Large pipes - Chances and challenges [PE]

Thermoplastic pipe systems are successful worldwide. They have continuously grown in diameter and wall thickness. This holds true for PVC and even more for polyethylene. If they are not yet market leaders, they often have the fastest growth rate. For drinking water, gas, waste water systems, domestic installations, conduit pipe and for many other applications thermoplastic pipes allow appropriate systems to be designed. Growth is occurring in all parts of the world with some regional variations. Especially in times of economic recession, applications with potential future growth are desired.

Large pipes present special chances and challenges. With each dimension growth step new applications and markets have been conquered. Those include e.g. large diameter marine and drinking water installations. In the booming mining industry large pipes are used e.g. to transport water/stone slurry. Exploration of shale gas calls for greatly increased supplies of pipes for handling of the needed treated water. The waste water industry is another major focus of interest, where concrete and, in some regions, stoneware still plays a major role.