Extrusion International 3-2016

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Extrusion International 3/2016 25
wall which significantly improves
the mechanical properties of the
pipe, while keeping intact its
chemical properties.
At the same time, an optimiza-
tion of the pipe wall occurs, with
less raw material a pipe with
higher mechanical properties is
achieved as well as an optimiza-
tion of raw materials. This lower
consumption of raw materials,
results in energy savings during
their extraction and during pro-
duction.
It should also be noted that the Molecor manufacturing process,
worldwide patented, has great energy efficiency with which an
optimization of the energy resources is also produced during the
TOM® pipes production stage.
2. Use phase
The useful life of a pipe to transport water must ensure a 50-year
period as established by the regression line that determines its
maximum operating tension. This useful life, begins at the time
of construction of the network with the installation of the pipes.
At this stage, the most important energy consumption is due to
pumping.
Regarding the efficiency and energy savings that take place dur-
ing this stage, we can distinguish several aspects:
• Transport optimization
Thanks to its lightness, we can transport more material, so we
have fuel efficiency and minimizing CO 2 emissions associated.
• Installation cost efficiency
- Its lightness also minimizes the impact of hand work and the
need for special equipment for its placement.
- The efficient design of the socket allows the pipes are assem-
bled with great ease.
Uniting these two factors, high performance installation is
achieved, reducing considerably the time of execution of works,
obtaining economic and social benefits by saving time and en-
ergy.
• Efficiency during operation
TOM® PVC-O pipes have a higher hydraulic capacity, between 15
and 40% depending on the diameter and the material with
which it is being compared, so that for the same energy con-
sumption, the transported water is always higher.
This increased hydraulic capacity is due to the greater useful sec-
tion that these pipes present due to the optimization of wall
thickness. Moreover, their smaller roughness causes the inner
pipe surface is extremely smooth, thus the pressure losses are
minimized and fluid can flow faster. All these benefits make that
to transport the same amount of water less energy is needed,
thus reducing energy consumption in pumping stage during use.
3.Recycling or final disposal phase
PVC is a 100% recyclable material that can be reused after its
long useful life, mainly by mechanical recycling.
The PVC-O manufacturing process, due to its high technical re-
quirement, does not allow the use of recycled materials, but al-
lows a comprehensive management process because they can
be used, after its long life cycle, in the manufacture of other
plastic applications such as cable sheathing, gutters and down-
spouts for evacuation among others, where the technical re-
quirements for raw materials are lower.
Thus, consumption of raw materials and also the volume of
waste generated is reduced.
Promoting a culture of reuse and recycling is reflected in the re-
port of the European Commission in April 2004, and in the vol-
untary commitment of the actors in the sector of waste
management at European level in the Vinyl2010 and VinylPlus
programs.