The transformation of conventional piping products to advance plastic piping products and the role played by Supreme
Water is life; and life on earth is linked to water. Human race’s existence is dependent on water, or the lack of it, in many ways. One could say that our whole civilisation is built on the use of water. Water systems of ancient times relied on gravity for the supply of water, using open channels. Man then felt the need of pipe to transport water to avoid water losses, theft and contamination. First attempts to transport water in closed pipes made of wood were made in China around 5000 BC. Prior to this, water was transported in open channels. Then in the 4000 BC, first true pipes were made of clay in Babylonia, the birthplace of pipes. This was the improvement over wood because of ease of production. Thus storm drains were constructed from clay bricks.
In 3000 BC, Egyptians make sewer and water pipes from copper and extensively used for plumbing in Egyptian towns. Alloys of copper such as bronze and brass were used for making pipes. Lead begins to be extensively used in ancient civilisations because of its abundance, malleability and low melting temperature. Then lead is fabricated into pipes by plumbers. This proved to be a major mistake and later lead poisoning from water pipes contributed to the fall of Rome. Improvement in plumbing systems was very slow, with virtually no progress made from the time of the Roman system of aqueducts and lead pipes.
Stone had been used for centuries in Roman aqueducts, and small pipes had been bored from stone. But both had a tendency to crack and were difficult to join.
Then in 1500, cast iron pipes are first used in France. The early pipelines remained in service for hundreds of years. Based on the merits over earlier development, these pipes are used on large scale from 1800s. Key benefit of cast iron was its higher pressure capacity.
Then man went on using concrete (1824), steel (1880) and RCC (1905) pipes.
Plastic PVC was accidentally discovered in 1920s. After the World War II, there was an acute shortage of metal like iron, and consequently iron pipes were in short supply. Plastic pipes were commercially produced in Europe by mid 50s. In India first successful installation of PVC pipe for water supply was carried out in 1963 in Chatrapur, Uttar Pradesh. These pipes were donated and installed by Wavin N.V. from its Ireland plant. Hence, Supreme Industries Ltd. may consider 2013 as golden jubilee year for PVC pipes in India.
In spite of reservations and doubts about the performance, plastics started getting acceptance across the country. This is largely because plastic offers multiple advantages. Key benefits of plastic pipes are lightweight, strength and chemical resistance. During early mid-70s, PVC pipes were used for the second application; namely, cold water plumbing. During early 70s, HDPE pipes made its way for water supply system.
Thus initially uPVC pipes and fittings were introduced for water supply and cold water plumbing to replace CI and GI pipes. In the meantime, the real turning point in the building-related application took place in Europe. From early mid-70s, PVC soil and waste pipe system in Europe made a very big way. The architects, specifies, consultants and builders started using PVC soil and waste system in a big way in Europe and also this range was very welcome in the Middle-East building boom. India opened doors for PVC soil and waste system from early 80s, and Supreme was the pioneer in introducing this product in the country. Supreme is proud to be a pioneer in introducing this concept and product which has changed the entire face of buildings as extensive saving in time and labour along with freedom from repeated leakages and breakages and maintenance is now possible.
After successful introduction of different uPVC piping products for water supply, irrigation, drainage etc., Supreme introduced uPVC high-pressure plumbing system as per ASTM standard which is welcomed on a large scale for water supply and water distribution in buildings. Use of PVC was restricted to cold water supply, and looking at the hot water distribution requirement CPVC and PPR piping systems are introduced in the market in 2002. Looking at the benefits as compared to GI, these products are also well accepted in the market. CPVC overtook PPR due to its simple conventional solvent cement jointing system. PB made a low-profile entry into high-end building sector but still had to make any dent in the market for want of cost effective push-fit jointing system.
In the mean time, Supreme introduced underground drainage system with ready-made inspection chambers along with structured wall pipes. This product too has great potential as people are looking for better substitute for conventional masonry chambers and concrete or clay pipes.
Further extension of underground drainage system is the ready-made manhole. Recently, Supreme Industries introduced ready-made user-friendly manhole, which is going to be a real breakthrough in sewer technology.
Another emerging application sector is soil system for high-rise buildings. In this sector, apart from strength and high-rise building requirement, the products having noise suppressing properties means low-noise system or salient pipe systems are emerging. Supreme has added this premium drainage system under the brand name Skyrise.
Growth of plastic pipe systems in India in the last 5 years was phenomenal. The end users — including architects and consultants — have accepted the great value addition offered by plastic pipe systems such as corrosion-free property, lightweight, smooth bore, easy handling, easy jointing, long life of 50-100 years and cost savings; the list goes on. Supreme has played vital role in transformation of conventional piping products to advance plastic piping products in different application segment.
Authored by—G. S. Dikondawar, General ManagerInnovation & Technology, Supreme Industries Ltd.