Smart Solution for Potable Water Lines

The Dow Chemical Company (USA), and RS Technik, a Switzerland-based global leader in trenchless technology, established a global marketing alliance to promote a unique solution for large potable water lines by setting a new standard in the renewal of pressure pipes. In cooperation with Inland Pipe Rehabilitation (IPR), a leading specialised provider of trenchless underground technologies in the US and Canada, the companies will realise immediate opportunities to install the NSF/ANSI 61 certified pipe-in-pipe system.

With the trenchless pipe renewal technology from RS Technik, a unique fiberglass composite tube using a Dow custom formulated resin is installed into damaged water and transmission mains creating a new pipe inside of the existing. Currently, the usual option for repairing large mains is the time-consuming and expensive process of excavation and full replacement, whereas this new high-performance cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) technology allows for full structural renewal without the cost and disruption of the conventional method.

“Losses in drinking water distribution is a major global problem with infrastructure aging and leaks difficult to detect and costly to repair” explained Jon Penrice, global business director at Dow Formulated Systems. “With our expertise in material science and working with RS Technik, we deliver a breakthrough solution for this critical global challenge.”

Klaus Mueller, President and CEO of RS Technik, concluded that “in combining their know-how and experience, our three companies provide municipalities and water utility managers with an attractive structural solution for repairing water mains, while minimising the economic, social and environmental impact of infrastructure modernisation.”

“In particular, municipalities in major U.S. cities are experiencing water losses up to 40% during distribution resulting from leaks and breaks in water pipelines,” added Joe Cutillo, President and CEO of IPR.” An average of 650 water main breaks every day in North America equates to billions in lost water annually. The alliance of Dow and RS Technik combined with our installation expertise will accelerate the fast and cost-effective water pipe renewal that is needed.”

The RS BlueLine technology is certified to NSF/ANSI 61, by NSF International, as well as German DVGW regulation W270 and the KTW for potable water that, like NSF, are the most rigorous standards in Europe. This qualifies the innovative solution for being used in the renewal of all potable water pipes, including drinking water distribution mains and transmission lines from 6 to 48-inches in diameter. Moreover, the static ability of the RS BlueLine manages to carry the long-term inner pressure up to 232 psi (16 bars) without the support of the existing pipe and replaces the existing pipe with all its functions.

In June 2013, the first project will start in Canada, followed by a large installation project in New York, U.S. Other large projects are being executed in Sao Paulo and Singapore, following the successful introduction of the product in the last two years in Central and Eastern Europe.