From innovations in materials and manufacturing processes to the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and digital transformation, the pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) industry is undergoing significant changes. As we stand at the threshold of a new era marked by technological advancements, evolving consumer demands and global shifts, understanding the trends shaping the PVF industry has never been more important. PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to speak with several key industry stakeholders about trends and technological developments in the market, including: Greg Nahrgang, vice president, technical services and product development, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry; Adam Botts, product manager for Viega; and Steven Dolejsi, applications engineering manager, IPEX.
Nahrgang: Instead of just using one piping material for an entire project, we are seeing engineers and contractors apply value engineering down to individual sections of the project. For example, on drain, waste, and vent (DWV) lines, it is becoming more commonplace to see specialty coated cast iron in the commercial kitchen area, standard coated cast iron for the rest of the laterals and main waste stack, and PVC for some laterals and the vent lines.