UHMWPE Conveyor Roller Sleeve

UHMWPE Conveyor Roller Sleeve

Efficient Material Handling

Uhmwpe conveyor roller sleeve offers superior wear resistance and low friction for efficient, durable conveyor systems in mining and industrial applications.

UHMWPE Conveyor Roller Sleeve

Efficient Material Handling

Uhmwpe conveyor roller sleeve offers superior wear resistance and low friction for efficient, durable conveyor systems in mining and industrial applications.

UHMWPE Conveyor Roller Sleeve
Wear-Resistant Sleeve

UHMWPE conveyor roller sleeves, crafted from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a molecular weight exceeding 1.5 million g/mol, are advanced components designed to enhance the performance and longevity of conveyor roller systems. These sleeves are used to encase conveyor rollers, providing exceptional wear resistance, low friction, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications such as mining, quarrying, port operations, and bulk material handling. The unique properties of UHMWPE ensure that these sleeves outperform traditional materials like steel, HDPE, or nylon in harsh environments where abrasion, impact, and chemical exposure are common.

The UHMWPE conveyor roller sleeve boasts wear resistance 7 times greater than steel and 3 times that of nylon, significantly extending the service life of rollers in abrasive conditions, such as coal, ore, or grain transport. Its impact resistance is equally impressive, with a toughness 5 times that of HDPE, 3 times that of nylon, and 10 times that of PTFE, allowing it to withstand heavy loads and repeated impacts without cracking or deforming. The material’s low friction coefficient (0.009 compared to 0.013 for steel) and self-lubricating, anti-adhesion properties prevent material buildup on the roller surface, reducing belt damage and ensuring smooth, energy-efficient operation. This low friction also contributes to noise reduction, creating a quieter and safer working environment.

UHMWPE’s chemical stability ensures resistance to corrosive substances, including acids, alkalis, salts, and seawater, making these sleeves suitable for harsh environments like chemical processing plants or coastal port facilities. The material’s anti-aging properties, with a service life of over 20 years without degradation under UV exposure or extreme temperatures (down to -196°C), further enhance its durability. The lightweight nature of UHMWPE—approximately one-third the weight of steel—reduces the overall weight of conveyor systems, lowering energy consumption by up to 25% and simplifying installation and maintenance.

These sleeves feature an effective sealing system, typically incorporating a labyrinth seal that prevents dust and water ingress into the bearing housing, ensuring reliable performance in wet or dusty conditions. The narrow clearance between the bearing shell and shaft forms a secondary seal, further enhancing protection. The anti-adhesion properties of UHMWPE ensure that the sleeve repels dust and debris, reducing maintenance needs and downtime. Available in custom sizes with outer diameters from 50mm to 1200mm and wall thicknesses up to 65mm, UHMWPE conveyor roller sleeves can be tailored to fit various roller types, including standard, impact, return, and guide rollers, meeting specific operational requirements.

In mining, UHMWPE conveyor roller sleeves are widely used to transport abrasive materials like coal, ores, and minerals, where their durability and low maintenance requirements reduce operational costs. In port and dock operations, they handle bulk materials like grain or cement, withstanding constant abrasion and harsh weather conditions. The food and beverage industry also benefits from their hygienic, easy-to-clean surfaces, which resist contamination and meet stringent regulatory standards. Compared to steel rollers, UHMWPE sleeves offer a service life over three times longer, while their lightweight design and energy efficiency make them a cost-effective alternative to HDPE or metal rollers.

The eco-friendly design of UHMWPE conveyor roller sleeves, requiring no lubrication or frequent maintenance, reduces operational costs by up to 95% compared to traditional metal rollers. Their smooth surface improves conveyor efficiency by over 20%, saving energy and extending the lifespan of conveyor belts. For inquiries or custom orders, contact Shandong Buoy and Pipe Industry Co., Ltd. at sales@buoyandpipe.com.

15×

More Wear Resistant
Than Steel

Lighter Than
Steel Pipes

9.2M

Molecular Weight
(g/mol)

1200mm

Maximum
Pipe Diameter

What is UHMWPE?

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipe has superior performance over conventional HDPE pipe such as very high wear resistance, impact resistance, excellent resistance to internal pressure strength, resistance to environmental stress cracking, intrinsically self-lubricating, anti-adhesion, low temperature resistance and excellent chemical resistance.

With a molecular weight typically between 3.5 and 9.2 million g/mol, UHMWPE exhibits superior wear resistance, impact strength, and chemical stability, far exceeding conventional polyethylene or metal pipes in durability and performance.

Superior Wear Resistance

Offers 15× the wear resistance of steel and 4× that of stainless steel, ideal for high-abrasion conditions.

Lightweight Design

Weighs 8× less than steel (specific gravity 0.93–0.95), lowering transportation and installation costs.

Chemical Resistance

Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents with zero corrosion in chemical environments.

UHMWPE Pipe Specifications

The specifications of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) pipes can vary based on the manufacturer, application, and specific requirements. However, here are some common specifications that are often associated with UHMWPE pipes:

Common Specifications of UHMWPE Pipes (Wall Thickness in mm)
DN
mm
Wall Thickness (Working Pressure)
0.6 MPa 0.8 MPa 1.0 MPa 1.25 MPa 1.6 MPa 2.0 MPa
6589
96910
110810
13081012
159101215
1688101316
205810121518
219911131620
2361012141822
2501012151923
27391113162125
28091114172126
300101215182327
315101215192429
325101316192430
350111417212632
377121518222835
400121619243036
4151316202531
4261317202532
53616212623
56016222733
63019253037
65220263238
710212734
800233138

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

Technical Specifications

Material Properties

Property Value Unit
Molecular Weight 3.5 - 9.2 million AMU
Specific Gravity 0.93 - 0.95 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 39 - 48 MPa
Impact Strength Highest among thermoplastics -
Operating Temperature -200 to +80 °C
Friction Coefficient 0.05 - 0.15 -

Dimensional Specifications

Parameter Range Standard
Nominal Diameter 65 - 1200 mm ISO 21304-1
Wall Thickness 8 - 45 mm Custom
Standard Length Up to 12 m Custom
Pressure Rating Up to 1.6 MPa PN16
SDR Range SDR11 - SDR33 ISO Standard
Tolerance ±1% diameter Precision
FAQ

UHMWPE is more durable and abrasion-resistant than HDPE. Its long polymer chains provide superior resistance to wear, allowing it to last up to 10 times longer than HDPE in high-wear applications. However, HDPE is easier to machine and weld, making it suitable for applications requiring fabrication.

  • Low melting point: Not suitable for high-temperature applications.
  • Limited UV resistance: Degrades under prolonged sunlight exposure.
  • Difficult to bond: Requires special adhesives or surface treatments.
  • Limited wear resistance in abrasive environments: Less effective than ceramics or metals.
  • Not ideal for high-load bearings: Low modulus may cause deformation.
  • Difficult to machine: Needs special tools due to high molecular weight.
  • Sensitive to oxidation: Degrades mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.
  • Water absorption: Can affect dimensional stability and strength.
Despite these drawbacks, UHMWPE remains useful for applications where its unique combination of durability and chemical resistance is advantageous.

The better material depends on the application:
  • UHMWPE: Ideal for industrial settings where friction, impact, and wear resistance are critical.
  • HDPE: Better for projects requiring welding or fabrication, such as chemical storage tanks or 3D-printed parts.

  • High abrasion resistance: Withstands significant wear, ideal for abrasive material transport.
  • Excellent impact strength: Absorbs high energy without damage.
  • Low coefficient of friction: Reduces friction and wear, lowering pumping costs.
  • Good chemical resistance: Suitable for various industrial chemicals.
  • Lightweight: Easier to install and transport than steel.
  • Low maintenance: Resists scaling and fouling.
  • Wide temperature range: Performs well in low to moderate temperatures.

  • Dredging and mining: Transporting slurries, sand, gravel.
  • Chemical processing: Transporting corrosive and abrasive chemicals.
  • Water and wastewater: Used in treatment facilities.
  • Food processing: FDA/USDA-approved grades used safely in food industries.
  • Construction: Used in tunnel escape routes and impact-resistant applications.

  • Low melting point: Unsuitable for high-temperature use.
  • Creep: May deform under long-term stress.
  • Cost: Higher initial cost compared to some alternatives.

  • Surface finish: Should be smooth, uniform, and bright.
  • Density: Pure UHMWPE floats in water; lower quality sinks.
  • End finish: Smooth, round ends with good verticality.
  • Flanging: UHMWPE can be flanged by heating; HDPE requires a stub end weld.

Yes, UHMWPE is available in several grades, each tailored for specific use cases:
  • Virgin UHMWPE: Standard grade for general use.
  • Reprocessed UHMWPE: Budget option for less critical applications.
  • Anti-static UHMWPE: Prevents static buildup.
  • Tivar: Designed for maximum wear resistance.
  • Tivar DrySlide: Combines anti-static and self-lubricating properties.

Industrial Applications

UHMWPE pipes are trusted across industries for their extreme abrasion resistance, chemical stability, and lightweight flexibility.

Mining & Mineral Processing

Transporting abrasive slurries, tailings, and mineral concentrates with 4–7x longer service life than steel pipes.

Dredging & Marine

Natural buoyancy and corrosion resistance make it ideal for floating pipeline systems in dredging applications.

Power Generation

Reliable in handling fly ash, bottom ash, and high-temperature residues with reduced energy losses.

Chemical Processing

Safely handles corrosive fluids, solvents, and chemical effluents with excellent resistance properties.

Food & Beverage

Smooth, non-stick surfaces prevent bacterial adhesion and meet hygienic standards in food-grade systems.

Medical & Pharmaceutical

Used in drug delivery, cleanroom piping, and medical devices due to its biocompatibility and purity.

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