“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin
The worldwide Water Well Drilling is a $85 Billion Industry, escalating call for water wells across the globe has been fuelling the growth of the market. The same has worsened on account of the increasing use of water well water in agriculture and construction.
The year + of the pandemic has brought home the truth, for every country to be self-reliant for water and food, lending an impetus to the demand for water wells across the globe. Ringing warning bells among the environmentalists as recent studies show that water extraction outweighs replenishment, making it mandatory for all to consider ways to conserve water.
However, one of the biggest challenges the industry faces is RUST. Rust corrodes, through the years, it has been a serious contributor to groundwater pollution. It threatens not only the safety and pocketbook but also the daily quality of life.
Worried? You should be!
Rusting is a characteristic oxidative phenomenon, a second-leading reason for pipe damage in cast iron, copper, and galvanised steel pipes. When rusting occurs, a large number of issues follow. Rusting weakens the iron pipes over time, it prompts a spillage in the piping framework. Which, in turn, causes a breakdown in the borewells. Another serious issue is the contamination of the soil through which the rusted water streams. Water gets discoloured, develops a metallic odour and gets contaminated with rust flakes, making it unusable.
In the water well environment, there are two fundamental kinds of corrosion: electrochemical and mechanical.
Electrochemical corrosion is based on a chemical reaction occurring at the metal surface with the transference of electrons between atoms. Electrochemical corrosion comes in many forms such as galvanic, microbial influenced, crevice, pitting, etc.
Mechanical corrosion is a physical process where the body degradation of the metal happens due to interaction with solids present in the water, such as in sand pumping well. The water well environment, which exposes various metallic components to very capable electrolytes (soil and water) with dynamic chemical properties, is especially conducive to this scenario.
An assessment reveals that about 85% of water dispersion pipes used are cast iron and steel. Their long-term service and exposure to an aggressive environment in soil, maturing and weakening of metal lines have brought about a high rate of failures. For instance, the failure rate of cast iron pipes can be just about as high as 39* bursts for every 100 km per year in Canada; the failure rate of water mains in Australia is 20** bursts for each 100 km each year. Overall the outcome of pipe failures can be socially, economically, and ecologically disastrous, bringing about a huge disturbance in everyday life, substantial financial misfortune, widespread flooding, natural contamination and even casualties and so forth.
Corrosion is so prevalent and takes so many forms that one cannot eliminate its occurrence. However, it has been estimated optimum corrosion management practices could help save 25%-30%*** of annual corrosion costs in the United States.
In response to the extreme costs brought on by problems associated with corrosion, many products and technologies have been developed to help protect against, or at least slowdown, the various corrosion processes which threaten water well systems.
Perhaps the most effective preventive measure one can take to help prevent corrosion is to select the proper materials, to begin with. Whether it’s in the design phase or replacement during maintenance operations, choosing the right materials to withstand the corrosion forces present, is critical in extending the lifespan of a water well system.
Of course, several factors need consideration when selecting materials, including cost, design features, physical properties required, and compliance with regulations.
So, what is the alternative?
A cost-effective and durable alternative lies in uPVC pipes. They do not rust, support an almost frictionless surface that needs lesser energy to pump out water, cost-effective and have a long life.
Vinyl Pipes, manufacturer of the largest range of borewell pipes, has introduced lockable riser pipes designed to allow for perfect alignment of pipes. A rubber seal is provided with thread to ensure a 100% leak proof joint at high pressure. Square threads are so designed, to hold high loads the threads do not corrode rust or deteriorate up to 50+years of use
Couples are fitted with pipes and sealing with the patented power lock system to ensure that during installation and removal of pumps, the coupler does not come out & avoid slippage of the column. The special High Friction Thread developed by Vinyl removes the need for a Metal pin, thus, providing a Metal-Free Leak-Proof Column Pipe. To strengthen the pipes and make them suitable for all terrains, extreme temperatures & earthquake-prone areas, the pipes are put through a special Annealing process.
uPVC Pipes being light require lesser labour to install and are safer. Being recyclable, they offer value even at the end of their lifecycle of 50+ years. Lower maintenance cost lack of pollution makes them the submersible pumps’ best friend.
Incredibly impervious to corrosive forces, are bacteria-free, free of any harmful metals, resistant to acidic attack, they are a durable and safe option that promises quality water over the years.
The low friction surface of uPVC pipes drives pumps lesser for pumping out water, thus, saving both energy and adding years to the life of the pump.
The optimistic perspective holds the view that future generations will find undeniably more remarkable advancements and assets to utilize and oversee groundwater better than today. Even then, after all, is said and done, it is ethically incumbent on us all to deal with the current accessible water ideally and optimally so that we leave behind healthy aquifers.
At the time when water, the source once considered imperishable, is deteriorating at the speed of light, it’s critical to conserve it by hook or by crook.
