Most of these pipe materials have excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals under different temperatures and pressures and they are being used across different industries successfully says GS Dikondawar, Sr. GM – Innovation & Technology, Supreme Industries.

What kinds of pipes, tubes and fittings are desired for safe transmission of fluids in an industry?
Piping is one of the most important system requirements in any industry. It plays an important role in performing the task of conveying fluids. Material of pipe used for conveying fluids depend on the type of fluid and the conditions under which they are conveyed. Fluids need to maintain their integrity when they are conveyed under different temperatures and pressures and hence, selected pipe materials need to meet such conditions.

The conventional metal piping products are associated with different problems like poor resistance to corrosion and abrasion, chemical reactiveness, sedimentation and crystallization, short and uncertain life span and repeated maintenance requirements etc. This leads to leakages, process interruptions and can badly impact the overall performance of the plants. On the other hand plastics are not only free from these problems but offer many other advantages like superior resistance to most acids, bases and salts and aliphatic hydrocarbons etc. Thus, in many of the industrial applications, plastic piping products are now replacing the conventional piping products and are being widely used.

At Supreme, we offer a variety of piping systems in PVC, C-PVC, PP-R and HDPE. Most of these pipe materials have excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals under different temperatures and pressures. Some of the industries like ChlorAlkali, paper and pulp, food and beverages, metal processing, effluent treatment plants are extensively using plastic piping systems.

Before selecting the products are there any certifications one can check which assures the product is safe and durable?
All the products are manufactured and tested in accordance with the various national and international codes and standards. The company also has a state of the art laboratory and advanced equipments to carry out the testing as per specific standard. Supreme has its own in-house testing and product acceptance procedures in addition to the standard requirements. Every product strictly adheres to the set parameters thus, making them safe and durable. The company provides necessary test certificates to its customers and if required, the customer can avail a third party inspection report to assure the quality of the product.

Apart from ASTM, IS, ISO Standards and compliances, there are few other test certifications like NSF 61, WRAS, PPI, DVGW, SKZ (Das Kunststoff-Zentrum), EIL, IAMPO etc. which may be complied based on specific requirements.

Especially for pipes which transport potable water cleanliness is a concern, what should be done to ensure there is no contamination?
Being chemically inert and free from corrosion, plastic piping products are considered to be much safer than conventional metal pipes. Their organoleptic properties are much superior as they do not impart any test or odour to the flowing water. For the contamination free water, it is equally important to have a piping system, made using virgin raw material and good quality additives are used while manufacturing of pipes like stabilizers, pigments etc. The quality of water can be ensured using effect on water tests. This will ensure that the heavy metals in the flowing water are within the set norms.

When it comes to innovation and product development, do you do it inhouse or do you have existing tie-ups with global concerns?
Innovation, product development and continuous up-gradation of quality have been our consistent endeavour and key strengths. Understanding the requirements and providing technically correct and appropriate product solutions, has helped the company to maintain its leadership in the industry. Our team of dedicated experts in R&D keeps a keen eye on the current needs and trends of the market. This helps to keep continuous track of the recent changes in the industry and to take the appropriate steps.

We have introduced many unique, path-breaking innovative products that have successfully replaced the conventional products and this is possible mainly due to our consistent in-house research and development activities. As and when required we also do technical tie-ups with the foreign partners on product specific requirements.

What is your market forecast for pipes, tubes and allied industries for the year 2020?
The year 2020 has come with unprecedented times for the entire world because of coronavirus pandemic. This will have deep and long term impact on the overall economy and this is tough time and by and large all the industries will be affected for a period of few months to a year. We are no exception to this global problem and our business is also bound to affect. But being an essential product segment we expect that the effect will be relatively less or for a shorter duration. Although business conditions are very disruptive and uncertain, the company is hopeful and expects the improvements in the situation in coming few months time. However, looking at the overall scenario, any forecasting is really a tough task.