specific requirements, such as hard-to-reach pipes, crossroads, streets, high-traffic routes, or culverts, you can request specific advice for manufacturing custom lengths. The standard length, when compared to traditional concrete technology, will greatly increase the progress of your work. 20' manufactured lengths make installation easier. Custom lenghts available, with types of joining methods that make pipe homoginous.
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HDPE Pipe is LighterKrah® high-density polyethylene (HDPE) structural pipes have the particularity of achieving high annular and longitudinal rigidity with very low weight. This is achieved by combining: The helical arrangement of the ribs, which give it longitudinal rigidity. The design of a structural profile dimensioned according to the requests of annular rigidity of the conduction, achieving efficiency and avoiding the oversizing of the pipes. The characteristic low specific weight of high-density polyethylene.
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High Chemical ResistanceHigh-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most resistant materials to the majority of chemical compounds that appear in pipes, including SH2, which is the most dangerous element in sewer pipes. Due to this, HDPE Krah® high-density polyethylene pipes guarantee their durability without the need for internal/external coatings and without any restriction on the magnitude of deformations in the pipe, since, on the one hand, the material does not crack and, on the other hand, is completely homogeneous and resistant throughout its mass. Corroded Iron Pipe vs Corrosion Resistant Krah Structured Wall HDPE Pipe.
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High FlexibilityIn general, long-term deflections of no more than 5% are often asked of commercially available materials to prevent the tube section from losing its circular shape and cracking of the liner or inner layers. In the case of HDPE pipe, these drawbacks will not take place at any degree of deflection, since the material does not crack, its entire mass is inert and its molecular fusion joints maintain their properties. The ductile properties of HDPE and the structural capacity of the pipe will not be affected by large deformations. The elastic properties of the HDPE allow the formation of curves, between a certain range of values of the radius of curvature, to make adjustments on site, without presenting dents or localized collapses, avoiding in these cases the need to resort to the inclusion of elbows or special pieces. Stress Testing Krah Structured Wall Pipe Deflection of flexible pipes compared to flexural resistant pipes.
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Low Internal RoughnessHigh Density Polyethylene (HDPE) has the lowest Manning coefficient (internal roughness) compared to other materials on the market. Therefore, under the same hydraulic design conditions (section, slope) with traditional technology, HDPE pipe has greater hydraulic capacity. When comparing HDPE pipes with Concrete pipes, it can be deduced that: - To conduct the same amount of flow, HDPE Krah® high-density polyethylene pipes need a diameter 10% smaller than that required for concrete pipes.- In the case of having the same diameter in HDPE and in concrete, the HDPE will conduct 30% more flow.- To conduct the same flow and with equal diameters, HDPE pipes will need a 40% lower longitudinal slope than that of concrete pipes, with the corresponding reduction in capping and consequent savings in excavation. Manning Coefficents for Various Materials.
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Light Weight Equals Efficiency, Speed of Installation and Reduced CostsBecause the pipes are lightweight, logistics use light equipment, aiding efficient and safe truck loading. Optimizing transportation involves sending deeper pipes, cutting costs, and boosting shipment capacity. Handling lighter pipes reduces work risks and heavy machinery use. Collection in confined spaces near the trench simplifies pipeline lowering. Lighter materal makes it possible to load nested sizes, reducing shipping costs significantly.
Quality & Development
We work with the highest quality standards,
from project to construction
Quality defines our operations here at Krah USA. It is one of our fundamental pillars and what sets our products and services apart from the rest. Our quality system is based on constant training for our staff, the traceability of each product unit and the certification of our processes, in addition to the constant support of our clients.
How do we do it?
Through original software, our quality system ensures traceability for each unit of product. In the profile development stage, all initial tests are carried out to achieve the Technical Aptitude certificate issued by Bureau Veritas.
Once the Technical Aptitude has been achieved, each unit produced has a registration number engraved on the shaft and a barcode label that guarantees the traceability of the entire production process, including, among others:
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Raw material used
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Manufacturing date
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Equipment parameters
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Responsible in charge at each stage of the process
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Specifications, tests and measurements
This entire control system is based on the requirements of the application standards of each line, and it has the certification of Bureau Veritas by lot referenced to each product registration.


Joining Technology
Joining technology built into your custom solution
Krah's production technology employs a helical extrusion (spiral wound) process capable of crafting profiled pipes for gravity applications, solid-wall pressure pipes, and a wide array of special wall structures, including fittings, manholes, and accessories.
Electrofusion
Meet our flagship joining technology, Electrofusion. The whole pipe system becomes a homogenous unit. A welding wire, which is integrated into the socket or spigot is heated with the help of a special welding device whereby the two pipe ends (socket and spigot) are joined together. The electro-fusion jointing technique is a very favorable, simple and safe method to install pipes in even very narrow trenches in a short time. For further information please refer to our special brochure "E-fusion".


Extrusion Welding
The pipes and/or fittings which are to be connected are jointed by a socket and spigot joint. Similar to a V-seam connection, the two pipe ends are connected with the help of an extrusion welding device. The jointing can be carried out inside and/or outside of the pipe. This jointing is most suitable for low-pressure gravity pipes and manholes. The welding has to be done according to DVS 2207 part 4.
Butt Fusion
The pipes and fittings are joined with the help of a heating element Butt Fusion Machine. The ends of the pipes and fittings are butt-fused. This kind of jointing method is only recommended for pipes and fittings with a maximum wall thickness of 5,9 in. (150 mm) and with diameters from DN/ID 12 in. (300 mm) to DN/ID 118 in. (3000 mm). The welding has to be done according to DVS 2207 part 1 or equivalent welding standard.


Flange Connection
The ends of the pipes and fittings are joined with the help of a steel flange and a rubber gasket. Depending on the type of pipe, the flange adapters are completely manufactured from the pipe, or the flanges are available as separate fitting. This kind of jointing method is mostly used for open sea discharge applications and for tank connections. The greatest advantage of this connection is the facility of disjointing.
Gasket Connection
The Krah rubber sealing system consists of a solid plain bell and spigot, with integrated EPDM gaskets. The special double gasket design of Krah provides maximum safety for leak-free joints. Gaskets can be an alternative solution if detachable connection or a temporary joint is requested.
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