Smart Solution for Potable Water Lines to be Globally Marketed by Swiss Technology Leader and Dow

MIDLAND, MICHIGAN - The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), and RS Technik, a Switzerland-based global leader in trenchless technology, established a global marketing alliance to promote a unique solution for large potable water lines by setting a new standard in the renewal of pressure pipes. In cooperation with Inland Pipe Rehabilitation (IPR), a leading specialized provider of trenchless underground technologies in the US and Canada, the companies will realize immediate opportunities to install the NSF/ANSI 61 certified pipe-in-pipe system.

Fast trenchless solution

With the trenchless pipe renewal technology from RS Technik, a unique fiberglass composite tube using a Dow custom formulated resin is installed into damaged water and transmission mains creating a new pipe inside of the existing. Currently, the usual option for repairing large mains is the time-consuming and expensive process of excavation and full replacement, whereas this new high-performance cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) technology allows for full structural renewal without the cost and disruption of the conventional method.

Solving a costly reality

“Losses in drinking water distribution is a major global problem with infrastructure aging and leaks difficult to detect and costly to repair” explained Jon Penrice, global business director at Dow Formulated Systems. “With our expertise in material science and working with RS Technik, we deliver a breakthrough solution for this critical global challenge.”

Klaus Mueller, President and CEO of RS Technik, concluded that “in combining their know-how and experience, our three companies provide municipalities and water utility managers with an attractive structural solution for repairing water mains, while minimizing the economic, social and environmental impact of infrastructure modernization.”

“In particular, municipalities in major U.S. cities are experiencing water losses up to 40% during distribution resulting from leaks and breaks in water pipelines,” added Joe Cutillo, President and CEO of IPR.” An average of 650 water main breaks every day in North America equates to billions in lost water annually. The alliance of Dow and RS Technik combined with our installation expertise will accelerate the fast and cost-effective water pipe renewal that is needed.”

Stringent water standards met

The RS BlueLine® technology is certified to NSF/ANSI 61, by NSF International, as well as German DVGW regulation W270 and the KTW for potable water that, like NSF, are the most rigorous standards in Europe. This qualifies the innovative solution for being used in the renewal of all potable water pipes, including drinking water distribution mains and transmission lines from 6 to 48-inches in diameter. Moreover, the static ability of the RS BlueLine® manages to carry the long-term inner pressure up to 232 psi (16 bars) without the support of the existing pipe and replaces the existing pipe with all its functions.

In June 2013, the first project will start in Canada, followed by a large installation project in New York, U.S. Other large projects are being executed in Sao Paulo and Singapore, following the successful introduction of the product in the last two years in Central and Eastern Europe.



About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2012, Dow had annual sales of approximately $57 billion and employed approximately 54,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com

About RS Technik

Headquartered in Europe with a global presence, RS Technik is a leader in trenchless technology, and deployed all its capabilities and know-how for developing the novel concept of a composite tube turned into a new pipe on site with fully automated processing and installation equipment. RS Technik provides a comprehensive suite of trenchless technology solutions, utilizing custom resins from Dow, and is fundamentally grounded in the supply and installation of proven, reliable alternatives to restore buried infrastructures around the world. For more information, please visit www.rstechnik.com

About Inland Pipe Rehabilitation (IPR)

IPR is a national leader and provider of underground technology solutions with offices in six states throughout the United States, including CA, GA, FL, MI, TN and TX. Licensed in all 50 states, IPR uses the latest technologies in the industry – placing high emphasis on trenchless and environmentally friendly pipe and infrastructure solutions. For more information, please visit www.teamipr.com.