Thermoplastic components by GF Piping Systems ensure a hygienic water supply on board a hospital ship
The Global Mercy is a floating hospital that provides free medical and surgical care for people in Sub-Saharan Africa. For improved hygiene and operational safety, the international charity Mercy Ships selected ecoFIT and INSTAFLEX by GF Piping Systems for various water applications on board.
Mercy Ships has been providing high-quality and professional healthcare to developing countries for over 45 years. The Global Mercy, the charity’s latest ship, is 174 meters long and provides space for 600 volunteers, 199 beds for patients, as well as extensive facilities for medical training. As a result, the ship requires large amounts of water with daily usage averaging 60,000 liters. During construction of the vessel’s water installation, Mercy Ships decided to forego the frequently used copper pipes in favor of two thermoplastic solutions by Swiss flow solutions provider GF Piping Systems.
In total, GF Piping Systems provided around 13.000 piping components, including ball valves, butterfly valves, and actuators. INSTAFLEX, a polybutene system designed for building technology applications, was selected for the hot and cold water installation as well as for the onboard water treatment system. At the same time, ecoFIT, a polyethylene system for use in a wide range of industrial applications, was installed for wastewater transportation.
The thermoplastic piping systems are corrosion-free and do not release any taste or pollutants, while smooth inner surfaces prevent issues such as limescale deposits. In addition, the lower weight of plastic has reduced the fuel consumption of the Global Mercy. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic during which the ship was constructed, GF Piping Systems was able to offer technical support as well as on-site installation training.
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Constanze Werdermann
Global PR Manager
+41 763 399 218
constanze.werdermann@georgfischer.com
GF Piping Systems
As the leading flow solutions provider for the safe and sustainable transport of fluids, GF Piping Systems creates connections for life. The division focuses on industry-leading leak-free piping solutions for numerous demanding end-market segments. Its strong focus on customer-centricity and innovation is reflected by its global sales, service, and manufacturing footprint and its award-winning portfolio, including fittings, valves, pipes, automation, fabrication, and jointing technologies.
GF Piping Systems has its own sales companies in 31 countries, which means it is always by its customers' side. Production sites in 36 locations in America, Europe, and Asia ensure sufficient availability and quick, reliable delivery. In 2022, GF Piping Systems generated sales of CHF 2'160 million and employed 8'085 people. GF Piping Systems is a division of Georg Fischer AG, founded in 1802 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
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