Choosing Polyethylene Over Fibreglass Pump Stations: A Smart Engineering Decision

In the world of civil and environmental engineering, selecting the right materials is crucial for the success and sustainability of your infrastructure. When it comes to stormwater and sewer pump station packages, the decision between polyethylene and fibreglass pump stations is significant. At Pump Stations Direct, we recommend polyethylene pump stations over fibreglass options due to the flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness of polyethylene, and here's why.

Customisation to Exact Specifications: The Edge Over Fibreglass Pump Stations

Polyethylene pump stations offer unmatched adaptability compared to fibreglass pump stations. This material can be tailored to meet exact project specifications in terms of size, capacity, or specific features, providing a crucial advantage for projects requiring customised solutions or where space and capacity are limited. This level of customisation ensures efficiency and compliance without the need for extensive modifications, setting polyethylene apart in the engineering field.

Durability and Longevity: Why Polyethylene Outperforms Fibreglass Pump Stations

Both Polyethylene and Fibreglass pump stations are engineered for durability and corrosion resistance. While fibreglass is generally known for its superior ability to handle corrosive liquids compared to polyethylene, polyethylene often outperforms fibreglass over time. This is because fibreglass is more brittle and tends to develop cracks as the glass fibres degrade. Although these cracks can be patched, this is only a temporary fix, and the pump station will eventually require replacement. In contrast, polyethylene’s flexible design makes it less prone to cracking, leading to a longer service life.

Manufacturing Advantages of Polyethylene

Polyethylene pump stations benefit from a consistent manufacturing process, which ensures uniform quality. Our polyethylene tanks are produced using roto-molding, a method that guarantees each tank is of the same high quality. In contrast, fibreglass tanks are hand-crafted, leading to variability between batches. Furthermore, fibreglass tanks are coated with resin mixed with a catalyst and glass fibres, which is also applied by hand. This process can result in inconsistencies in the gel coating, affecting the overall durability of the tank.

Maintenance Challenges: Fibreglass vs. Polyethylene

Fibreglass tanks often require more maintenance due to their susceptibility to corrosion. Most fibreglass tanks are coated with resin and glass fibres, which can lead to varying tank quality and increased maintenance needs. They allow more light entry due to thinner walls, which can promote algal growth. To mitigate this, tanks must be sealed with a black covering inside or painted on the outside. Additionally, the exterior of fibreglass tanks needs periodic recoating, especially for outdoor installations, to protect against UV damage. If corrosion is not addressed promptly, it can lead to leaks and loss of contents, necessitating vigilant inspection and maintenance.

In contrast, polyethylene tanks are less prone to these issues due to their flexibility and resistance to environmental damage. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and ensures a longer operational lifespan.

Environmental Considerations: Polyethylene vs. Fibreglass Pump Stations

Choosing materials that minimise environmental impact is becoming increasingly important. As polyethylene pump stations are less brittle and less likely to crack compared to the fibreglass pump station, they pose less risk to the environment over time. The production and disposal of fibreglass, which involves resins and glass fibres, can pose greater environmental challenges compared to polyethylene.

Cost-Effectiveness: Economical Benefits Over Fibreglass Pump Stations

Polyethylene is generally more cost-effective than fibreglass, not only in initial material costs but also in installation and long-term maintenance. Fibreglass tanks require a lot more maintenance ensuring no cracks develop overtime, and as a result of this require more maintenance. Polyethylene tanks ensure efficient resource use and minimal waste, further enhancing the economic benefits for sewer or stormwater pump station projects.

Choosing the right material for stormwater pump stations and sewer pump stations can greatly influence the overall success of a project. For those looking to maximise their investment and ensure long-term performance, polyethylene is the clear choice. For more information, get in touch with a Pump Stations team member for assistance or login, or create an account, to use our online pump station selection tool.