Sizabantu Piping Systems has invested extensively in new technologies, like PVC-O pipes, to ensure that municipalities in South Africa, as well as current and future utilities across the sub-Saharan region, have sustainable solutions for their water reticulation requirements.

Could you expand on the products and services provided by your company?

DC  Sizabantu Piping Systems (SPS) is a nationally based marketing and sales group that supplies a comprehensive range of quality piping and drainage solutions to the agricultural, civil (infrastructural) and industrial markets in Southern Africa, as well as increasingly within the larger sub-Saharan region.

Altogether, SPS’s management team, engineering and technical specialists have approximately 300 years of experience in the plastic pipe industry in South Africa, so we’re well positioned to offer a high standard of service and recommend the best piping solution to the industries that we serve.

We are committed to skills upliftment and transformation, which is underscored by SPS’s current Level 4 BBBEE status.

Operationally, we are represented throughout South Africa, with sales divisions in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West province, the Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Could you provide a breakdown of the core products targeting municipal engineering?

Municipalities are responsible for potable water, bulk water, sewer and stormwater reticulation. We supply pipe solutions in all these areas.

What is the company’s manufacturing and distribution strategy?

Our strategy is to be the preferred supplier and manufacturer of plastic piping systems within our target markets. For us to achieve this objective, we need to continually research the piping sector, both locally and internationally, and establish fit-for-purpose products and technologies that best suit local requirements.

We continually review our distribution networks via our divisional operations in South Africa. Here, we have established good relationships with the consulting engineering, municipal and contracting community with which we engage on a continual basis.

How will the new Richards Bay factory strategically position the company?

Our new, dedicated pipe factory, being commissioned in 2016, is situated within the Richards Bay IDZ and is a pivotal development for SPS. One of the key streams to come out of the plant is the manufacture of Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O.

SPS, together with our Spanish partner, Molecor – the developer of Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O technology – decided, right from the start of our venture, we would eventually manufacture in South Africa.

The introduction of the Molecor PVC-O (Bi-Axle Orientated PVC) technology pipe, back in 2013, is a revolutionary step for South Africa and we are the pioneers of this first-time application for the country and Africa.

Why is this so significant?

Well, simply put, PVC-O technology enables plastic pipe to compete, for the first time, in the traditional large–diameter, high-pressure metallic bulk water supply market. This new technology increases the diameter size range of plastic pipes to unprecedented levels, with higher working pressures than traditional PVC. From our experience to date, the consulting market is fully behind the application of this technology. In fact, O-PVC is a huge success.

What are the advantages of Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O pipes over those made from conventional materials?

If we especially think of bulk water pipelines in South Africa, where PVC was very seldom used due to size and pressure-handling limitations, the use of Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O pipe is obvious. Some very clear advantages are seen when compared to the conventional metallic pipes used for bulk water pipelines. Examples include:

• The speed of installation due to the familiar push-fit socket system, as on all PVC systems, compared to steel pipe welding, which requires coating, regular external and internal repair, plus the need to X-ray each joint.
• No corrosion. PVC-O pipes have an estimated design life of 100 years, compared to the standard 50-year guideline for conventional PVC and metallic pipes.
• Zero maintenance is needed for PVC-O.
• Lower celerity enables higher design velocities that increase capacity.
• No cathodic protection required.

How does Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O differ from other types of PVC like UPVC and MPVC?

First, let’s look at what the abbreviations above stand for. It’s about understanding how the thermoplastic family fits together:

• U-PVC – un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride
• M-PVC – modified un-plasticised
  polyvinyl chloride
• PVC-O – molecular-oriented un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride.

U-PVC is a well-known and respected PVC pipe product with the standard advantages and characteristics of a PVC pipe.

M-PVC, on the other hand, is a chemically changed PVC pipe that is more ductile than U-PVC and has thinner walls than U-PVC.

PVC-O basically starts as a pure U-PVC pipe where, after a process, the molecular structure of the PVC is bi-axially oriented without altering the advantages and chemical properties of the original polymer. This orientation results in a Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O pipe with unbeatable qualities of stress and fatigue resistance, outstanding flexibility and fantastic
impact resistance.

In summary, based on the ISO procedure, the minimum required strength (MRS) at 50 years for Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O is
50 MPa. For U-PVC and M-PVC the MRS is
25 MPa. Thus, the long-term (50+ years, strength of Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O is 100% greater than that of U-PVC and M-PVC.

TOM 500 is the highest orientation, improving on previous 300, 355, 400 and 450 classifications that enables larger pipe diameters and higher pressures. TOM 500 is twice as strong as standard PVC pipe.

Is the African export market important?

Yes, the demand for potable water in Africa is enormous and our user-friendly products will assist in speeding up the supply of much-needed reticulation systems, particularly in urban centres where the trend points to exponential expansion, as rural communities increasingly migrate to towns and cities seeking better prospects. Here, plastic pipes are the best option.

What key infrastructure projects have SPS been involved with?

The consulting engineering fraternity and the major municipalities around South Africa have welcomed the introduction of PVC-O technology. We have supplied schemes to every major water authority and municipality in South Africa. This amounts to in excess of 1 000 km of piping to date.

Where does SPS lead in terms of new technologies?

Certainly in terms of the introduction of the internationally recognised Molecor TOM 500 PVC-O technology. To date, we have successfully supplied up to 800 mm diameter PN 20 bar pressure pipe, which is the largest application of PVC pressure pipe recorded so far for Africa. Being a “system” supply company, we also have  introduced and are introducing fitting ranges that complete the reticulation system.

We have a proactive relationship with the consulting engineering fraternity, who frequently seek our advice on which products to use for a specific application.

What is the future for plastic pipes?

Plastic pipes come with many inherent advantages versus other traditional materials, such as their non-corrosive properties, which enable a longer design life. In addition to very low maintenance, no cathodic protection is required. Additional advantages include better hydraulic performance, lower pumping costs, and better surge or water hammer capabilities. Essentially, plastic pipe is a tried and tested product well suited for Africa and the world of infrastructure.

Is composite high-pressure pipe gaining in popularity locally?

Yes, especially for the emerging contractor who frequently lacks access to high-end equipment and pipe fabrication capabilities usually owned and operated by mainstream construction companies. This is particularly the case for steel pipelines, which require intensive skills coupled with expensive and specialised equipment.

The South African government is encouraging and promoting the emerging contractor segment, which commonly has limited access to capital finance. Here, our user-friendly, tried-and-tested plastic products are gaining popularity as an easy-to-install and cost-effective solution.

What’s your view on South Africa’s water loss challenges?

We need to encourage and create a culture of ownership, where proper maintenance programmes are implemented to reduce the wastage created by poorly maintained water infrastructure. Plastic pipes are the answer. Here, PVC-O redefines conventional thinking: it’s a better alternative for large-diameter, high-pressure metallic pipes for bulk water supply up to 1 200 mm diameter and PN 25 bar.