Growth in HDPE market boosts manufacturer production

Fluid conveyance solutions provider Incledon notes a growing trend towards the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe solutions in the water infrastructure sector, which presents a major growth opportunity that the company has begun to grasp.

The company will look to Africa for sustained growth, piggybacking, for instance, on the continued success of active private-equity investors such as Development Partners International.

Incledon chief marketing officer Kelly Wilson points out that, closer to home, combating the use of cheap and inferior products is also paramount. “South Africa has an ageing water infrastructure network that requires serious government intervention and investment.”

Pipe-fitting solutions provider Plasson’s range of HDPE pipes offers solutions for connecting polyethylene pipes used for conveying water and other fluids in urban and inter-urban infrastructure, as well as in industrial, mining, landscaping and farming applications, and even for carrying telecoms lines, says Wilson.

“We ensure that all products distributed by Incledon carry the correct approvals and certifications. In this regard, Incledon is particularly proud of its long-term association with Plasson,” he highlights.

Plasson fittings are designed to withstand working pressures of up to 16 bar, and also include valves for flow regulation. Wilson points out that these fittings are manufactured in diameters of 16 mm to 160 mm.

Incledon deploys technically trained sales personnel throughout its extensive branch network, who are able to offer expert advice and support to its customers on Plasson products, among others.

Wilson says that HDPE pipe solutions are a growing trend, owing to the major benefits like corrosion-resistance, and being leak-tight. Heat-fused joints create a homogenous, monolithic system, with the fusion joints exhibiting greater strength than the pipe itself.

He explains that HDPE pipe systems also maintain optimum flow rates. They do not tuberculate, and have a high resistance to both scale and biological build-up. Another advantage is excellent water-hammer resistance characteristics, in addition to being designed to withstand surge events.

With no exfiltration or infiltration, the potable water losses and groundwater nuisance treatment costs associated with traditional pipe systems are eliminated. He says that HDPE is also the material of choice for trenchless technology, used in directional boring, ploughing, river crossings, pipe bursting and slip-lining, which translates into greater adaptability and reduced installation costs.

Incledon celebrated its 110th anniversary last year, marking its commitment to future growth with a new enterprise resource planning system for its 15 000 line products. This latest investment reflects the company’s ongoing transformation into a leaner organisation focused on meeting the diverse needs of its main markets, from engineering to the industrial, mining, agricultural, original-equipment manufacturer, municipal, civil infrastructure, plumbing merchant and irrigation sectors.

Wilson concludes that the company’s preferred products include recognised brands of pipes, including HDPE pipe solutions, fittings, flanges, valves, pipe couplings, pipe working tools and threading machines, mechanical compression fittings and electrofusion systems, water meters, plumbing products, and surface, dewatering and borehole pumps.