April 2015 – Municipalities across South Africa are facing a sewage and wastewater crisis as the country’s dilapidated pipe lines, mainly constructed out of steel or asbestos cement and installed in the 1960’s, reach the end of their effective lifespan. Unless urgent attention is given to the replacement and maintenance of these pipes, the end result is predictable: bursts will start occurring on a daily basis, followed by catastrophic component failure and regular and prolonged disruptions in service delivery.
Suggests Roger Rusch, CEO of Industrial Water Cooling (IWC), “To solve the crisis, municipalities should consider replacing old pipes with ones constructed out of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) – a relatively new composite material that was not available in the 1960’s. GRP is an exceptional, long-lasting material that is resistant to corrosion and able to withstand the highly acidic and sulphurous sewage environment.”
“When compared to traditional pipe materials including steel and asbestos cement, GRP is stronger, more durable and stiffer, therefore needing fewer supports. GRP pipes last longer and resist greater loads from surrounding soil, backfill and surface traffic. Also, GRP piping can flex up to 40% more than steel or ductile iron pipes, making them better suited to handle high internal pressure surges as well as ground movement,” adds Rusch.
About IWC
IWC, originally founded in 1986 as Industrial Water Cooling, are the leaders in industrial cooling tower systems in Africa, offering fully integrated solutions, from industrial cooling towers to GRP.
IWC’s products and services include the design, manufacture and development of GRP piping, fittings, tanks and other process equipment. Additionally, IWC also undertakes repairs and refurbishment projects and other associated services.
IWC typically supplies pipes in lengths of 12m with a bell and spigot coupling system, but undertakes custom fabrications and can supply lengths in any configuration less than 12m.
For more information visit: http://www.iwc.co.za
Or contact IWC on +27 (0) 11 466 0699