Circular Economy's Best-Kept Secret: The Vital Role of Industrial Piping

Shaleen is responsible for sourcing and procurement deliverables from strategy to execution, including purchasing, fulfillment, vendor management, process improvement, and MIS. He also has extensive experience working with matrix structures and management teams from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, among other place            

While the invention of wheel enabled man to travel from Point A to point B similarly invention of piping systems has eased the transportation of water, I oil, gas, and other resources critical to keep the economy functioning. Piping systems are a remarkable feat of engineering, designed to withstand high pressure, temperature, and corrosive substances. They serve as the lifeblood of many industries.

As the Indian economy continues to grow, industrial piping is expected to follow suit. With the Infra, retail and manufacturing push from GOI, piping demand is poised for a robust growth. (Indian Industrial piping market is growing at 4% CAGR with PVC pipes & fittings growing at a faster pace.  From 2022 to 2027, the Indian PVC pipe market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3%, reaching an estimated $10.9 billion.  The differential CAGR between metal pipe & PVC pipes market implies the shifting customer demand and advancements in technology.

Challenges facing Industrial Piping

The world relies on pipe systems to deliver everything from drinking water to natural gas. But when it comes to choosing pipe materials, there are some significant challenges to consider. There used to be a time when metal was the only way to go in the piping industry. But iron and steel pipes are prone to corrosion, rust, and leaks, which can compromise the safety and reliability of the system over time. Not only are they cumbersome, but they are also notorious for leakage, sabotage, and seepage. Additionally, producing these materials requires importing expensive metals like nickel and chromium, which aren't widely available in India.

Sadly, it doesn't stop there. Metal-based industrial piping also contributes to water pollution if not designed and maintained properly. As much as we used to rely on them, traditional materials like hume and concrete pipes have always had their limitations.

For example, pipes that transport chemicals or waste corrode over time, leading to leaks and spills that contaminate nearby water sources, which has a long-term impact on the biodiversity that lives off these water sources. These pollutants can also seep underground when pipelines rupture, making the soil infertile and unsuitable for agricultural use.

India industrial piping industry once used to be dominated by GI (galvanised iron) pipes but with the advent of polymer pipes (PPR- Polypropylene piping especially) we can see a shift to almost 99% of GI variants getting substituted.

PPR pipes are not only cheaper but have better corrosion resistant due to its superior chemical resistance to most of the chemicals. Thus, the risk of scaling and rust formation is eliminated which makes them maintenance free. Moreover, smooth surface also ensures no clogging and higher flow as compared to metal pipe of the same size.

Unchecked construction of these pipelines also leads to habitat destruction, particularly if they are built through sensitive ecosystems or habitats. For example, pipelines that cross through wetlands or forests can fragment habitats and disrupt ecosystems.

Innovations in Industrial Piping

Industrial piping contractors are aware of the significant environmental impact of their infrastructure, and they understand that change is needed. We have seen numerous innovations over the last few years in piping systems that aim to alleviate environmental concerns.

Polymer pipes

With the rise of PPR, LPDE, HDPE, PVC, and PVC piping, issues related to metal pipes are becoming a thing of the past. These systems are made of a combination of materials such as fiber glass, carbon fiber, and resin. Polymer-based pipes have excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making them ideal for applications where traditional metal piping would corrode quickly. These composite piping systems are also lightweight, making them easier to install and transport.

Another disadvantage of using metal piping systems is that they are susceptible to extreme temperature changes. Since metal is highly conductive, it passes on the heat or the cold to its surrounding areas, which is damaging to the environment. Advanced composite systems, however, are built to withstand these temperature extremes without breaking down or passing on their effects to surrounding areas.

Thanks to India's thriving polymer supply chain, companies like RIL are contributing significantly to the development of these innovative materials. With their low corrosion and easy installation, it's no wonder that PPR, PVC and HDPE pipes are gaining traction as the preferred choice for projects big and small. No wonder the production of PVC pipes during FY2022 was projected to grow at a remarkable 35% and the plastic pipe market in India was estimated at $400 billion.

Smart piping solutions

In addition to innovation in raw materials used to make piping systems, there has also been a renewed focus on utilizing technological advancements in what has long been a traditional industry. We live in an era where everything is smart, from our phone to our fridge. So why should pipes be any different? Smart piping systems, while still in their infancy, are seeing increased adoption in developed countries. These next-gen piping systems use sensors and advanced software to remotely monitor flow rates, pressure, and other important parameters in real-time. This data can be used to optimize flow rates, reduce waste, and detect leaks or other issues before they become significant problems. Smart piping systems can also automatically adjust flow rates to maintain consistent pressure and reduce energy consumption.

While such innovations are promising, there is scope for a lot more to be done to ensure industrial piping can support the global quest for a circular economy by reducing its environmental footprint. For instance, manufacturers have been experimenting with biodegradable piping materials which are designed to break down naturally over time, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Such piping materials may be made from starch, cellulose, and other natural materials or their derivatives.

Cautious Optimism 

There is no denying the indispensable role that industrial piping plays in helping the world economy grow. In its absence, vital natural resources cannot be transported to various industries that rely on these resources to produce goods that we can’t live without. However, it is essential to consider the negative impacts of industrial piping on the environment and take steps to mitigate these risks through proper design, installation, and maintenance of pipelines.

Constant research and development is necessary to ensure that eco-friendly industrial piping systems don’t remain a pipe dream.