The Syensqo company, comprising the solutions, activities and markets represented in the article below, was spun off from Solvay group in December 2023.
Solvay polymers improve sustainability at every step of water distribution
From desalinizing seawater to enjoying a drink from your kitchen tap, not to mention cleansing industrial effluents, the realm of water management is large and complex, involving many processes and types of equipment. And every step of the way, polymers have a role to play. “Our offerings are truly end-to-end when it comes to water systems,” explains Philippe-Jacques Leng, Global Market Manager for Construction at Solvay Specialty Polymers. “We are present - and even leaders - in markets as diverse as membranes for filtration and fittings for plumbing.”
Why is that? Well, with their characteristics that range from variable porosity (for filtration membranes) to corrosion resistance (for plumbing systems) and design flexibility (for water meters), Solvay’s polymers can be used for a great many things. And for each one of their applications, there are often substantial gains in terms of sustainability to be found.
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Water treatment membranes keep getting better
In terms of water filtration, polymer membranes have three main applications: desalination via reverse osmosis, industrial water de-pollution, and municipal networks (for the treatment of both drinking water and wastewater). “And we have offerings for all of these markets,” explains Roger Chen, Marketing Manager, Life Solutions, Materials GBU. “Our membranes can be applied to high pressure and low pressure applications, and the technology is improving every day.”
Polymeric membranes for water filtration have been around since the 1970s, but as Roger mentions, performance improvements have never ceased. In the field of desalination for example, technological advancements have widely improved energy efficiency, as the sea water no longer needs to be heated to be desalted (membrane-based processes are progressively replacing the traditional distillation method). Similarly, membrane technology has emerged as a favorite choice for industrial wastewater filtration, allowing increasing amounts of water to be reused, for irrigation for example. “Also, since this is a mature technology with a lot of cost improvements over the years, capex is reduced, especially when treating large volumes of water,” adds Roger.
In addition, Solvay is always looking to partner with customers to develop new polymeric materials for membrane applications that can enable sustainable development even in harsh environments.
Our offerings are truly end-to-end when it comes to water systems. “We are present - and even leaders - in markets as diverse as membranes for filtration or plumbing fittings.
Replacing metal with polymers in plumbing
In plumbing as well, polymers have been used for over three decades, as they advantageously replace metal. Solvay has extended field experience in this domain; the Group is no longer present in the PEX piping segment, but its polymers remain a leading solution for fittings, valves, water meters and cartridges for faucets (for flow adjustment, for example).
And these are not applications that can be taken lightly. “Using plastic for drinking water is a very demanding domain,” confirms Philippe-Jacques. “We have to offer complete safety and materials that are compliant with the most demanding regulations, which are constantly evolving.”
Discover specialty polymers for plumbing applications
But the advantages of polymers over metal are undeniable, particularly in terms of corrosion resistance. The chlorine added to sterilize drinking water attacks metal pipes, whereas plastic offers much better resistance. The result is fewer leaks, hence saving vast amounts of water. “Water management companies are subject to hefty penalties for water wastage, which is less and less tolerated by public authorities,” says Philippe-Jacques. “Switching to polymers is a solution to avoid that.” Not to mention substantial gains in terms of sustainability - also, thermoplastic plumbing is recyclable, just like metal.
Solvay’s offer also extends to devices such as water meters, where plastic beats metal again because it allows for the design of thinner parts. These can better answer technical requirements, as meters are increasingly becoming ‘smart meters’ that can measure things like water pressure and pollutants.
“Through the years, we created an entire polymeric portfolio for plumbing,” concludes Philippe-Jacques. “Water management is definitely an area where Solvay’s expertise has a lot to offer.”
