PIPE MAKERS

摘要

Pipe technology has changed significantly in the post-war period. Plastics of various kinds are now one of the dominant products, most of all polyethylene for gas and water lines, though PVC and other types are used. In sewers the glass-reinforced plastic pipe, is widely favoured.But concrete, is still a significant material favoured for its robustness, though usually produced regionally because its weight rules out long distance supply. At smaller sizes particularly, the vitrified clay pipe holds its own, offering strength and stiffness for jacking installation, longevity and excellent resistance to chemical attack. One of the best known makers worldwide is the Austrian Hobas company, so identified with GRP that "Hobas" is used as a generic name. The firm has built a reputation for excellence, recently cemented once again when its testing and research centre in Austria was given a high commendation by the Austrian Ministry of Economics which among other points declared "The random inspection for the recording and documentation of measurement uncertainties showed an impressive report of outstanding quality" and certified its capacity conduct officially recognized, independent tests on GRP pipe systems.