PLASTIC PIPES
Established in 2014, Inkulu Plastic Pipes' team combines years of industr y experience with the application of cuttingedge technology to target niche market expansion. The company’s motto, ‘Dare to commit’, underscores its confidence in meeting just-in-time deliver y and strict quality assurance standards, says Gabriel Reddy, founder and CEO.
Supplied by Zhangjiagang City Yili Machinery, Inkulu’s 38D Series pipe extrusion machine sets a new manufacturing benchmark for the company, as well as the local market, enabling pipes of up to 1 200 mm to be produced
Extrusion line investment adds value
D
uring Januar y 2020, Inkulu commissioned its 1 200 mm pipe extrusion line at its Hammarsdale factory in Durban. Supplied by Zhangjiagang City Yili Machinery (Yili), this 38D Series machine sets a new production benchmark for the company, as well as the local market, for the extrusion of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) solid wall pipe in nominal diameters from 500 mm to 1 200 mm. This specialist extrusion line is set up for a maximum output capacity of 1 600 kg/h. Yili’s relationship with Inkulu started in 2015, when the company began its initial capex investments. To date, Yili equipment installed at the Hammarsdale facility includes various extrusion machines, shredders, granulators and pelletisers. Virgin-grade materials are used to form all products. The company currently operates seven pipe extrusion lines, with an overall monthly production output capacity of more than 900 t. Depending on the application,
Installation of an HDPE bulk water line
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IMIESA September 2020
products are supplied in three different materials, namely HDPE, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). HDPE solid wall pipes are now manufactured in a range from 16 mm through to 1 200 mm according to specified pressure ranges to meet small-, mediumand large-bore requirements in South Africa, as well as further afield in Africa in countries such as Botswana, the DRC and Zambia. A hose line is also produced in 16 mm to 40 mm diameters in 500 m coils. In addition, Inkulu produces spiral structured wall pipe from 300 mm to 1500 mm applications that include stormwater and sewer systems. “Our multimillion-rand investment in this automated 38D Series line has positioned Inkulu as a major player in the bulk water and sewer line segments,” says Reddy, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the HDPE piping industry. Inkulu is a Level 2 BBBEE contributor with a dedicated focus on transformation, technical training and skills transfer.
An extruded pipe section coming off the production line at Inkulu’s Hammarsdale factory
“Prior to the acquisition, our research showed that high-speed machines are far more efficient, significantly reducing the cost per kilogramme to produce plastic pipe. Faster output times now make us more competitive from a price perspective, as well as in terms of our turnkey installation and commissioning services,” he continues. Standard industr y 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.
Gas market gains Alongside its focus on the water and wastewater markets, Inkulu has identified growth opportunities for the fluid transfer of
