60 / 64
PRODUCT News
58
MODERN MINING
July 2015
Mining poses a particularly challenging
environment for piping systems and prod-
ucts. DPI Plastics claims to lead the market
in terms of innovation and technology,
having met the demanding needs of this
industry for over two decades.
Underground mining in particular has
to contend with heat and corrosion issues,
notes Renier Snyman,Technical and Product
Manager at DPI Plastics. “Mining represents
a very rugged and uncompromising envi-
ronment, in which such issues can have a
Plastic piping range designed for mining
detrimental impact on both productivity
and the health and safety of workers.”
DPI Plastics has developed a range
of products with specific thermal and
physical properties to be able to meet
these requirements. The range consists of
Mineflo, Drainflo and Airflo, all produced
in high-impact PVC-M, and flexible PVC
Duroflex mining hose.
The mining hose is SABS-certified and
has the added benefit of being fully com-
patible with traditional hose fittings. This
flexible PVC hose range is conveniently
colour-coded orange for standard applica-
tions, blue for medium duty and green for
heavy duty.
Duroflex is longitudinally reinforced
with a fluted outer layer for added flex-
ibility. These hoses are said to be ideal for
both air and water applications and have a
service temperature range of -10°C to 60°C.
Mineflo pipes are produced in accor-
dance with the requirements of the SANS
1283 specification for PVC-M pipe for
cold water services in underground min-
ing. Pipes are supplied in standard 6,1 m
lengths and with pre-assembled steel
Victaulic collars.
Snyman comments that it is sometimes
necessary to cut pipes when performing
repairs, or to make up short lengths of
pipe, which necessitates the removal of
the steel collars. DPI Plastics supplies two
products for such applications, namely the
Ultralok PVC-M restrained coupling and
the Minelok steel repair coupling.
Drainflo pipe systems are used in the
management of humidity and fine and
aggressive slurries in underground mining
haulage ways. The drain contributes to the
control of heat loss, and overall safety in
the work place.
Airflo pipes from DPI Plastics have
been developed in conjunction with
various mining engineers to meet the
industry’s requirement for a rough, ductile
and lightweight pipe for the conveyance
of pressurised air in underground min-
ing applications. Airflo pipes are 7 bar
(700 kPa) rated for maximum pressure, and
are yellow for easy identification.
Renier Snyman, DPI Plastics, tel (+27 11) 345-5600
Duroflex mining hose is conveniently colour-coded
orange for standard applications.