TPi May 2014

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May 2014 Tube Products International 55
Water, drainage and civi ls
Polypipe doubles large diameter
manufacturing capacity
Polypipe, a manufacturer of sustainable
drainage, water management and
cable protection products, has more
than doubled its Loughborough, UK,
production capacity and workforce,
to meet demand for its Ridgistorm-XL
large diameter pipe system.
The multi-million pound investment
into the expanded 55,000ft2 facility
increases the company’s capacity to
manufacture and fabricate Ridgistorm-
XL, which incorporates fully engineered
modularised chambers and fittings.
Ridgistorm-XL is a plastic pipe solution
with large diameters available in sizes
from 750 to 3,000mm. The strong and
versatile piping system is used across
a wide variety of construction sectors
for applications as diverse as flood
alleviation, air ventilation, renewable
energy and rainwater harvesting.
Polypipe’s larger fabrication capability
will also increase its modularisation
output. The facility will help to service
demand for products such as Polypipe’s
engineered Ridgistorm-XL chambers,
which can incorporate various items
including non-return valves, penstocks,
flap valves, gate valves, flow controllers,
weir walls and even pumping stations.
The company’s off-site construction and
ability to provide pre-fitted components
within chambers allows for systems to
be delivered ready to drop into position,
creating a number of health and safety
benefits, as well as opportunities
to reduce time, labour and plant
costs.
Emma Nicholls, marketing communica-
tions manager at Polypipe, commented,
“We are delighted that our new line is up
and running. Demand for Ridgistorm-
XL has continued to grow since its
launch six years ago, to the point
where we needed to explore increasing
our production facilities. With the new
line added, we can continue to produce
quality engineered products in much
larger quantities, as well as offering
an even bigger and better fabrications
service.”
Polypipe – UK
Water and drainage using PVC-O pipes
The demand of water infrastructure is
growing worldwide, but the economical
situation challenges to lower the cost
of materials and installation, pushing
installers and pipe manufacturers to find
new solutions.
The latest technological developments
make PVC-oriented (PVC-O)
pipes available as an efficient water
conveyance system. The molecular
orientation process enhances physical
and mechanical properties in PVC pipes,
while still retaining chemical properties.
Molecor specialises in the development
andmarketing of PVC-O pipe technology.
PVC-O pipes manufactured by the
Molecor technology process require
fewer raw materials, and therefore
reduce costs. They are also energy
efficient and eco-friendly, not only
because of the technology process,
but also due to the subsequent use.
The pipes are employed as both water
mains and secondary feeders in a range
from DN 90 to 800mm for medium and
high-pressure pipelines (PN 12.5 to 25
bar). PVC-O pipe water conveyance
applications include water supply,
irrigation, pressured waste water
collection, recycled water, and other
specific purposes such as urban supply,
industrial and fire protection.
Founded in 2006, Molecor develops
advanced technology and products for
molecular orientation applied to PVC
pipes, increasing the range of DN and
pressures, offering the automatic (ISS+)
or manual insertion of the gasket in
the socket, and entering new product
segments such as PVC-O fittings.
Molecor Tecnología SL – Spain
Molecor provides a wide range of PVC-O
pipe diameters and pressures
Polypipe’s larger fabrication capability will increase its modularisation output