Unicor doubles output rates for “tunnel” pipes

The tooling technology, which can be used with the company’s UC250 and UC315 corrugators, uses a newly-developed perforating process which enables tunnel pipes with an outside diameter of DN100 to be produced at a rate of up to 11 m/min. The company says its current systems operate at around half this rate.

Aside from the higher production speeds, the new production system also allows sockets to be produced inline, eliminating the time and cost penalties of post-formed connections.

Unicor is currently putting the first of these systems into production for a pipe producer located in southern Europe. The company says it had additional lines in build at its plant at Hassfurt in Lower Franconia in Germany.

Tunnel drainage pipes feature a flat bottom, which enables them to cope with higher volumes of water than traditional round section alternatives. Most pipes of this type are produced today in PVC. However, the new production systems can also handle PE and PP.

Unicor says changing weather conditions in many parts of the world, characterised by less frequent yet more intense periods of rainfall, are driving demand for tunnel drainage systems for their ability to handle higher flow rates.