SAUDI Pre-insulated Pipes Industries (SPPI) has drawn up major plans to expand its production capacity to capture a larger share of the market, amid rising demand for pre-insulated and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in the Gulf region.

The Riyadh-based company – which is now celebrating the 25th anniversary of its commercial launch – produces HDPE pipes in diameters of up to 1,200 mm and claims to be the only manufacturer in the kingdom to produce such large diameter pipes.
SPPI sees surging demand for its products over the next two years.
“With the recent numbers of mega projects launched both by the private and public sectors in the region, we believe that 2009 and 2010 will be more than good years in the business of pre-insulated pipes and HDPE pipes as most of the GCC countries use HDPE pipe for water networks,” says Saleh Alnamlah, general manager.
HDPE piping systems offer a number of advantages, he says, including low specific weight, perfect weldability, smooth inside surface which eliminates deposits and over-growth, and less pressure drop compared to metals, due to less frictional resistance.
These pipes are used worldwide for conveying water, as well as for the transportation of hazardous fluids.
“In addition, HDPE pipes are resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays, weathering, chemicals, heat aging, abrasion, radiation, freezing, rodents and all kinds of microbial corrosion. The piping systems are compliant with foodstuff regulations and approved and registered for potable water supply,” he adds.
HDPE piping systems can be used in a wide range of applications, including:
• Supply systems for potable water, irrigation, for swimming pools and as discharge and gas pipes;
• Environmental protection: drainage systems, water treatment plants, degassing pipes for waste disposal facilities and drainage pipes for waste disposal facilities; and
• Industrial application: piping systems for conveying chemicals, cooling water systems, transport of solids, in explosion-proof rooms, high-purity water piping systems, protective pipes for pre-insulated piping systems and cables conduit, ventilation and degassing piping systems and lining of irrigation systems.
SPPI has been involved in a number of prestigious projects in the GCC and other countries in the Middle East, such as the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (Rabigh), Information Technology and Communications Complex (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz International Airport Hajj terminal and loading centre (Jeddah), King Abdullah Economic City (Rabigh) and the Masa'a Expansion (Makkah), all in Saudi Arabia; PAAET College of Business Studies (Kuwait); Al Areen Resort and Spa and Bahrain Financial Harbour infrastructure, both in Bahrain; and new Doha schools (Qatar).
SPPI, which was set up in 1981 in the Second Industrial City of Riyadh, started manufacturing operations in 1983. It also offers coil pipes in diameters of up to 200 mm with more than 150 m in one coil.
SPPI’s polyethylene products are manufactured in accordance with international codes and standards, such as ISO, DIN and ASTM.
The ISO-certified company has expanded its factory facilities in Riyadh and also invested in sophisticated equipment to update its laboratory.