KiTEC Industries (India) limited is ISO 9001:2008 certified company that manufactures its advanced products in its state-of-the-art manufacturing unit located at Silvassa, UT of D&NH. ‘KiTEC composite pipes’ is such an advanced revolutionary pipe manufactured by KiTEC Industries (India) limited in technical collaboration with Kitechnology BV, Netherland.Pipes were first invented to transport water to every household. With the advent of modernity, requirement of pipes extended to the industrial and commercial sectors along with residential requisites. The new needs had to be met with better and innovative pipes. The need for composite pipes emerged due to the limitations of the metal pipes and plastic pipes that were generally used for plumbing and other applications all around the world. Metal pipes are heavy, rigid and highly corrosive. Plastic pipes on the other hand are permeable and have a short life-span in hot water application. The primary focus of KiTEC industries has been overcoming these limitations and delivering new standards of quality in the field of plumbing.The ‘KiTEC composite pipe’ is a multilayer composite pipe having an aluminium tube sandwiched in between two layers of polyethylene. KiTEC composite pipe combines the best features of both materials to form a high quality pipe that is flexible, light, strong, impermeable, chemical resistant and non-corrosive.The plastic or the PE layer of the composite pipe provides all the advantages of a conventional plastic pipe such as resistance to corrosion, chemical inertness and a smooth surface that gives it enhanced flow properties.The adhesive layers serve to perfectly bond the metal and plastic, absorb eventual shifting movement between the plastic and metal and give the composite pipe the advantages of a single component pipe.Inclusion of the metallic pipe gives the composite pipe the qualities of metal, like absolute tightness, mechanical resistance to deformation and dilation within reasonable limits.PE-AL-PEX pipes: In continuation of the philosophy of giving technologically superior products to the customer, KiTEC PE-AL-PEX multilayer barrier pipe with compression DZR brass fittings are specially designed for the hot water / heating applications.  KiTEC PE-AL-PEX multilayer barrier pipe is manufactured from cross-linked polyethylene as inner wall with an aluminium strip as the middle wall of the pipe which in turn is covered with a thin layer of UV stabilised black polyethylene.  More about PEX: PEX is the short form for Cross-linked Polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX or XLPE, and is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. PEX contains cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic to a thermoset. Cross-linking is accomplished during or after the extrusion of the tubing. The required degree of cross-linking, according to ASTM standard F 876-93, is between 65 per cent and 89 per cent. A higher degree of cross-linking could result in brittleness and stress cracking of the material. Cross-linking of polyethylene into PEX for pipes results in improved properties such as elevated temperature strength and performance, chemical resistance and resistance to slow crack growth.The high-temperature properties of the polymer are improved. Adequate strength to 120 to 150°C is maintained by reducing the tendency to flow. Chemical resistance is enhanced by resisting dissolution. Low temperature properties are improved. Impact and tensile strength, scratch resistance, and resistance to brittle fracture are enhanced.PEX tubing cannot be used in applications exposed to sunlight, as it degrades fairly rapidly. Prior to installation it must be stored away from light, and needs to be shielded from daylight after installation. Leaving it exposed to direct sunlight for as little as 30 days may result in premature failure of the tubing due to embrittlement.  KiTEC has, therefore, preferred to use PEX to take advantages of its superior resistance properties of high temperature, high pressure for internal layer and use PE with carbon black for external layer to ensure safe use for exposed to sunlight installations.KiTEC PE-AL-PEX PL pipe outer layer is UV resistant black with continuous co-extruded red line and inner layer is in orange color. KiTEC PE-AL-PEX pipes are designed for 50 years projected life subject to specified pressure and temperature ratings.KiTEC composite pipes are manufactured as per different standards based on customer requirements:•    KiTEC Composite PR Pipes – As per IS15450:2004•    KiTEC Composite PR-PL plumbing pipes – As per internal standards•    KiTEC Composite PEX pipes. – As per internal standards