Flo-Tek has established itself as a leading manufacturer and supplier of plastic pipes, tanks, fittings, and irrigation products across Southern Africa. Since its founding in 1998 in Botswana, Flo-Tek has grown its operations to include South Africa, Angola, Namibia, and Zambia, serving key industries such as mining, water supply, sanitation, and irrigation.
One of Flo-Tek’s flagship product lines is their HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) piping systems, which are recognised for their durability, versatility, and efficiency across various applications.
Flo-Tek HDPE Piping Systems
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are known for their superior physical and chemical properties, making them the ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Flo-Tek manufactures HDPE pipes with diameters ranging from 20mm to 1000mm and pressure ratings of PN 4 to PN 34, ensuring flexibility for both light and heavy-duty applications.
Key Features and Benefits
High Impact Strength: HDPE pipes can withstand physical stresses and impacts without cracking or breaking, making them ideal for challenging environments.
Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metal pipes, HDPE is not affected by rust, corrosion, or aggressive soil conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan with minimal maintenance.
Chemical Resistance: HDPE is chemically inert, making it resistant to a wide variety of chemicals, including acidic and alkaline solutions.
Abrasion Resistance: The material’s high abrasion resistance makes HDPE suitable for handling slurries, tailings, and other abrasive materials in industries such as mining.
Leak-Free Joints: HDPE pipes can be joined using fusion welding techniques, creating joints that are as strong as the pipe itself, eliminating potential leakage points.
Low Friction Loss: The smooth internal surface of HDPE pipes minimiSes friction loss, ensuring higher flow rates and lower energy consumption in pumping applications.
Lightweight and Flexible: HDPE pipes are lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy handling, transport, and installation. The flexibility also allows for longer lengths to be coiled, reducing the need for joints.
Non-Toxic: HDPE is non-toxic, making it safe for potable water applications.
Cost-Effective: HDPE pipes are relatively low-cost and require less maintenance, providing long-term savings in both installation and operation.
Applications
Flo-Tek’s HDPE piping systems are highly versatile and are used across a range of sectors, including:
Mining: Ideal for handling tailings, slurry transport, and drainage in mining operations due to their high abrasion resistance.
Water Supply and Sanitation: HDPE pipes are widely used in potable water systems, sewage reticulation, and water treatment plants, offering a safe and reliable solution.
Irrigation: HDPE pipes are commonly used in agriculture for irrigation systems, including both temporary and permanent installations.
Gas Lines: HDPE’s chemical resistance makes it suitable for transporting gases, including petroleum derivatives.
Industrial Applications: The pipes are used in various industrial settings for compressed air, corrosive fluids, and high-temperature liquids.
Installation and Jointing Techniques
One of the standout features of Flo-Tek’s HDPE pipes is the variety of jointing options available, allowing for both permanent and non-permanent installations depending on the application:
Fusion Welding: This process joins the pipes by melting the ends and pressing them together to create a permanent, leak-free joint.
Electrofusion: Electrofusion fittings are used to fuse HDPE pipes using an electric current, providing strong, reliable joints.
Butt Welding: This method is used for large-diameter pipes, ensuring a secure and durable connection.
Compression Fittings: Ideal for quick, non-permanent connections in irrigation or temporary piping systems.
Flo-Tek also manufactures and supplies a range of fittings such as elbows, tees, couplings, and flanges, all made from PE100, which ensures compatibility and durability with HDPE piping systems.
Product Range and Specifications
Flo-Tek offers an extensive range of HDPE pipes and fittings, with various specifications to suit different applications:
Pipe Sizes: Diameters from 20mm to 1000mm.
Pressure Classes: HDPE pipes are available in pressure ratings from PN 4 to PN 34.
Standard Compliance: All products comply with international standards such as **ISO 4427** and **SANS 4427**, ensuring high-quality, reliable piping solutions.
Flo-Tek also provides welding machines, including butt-weld, electrofusion, and socket-weld machines, to facilitate the installation process and ensure high-quality connections.
Storage and Transportation Guidelines
Flo-Tek emphasizes the proper handling and storage of HDPE pipes to ensure product integrity. Pipes should be stored on flat, level ground and protected from direct sunlight to avoid degradation. Coiled pipes should be handled carefully to prevent buckling, especially during transportation.
Summary
Flo-Tek’s HDPE piping systems offer a high-performance, durable, and cost-effective solution for various industries. With their superior resistance to impact, corrosion, and chemicals, HDPE pipes provide a long-term solution for demanding applications such as mining, water supply, irrigation, and gas lines.
Flo-Tek’s commitment to quality is reflected in their adherence to international standards, ensuring reliable performance across Southern Africa. Whether for heavy industrial use or agricultural irrigation, Flo-Tek’s HDPE products continue to set the benchmark for durability, safety, and efficiency.
Flo-Tek North West
Office: 087-630-1100
Mobile: 082-516-0098
WhatsApp: 082-516-0098
E-Mail: repsnw@flotekafrica.com
Address: 1 Delta St, Potchindustria, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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Flo-Tek HDPE Products
Flo-Tek HDPE Data Sheet
Flo-Tek HDPE Pipe Dimensions
