India’s water challenge: Molecor's TOM® OPVC pipes and ecoFITTOM® fittings, a sustainable solution
India is at a turning point in water management. The country, which accounts for almost 18% of the world's population, only has 4% of the world's water resources. This is compounded by factors such as rapid urban growth, pollution of surface and groundwater sources, seasonal shortages and ageing water infrastructures.
In this context, innovative technological solutions such as TOM® pipes and ecoFITTOM® Oriented PVC (OPVC) fittings, developed by Molecor, are increasingly gaining prominence as they become the most efficient and sustainable alternative to improve water treatment and distribution systems throughout the country.
Water infrastructure on the edge
According to NITI Aayog, the Indian government's policy think tank, nearly 600 million people face high or extreme water scarcity. In addition, about 70% of available water is polluted, causing health problems and limiting agricultural and industrial use. Water losses during distribution are also alarming, especially in cities with old or poorly maintained networks.
India is at a turning point in water management; with almost 18% of the world's population, only has 4% of the world's water resources
The need to modernise this infrastructure is not only urgent: it is critical. And this is where OPVC offers distinct advantages that respond to the country's water needs.
What is OPVC and why is it an ideal solution for India?
OPVC is the result of rearranging the amorphous structure of PVC-U into a layered structure, providing unbeatable mechanical properties in plastic pipes. Through a process of molecular orientation, the material is restructured to obtain a pipe with higher strength, greater hydraulic efficiency, lower weight and superior durability.
Infrastructure modernisation is urgent in India and OPVC offers distinct advantages that respond to the country's water needs
Molecor manufactures its TOM® pipes in the highest PVC Molecular Orientation Class, Class 500, which provides the pipe with the best properties that the material can achieve.
In this way, the pipe obtains mechanical properties typical of metallic materials and reaches 100 years of useful life.
These qualities make it an optimal material for drinking water networks, agricultural irrigation, industrial pipelines and recycled water conveyance, all sectors where India needs urgent and sustainable improvements.
A commitment to sustainability, TOM®
This famous pipe has increased its range from its beginnings until now, revolutionising the sector in all five continents with this plastic material. The company's commitment to research and development has achieved the largest diameter in OPVC through the exclusive Molecor technology, DN1,200 mm.
In addition to this diameter, Molecor offers other smaller diameters such as DN1,000 mm, DN800 mm, DN900 mm or DN730 mm, which could supply drinking water to different cities. One of the latest examples, in other applications, of the success of these pipes can be found in Seville, Spain, where TOM® DN1,000 mm pipes were installed for crop irrigation.
Oriented PVC is immune to corrosion and chemical substances present in the environment, not needing any type of protection
Today, the company manufactures TOM® pipes from DN90 mm up to DN1,200 mm, which means that OPVC can access very different projects where this material could not be installed before.
These pipes are manufactured from PN12,5 bar to PN25 bar to adapt the network in which they are installed to the needs of cities and crops.
TOM® pipes maintain the initial quality of the water until it is consumed, thanks to the properties of OPVC. In other words, Oriented PVC is totally immune to corrosion and chemical substances present in the environment, and, therefore, these pipes and fittings do not need any type of protection or extra coatings like other traditional materials.
In addition, they have a jointing system that guarantees 100% watertightness during operation, optimising the water resources transported by the network in which they are installed.
Thanks to the exclusive design of its socket with an elastic joint inside, all its elements present full watertightness, preventing any type of contaminating substance.
ecoFITTOM®: the piece that completes the system
Innovation does not end in the pipe. One of the most common challenges in hydraulic networks is the connection between elements: when fittings are not at the same technical level as the pipes, they can become weak points. Molecor has solved this problem with ecoFITTOM®, the world's first range of fittings made entirely of OPVC.
The commitment to OPVC is not just a technical decision: it is an investment in resilience, health and sustainable development
These fittings are manufactured from DN110 mm to DN400 in PN16 bar, and they are 100% compatible with any kind of PVC pipes.
This means that both the pipes and their connections have the same mechanical, hydraulic and chemical properties, ensuring a homogeneous, stronger and more efficient network.
Leakage reduction is achieved thanks to a perfect fit and high impact resistance, which contributes to a longer durability of the networks. This avoids critical points due to breakage or material fatigue, ensuring reliable long-term performance. In addition, these systems are fully compatible with international standards and existing installation systems in India.
All this, together with the fact that they are 100% recyclable, reduces their carbon footprint compared to traditional materials.
A sustainable future starts with an efficient network
The commitment to advanced materials such as OPVC is not just a technical decision: it is an investment in resilience, health and sustainable development. In a country where water is a scarce and vital resource, every litre lost through leaks, breaks, or inefficiencies is a litre that does not reach those who need it.
Integrating high-tech solutions like Molecor's can make all the difference to the success of programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission
Integrating high-tech solutions like Molecor's can make all the difference to the success of programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to bring safe drinking water to every Indian household by 2026. With more robust, secure and durable networks, India will be able to build a water infrastructure ready for the challenges of the present and the future.
TOM® OPVC pipes can play a crucial role in improving water infrastructure, helping to ensure a safe and consistent water supply for communities most in need.