Though India has been using PE (polyethylene) pipes since the latter half of 1960, all the pipes used were of first generation PE 63. India saw an emergence of the second generation PE 80 pipe only in the late 1980s. However, its usage was rather minimal. Indian pipe manufacturers as well as raw material suppliers have been trying to promote the third generation PE 100 pipe from the latter part of 1990, but without much success as higher cost proves to be a major deterrent.

A new association called PE 100 plus formed by seven raw material suppliers including Basell, Borealis, Borouge, Sabic, Total, Ineos, etc organized a conference at Mumbai to promote PE 100 pipes in India . Presentations included 3 papers from raw material suppliers, 2 papers from Indians who have recently used PE 100 pipes and also one from CIPET on standards & testing.

PE 100 pipe, a 3 rd generation pipe developed in Europe in the early 90s, provides significant advantages in pressure rating of pipe, thickness reduction by 35% and therefore weight reduction. PE 100 pipe has better ESCR and crack resistance, and higher flow characteristics due to reduced wall thickness. Higher flow permits lower pumping and therefore saves running cost of pipe system.
PE 100 pipe is essentially based on bimodal molecular weight distribution and also higher molecular weight. Its density is 0.96 gram/cc. In order to obtain uniform distribution of carbon black required to provide good weathering, it is essential to be dispersed by the raw material manufacturer while manufacturing the grade of PE 100. On account of non availability of any raw material supplier, increased flexibility and reduced costs, India allows the use of black masterbatch.
Recently two large installations of PE 100 pipes in India were completed. One was for gas distribution in Southern India by Sri Sathya Central Trust and the second was for gas distribution and was carried out at Ahmedabad in Gujarat by Adani Energy Limited.

Starting modestly in the early 90s, Europe has chosen PE 100 pipe for gas distribution and water distribution. Europe saw the market for PE 100 pipes develop to 160 KT in 2005. China has started the use of PE 100 pipe much later, but shows a growth of almost 15%. North America is slow in adapting to PE 100 pipe. Will this conference provide the required stimulus to PE 100 pipe development in India ? Only time will tell. However, the cost consciousness of Indian customers and end users may prevent a spectacular growth as observed in China recently. Growth of about 10% for PE 100 pipes in India could be considered as a great achievement.