Flo-Tek has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality plastic products since 1998, with a particular focus on PVC pressure pipes and fittings. Serving a range of industries, including civil infrastructure, water sanitation, mining, and agriculture, Flo-Tek’s PVC products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern piping systems. Their products are manufactured in ISO 9001-certified factories across Southern Africa, ensuring compliance with SANS, BOBS ISO, and SAPPMA specifications.
PVC Pressure Pipe Systems
Flo-Tek manufactures a variety of PVC pressure pipes designed for different applications, including potable water distribution, sewage, and mining operations. These pipes come in various formulations, including*PVC-U (Unplasticised PVC), PVC-M (Modified PVC), and High-Impact PVC, each offering distinct benefits for specific environments and requirements.
Key Features and Benefits
Environmentally Friendly: Made from lead-free, environmentally friendly material.
Long-Term Strength: PVC pipes provide long-term durability, with a service life exceeding 50 years.
High Flow Capacity: The smooth internal surface reduces friction, promoting efficient water flow.
Chemical Resistance: Highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and abrasion, making these pipes suitable for aggressive environments.
Lightweight: PVC pipes are easy to handle, transport, and install, making them ideal for labor-intensive projects.
Inflammable: PVC does not support combustion, providing added safety.
PVC Pipe Product Range
Flo-Tek offers a variety of PVC pressure pipes to meet different needs:
SANS 966 Part 1: PVC-U Pipes
Application: Below-ground pressure applications for potable water reticulation systems.
Key Properties: Offers excellent flow characteristics, long-term strength, and toughness. PVC-U pipes are cost-effective and provide large bore capacity, which helps reduce pumping costs.
SANS 966 Part 2: PVC-M Pipes
Application: Designed for mining and water reticulation systems where toughness is a priority. PVC-M pipes have higher resistance to cracking and can handle higher wall stresses, leading to reduced wall thickness and cost savings.
Key Properties: PVC-M pipes are more impact-resistant than standard PVC-U pipes, making them ideal for harsh environments such as mining and industrial applications.
SANS 1283 High-Impact PVC Pipes
Application: Specifically designed for underground mining operations where resistance to high pressures and corrosive environments is crucial.
Key Properties: High-impact PVC pipes are toughened to resist the rough handling common in mining applications. They are also self-extinguishing, improving safety in underground environments.
BOBS ISO 1452-2: PVC-U Pipes
Application: These pipes are intended for buried and above-ground water supply, drainage, and sewerage under pressure.
Key Properties* Provides long-term strength, with excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and abrasion, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Design Considerations
Durability and Long-Term Safety Factors
PVC pipes are designed with a 50-year safety factor, meaning they can withstand stresses and pressure surges over their lifetime without compromising structural integrity. Studies have shown that PVC-U pipes maintain their mechanical properties for up to 60 years, ensuring longevity in service.
Pressure Variation and Surge Pressures
PVC pipes exhibit excellent performance under varying pressure conditions, including water hammer and pressure surges. With a short-term safety factor of over three times the design operating pressure, PVC pipes are capable of withstanding sudden increases in pressure, making them highly reliable in water distribution systems.
Temperature Resistance
Flo-Tek’s PVC pipes are designed for optimal performance at temperatures up to 25°C. For applications with higher operating temperatures, derating factors are applied to maintain the pipes' 50-year design life.
Pipe Dimensions and Specifications
Flo-Tek’s PVC pressure pipes are available in a wide range of diameters and pressure classes. Common dimensions include:
PVC-U Pipes: Available in sizes from 20mm to 500mm, with pressure classes ranging from PN 4 to PN 25.
PVC-M Pipes: Available in sizes from 50mm to 500mm, with pressure classes ranging from PN 6 to PN 25.
Fittings and Jointing Methods
Flo-Tek offers a comprehensive range of fittings and valves compatible with their PVC pressure pipes, including cast iron valves, butterfly valves, and socketed fittings. Jointing methods for PVC pipes include:
Rubber Ring Joints: Provide watertight seals and allow for angular deflection and expansion.
Solvent Weld Joints: Used for high-pressure applications, ensuring secure and reliable connections.
Storage and Transportation
Proper storage and transportation are essential to maintain the quality of PVC pipes. Flo-Tek recommends storing pipes on level ground and protecting them from direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation. Care should be taken to avoid impact damage during transportation, especially for thinner-walled pipes.
Summary
Flo-Tek’s PVC pressure pipes and fittings offer a versatile, durable, and cost-effective solution for various industries, including water supply, mining, and agriculture. With a proven track record of long-term performance, Flo-Tek’s PVC pipes are designed to meet the challenges of modern infrastructure projects, delivering reliability, safety, and efficiency. Whether for large-scale municipal systems or specialized industrial applications, Flo-Tek’s products are engineered to exceed expectations across Southern Africa.
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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