Bearing in mind the problem of global warming affecting the planet due to the greenhouse effect, many governments are planning environmental policies which implies greener and environmentally friendly solutions to apply in all areas and to maintain a proper sustainable development of the available resources.

As a contribution to improve this problem, TOM^® PVC-O pipes for the transport of water under pressure, become the most sustainable option existing in the market due to their lower energy consumption and lower CO₂ production associated  since they avoid unnecessary energy consumption throughout its long useful life.

The factors that determine energy efficiency throughout the lifecycle of a pipeline are mainly the type of raw material used, the production process, the finished product and its useful life.

PVC-O lifecycle

During the lifecycle of the PVC-O pipes manufacture, we can distinguish several phases:

1.- Production phase

PVC-O pipes are manufactured by conventional extrusion and subsequent process of molecular orientation. The extruded base pipe, under certain conditions of pressure and temperature, is subjected to a inside stretching of the pipe, the rearrangement of the polymer molecules, forming a laminar structure on the pipe wall which significantly improves the mechanical properties of the pipe, while its chemical properties remain unchanged.

At the same time, an optimization of the pipe wall occurs, with an optimization of the raw material use, a pipe with higher mechanical properties is achieved. This lower consumption of raw materials, results in energy savings during their extraction and production.

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 manufacturing 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 during this stage, we can distinguish several aspects:

• Transport optimization

Thanks to its light weight, less heavy machinery is used at project site. Less machinery will translate to less fuel usage and minimizing CO₂ emissions.

• Installation cost and time efficiency

- Its lightness also helps in pipe handling which does not require special equipment to install.

- The efficient design of the socket allows the pipes being assembled with great ease.

Considering these two factors, fast and efficient installation can be greatly achieved. We are able to reduce installation period on site while obtaining economic and social benefits by saving time and energy.

• 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 consumption, the transported water is always higher.

This increased hydraulic capacity is due to the greater useful section 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 which can be reused after its long useful life, mainly by mechanical recycling.

The PVC-O manufacturing process, due to its high technical requirement, does not allow the use of recycled materials, but allows 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 downspouts for evacuation among others, where the technical requirements 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 report of the European Commission in April 2004, and in the voluntary commitment of the actors in the sector of waste management at European level in the Vinyl2010 and VinylPlus programs.