Yes, specialized machinery exists to process waste polyethylene (PE) pipes, including those from natural gas distribution networks.

Suggested method of cutting pipes into smaller sections first (with a circular saw) and then crushing is a very practical and common approach in the industry. Pre-cutting large-diameter or long pipes makes them safer and easier to handle in a crusher or shredder.

The Process & Equipment:

o Pre-cutting / Segmenting: Large pipes (e.g., 12-inch diameter or more) are often cut into manageable lengths or split open using excavator-mounted circular saws, diamond wire saws, or pipe splitter attachments. This is a crucial first step for efficiency.

o Crushing / Size Reduction: The segmented pipes are then fed into size-reduction machines. Here are the common types:

o Pipe Crushers / Compactors: These are heavy-duty machines designed specifically to flatten or break pipes into smaller pieces. They often use powerful hydraulic rams.

o Shredders (Single or Dual-Shaft): These machines use rotating shafts with cutting hooks to tear and shred the pipe material into uniform "chips" or "flakes." This is ideal for preparing material for recycling.

o Granulators: For the final step of creating clean, small plastic pellets ready for recycling into new products.

Applications and Purpose:

The primary goal of crushing these pipes is recycling. HDPE/PE from gas pipes is a high-quality, durable material that can be recycled into:

· New plastic pipes (non-pressure applications)

· Plastic lumber

· Construction sheets

· Various molded plastic products

About Manufacturers (like XINYI MACHINERY):

Companies such as XINYI MACHINERY are typical suppliers in this industrial sector. XINYI MACHINERY manufacture and supply a range of equipment specifically engineered for this tough application, including:

· PE Pipe Crushers

· HDPE Pipe Shredders

· Heavy-Duty Industrial Shredders

Key features of such machinery include:

· Extremely robust construction to handle tough, abrasive PE material.

· High torque and power to process thick-walled pipes.

· Wear-resistant cutting components (often made from hardened steel or with special coatings).

Summary:

In conclusion, the process for recycling decommissioned PE natural gas pipelines typically involves mechanical size reduction through cutting and crushing/shredding, facilitated by specialized industrial machinery from suppliers like the one you named. This process is essential for recovering valuable plastic material and promoting sustainability in the infrastructure sector.