Selection of proper polymer material and pipe/fitting sizing should be based on the following system design criteria:

1.  Facility protocols on system sanitization

• Perhaps the most important question to ask is the method of system sanitization. In  many cases this rules out certain polymer materials before any other system parameters are discussed. For instance, if the protocol calls for ozone sanitization, PP may** be ruled out and a PVDF system would be specified – before even investigating pressure, temperature, etc.
• Most commonly used for sanitization/disinfection of polymer systems is peracetic acid solution (Minncare – Mar Cor), others are hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, and potentially hot water.

2.  Operating Pressure and Temperature
3.  Required Flow in GPM for Risers (Supply and Return) and Floor Loops
4.  Required Velocity in fps, typically 3-7 fps.
5. Required Water Quality in megohm and TOC (Total Organic Carbon) level
6.  Contaminant buildup concerns:

• Is Socket Fused System acceptable?
• Is IR (Infra Red) Fused System more desirable?
• Is BCF (Bead and Crevice Free) Fused System required?
• Absolutely NO potential for contaminant buildup allowed
• System requires complete drain ability during sanitization

7.  Requirement for Valves, PRV’s, Rotameters, etc.
8. Piping located within plenum?

** dependent upon levels of Ozone

Typical Water Purification Stages

Distribution Piping

The loop must maintain high purity water quality during periods of high usage as well as low usage and deliver the proper amount (flow) of water required to all use points at a constant pressure.  Water (flow) must be kept moving to maintain a turbulent flow. No Dead Legs.

Loop Segments

Feed Line:
Piping from final filters to point of use locations. Sized based on flow requirements. Water velocity must be sufficient to allow for turbulence within the line in order to control any possible bacteria buildup.

Point of Use:
Stations where the high purity water is used.

Return Line:

• Delivers the water from points of use back to the storage tank
  
• Usually about two-thirds to one-half of the circulating water returns to storage.
• Return line may be smaller in diameter than the feed line. Flow rate is generally lower, and the smaller diameter will increase the water’s velocity thus increasing turbulence.

The IFD is the "engine" that creates a constant flow of water from the main line to the AquaTap faucet outlet.  The IFD is uniquely engineered by applying Bernoulli’s principle to create a differential pressure imbalance within the IFD which is the driving force for the water to circulate to faucet and back to the IFD.

Yes, they offer the end user a true means for proper control of flow and pressure for all piping loops run off of the system "supply" and "return" risers.

With pipe split along its length, the GF Contain-It piping system can be installed over virtually any tested carrier system. The carrier system can be tested without interference from the containment piping. Any leaks found during testing can be easily repaired. Leak detection cable or low point leak detection stations can be installed as the split components are assembled.  Containment piping can be retrofitted over plastic and metallic systems above and below ground, protecting employees, equipment and the environment. Split pipe and fittings are available in 3”,  4" and 6“ sizes.  

• PP NATURAL VS. PP PIGMENTED
• Both natural and pigmented exceed stringent ASTM standards for DI and Ultrapure Water (both exceed ASTM Type E-1.2 by factors of 4-6 million)
• Leaching analysis: PP Standard outperformed Natural in 9 categories (chloride, metals, anions and TOC)
• Natural PP is translucent, allowing for light penetration that fuels microbial growth
• IR fusion minimizes potential for bacterial growth at the joint.
• PP-H is relatively stronger, and has more fittings and valves available in the product range

GF offers various welding methods for industrial applications:

Fusion Technology

Socket Fusion
PP, PE, PVDF, PB
DVS 2207

Conventional Butt Fusion
PP, PE, PVDF, PP Natural (PP-n)
DVS 2207

Infrared Fusion (IR)
PP-H, PVDF, PP-Natural (PP-n), PE100 (PFA, ECTFE)
DVS 2207-6

Bead and Crevice Free Fusion (BCF)
PVDF, PP-Natural (PP-n)

Quick reference for use of fusion methods:

Socket Fusion

• Low water quality requirements
• Teaching labs, animal feed water, point of use supply feedwater
• Potential for interior blocakge of flow/fouling of pipe and fitting material
• Unable to inspect inner joint

IR (Infrared) Fusion

• Step up in water quality requirements
• No potential for fouling of pipe/fitting material
• Non-contact fusions
• Interior weld bead conductive to flow
• Repeatability of weld bead

BCF (Bead and Crevice Free) Fusion

• Ultrapure water requirements in labs, pharma production, injection
• No interior bead
• When complete drain-ability is required via facility protocols

pH Neutralization – Advantages of Active System vs. Passive System

Why Neutralize and/or Monitor pH Within Special Waste Pipe Stream?

• Sewer Authorities or other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) set regulations for acceptable limits of certain discharges from a facility’s waste piping which must be met prior to tie-in to the municipal sanitary system.
• For allowable pH discharge levels an acceptable range of the 0-14 scale is set forth in the facility’s sewer discharge permit. Example, a facility sewerage permit May carry an allowable discharge pH range between 5.5 – 10.00 pH

pH Neutralization – Advantages of Active System vs. Passive System (Based on 5.5 – 10.00 Discharge)

Passive Neutralization

• Limestone Chip Tank(s)
• ONLY Treats Acidic (Low pH) Waste Streams
• Will not provide proper treatment to ensure effluent waste stream is within the permitted range for Caustic (High pH)
• Limestone Chips require cleaning and replenishment on a  regular basis. Removal and disposal of used limestone chips may be costly.

Active Neutralization

• Acid/Caustic Injection pH Neutralization Systems ensure compliance for the entire allowable pH discharge range for the facility
• Reagent chemical tanks require occasional refills

Note: Whether Passive or Active systems are installed Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), require monitoring and recording of effluent pH levels. We would suggest that design engineers specify an active system when designing a project. It will be less costly for the client to change from Active to Passive under value engineering than to have to add it into the spec via addendum or RFI.