AMI says potential for steel substitution not exploited.

UK research group AMI says that with more commitment and marketing by the plastic pipe industry, the market share for plastics in industrial pipes could be increased substantially from the 5% currently estimated.

The AMI report identifies 132,000 tonnes of plastics pipe consumption in industrial applications, much lower than the dominant material steel, which the group says is often over-specified. Despite the room for growth, “surprisingly few pipe producers have made a serious effort to explore the potential offered by industrial applications”, says AMI.

The corrosion resistance of plastics pipe systems make them an alternative to stainless steel. AMI says: “The fact that corrosion resistant 316 grade stainless steel pipes are up to three times as expensive as their equivalents in standard thermoplastics gives weight to the potential scope for substitution.”

The group forecasts growth of 6% per annum over the next five years for plastic pipe systems in industrial applications. Polyethylene and polypropylene will see the strongest growth, says AMI.

PE is currently the most used plastic in industrial pipes, representing 44% of plastic demand in the application. PVC (31%) and PP (18%) are the next largest elements in the demand picture. The report says major opportunities exist for plastic pipe in potable and process water supply and gas supply, as well as in fire suppression systems, driven by ever higher health and safety standards.

AMI particularly mentions pipes in the 200-500 mm diameter range where PE systems are well placed to compete. It adds there could also be a role for multilayer barrier pipes for potable water networks over polluted land