PIPE FITTINGS MARKET

Although pipes and fittings have this close market relationship, and are often, but not exclusively, produced by the same manufacturer, they do in fact constitute quite dissimilar 

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The Italian association for plastics processors, Unionplast, has been collecting figures for many years with the aim of devising a feasible recovery and recycling system for end-of-life plastic products, and has carried out a market survey specifically regarding PVC pipes and pipe-fittings. This article provides details of the association s findings. UNIONPLAST... 

The pipes market also involves a very large pipe fittings production and supply sector. The use of polymers in fittings, creates higher added value per unit mass than the bulk material extruded as pipe. Fittings production mostly involves injection moulding and total value is on a similar scale to the sale of pipe itself. 

PVC dominates much of the plumbing and construction market for plastics. Approximately 67% of all pipe, fittings, and conduit, along with 42% of all plastics used in construction at the present time, are fabricated from PVC. We will describe the synthesis of this polymer and its properties in Chapter 29. Our purpose here is to describe the synthesis of vinyl chloride. 

The attached list is a compilation of chemical resistance data from three companies Involved in the CPVC pipe, fittings and accessories market. Since each company has used a different scheme to report their findings, the following key will be needed to interpret the data. 

Pipe and fittings remain a significant market for ABS, particularly in North America. ABS foam core technology allows ABS resin to compete effectively with PVC in the primary drain-waste and vent (DWV) pipe market. 

Poly (3,3-Bis(Chloromethyl)Oxetane) This is marketed by Hercules as Penton chlorinated polyether. Its thermal, flame, and chemical resistance are used primarily for corrosion-resistant equipment in the process industries, such as valves, fittings, pumps, meters, and linings for steel pipe and tanks, for service in many corrosive atmospheres up to 250°F. or higher. At 4.50/pound, growth possibilities appear limited by increasing competition from lower-cost materials. 

Pipe and fittings, a principal market for PVC, are a prime example of PVC as an engineering thermoplastic. 

Polyurethane rigid foam insulation also can be applied as a spray system to a variety of surfaces. Retro-fitting commercial roofs as well as insulation of tanks and pipes has had increasing acceptance. The next decade will require even further conservation of energy in all manufacturing facilities, and provide an ideal market for sprayed rigid foam insulation. By the end of this decade, the demand for spray systems could readily double the current level. 

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