The EPA and other world health organizations have recognized the dangers and health impacts of being exposed to PFASs.
Federal and State regulators are adopting new guidelines and laws for treating and removing PFASs. Often PFASs within potable drinking water systems or groundwater is contaminated with one of the various types of PFASs. There are over 4700 different variations of PFASs that have variations and at least three polyfluorinated carbon atoms.
Well over 10,000 types of PFASs are introduced into products. That can and has impacted the drinking water quality in the USA and other countries.
So what are PFASs?
PFASs are fluorinated substances that include at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom. They do not contain (H/Cl/Br/I atoms). However, any chemical with at least a perfluorinated (CF3) or a perfluorinated (CF2) is a PFAS. There are a few exceptions.
Different subgroups include surfactants, per fluorosulfonic acids, perfluorooctane sulfonic, perfluoro carboxylic, and perfluorooctanoic acids. Often referred to as PFOSs and PFOAs.
PFOS, PFOA, and other PFASs are persistent organic pollutants. They are often referred to as the "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in the environment. These organic contaminants are found in humans, animals, and our water supplies across the USA.
These chemicals started to be banned in 2021. Maine took the lead as the first US state to implement the ban. They are planning to discontinue its use by 2030 in all products. Unless there is no other option, an exception may be granted.
Following NSF/ANSI 61 Regulations when designing and selecting the materials for water treatment equipment manufacturing,
it is crucial to understand what regulatory or construction standards may be required to comply. This includes designing and fabricating systems. Reverse osmosis utilizes membrane technology for water filtration systems.
Decarbonation of carbon dioxide, degasification of hydrogen sulfide, and water filtration. These are used to remove micron particles from potable and nonpotable water processes.
Engineers and manufacturers often encounter one requirement called NSF/ANSI 61. NSF is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. This organization upholds the requirements for companies to create safe drinking water.
Focused and dedicated to public health and safety concerning potable water systems and their components. NSF/ANSI 61 developed and established minimum requirements. To control potential adverse human health effects from products and their components that contact with drinking water.
DeLoach Industries Inc. manufactures multiple types of water treatment equipment. Strictly complies with NSF/ANSI 61 standards in their manufacturing procedures and practices. This strict adherence assures owners that water treatment equipment like decarbonation and degasification towers, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange. The equipment and its material are all in full compliance with the NSF/ANSI 61 requirements.
When manufacturing water treatment products from fiberglass material DeLoach Industries utilizes NSF/ANSI 61 resins within the fabricating process.
This applies when utilizing either contact molded or filament wound processes. In both applications, when fiberglass resin is utilized, the entire component is manufactured with certified NSF/ANSI 61 resins. Or a suitable veil liner is placed on the equipment or component in direct contact with the water. This variation is acceptable and often utilized to help reduce the cost of fabrication and the equipment for the customer.
When treating water, remove Hydrogen Sulfide or Carbon Dioxide. The water comes into direct contact with the interior walls of either a decarbonation tower or a degasification tower. Both systems require the water to enter the tower and be directly exposed to the fiberglass.
Stainless steel, or carbon steel material. If the construction material is not fiberglass. Another type of NSF/ANSI 61-compliant liner, such as rubber, polyuria, or epoxy, will be utilized. For more information about the following NSF/ANSI 61 requirements, visit the DeLoach Industries website at www.DeLoachIndustries.com.
