DPI Plastics – a manufacturer of water reticulation, drainage and pipe-fitting systems in South Africa – has recently commenced production of its new 630 mm bore PVC, following the final installation of its new Krauss Maffei extrusion line.

DPI Plastics technical and product manager, Renier Snyman, notes that the company identified the need to increase the maximum bore of its PVC pipe range from 500 to 630 mm, following numerous queries from the local market. “After completing a thorough market study in late 2012, we identified significant potential for 630 mm PVC pipes in bulk water and sewerage applications, and made the decision to install the new extrusion lineat our Johannesburg factory in early 2013.”

Snyman highlights that the Germany-engineered Krauss Maffei extrusion line is capable of producing approximately 22 t of PVC pipe per day. “The extrusion line is expected to be fully installed by mid-July 2013, and this high production volume will provide a cost-effective solution and competitive turnaround times for large scale projects.”

In the past, DPI Plastics’only solution for large scale projects wasto lay two parallel 500 mm pipelines. Due to the fact that a 630 mm pipeline offers higher outputs, Snyman points out that only one single pipeline is now required. “This ensures substantial savings with regards to materials purchase and transportation costs, and also significantly reduces installation times and associated costs, as a direct result of less material being required,” he continues.

According to Snyman, the new extrusion line will also open up new avenues of growth for PVC as a competitor in the bulk water, stormwater and sewerage industries, which are currently dominated by materials such as steel and concrete. “PVC is more cost effective and boasts a longer life expectancy when compared to industry standard steel and concrete.”

Snyman explains that steel and concrete areoften prone to significant corrosion damage over extended periods. “In addition to having superiorcorrosion resistance properties, PVC is also highly durable, with lowfrictional resistance and low wave celerity, thereby ensuring resistance to surges,” he adds.

DPI Plastics will be manufacturing a total of three 630 mm PVC piping products using the new Krauss Maffei extrusion line, namely SANS 966 approved uPVC pipe with pressure ratings up to 9 bar, SANS 966 approved mPVC pipe with pressure ratings up to 12 bar and SANS 791 approved underground sewerage and drainage pipe that is available in both standard duty and heavy duty options.

In addition to being readily available in South Africa, Snyman indicates that the entire new 630 mm PVC piping range will be exported into Africa too. “Our clients in Africa have shown a considerable amount of interest in the 630 mm PVC piping range. With continued infrastructural development taking place across the continent, I am confident that the new range can obtain measurable market share within a relatively short period of time.”

Looking further ahead, Snyman believes that the introduction of the 630 mm PVC pipe is essential to the long-term sustainability of DPI Plastics. “In a constantly evolving market, it is important to proactively adapt to changes, and by installing the new Krauss Maffei extrusion line, DPI Plastics is not only increasing its output capability, but also exposing itself to new markets. This falls in line with the company’s focus to remain recognised as a top quality PVC pipe manufacturer,” he concludes.