Laboratories and research facilities in schools, universities and hospitals produce various chemicals, which all need disposing of safely. There are strict regulations in place to prevent improper disposal of certain chemical waste down drains or into the atmosphere.
However, before considering disposal methods, it is vital to ascertain if the chemicals that are being used, are hazardous. There are a wide variety of chemicals that can be disposed of within a safe chemical drainage system, including concentrated and dilute acids and alkalis, alcohols containing salts and hypochlorite solutions.
Leaks of any chemicals could be potentially extremely harmful to students, the public and the environment and so it is vital that the selected chemical drainage system is capable of handling all chemical combinations that could be emptied into it. However, not all chemical drainage systems are the same and it is vital to ensure the most appropriate system is selected for the specific application.
The types of materials used for chemical drainage purposes have changed over time. Traditionally, cast iron was previously used because of its innate strength, density and ability to work at high temperatures. However, the material’s tendency to corrode makes it unsuitable for today’s complex chemical drainage needs. An alternative to cast iron, Borosilicate Glass, remains an excellent chemical and heat-resistant material and is often recommended in bottle traps and dilution/recovery vessels, especially where strong chemical solutions and large amounts of organic solutions are used. However, its fragility makes it difficult to handle, and its relative expense has meant that it has become less favoured for complete chemical drainage systems.
With the technical advancements in plastic chemical drainage systems, these now offer more diverse and varied one-stop-shop options. Purpose-designed and engineered plastic systems have long since replaced glass as the material of choice for chemical drainage.
However, it is important to stress that not all plastic drainage systems are suitable for chemical drainage applications. Those requiring technical guidance should look for systems that offer assurances in the form of independent testing and approvals by bodies such as the BBA (British Board of Agrément). Tried and tested options, such as the Vulcathene chemical drainage system, have been installed in laboratories worldwide for more than 60 years and offers specifiers and end users the confidence that they are choosing a purpose-designed pipe system that will last and won’t be compromised over its lifetime.
To ensure schools fulfil their health and safety obligations and protect the students, employees and public as far as possible, safety needs to be the number one priority when specifying chemical drainage systems. It is crucial that both the material and system selected are proven to offer a safe solution for disposing of chemical waste.
Available in sizes from 38mm – 152mm, Vulcathene is a purpose designed chemical drainage system available in two easy jointing methods; Mechanical for demountable joints and Enfusion for welded joints, offering complete flexibility for designers and installers of chemical waste systems.
View our Vulcathene film (1:15) or find out more at http://www.flowplumb/chemical_drainage.html/
