Inkulu pioneers large-diameter PE pipe production in Africa
IN A LANDMARK achievement for the South African and African construction industry, Inkulu Plastic Pipes is manufacturing 744m of 1,200 mm PE 100 pipe at its plant in Hammarsdale, KZN.
Produced in 15m lengths for an underground project employing an open-cut method, the project marks the first for large-diameter polyethylene pipe being manufactured on the continent and highlights Inkulu’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the field.
Inkulu has invested in welding machines to join the sections on site. The machines ensure precise, high-quality joints critical for the integrity and longevity of the pipeline system. The company’s expertise in operating this specialised equipment guarantees that the pipes are joined to the highest industry standards.
By producing the pipe in 15m lengths instead of the more common 6m lengths, Inkulu achieves substantial savings in both time and resources. The number of joints required is reduced by 60%, significantly decreasing potential points of failure and installation time. Fewer joints mean a lower risk of leaks and structural weaknesses, enhancing overall reliability. Reducing the number of joints translates to considerable savings in labour and materials during installation. The jointing mechanism employed by Inkulu offers superior resistance to root ingress, a critical factor for underground pipelines. This feature enhances the longevity of the pipeline by preventing damage from root ingress and reducing maintenance costs and potential disruptions caused by root-related issues.
Immense amount of water
One of the most astounding aspects of manufacturing such large-diameter pipes is the immense amount of cooling water required. To cool 744 m of DN/OD 1200 mm/PE100 SDR 21 pipe from 210° to 35°C, an estimated 121.4 cubic metres (121,400 litres) of cooling water is needed. This staggering volume underscores the complex thermal management involved in producing pipes of this scale.
The production process requires substantial energy, estimated between 68,425 kWh and 102,638 kWh for the project. To put this into perspective, this energy consumption equates to powering an average South African home for 2,281 to 3,421 days, highlighting the industrial scale of the operation and the importance of energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
Inkulu’s successful production of PE 100 DN/OD 1200 mm SDR 21 pipes signifies a critical advancement for South Africa’s construction and manufacturing capabilities. It showcases the nation’s potential to lead in innovative infrastructure solutions across the African continent. For consulting engineers and contractors in the African construction industry, this development offers new opportunities to enhance project efficiency and sustainability while underscoring the importance of considering all capable suppliers and manufacturers.
Inkulu’s extruders
Inkulu Plastic Pipes, in partnership with global leader Zhangjiagang City Yili Machinery, offers HDPE pipe manufacturing across a range of sizes. Featuring Africa’s largest 1,200 mm solid wall extruder and a range of 16-1600 mm extrusion lines, Inkulu combines technology with reliability. This long-standing collaboration ensures products and unwavering support, positioning Inkulu as a premier supplier in the plastic pipe industry
Invitation
Inkulu Pipes invites industry professionals, including consulting engineers and contractors, to visit its manufacturing facility. This transparency fosters trust and allows stakeholders to witness firsthand the advanced production processes and quality control measures in place.
As South Africa continues to address its infrastructure challenges, achievements like this pave the way for more efficient, durable and cost-effective solutions, positioning the country’s construction industry for future growth and technological advancement.
