PIPES, PUMPS & VALVES
Plastic pipelines add value
Maintaining functional and efficient water and sewer networks requires an adherence to stringent design and product standards that extend the life of these vital assets. Alastair Currie asks leading industry experts to share some snapshots. How is SAPPMA/IFPA spearheading the change we need to see in public infrastructure? Ian Venter Through our well-balanced membership structure, we can add value to a wide variety of key pipe system performance areas. Differentiation is of great importance and will play a more prominent role going forward.
Ian Venter, technical manager, Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA), incorporating the Installation & Fabrication Plastic Pipe Association (IFPA)
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IMIESA July 2020
Our national and international footprint and alliances position us well to offer guidance and assistance in the following areas: • system design • product design • standards • specifications • manufacturing
• quality management and control • handling and storage • installation and jointing • pre-commissioning testing • commissioning • maintenance and repairs. SAPPMA/IFPA selects its members through carefully controlled supplier evaluation. This is not a ‘one-size-fits-all process’. A degree of factory profiling and auditing needs to take place. In addition to product quality, ethics and a willingness to adhere to a code of conduct are just some of the criteria. This important initial supplier evaluation is part of a long-term partnership and supplier development programme. Ongoing manufacturer
Albert Vaartjes, global sales manager: RBlue PVC-O, Rollepaal