Large diameter pipe manufacturing facility starts production

A large diameter pipe production facility in Charleston, South Carolina, operated by Agru America has commenced production. The new facility is aimed at meeting the growing international demand for next generation large diameter high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.

Located in Charleston Harbour, along the Cooper River, the impressive new plant is producing AGRULINE pipes with dimensions of up to 2500 mm (98.4 in) outer diameter, and lengths up to 600 m (1968ft.). The pipes are designed for high volume flow applications including potable water, waste water and gas.

Growing investment is seeing many regard Charleston as the US’ newest manufacturing centre. The harbour site, which Agru America bought from the State Ports Authority for $3 million in 2014, was once used for coal exports, according to The Post and Courier.

Installation and job site welding costs can be reduced thanks to the high capacity of the site. A six hundred metre extrusion into the harbour means the pipes can be assembled at the Charleston plant, while their buoyancy means they can easily be towed by ships in the river to locations worldwide.

The large diameter piping systems are being produced from PE100, PE 100-RC or PE4710 resins. In a recent press release, Agru America claims these resins provide better long term hydraulic properties, saving on operational costs and delivering high resistance to corrosion, wear and tear, and UV radiation. The pipes are designed for both on shore and off shore applications.

Agru America, an international manufacturer of geosynthetic and plastic products such as flat die extrusion geomembranes, geonets, geocomposites, geotextiles, geo clay liners, concrete protective liners and fittings, as well as piping systems.