VOID-FREE FITINGS
Void-free fittings are essential in complex piping systems
Photo by: Duane Daws
Driven by the need to provide a holistic quality piping solution, plastic pipes manufacturer Marley Pipe Systems is focusing on the manufacture, supply and guarantee of void-free fabricated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fittings.
The company notes that an increase in demand for more complex piping systems, has necessitated void-free fabricated fittings – a need that is often overlooked by manufacturers.
Marley Pipe Systems fabrication unit manager Hein Fourie explains that pipes used in complex applications often involve difficult and tricky installation circumstances, which can be mitigated with void-free fabricated fittings.
He notes that, according to experts, the durability, strength and success of a piping system depends on the quality of the joint, adding that Marley Pipe Systems is constantly striving to provide a holistic, quality-driven solution and that, in support of the company’s strong market position, it has developed a self-owned quality control system.
Fourie further highlights the company’s ability to manufacture pipes and fabricated fittings in world-class facilities, supported by certified welders and qualified plasticians, as one of Marley Pipe Systems’ key market differentiators.
He adds that, particularly in terms of the production of fabricated fittings, the company’s quality control process is designed to ensure accurate identification through data-logging equipment, which facilitates full traceability of fabricated fittings from the raw material stage to the final product.
Meanwhile, Marley Pipe Systems substan-tiates its claim that it provides guaranteed void-free fabricated fittings with advanced X-ray technology, which the company bought from an overseas supplier. The X-ray machine scans each batch of fabricated fittings up to 500 mm to scan for any defects and voids.
“This technology is putting Marley Pipe Systems at the forefront of quality fabricated fittings production,” explains Fourie, adding that the company’s fabricated fittings are also backed by a recall guarantee, which is valid for a year.
He further notes that research has indicated that the use of defective fabrications is the most common cause of pipe system failures in many engineering structures and pipeline applications. Common fabrication defects include fittings that are resistant to penetration and/or fusion, as well as fittings that are prone to cracking during the installation process.
Meanwhile, the stubs produced at Marley Pipe Systems’ fabrication workshop are manufactured using stub pipe extrusion technology, which was pioneered by the company, demonstrating the commitment to product development.
Further, Marley Pipe Systems’ HDPE fabrica-tion solutions have proven their quality and endurance in a number of applications. The company states that, in most cases, its products often outlast competing products.