One-stop fluid conveyance solutions provider Incledon is experiencing a growing trend towards High-Density Polyethylene pipe solutions. This is giving the company a welcome boost in the water infrastructure segment, which presents a major growth opportunity at present. “South Africa has an ageing water infrastructure network requiring serious government intervention and investment,” Incledon CMO Kelly Wilson comments.
He adds that the company will also look to Africa for sustained growth, piggybacking on the continued successes of DPI International. Commenting on current challenges, Wilson points out that combating cheap and inferior products is paramount. “We ensure that all products distributed by Incledon carry the correct approvals and certifications,” Kelly highlights. In this regard, Incledon is particularly proud of its long-time association with Plasson, the global leader in HDPE pipe-fitting solutions. The Plasson range offers solutions for connecting polyethylene pipes, used for conveying water and other fluids in urban and inter-urban infrastructure, as well as in industrial, mining, landscaping and farming applications, and even for carrying telecoms lines.
Plasson fittings are designed to withstand working pressures of up to 16 bar, and also include valves for flow regulation. These fittings are manufactured in diameters from 16 mm to 160 mm. In addition, Incledon deploys technically trained sales personnel throughout its extensive branch network, who are able to offer expert advice and support to its customers on Plasson products, for example.
Wilson comments that there is a growing trend for HDPE pipe solutions. The major benefits are corrosion-resistance, and being leak-tight. Heat-fused joints create a homogenous, monolithic system, with the fusion joints exhibiting greater strength than the pipe itself.
HDPE pipe systems also maintain optimum flow rates. They do not tuberculate, and have a high resistance to both scale and biological build-up. Another advantage is excellent water-hammer characteristics, in addition to being designed to withstand surge events. With no exfiltration or infiltration, the potable water losses and groundwater nuisance treatment costs associated with traditional pipe systems are eliminated. HDPE is also the material of choice for trenchless technology, used in directional boring, ploughing, river crossings, pipe bursting and slip-lining, which translates into greater adaptability and reduced installation costs.
Incledon celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, marking its commitment to future growth with a new ERP system for its 15 000 line products. This latest investment reflects the company’s ongoing transformation into a leaner organisation focused on meeting the diverse needs of its main markets, from engineering to the industrial, mining, agricultural, OEM, municipal, civil infrastructure, plumbing merchant and irrigation sectors.
The company’s preferred products include highly-recognised brands of pipes, fittings, flanges, valves, pipe couplings, pipe working tools and threading machines, HDPE, mechanical compression fittings and Electrofusion systems, surface, dewatering and borehole pumps, water meters and plumbing products.