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Plastic pipes have replaced conventional pipes
in the last 50 years particularly in the water transportation segment.
PVC pipe has over 80% share compared to about 12-15% share of Poyolefin
pipes of HDPE and of late of PP. Recent observations of better performance
of HDPE pipes, in the earthquake affected areas, compared to PVC
on account of their better toughness have provided an impetus to
higher growth of HDPE pipes in potable water distribution. PP pipes
on account of better heat resistance, compared to PVC, are making
inroads in the sewerage segment. These changes certainly could increase
the share of Polyolefinic pipes in the next few years. The technological
developments, on material developments in the areas of bi-modal
MWD (Molecular Weight Distribution) and increased ability to achieve
higher design stress from 80 Mpa to the present one of 100 Mpa,
and the likely new materials of 125 Mpa would reduce the gap between
PVC having 250 Mpa design pressure & HDPE in terms of design
capabilities.
However, PVC pipes also have seen new developments that could help
them maintain their market share. The new mono-axially oriented
PVC pipe could provide the same strength with 10% lower material
usage. Similarly, the new Core foam PVC pipe system with an inner
layer of foamed PVC could also achieve material savings without
adversely affecting strength. The toughness of the PVC pipe could
be enhanced to the same level of the HDPE pipe by incorporation
of impact modifiers and still achieve design pressure of 200 Mpa
-much higher than that of HDPE pipe. These parallel developments
in HDPE and PVC would contribute to the changes in the market scenario
of plastics pipes in the next few years. It is quite possible that
Polyolefinic pipes would take away some market share as some of
the leading HDPE producers have been conducting extensive and aggressive
market development activities for quite a few years.
| Date:-
21st December 2001 |
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