The Dow Chemical Company and RS Technik, a Switzerland-based trenchless technology company, 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 specialized provider of trenchless underground technologies in the U.S. and Canada, the companies will realize immediate opportunities to install the NSF/ANSI 61 certified pipe-in-pipe system. 

Fast trenchless solution 

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. 

Solving a costly reality 

“Losses in drinking water distribution is a major global problem with infrastructure aging and leaks difficult to detect and costly to repair,” explains 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, says, “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 minimizing the economic, social and environmental impact of infrastructure modernization.” 

Joe Cutillo, president and CEO of IPR, adds, “In particular, municipalities in major U.S. cities are experiencing water losses up to 40 percent during distribution resulting from leaks and breaks in water pipelines. 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.” 

Stringent water standards met 

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 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. 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. 

About Dow
Dow combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The company’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. For more information, visit www.dow.com.

About RS Technik
Headquartered in Europe with a global presence, RS Technik is a leader in trenchless technology. The company provides a comprehensive suite of trenchless technology solutions, utilizing custom resins from Dow, and is fundamentally grounded in the supply and installation of proven, reliable alternatives to restore buried infrastructures around the world. For more information, visit www.rstechnik.com.

About Inland Pipe Rehabilitation (IPR)
IPR is a national leader and provider of underground technology solutions with offices in six states throughout the United States. Licensed in all 50 states, IPR uses the latest technologies in the industry — placing high emphasis on trenchless and environmentally friendly pipe and infrastructure solutions. For more information, visit www.teamipr.com.