Large-diameter HDPE pipe in Europe, South America

Large-diameter pipe is in big demand in Europe andSouth Americaas well. The KWH Pipe Ltd. Group ofVaasa,Finlandand Armco Staco S.A. Industria Metalurgica ofRio de Janeiro,Brazilannounced the granting of an exclusive license by KWH Pipe to Armco Staco for the manufacture and marketing of Weholite pipe inBrazil.

The Weholite pipe product line was developed by KWH Pipe in the 1980s, according to KWH Pipe, and consists of HDPE pipe, fittings and fabricated assemblies.

Among the unique features of the structured wall, the HDPE Weholite pipe is available in diameters through3500 mm. Armco Staco plans initial offering of pipe through3000 mmID. According to the release from KWH, the Weholite pipe is used extensively worldwide in low-pressure/gravity service applications with potable water, storm water, sewer and other liquids.

The Weholite pipe’s smooth surfaces enhance flow rates compared with steel, cast iron, or concrete, according to the company. With its extra large diameters, Weholite pipe also provides an enclosed channel to conduct liquids over long distances. The lightweight HDPE pipe is continuously extruded and thus furnished in any shippable length, which also facilitates fast installation. 

KWH Weholite licensees have manufacturing operations in nine other locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, in addition to KWH Pipe direct-owned factories inFinland, Nordic Countries, Europe, North America andAsia. KWH Pipe had a 2011 turnover of US$299 million, and has been producing plastic pipe since 1955. The company also manufactures solid-wall HDPE pressure pipe through1600 mmOD.

Weholite production operations for Armco Staco will be carried out at newly constructed facilities now underway atResenda,Brazil, with products expected to be available during the second half of 2013.