TPi May 2016

Water, drainage & underground tubes

Protecting Hong Kong from toxic water No-dig technology installed by Pipe Restoration Services (PRS) of the UK is helping tackle risks of lead in water around the world. The team in Hong Kong

Water authorities in Hong Kong have used ePIPE technology to eliminate the risk of toxic lead leaching into the domestic water supply. Routine tests found that 30,000 public housing units, private houses and schools had excessively dangerous levels of lead in the drinking water when tested at the tap. Lead levels were 15 to 60 times higher than the limit deemed safe by the government of Hong Kong. As in the UK, Hong Kong has a lead cut-off level of 10 micrograms per litre (µg/l). Initial investigations determined the source of the lead leaching as the improper use of lead solder used on copper water pipes.

consumption. Hong Kong’s Water Supplies Department reached out to their construction contractors for an answer, and they suggested the ePIPE in-place pipe lining technology.” The ePIPE process uses a lining material with a short two-hour cure time. Prior to work commencing, the lead levels were tested at over 500µg/l. On completion, lead levels met the 10µg/l safety standard. Pipe Restoration Services – UK info@piperestorationservices.co.uk www.piperestorationservices.co.uk

as it affects both their physical and intellectual development. Multiple claims of adverse effects of lead absorption in children were already making their way to the Hong Kong authorities. An expert team using ePIPE technology worked with the Water Supplies Department of the Government of Hong Kong, Wo Hing Construction and Innopipe to prevent lead leaching into the clean water supply. Larry Gillanders, director of PRS, said, “Lead is a dangerous toxin and no amount of lead is safe for human

Lead is a cumulative poison, and children are particularly vulnerable

Pipes and profiles in Europe Since beginning as a trading company in 1994, IGM-Trade has developed into one of the largest pipe and profile factories in Southeast Europe. Its premises in Kavadarci, Macedonia, have an area of 400,000m 2 , with a covered space of 240,000m 2 . range from 13x13mm to 250x250mm, with thickness up to 10mm, while rectangular hollow sections are available from 30x10mm to 300x200mm, with thickness up to 10mm. The size range for round structural tubes is from 17.2 to 323.9mm ( 3 / 8 " to 12")

The production facilities, which consist of 12 production lines, have a combined annual capacity of approximately 250,000 tonnes. IGM-Trade is an export- orientated company, with 90 per cent of total output sold outside Macedonia, in the EU and CEFTA markets. Production takes place under recog- nised standards for manufacturing and quality. Square hollow sections

with thickness up to 8mm, and round precision tubes are available from 17.2 to 168.3mm ( 3 / 8 " to 6") with thickness up to 6mm. The company also produces pressure-tested tubes, oval and semi- oval tubes, and special cross-section profiles – ZP profiles.

IGM-Trade – Macedonia info@igmtrade.com www.igmtrade.com

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Tube Products International May 2016

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