Sep 12 2006
Borouge and Borealis, the leading providers of innovative plastics solutions in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, today highlighted the positive contribution that plastics are making to potable water distribution.
At the IWA World Water Exhibition and Congress in Beijing (10-14 September 2006), the companies highlighted the role that plastics, such as Polyethylene (PE), are playing in preserving and distributing drinking water. In an environment where drinkable water is a vital and costly resource that is set to become even scarcer as the world’s population expands, the problem is being exacerbated by water leakages from limited lifetime pipe systems that run through hundreds or thousands of kilometres in major cities.
Pipes systems made from traditional materials, such as steel and ductile iron, fail primarily, because of poor jointing and corrosion. These systems build up internal deposits which degrade water and reduce flow over time.
Many measures are necessary to address future water shortages and pipe leakage. Such measures include pipe standardisation initiatives, good pipe design and installation practices and the selection of PE materials passing the most stringent requirements. PE100+ Association, created in 1999 to highlight the best PE100 materials available on the market along with promotion activities, helps the members of the value chain to work with a framework that guarantees consistency and quality and ensures long lasting pipe systems. Borouge, leading the industry in pioneering pipe standardisation initiatives, joined the PE100+ Association in early 2006.
PE pipes play an important role in water distribution networks – the pipes made out of PE are easily weldable, flexible and tough, and meet the needs of developing countries which demand low cost installation and leak-free, maintenance-free systems. PE has proved its worth in new pipe networks and for rehabilitation of the old leaking iron mains of many of Europe’s major cities for the last 50 years.
For example, Thames Water Utilities, the largest water company in the UK, is extensively using PE pipes to replace London's ageing pipe network. The new pipes are more durable and are expected to last over 100 years.
Mike Shepherd, Senior Consultant - Networks, Thames Water, said, "We chose PE pipes because they would not be affected by the corrosive London clay soil. PE pipes are flexible so they can be bent round underground obstacles and as they are welded together, the fittings are not prone to leak over time. PE pipe networks are resistant to ground movement and most importantly they can be installed using a variety of trenchless techniques.
"Trenchless techniques enable faster, cheaper and ultimately less disruptive installation - this benefits Thames Water and our customers."
In 2005, 76% of small diameter European pipes for potable water were made from PE – the material clearly represents the future of water distribution systems.
Andre Van Uffelt, Business Unit Manager Pipe, Borouge, commented, "Access to fresh water is a basic human need, and water shortages are still a real problem in many parts of the world. With the increased usage of leak-free and durable PE pipe systems, plastics are increasingly playing a vital role in distributing precious water resources to where they are needed."
Borouge will hold two customer seminars: "PE Pipe Solutions for Urban Water Distribution" at the Beijing Continental Grand Hotel (near Beijing International Convention Centre) Wuzhou Hall, Level 2 on 11 & 13 September 2006.