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Asbestos cement pipes - A showcase of Underutilized technology
 

Based on documentary evidence issued by leading organizations worldwide, it is well supported that Asbestos Cement and it's manufacture is ecologically friendly more so than most of it's alternates like metal and PVC.

Besides being eco-friendly Asbestos Cement Pipes offer much more in terms of value. We list below a few key points that highlight their "inherent value" over the competition.

  • They are very durable and economically priced and offer the best value for money when compared to the available alternatives. They has the least cost / year.
  • They have a simple manufacturing technology, with comparatively the least power consumption and can be manufactured in a Small Scale Industry, even a "Cottage Industry"
  • The main raw materials like Cement and Fly ash (optional) are available in abundance in India.
  • Fly Ash is a hazardous solid waste from several thermal power plants , located all over India .Its disposal is a major problem.

    This forms an important (optional) Raw Material for AC Pipes. Therefore Its consumption is highly Environment Friendly.
  • There are no effluents as everything is recycled back.
  • AC Products are successfully in use since more than 100 years in most developed countries like USA, UK, even Germany.
  • They have a tremendous Export Potential too. India can be one of the leading Countries in the Manufacture of Asbestos Cement Products.
  • The asbestos Fiber used in a small percentage, is easily importable till proper mining is developed in India.

Table showing the durability and Economic viability of AC Pipes compared to some other materials. You will observe that PVC, Cast Iron, Ductile Iron and Mild Steel are not cost effective as compared to Asbestos Cement (AC).

 

AC

PVC

DI

CI

Remarks

Approx Age(Yrs)

75

25

20

25

  

Pipe Cost / mtr for 150 mm (for 10 Kg Pressure)

180

255

584

470

(PVC160mm)

Cost / Year ( Rs )

2.40

10.20

29.20

18.80

AC is much lower

How many times of AC

1

4.25

12.2

7.8

Others should be used only if necessary.
Despite these advantages AC pipes have seen a drop in market share in India. This can be attributed to two main reasons.

- The widespread myth regarding the safety of asbestos products and lack of effort by the manufacturers to dispel this.

- The Indian Standard is at a much lower level than International standards on AC pipe manufacturing. This resulted in inferior products which resulted in unsatisfactory field performance These issues must be tackled to give the AC Pipe technology an the industry their rightful recognition.

Joy Manglani
Only Nature Endures

 

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