If you like reading this blog, be sure to check out our Plastic Packaging Blog, featuring new content from all over the world!
Get the Latest Industry News Delivered to your Inbox Each Month
Thank you for Signing Up |
September 1, 2019
Ocean Cleanup Runs Into "Overtopping" Problem
The Ocean Cleanup system has gone through numerous revisions since its inception. Lately, they are encountering an issue called "overtopping" where plastic is getting stuck between the main HDPE pipe and the screen that nets all the plastic. They are deeming this problem area "the twilight zone". The original cleanup system was much simpler where it was only a pipe and a polyester screen. Unfortunately, that system broke after two months of trials and a stress crack. The Ocean Cleanup crew managed to fix this issue by adding a cork line to bring the screen forward and prevent slack. However, this has created an odd space where plastic bits are getting trapped. The crew is hoping that this is the final problem to solve before scaling up.
You can read more about the Ocean Cleanup's progress here.
You can read more about the Ocean Cleanup's progress here.
September 1, 2019
Pexco Continuing Growth Through Acquisitions
The largest industrial extruder in North America is continuing to grow their business through acquisitions. Their upcoming deal is for Bally HPE Extrusion. HPE has strengths that align with Pexco's strategy and will improve their business overall. This is the fifth acquisition under the AEA ownership, and they will continue to do more deals moving forward. Pexco has an ever expanding footprint in the U.S. and Mexico in the injection molding and extrusion space.
You can read more about the Pexco acquisition spree here.
You can read more about the Pexco acquisition spree here.
September 2, 2019
Giant HDPE Pipe Being Installed Instead of Steel in Outfall Project
Opening in Fall 2020, a new wastewater treatment facility will open in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It will utilize the largest diameter pressure pipe in North America and will help treat water from nearly 413,000 people after they have used the shower, sink, laundry machines, etc. This giant pipe is made from HDPE with an OD of 7.5 feet! This 1.2 mile long pipe (at a depth of 197 feet) will send treated water back out into the Victoria Harbor. The pipe also has some massive fusion joints on it which is a feat all by itself. It is reported as the largest solid wall HDPE pressure pipe to be joined. Agru America made this pipe in their XXL manufacturing location in Charleston, S.C and says that HDPE is a much better choice for this project due to its life expectancy, resistance to salt water, and ability to remain functional during natural disasters such as earthquakes. It is truly amazing how far the plastic pipe industry has come along.
You can read more about this 121 joint 7.5 feet OD HDPE pipe project here.
You can read more about this 121 joint 7.5 feet OD HDPE pipe project here.
September 2, 2019
Largest Net Zero Housing Development Uses PEX
The largest net zero housing development, located in Austin Texas, has a geothermal system of PEX pipe that spans across 6,500 homes. This pipe system reduces energy consumption by nearly 65% and helps save on electrical and thermal energy. The city of Austin is aiming to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050 and this housing development is one step in the right direction. The initial 237 homes built on this $2 Billion dollar investment use double U-bend PEX and a heat pump that take advantage of the ground temperature which ranges between 45° - 75° F. This system takes advantage of those temperature swings in order to produce renewable energy. Rehau Raugeo, a top 30 US profile and tubing extruder, is using their PEXa pipe for this large undertaking. Some of these boreholes for the PEX pipe have to go down 335 feet and hook into a 5 mile loop. Homes can then tap into these renewable energy networks. Residents of this future housing development can claim a 30% tax deduction by using this system. Not bad!
You can view more about this PEX pipe system and how it works here.
You can view more about this PEX pipe system and how it works here.
© Copyright Bryan Hauger Consulting, Inc., 2018. All rights reserved.