5th China International Plastic Pipe Conference

At least 30 presentations will review the latest business and technical developments in China and from around the world. Zoran Davidovski, spokesman for the PPCA comments: “China is now the largest market for plastic pipe systems – due to major factors such as economic growth, construction and associated development of water, gas, sewer and telecom infrastructure.”

“The CPPA is committed to the highest technical manufacturing and installation standards and papers delivered to conference will reflect that undertaking. Compared to traditional pipe materials, plastic pipe systems offer numerous advantages in the field of sustainability and environmental impact. These aspects alongside the most recent technical assessments will also be reviewed.”

Keynote conference speaker is Wang Zhanjie, Secretary General of the CPPA. His presentation will address 'technical progress and quality improvement' within the China Plastic Pipes industry.

High-pressure PVC-O pipes are used increasingly in China to replace ductile iron water pipes. Peter Sejersen, technical manager for the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) will present the new draft European standard based on the existing ISO 16422 and existing national specifications in France, Spain, UK and The Netherlands.

TEPPFA colleague, Tony Calton, will present the European Plastic Pipes Industry- Recycling commitment. “For over the last twenty-five years, TEPPFA has promoted a successful closed-loop collection and recycling system for end of service plastic pipes. This system ensures the highest level of quality for plastic pipes made from recyclate.” says Calton.

“This quality-driven approach constitutes a body of experience for China and many other major world markets that is useful to share.”

Scrap waste from the manufacture of plastic pipes is traditionally recycled. However, its production needs to be minimized for economical and environmental reasons. Rob Spekreijse is CEO of Rollepaal, an experienced international firm that makes the machines and the equipment that make plastic pipe systems. His paper will address

“The Big Issue in Pipe Production, How to Control Waste as Scrap Rates and Overweight?”

Plastic pipe systems are highly resistant to corrosion. For this reason, they are increasingly used in industrial applications for transporting a wide variety of liquids for example, in the chemical and brewing industries. Conference speaker, Shi Jianfeng from the University of Zhejiang will provide a rare opportunity to review Non- Destructive Inspection of HDPE Pipe in Nuclear Power Plants.

Trenchless technology is an ingenious way to reline or rehabilitate aged pipelines without disruptive excavation works. Andrew Robert Wedgner from the PE100+ Association will deliver a paper on The Design and Application of PE100 in Trenchless Technologies for New Installation and Rehabilitation – an Online Guide and Tool.

PVC pipe systems were first commercially installed eighty years ago. Compared to non-plastic pipes, their durability and performance are key advantages. Bruce Hollands from the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association will closely examine the Life Cycle Assessment of PVC Water and Sewer Pipe and Comparative Sustainability Analysis of Pipe Materials.

Stefan Fokken from Baerlocher, a world renowned supplier of additives to the plastic pipe industry will focus on Highlights on PVC stabilization for Pipes – Comparison and Trends.

Zoran Davidovski points out that the event in Hangzhou is the fifth of such PPCA spinoff conferences held in China. “The first two events were hosted in Beijing and then Xian, and more recently Shanghai. This last conference attracted over 300 participants.” says Davidovski. “Given the demand growth for plastic pipe in China, we expect a greater number of delegates to attend in Hangzhou.”

Main corporate sponsors of the 5th China International Plastic Pipe Conference are Shanghai Banzan Macromolecule Material Co, Ltd and Shanghai Sinhao Chemical Co Ltd. Additional sponsors include: Zhejiang Shuanglin Plastic Machinery Co. Ltd, Sichuan Goldstone Orient New Material Equipment Inc, Baerlocher and AENOR.

The next main conference and exhibition, PLASTIC PIPES XIX takes place in Las Vegas, US at the Red Rock Resort on the 24 – 26 September 2018.