Thermoplastic Piping Stops Corrosive Leaks for Paper Production Plant
Paper manufacturers rely on piping systems for the safe conveyance of Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCI), commonly known as bleach, to whiten raw paper. One such manufacturer was experiencing leaks from corroded welds in their stainless steel Sch 40 316L piping system.
In order to provide a safer work environment and protect sensitive equipment, management sought a better solution for handling NaOCI in their manufacturing processes.  Paper manufacturing is recognized as an extremely harsh application for any piping system. With that in mind, the owner felt that if any new system could last more than six years, the installation would be considered a success.
After investigating several types of piping systems, the Double-See™ Double Containment corrosive waste piping system in PVC/CPVC from GF Piping Systems was chosen as the solution. The pressure rated system offers ASME B31.3 installation compliance as well as a simultaneous joining design.
"Double-See was the only plastic piping system that could meet the requirements and handle the extremely harsh environment," says Terence Zhao, Product Manager of Engineered Piping Systems for GF Piping Systems. "Easy installation combined with the use of GF Harvel Enviro King clear as the containment pipe to allow for visual leak detection and its UV resistant characteristics, made the system more attractive than other systems on the market."
The Double-See system was installed both inside and outside the paper plant and transports the NaOCI at about 50 PSI. The pipe originates in a secure storage facility and pumps the chemical up and over a road outside into the factory where it is delivered to treat raw paper. In some cases, the NaOCl is pumped over 1500 feet from the storage facility to be injected in the paper pulp as it is processed. During the process, NaOCl is is exposed to a wide range of temperature elements from summer heat to cold winter.
"Using the Double-See system, both primary and secondary pipes are cut to the same length and can be joined simultaneously," points out Zhao. "This saved significant installation time and prevented potential mistakes caused by staggered pipe-cut measurement errors."Â
System installation at the paper plant began in March 2013. Results have been good. No leaks or other issues have occurred on any of the lines.  Careful diligence in following factory installation training procedures made installation easy and minimized typical installation issues. Since March, there has been four separate projects. With the success of the first Double-See installation, the company now plans 10 more projects to retrofit the entire NaOCl system site wide.
Double-See offers versatile installation options, assembled and tested fittings, and a unique pipe cut-length guidance system which provides a simplified approach to installation.  The piping system is available with a complete selection of pipe, fittings, leak detection and access tees, closure couplings and termination fittings. The system also features a patented closure coupling design that allows conformance to ASME B31.3 test inspection requirement and a unique 3D thermal expansion compensation.
In addition to providing the obvious benefits for safe transport of hazardous liquids, the Double-See Containment System fulfills local, state and federal environmental and safety regulations. Double-See is suitable for many applications including water and waste water treatment, chemical delivery, dosing and processing, microelectronics, life sciences, metal working/finishing, waste collection, and many others. Â
Double-See™ Double Containment corrosive waste piping system from GF Piping System
About GF Piping Systems
GF Piping Systems supplies a full range of plastic pipe, fittings, valves, actuators, rotameters, fusion machines, secondary containment, heat exchangers, custom products, and sensors and instrumentation for industrial process control. For further information, please contact GF Piping Systems, 2882 Dow Ave., Tustin, CA 92780-7258; Toll Free (800) 854-4090, Fax (714) 731-6923; e-mail: us.ps@georgfischer.com; Web: www.gfpiping.com
