Plastic equipment and systems can help water management professionals meet the latest safety regulations concerning low lead for drinking water applications. Upcoming legislation also demands more energy-efficient pumping systems for infrastructure, buildings and transportation. A lightweight alternative to metal, plastic parts can increase energy efficiency in pump applications which currently take up to 10% of the total global electricity, says SABIC.
Plastic systems may also be more cost effective than metal solutions as they do not corrode and result in reduced maintenance requirements. In addition, plastics offer flexible pump design and improved surface finish for water management equipment.
An example of SABIC's thermoplastics in action is the VILLAGEPUMP 500, a patented, mechanical, portable water pump that yields up to 500 litres of purified drinking water per hour. The pump can be used wherever surface rainwater and non-salted water is available and has been instrumental in providing drinking water to communities in Africa and Asia.
The pump's housing is made with SABIC’s GELOY™ resin, which provides the corrosion and impact resistance needed for outdoor use. The integrated, lightweight valve unit is made with glass fibre reinforced NORYL™ resin, which provides dimensional stability, chemical resistance, good processability and is certified for potable water use in Europe and the USA.
