Eight Things to Know about how we make PVC Pipes at Vee-Tek Nigeria
By: Vee-Tek Group
Tags: African Manufacturing, Nigerian Businesses, Manufacturing, Nigerian Economy, Pipe Manufacturer

Eight Things to Know about how we make PVC Pipes at Vee-Tek Nigeria Vee-Tek Group Jan 23·3 min read

1. Introducing Vee-Tek PVC Pipes

At Vee-Tek Plastics, we focus majorly on the production of PVC Conduit pipes, PVC Waste/Drain pipes and PVC Pressure pipes not excluding electrical conduit pipe fittings like the male bush, and joining couple etc.

2. Differences

The pipes are of different diameters in sizes and longer in length.

PVC Conduit Pipes: They are used to protect or route electrical wiring in buildings and structures. These include;20mm PVC Conduit pipes and 25mm PVC Conduit pipes ranging from (7 to 10) ft respectively. PVC Pressure Pipes: Pressure pipes are different from the conduit pipes because they are mostly used for water supply and sewage disposal. Being solid in nature, they have the ability to resist or withstand high internal and external pressure mounted on it. These pipes include; 110mm, 114mm, 125mm, 160mm, 200mm PVC pipes respectively. PVC Waste/Drain Pipes: These pipes are used for conveying waste water, fluids to the above or below ground drainage system. They are applicable in the dish wash basin, bath sink and shower etc. These pipes include; 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm pipes.

3. Similarities

Vee-Tek PVC Conduit, Pressure, and Drain Pipes are all made from the same chemical Constituents but different additives. They are used for either conveying fluid materials or protecting solid materials.

4. Major Chemical Constituents

PVC (polymerizing Vinyl Chloride) has two essential materials which are Salt and Oil.

Vinyl Chloride Monomer is formed when chlorine (obtained from the hydrolysis of salt) is combined with ethylene (obtained from oil). Vinyl chloride molecules are polymerized to form PVC Resin, to which appropriate additives are added to make in customized PVC compound.

5. Working in the Nigeria Plastic Industry

Working in a plastic industry in Nigeria is a rewarding challenge. Take for an example, working at Vee-Tek plastic, a lot of experience and working principles are to be learnt as it exposes oneself to various job opportunities and starting up your own related venture as well.

At Vee-Tek plastics, we have various units and sections ranging from the start to the finish.

Below are some breakdowns of our various units;

1. Mixing Unit: At this unit, materials are brought together for PVC productions which are then mixed with the help of a heater mixer and a cooler mixer to attain homogeneity. These materials are calcium carbonate filler (CaCo3), PVC stabilizer, carbon black, PVC resin, stearic acid etc.

2. Injection Unit: At the injection unit, an industrial injection hydraulic molding machine is used to inject PVC polymer material into the mould with carries the shape of what plastic is to me molded. It runs at 200torrs or more. Just like in the production of nylon or polythene and polyethylene, where an Extruder machine is needed.

3. Socketing Unit: Here a typical PVC pipe is expanded at one end so that another PVC pipe of similar diameter and length can fit in perfectly. It’s done with the help of a cylindrical heater, and pin and water bath containing water for cooling.

4. PVC Conduit, Pressure & Drain Units: in these units PVC Conduit, Pressure and Drain pipes are produced in their correct chemical formula.

Other units includes; crushing unit, grinding unit and filing unit etc

6. How it’s made (Vee-Tek PVC pipes)

Our pipes are of good quality, last longer due to our unique and technic of production.

The whole processes starts from the mixing units, where materials are mixed together and ready for production down to where damaged materials are crushed and grinded to form new ones (recycling).

7. Challenges plastic industries in Nigeria face.

Working in any plastic industry in Nigeria is profitable, but they are numerous challenges such as:

· Delay of production materials due to transportation difficulties

· Poor safety regulations.

8. Benefits of working with us.

A wide range of experience is gotten from working at Vee-Tek plastic as factory rules and regulations are obeyed to ensure safety of machine and personnel. Also a sufficient amount of money is paid to its workers for their commitment and services rendered efficiently.

(written by the intern, Ebuka Vitus)