South Africa has reached a state of sophistication in its use of gas as an alternative to using electricity as a source of energy for domestic use in residential developments, says local pipes manufacturer Marley Pipe Systems.

The company was recently awarded a long-term contract by environment preservation firm Alternative Environment Improvement to manufacture and supply low-pressure pipes, fittings and equipment for Johannesburg’s latest energy-conserving residential estate, the Waterfall Estate Development, between Kyalami and Woodmead, says specialised project head at Marley Pranesh Maniraj.

The project aims to install the longest underground liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution pipeline in the country, he adds.

“Generally, there is a mindset shift towards the use of gas in households in the country, which means gas has become an attractive source of energy, specifically because of its environment-preserving nature, compared with electricity,” he explains.

Once completed, the pipeline – which will also reduce the carbon footprint of the residential estate – will distribute LPG from a reticulated LPG system, which will supply more than 2 200 homes in the estate, says the company in a statement.

Maniraj says the gas piping process has been welcomed by Waterfall residents, as the use of gas will save them hundreds of rands in electricity costs.

“The average household in the Waterfall country estate will use between 16 kg and 19 kg of LPG during summer and, with LPG being much more affordable than electricity, residents will, on average, be able to save 60% on their energy bills each month,” he says.

Other Sectors

Recognising the agriculture sector’s importance as one of the strongest sources of employment and as a provider of food in the country, Maniraj says Marley recently designed and manufactured a range of ultraviolet-stabilised, food- graded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes that are suitable for the ecofriendly agricultural method of nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics.

NFT hydroponics – which loosely means working water – is a method of growing produce using a flow of mineral nutrient water solutions instead of soil.

Marley offers PVC pipe sizes in lengths of between 1.5 m and 10 m, which are ideal for delivering nutrient solutions to crops efficiently and reliably.

“Our high-quality pipe solutions are tried and tested for NFT hydroponics and have been used by some of the largest lettuce suppliers in South Africa,” says Maniraj.

The company adds that the soilless nature of the method means that high-quality crops can be grown in any climate and in shorter timeframes, providing a more reliable, predictable, ecofriendly and safe alternative for traditional crop systems.

“The country relies on the agriculture sector as the largest producer of food and driver of economic growth; however, it is also the largest user of our scarce water resources.

“The use of NFT hydroponic systems is the best way to overcome critical food and water shortages, as they offer a quicker, healthier and more sustainable method of food production,” explains Maniraj.

Increased Manufacturing Capacity

Maniraj says Marley is com- mitted to being the most convenient pipe supplier in the country, which is why the company increased its manufact- uring capacity for high-den- sity polyethylene (HDPE) piping and pressure systems in August last year.

“The new system enables us to offer additional bore sizes to the market, from
16 mm to 1 000 mm in diameter,” he adds.

This has resulted in Marley offering a wider range of piping solutions. In addition, the added diameters – designed for the mining, industrial and infrastructure markets – will extend the corrosion- and abrasion-resistant benefits of HDPE piping.

With the improved range come added advantages: pipes being easier to install, a longer service life – of up to 100 years – and a high flow capacity, as well as the pipes being more resistant to damage.

“HDPE is increasingly becoming the material of choice for a broad range of applications, including pipeline lining and relining, pipe cracking, slurry lines, gas distribution, trenchless technology, chemicals transportation, sewerage, water supply, submerged pipelines and for use in dolomite areas,” adds Maniraj.

Marley says that, with these developments, the company aims to commit to helping clients meet the demands of larger projects and, thereby, improve the integrity of finished pipelines over time.

Lightweight, Large-Diameter Pipes Introduced to SA

“In its quest to stay ahead of pipe developments and provide the best-quality solutions for the South African market, Marley recently introduced a world- renowned method of structured wall-pipe solution, Weholite, to the country,” highlights Maniraj.

He explains that the Weholite system can be used for various applications, from water distribution, gravity sewers and rehabilitation projects to manholes and marine pipeline applications.

Weholite represents the latest technology in material and manufacturing with regard to the production of pipes. Its unique structure offers a range of ring stiffness and pipe diameters that vary from 280 mm to 3 500 mm.

Marley says the company has noticed the high demand in South Africa’s pipes industry for lightweight, low-pressure, large- diameter pipe, with fittings –hence, the drive to establish the manufacturing and supply of Weholite in the country.