As the requirements for reliability and the extended life span of plastic pipes across industry are increasing, the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma) is inviting companies to submit high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe samples by April 30 for selective quality testing by an independent laboratory.

HDPE pipes are thermoplastic pipes made from petroleum, with a high strength-to-density ratio. They are used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes and plastic lumber.

“Pipelines form a crucial part of the infrastructure of a country and therefore extended work- ing life spans are essential. Uninterrupted supply of water or disposal of sewage should be a given. Moreover, living in a water-scarce country, we need pipelines to be of prime quality in order to eliminate water leaks that are caused by poor-quality pipes, joints or installation,” says Sappma chairperson Jan Venter.

With this in mind, Sappma is now launching its seventh National Quality Survey.

“In the past, the process of obtaining samples for testing was to randomly purchase pipe from merchants around the country. Past surveys included all HDPE and poly- vinyl chloride pipes bearing the South African Bureau of Standards mark of approval,” he notes.

Venter adds that the focus of the survey is on large-diameter HDPE pipe, which is not usually available at pipe merchants. Sappma is therefore inviting companies and individuals to assist in this national survey by sourcing samples of HDPE pipe from construction sites and other infrastructure areas.

Sappma indicates that samples should be only 100 mm in length and cut from HDPE pipes with a diameter greater than 110 mm.

“It is also important to mark the pipes properly and to note all the information printed on the original pipe,” Venter emphasises.

Sappma also states that a number of selected tests in accordance with the National Standard for HDPE pipe (SANS 4427) will be done by an independent laboratory. Testing will start after the deadline date and results should be available by early June. A consolidated report will be made available to the media.

“The purpose of the survey is to obtain a reliable [picture] of the quality of HDPE pipe finding its way into the market, as part of Sappma’s mission to continuously improve the long-term quality of plastic piping systems in Southern Africa,” Venter highlights.

He concludes that the identity of companies participating in the surey will be confidential, as the names of samplers will not be divulged.