With the increase in activity in the mining, petrochemicals and water industries, steel tube and pipe manufacturer Robor Pipe Systems is focusing on providing innovative solutions and advice to the market.

Robor Pipe Systems uses its research capabilities and rela-tionships with international partners to develop and deliver solutions that continuously meet the needs of demanding applications.

“The company’s three main market segments are the water, mining and petrochemicals sectors, industries that are active and are always looking for cost-effective, long-term solutions to problems,” says Robor Pipe Systems solutions GM Gavin Fait.

The company’s product offering includes value-added steel pipe and complete pipe systems for conveying water, slurry, air, oil and gas in the mining, petrochemicals and water indus- tries.

“As far as Robor’s product offering goes, it offers solutions that assist in corrosion protection, abrasion and cathodic protection, and addi- tional products that add life and functionality to pipe lines, such as the Tosa range,” he adds

The Tosa range includes Tosaguard, a cementitious coating, the Tosatape series of products and shrink sleeve joint protectors, as well as Tosawrap.

“Tosawrap was developed locally, in 1999, and is Robor’s patented and proven external shrink wrap product that is self-healing. “This means that if the coating is damaged in any way, it will seal itself, preventing oxygen or water making contact with the pipe surface. “This prevents corrosion and deterioration of the steel pipeline,” says Fait.

Robor’s Tosawrap is ideally suited to small-bore steel pipelines used mainly in rural water supply. The solution exhibits a high resistance to soil stress, external corrosion and offers cathodic protection.

Robor Pipe Systems has an established relationship with a leading international supplier of 100% solid epoxies and high-performance shrink sleeves for joint protection and directional drilling, as well as continuous diodes for cathodic protection for buried pipelines.

The company also owns a significant segment of the tape wrapping market for water and petrochemical applications. Robor Pipe Systems, being the only approved stockist in sub-Saharan Africa, uses its experience and market expertise to provide additional value and solutions for its customers.

“The pipe systems division works closely with the company and receives a high level of technical support from the team, ensuring that it is always able to find the best solution for a particular application or pro-ject. All the products meet the highest international standards in terms of both quality and performance,” notes Fait.

He says that the company’s latest offering, Powercrete, an epoxy coating sourced from an international supplier, is also in demand. “This protection product can be applied to new pipes and is used in the rehabilitation of existing pipelines. “It is applied to both the inside and outside of the pipe and is also used to protect field joints.”

Powercrete is a solvent-free epoxy that is completely solid with no volatile organic carbons, making it safe and environ- ment friendly. It is nontainting and can be used in the conveyance of potable water, and also features the patented Novalac technology, which makes it high-temperature, chemical and abrasion resistant.

In addition to products, Robor also offers application services and certain installation ser- vices at its factory or in the field. He says that there is increasing demand for these services in pipeline rehabilitation projects.

“Corrosion protection is the way forward in safeguarding the kind of capital asset that a pipeline represents. Robor is constantly striving to meet the highest possible standards and ensure that these pipelines are enduring. In light of the skills shortage, Robor Pipe Systems also has the experience to offer advice and consultation to customers, as well as recommendations on easy-to-install solutions,” says Fait.

He concludes that Robor Pipe Systems’ versatile product offering provides a good base for the company to further its growth in the market.

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