Go with the Flow

摘要

During the recent adverse weather conditions, the past year, the capabilities of the UK's aging water infrastructure to handle higher flow rates became an important factor determining the severity of flooding. Hydraulics - a subject often disregarded in the industry - plays a key role in ensuring effective water management. Research now demonstrates how plastic is hydraulically more efficient than concrete or clay piping. These traditional materials are also more susceptible to blockages in extreme weather conditions, leading to requirements for high jetting pressures which subsequently incurs high operating and maintenance costs. Here leading plastic pipe expert Dr Vasillios Samaras outlines the importance of the hydraulics factor in ongoing plastic versus concrete and clay debate.