SAPPMA 5th technical manual for pipe manufacturing
The publication, which is compiled and published by the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA), is a valuable tool aimed at assisting designers and the end-users of plastic pipes in producing pipelines that will last for a very long time says Jan Venter, Chief Executive Officer of SAPPMA.
“It is now eleven years since SAPPMA started publishing an independent, technical manual on the manufacturing of plastic pipes and we believe the 2017-2018 edition is yet another big step forward – both in terms of accuracy and ease of use of this handbook.
“It offers information, guidance and best in class technical information on how to select the right material, produce accurate designs and choose the correct installation procedures,” Venter adds.
It is of particular concern to the association that engineering students do not seem to get adequate teaching about the ins and outs of selecting the right plastic material, completing an accurate design and ensuring the correct installation procedure is followed.
A basic user-friendly guide
“The purpose of publishing the SAPPMA Technical Manual is not to replace other publications and codes on the subject. Instead, our hope is that it will serve as a basic, user-friendly guide throughout the various steps of design,” Venter explains.
He highlights that the information contained in the manual is objective and free of any commercial influence (SAPPMA is a registered non-profit organisation).
Verified and accurate
“The importance of plastic pipe systems in the infrastructure of a country cannot be over-emphasised. This is underlined by the fact that well over half of all the pipelines worldwide used for water, sewage and gas distribution are constructed with plastic pipe.
“Pipe designs must be carried out by properly qualified persons who have specific experience in the design, detailing, specification, construction, quality control, commissioning, operation, repair and maintenance of piping systems. For this reason, we have strived to ensure that all the information contained in this publication is verified and accurate.”
