SAPPMA INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE
An extruded pipe section coming off the production line at Inkulu’s Hammarsdale factory
Product excellence driven by investment in technology Established in 2014, Inkulu Plastic Pipe’s team combines years of industry experience with the application of cutting-edge technology to target niche market expansion. The company’s motto, ‘Dare to commit’, underscores its confidence in meeting just-in-time delivery and strict quality assurance standards, says Gabriel Reddy, founder and CEO.
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eading the market, Inkulu Plastic Pipes (Inkulu) is believed to be the first company in South Africa to invest in a new extrusion production line designed to manufacture soldwall 1 200 mm diameter HDPE pipe. The line was commissioned at Inkulu’s Hammarsdale factory in Durban and is set up for pipes in nominal diameters from 500 mm to 1 200 mm. This specialist extrusion line has a maximum output capacity of 1 600 kg/h. “Setting a new production benchmark for the local and cross-border market, designers, municipalities and utilities now have a high-
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quality and locally manufactured solution for bulk water distribution and sewer lines,” says Reddy. The company currently operates seven pipe extrusion lines, with an overall monthly production output capacity of more than 1 500 t. Depending on the application, products are supplied in three different materials – namely HDPE, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP).
Extensive product range HDPE solid-wall pipes are manufactured in a range from 16 mm through to 1 200 mm according to specified pressure ranges to meet small-, medium- and large-bore requirements. In addition, Inkulu produces spiral-structured wall pipe for applications that include stormwater and sewer systems. Sizes range from 300 mm to 1 500 mm in 4 kN/m² and 8 kN/m² ring stiffness specifications. The company’s small-bore high-speed extruder lines produce coils in 500 m lengths in diameter sizes from 16 mm to 40 mm. Additionally, Inkulu produces full coil diameters for borehole depths exceeding 100 m. These are supplied as a single coil with no joints.
Inkulu’s industry-certified fabricated fittings provide custom connections
our new high-speed lines are far more efficient, significantly reducing the cost per kilogram to produce plastic pipe. Faster output times make us far more competitive,” he continues. Alongside its extrusion line acquisitions, Inkulu has responded to client requirements for turnkey solutions by investing in fabricated fittings equipment. A wide range of bends,
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Latest investment “Our latest investment in new production technology now means we can extrude corrugated-sleeve pipes in a range from 50 mm to 160 mm, which is an exciting development that will serve key markets like agriculture, roads infrastructure and telecommunications,” says Reddy. “We invest in the best technology to optimise production throughput and quality. For example,
Standard industry material tests are conducted at Inkulu’s on-site laboratory according to SANS ISO 4427/ISO 4437. Inkulu is also ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified, and is a member of the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association.
