Water & Wastewater Asia September/October 2019

COMPANY PROFILE | 53
In line with global trends toward urbanisation, the rise in the
development of modern residential and commercial high rises has led
to a corresponding increase in the demand for advanced plumbing
networks. We have addressed this trend by expanding our existing
Hot and Cold portfolio with the launch of new PE-RT materials. We
are also actively collaborating with value chain partners to promote
our existing PP-R solutions.
WWA : I understand BorECO PP materials are specifically
developed for underground, sewage and drainage systems – what
are the advantages of using this?
YOUSSEF : Our BorECO PP solutions have a higher modulus as
compared to standard PP materials. This makes them very ideal for
underground sewage and drainage applications because of a good
balance of flexibility and stiffness - mechanical properties that are
crucial in enabling the buried pipeline to withstand ground movements
and high top loads for a long and leak-free service life. In addition
to these, BorECO PP solutions have an excellent downgauging
potential – producers can enjoy greater material savings as they would
be able to manufacture thinner walled pipes that possess the same
strength and durability as ones with thicker walls. These pipes are also
lighter and can be transported using less energy, hence reducing the
environmental footprint.
WWA : What makes the modern plastic piping system, and how
have piping systems evolved to suit changing needs in the water
industry?
YOUSSEF : The global trends of population growth, urbanisation and
extreme weather patterns caused by climate change have heightened
the need for modern water infrastructure networks which address
water scarcity, safeguard water security and ensure water supply
reliability. Also, with urban areas becoming increasingly dense and
packed with tightly clustered high rises, it is important that modern
infrastructure networks are easy to install, operate and maintain in
such complex operating environments.
To meet these requirements, modern polyolefin piping systems are
currently made from fifth generation bimodal high density PE100 (i.e.
HDPE 100). In addition to possessing an ideal balance of stiffness and
flexibility, these materials are also very resistant to stress cracking,
making them ideal for buried pipelines installed by trenchless (i.e. no
dig) methods.
WWA : Which markets are new for Borouge, and how do you
intend to embark on that journey?
YOUSSEF : Borouge is increasing its activity in emerging markets across
Southeast Asia and Africa, where issues such as water scarcity and
aging water infrastructure have led to a growing awareness of how
water security can be improved with modern infrastructure solutions
such as PE100. Water supply pipes made from PE100 can be welded
together to form leak free networks that are durable enough to
accommodate ground movements.
To support our growth plans in these markets and beyond, we will
be boosting production of pre-compounded black PE solutions for
pressure pipe applications by investing in a production unit at our plant
in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, which is expected to be completed within 2020.
WWA : Are there developments in Asia that you foresee might
impact Borouge?
YOUSSEF : China’s National Standards Committee SAC/TC48/SC3 has
recently updated the country’s national standards governing the use of
PE materials for water distribution applications. This new development
- which recommends that utilities providers use only ready-made PE
compounds for the manufacturing of drinking water pipes – will raise
China’s national standards for PE water piping, bringing them closer to
those of the internationally recognised and widely referenced ISO4427
standard.
Pre-compounded black PE100 is ready to use, does not require further
mixing with colour additives and enables the even distribution of
carbon black particles for fully homogeneous pipes with long-term
UV protection and excellent mechanical properties. Borouge has a
long and proven track record in pre-compounded black PE100 and
is well poised to support the anticipated growth in Chinese demand
for the material with our increased production capacity come 2020.
WWA : Going forward, where is the future of the water industry
in Asia?
YOUSSEF : Water scarcity exacerbated by population growth,
urbanisation, climate change and the pollution of water catchment
areas remains a challenge for the Asian water industry. Water utilities
will face growing pressure to increase their operating efficiency in
both the upstream water treatment and downstream water supply
and wastewater collection segments.
WWA : How has the water industry evolved in the past few years?
YOUSSEF : The water industry has evolved as a whole, with significant
changes seen across various segments of the value chain. Makers of
pipe extrusion machines are now producing units that can manufacture
pressure pipes of up to OD 3m and spiral wound non-pressure pipes
of up to OD 4m.
For water supply pipelines, there is growing emphasis on the importance
of using quality materials such as pre-compounded black PE100
because of the way they impact the costs of producing and maintaining
the network across its entire operating lifetime (i.e. whole life costs).
However, with the growing awareness and acceptance of polyolefin
materials for water infrastructure, PE and PP solutions are poised
to gain ground over traditional materials thanks to their mechanical
strength, excellent environmental sustainability and lower whole life
cost.
On top of this, we are seeing how PP and PE materials are versatile
enough to be used for unique types of non-piping water infrastructure.
For instance, our BorECO solutions have been used for the production
of rainwater harvesting boxes, which are a temporary collection and
channelling solution for excess rainwater. WWA
Water & Wastewater Asia • September / October 2019