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When it comes to water supply, how do multilayer composite pipes fare when compared to other pipes that use metals or plastics? Niranjan Mudholkar finds out in this brief interaction with Avinash Laddha, managing director, Kitec Industries (India) Ltd
Domestic water supply continues to be a major issue in India. A key aspect of this issue is the material used for the pipes that carry the water.
Originally dominated by galvanised iron (GI) pipes, this field has seen the emergence of plastics, other metals (copper & steel) and composites in the last decade or so. Particularly, in the recent past, growing awareness amongst architects, contractors and end-users about the use of corrosive and toxic nature of various materials has brought many changes with regards to the piping technology.
Many players in the plumbing pipe industry today are showing that it is possible to reduce or eliminate the menace through innovations. These innovations are taking into consideration not only the health issues but also other important factors like installation, performance, durability and maintenance.
Best of both worlds
Multilayer composite pipes is one such important piping technology that is changing the plumbing industry. A leading name in the pipes industry, Kitec Industries (India) Ltd manufactures multilayer composite pipes at its Silvassa plant with technology and equity participation from Kitechnology BV, Netherlands. Avinash Laddha, Kitec’s MD explains what makes the pipes unique.
He says: “The pipe is manufactured as a five layer composite consisting of ultrasonically welded aluminium tube laminated both inside and outside with layers of Polyethylene. The really clever part lies in coating the inside of the pipe so that the fluid is never in contact with the aluminium.” Thus it combines the strength of metal with the economics, safety and performance of plastic. “It is built to a higher performance standard than other plastic or metal systems,” Laddha says.
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From the plumbing professionals’ perspective, it is equally important that a piping system is easy to handle and install. Number of fittings, for example, can be a challenge. The multiplayer composite pipe scores well in this regard as it requires lesser fittings than conventional pipe systems.
“Although it is much lighter than metal pipes, this pipe is strong, extremely durable and, above all malleable. It can be installed straight off the coil and bent to shape easily by hand. Once formed, the pipe retains that shape without spring-back or need for additional clips or brackets. It can be bent and reformed many times,” Laddha says.
Moreover, these pipes are engineered with ‘contractor friendly’ features like specially designed plastic fittings for fast, easy and reliable installations. “Bends can be made effortlessly by hand, yet keep their shape for easy installation. Flexible as plastic, sturdy as metal, these pipes are setting an entirely new standard in plumbing system performance and ease-of-installation,” says Laddha.
The strong aluminium core of the multilayer composite pipe allows for straight professional installations that does not sag and guarantees excellent flame as well as smoke ratings. “It provides a built-in permeation barrier against ground source contaminants such as termiticides.
As a result, it can be safely installed below grade or in concrete slabs. At the same time, its tough polyethylene outer and inner layers ensure excellent corrosion resistance and smooth flow without scale build-up even after years of operation,” adds Laddha.
Advantages
Higher flow
Short term burst pressure capability
Permeation barrier
Low expansion and contraction
Protection against freezing
Ease of handling and installation
UV resistance
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COMMENT
Product is very good, We are using Kitec for all our Interior and renovations work, We are satisfy with the product