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HDPE Microduct: The Ultimate Guide In 2022

Getting the most versatility and efficiency out of your existing duct system

Microduct is a flexible way of significantly increasing existing duct density by installing multiple microduct instead of one fiber cable, considerably reducing the wasted space while enormously expanding cable density. Each microduct is a pathway and is future-proof for your potential needs.

As its name implies, Microduct typically decreases in size. Though smaller in size, they still carry significant capacity. MicroDucts were developed as a solution to house fiber cables. Today, MicroCables range from 6 to 432-fiber counts. The glass fibers are the same type as those used in traditional fiber cables, and only the cable design has been altered to reduce the diameter of the cable sheath and support system. These small OD(Outer Diameter ) conduits vary from 5 to 22mm, providing a pathway or cell for fiber cables. Given the increasing demand for data rates, and the significant congestion of telecom lines, it’s vital to deploy Microducts to use space fully.

Sometimes microducts save you the efforts and high cost of digging a new channel. The U.S. DOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office estimates the average cost of deploying fiber-optic cable is about $27,000 per mile. Most of the cost owns to the excavation of the roadway. Using HDPE microducts can reduce or eliminate the need for additional or new conduits in underground applications.

The Dura-Line, a leader in this industry, has the HDPE microduct series, which consists of Microduct and FuturePath. FuturePath is two or more MicroDucts bundled under an oversheath. Bundles are designed for quicker, simpler, more cost-effective, and time-saving branching during the installation of multiducts in one step, primarily designated for more effective FTTH deployment.

Both can be installed by standard OSP installation methods, like Subdivided Conduit, Overrides, Plow Installations, Trench Installations, Directional Bore, MicroTrench, Tray Installations, etc.

Basically, there’re two installation methods, i.e., DIRECT BURIED(DB) and DIRECT INSTALL(DB).

Multi DB bundles of thick-walled microducts have high crush resistance and can be directly buried into the ground without any protection. A thin jacket allows easy access to individual microducts, followed by branching, and leads to accessories savings.

Multi DI bundles of thin-walled microducts with a thin jacket (on the base of LDPE) need extra protection. Therefore they are mostly pulled into pre-installed subducts.

HDPE microduct installation-trench
HDPE microduct installation-trench

Benefits:

  • Save on network construction.
  • Reduce the number of conduits required for new network construction.
  • Minimize the need for additional conduits in occupied applications.
  • Avoid new trenching and conduit placement costs.
  • Enable incremental deployment to match system requirements.
  • Increased efficiency in network building.
  • Ease of connecting the ducts with the aid of couplings.
  • A print indicating the cables’ length gives information about the line installed.
  • Custom Colors Available.
  • Using ducts of different colors allows distinguishing cables when several cables are installed in a single trench.
  • Strength imparting the duct compression resistance.
  • Heat resistance provides good mechanical properties in the temperature range from -20 to +55 °C.
  • Long durability.
  • Resistance to moisture, oil, petrol, rodents and other unfavorable factors may affect the underground duct.
  • Cost-effective – multiple pathways for one installation cost allow flexibility and future growth.
HDPE microduct installation-plow
HDPE microduct installation-plow

Features

  • HDPE MicroDucts are small, starting at a 5mm diameter.
  • Utilize space in an occupied duct.
  • Install up to 432 count fiber MicroCables.
  • Revitalize existing networks with Over-Rides.
  • Coextruded with SILICORE® ULF permanent lining to reduce friction on cable installs.
  • Serves to form cable conduits for subsequent installation of cables (by pulling or blowing).
  • Protects the installed cables.
  • Permits an easy replacement of cables without digging the cables out.
  • No special tools or equipment are needed. The installation uses the same as traditional conduit or innerduct.
Dura-Line FuturePath Hybrid
Dura-Line FuturePath Hybrid

Applications

  • Cable TV
  • Telecom
  • Wireless Backhaul
  • Power/Utilities
  • Municipalities
  • University, Corporate, and Hospital Campuses
  • Military and Government Installations
  • Data Centers

Specifications

Choosing the correct MicroDuct size depends on the desired MicroCable’s OD. As recommended, Dura-Line prefers a fill ratio of 50% to 75% for optimal cable placement performance. The condition of the route bends and equipment all impact the jetting distance.

SIZE(MM)APPLICATION(DB/DI)NOM OD(MM/IN)MIN ID(MM/IN)WEIGHT(LB/FT)SWPS† (LBS)BEND RADIUS SUP(IN)BEND RADIUS UNSUP(IN)
5/3.5DI5/0.23.4 / 0.130.0063324
7/3.5DB7/0.283.7 / 0.150.0189736
7/5.5DI7/0.285.6 / 0.220.0094936
8/6DI8/0.315.8 / 0.230.0147636
8.5/6DI, DB8.5/0.345.9 / 0.230.0189637
10/8DI10/0.398.1 / 0.320.0189348
12/10DI12/0.479.9 / 0.390.02111459
12.7/8DI12.7/0.57.9 / 0.310.05268510
12.7/10DB, DI12.7/0.59.8 / 0.390.032167510
14/10DB14/0.559.8 / 0.390.05264611
16/12DB15.9/0.6311.6 / 0.460.058305613
16/13DI16/0.6312.8 / 0.50.043229613
18/10DB18/0.7110 /0.390.11581714
18/14DB18/0.7113.6 / 0.540.066352714
22/16DB22/0.8715.4 / 0.610.116615918
27/20DB26.7/1.0520.7 / 0.810.1327011121

Source: DL_MD_HDPE.12.21.pdf

Summary

The critical point of HDPE Microduct is All About Available Space.

Network plant construction always seems to involve similar questions: How many conduits do we need for this new project? What is the cable capacity of each line? If there’s already cable in the pipes, can we add more? How do we execute this project now and provide for future expansion? Can we accomplish this project now if we don’t dig and install new conduits?

Faced with all these issues mentioned above and the challenge of deploying new infrastructure while minimizing investment costs, the HDPE microduct is the appropriate conduit maximization solution.

HDPE microducts are designed to provide present and future value in network design. It can decrease or eliminate the need to dig new conduit structures saving network owners vast amounts of physical project funding, providing pathways for future needs, and allowing for projects to be completed in a much faster time frame; thus, it represents significant overall cost savings.

HDPE microduct reduces material and labor costs. Installers and network engineers can cut conduit installation time and increase cable installation speed. It is intended to increase your productivity and boost your bottom line.

In all, HDPE microduct stands for More space and More productivity.

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