DPI Plastics awarded SATAS certification
DPI Plastics , a manufacturer of PVC and HDPE water reticulation and drainage pipes as well as fitting systems , has received certification for some of its products from the South African Technical Auditing Service ( SATAS ).
SATAS is a regulatory body , accredited by the South African National Accreditation System , to certify manufacturers in accordance with ISO 17065 .
“ We are proud to announce that we have been awarded SATAS certification . The SATAS mark will appear on our products shortly after the certification has been completed ,” DPI Plastics technical and product manager Renier Snyman says .
SATAS conducts independent audits and selects products for testing at an independent test laboratory . Certification is issued once SATAS is satisfied that the products comply with the relevant SANS standard . This is the same procedure used by the SABS for certification .
“ SATAS is highly respected as a mark of quality , and is well accepted and used by municipalities ,” Snyman points out .
DPI Plastics has applied for four SATAS marks for its Roodekop factory , and at the time of writing has been awarded three . Snyman says the aim is to achieve a total of seven SATAS marks at Roodekop and elsewhere in the group , including its Belville factory in the Western Cape , and sister companies Sangio Pipe and NPC Namibia Plastic Converters . u
Using plastic pipes in mining
For more than 45 years , plastic pipe has extensively been used in mining in southern Africa . According to Jan Venter , CEO of the South African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association ( SAPPMA ), the unique benefits of PVC and HDPE pipes fit particularly well in a mining environment .
It is estimated that more than 30 % of all HDPE pipe in southern Africa finds its way into mining applications . “ It is a proven product in rugged terrains , extreme climates , and changing site environments , and is without doubt one of the most popular materials , particularly in gold and platinum mines , as well as in opencast coal mines ,” Venter says .
Although they are used to a lesser extent , Venter says PVC pipes are particularly popular when modified for high impact and for the use of compressed air .
When it comes to selecting pipe materials for mining applications , Venter explains that the two most important
DPI Plastics
DPI Plastics has received certification for some of its products from the South African Technical Auditing Service .
factors are security and reliability . “ The pipe must be rustproof , break-resistant , and safeguard the environment . It is important that the pipe used has a proven track record and that it is respected by professional engineers and installers . High-density polyethylene ( HDPE ) pipes not only meet , but exceed these challenges .”
Venter says the proven advantages of HDPE pipe for mining applications are low cost , ease of installation , and a resistance to chemicals , abrasion and pressure surges as some of its most popular characteristics .
“ HDPE pipes are well-suited for the solids environment in mining applications , as they offer superb chemical- and abrasion-resistance . They are without a doubt the pipes of choice in harsh chemical environments , since they have been tested and proved over and over again in the variety of mineral processes , ranging from low pH acids to corroding solutions .” u networking tech news environment industry infrastructure municipalities
Water Sewage & Effluent January / February 2017 37