uPVC or PVC-U

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC or PVC-U) pipes are rigid, smooth and impact resistant pipes primarily used for drainage and sewage, pressurized cold water distribution, vents and agricultural purposes.

FEATURES

  • Cost effective – inexpensive to procure and install yet highly durable
  • Smooth bore – minimizes flow resistance for optimal hydraulics, and prevents rust and microbial contamination
  • Light weight and simple to install – available in long lengths and easy to carry and connect
  • Inert and resistant to corrosion:
    • Can be buried under concrete slabs without reacting to cement
    • Resistant to chemicals in soil and chemicals in sewage and drainage fluids
  • Incombustible – inherently flame-retarding and self-extinguishing

APPLICATIONS

  • Pressure Pipes:
    • Cold water distribution
  • Waste Pipes:
    • Above ground:
      • Sanitary pipework (blackwater and greywater discharge)
      • DWV, SWV, and SWR (drain-waste-vent, soil-waste-vent, and soil-waste-rain systems)
      • Rainwater discharge (rainwater and stormwater downpipes)
    • Below ground:
      • Drains and sewers (surface and underground gravity pipes)
  • Conduits:
    • Insulated and enclosed wiring systems (wire and conductor conduits)
    • Underground and wet area electrical installations (electrical cables and telecommunication conduits)

PVC was the first plastic polymer to be extruded into pipes in Germany in the 1930s and uPVC piping systems rapidly gained global popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. They have now replaced iron to become the most ubiquitous piping systems throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Minimax uPVC Pipes are fabricated to achieve a highly polished interior surface and in accordance with global standards for crack resistance and impact strength.

The use of PVC “fillers” to reduce costs and increase pipe density and stiffness is widespread across most sub-Saharan African markets – many manufacturers attempt to reduce costs by using loadings of up to 100 phr (50%). Fillers reduce the upfront cost of manufacturing pipes but beyond certain loadings introduce several issues that are detrimental to the performance of pipes during their expected service life.

Minimax uPVC Specification* Pipes are formulated in strict accordance to European and global standards to reinforce and improve the mechanical properties of our pipes while preventing degradation over multi-decade lifespans. These specifications limit filler content and/or specific gravity depending on application at a level up to which additives demonstrate desirable properties in the uPVC pipe.

Our solution is prized by water utility engineers, plumbing consultants, plumbers and farmers looking for a piping system with the below properties.

Our pipes are 100% lead free.

Pressure Pipes
Non Pressure Waste Pipes
Ducts, Conduits & Tubing

Minimax specification uPVC pipes are manufactured in strict accordance to global standards. Non-specification pipes are clearly marked as such.