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GRAF offers a wide range of products for water management. The broad range covers everything from products for rainwater harvesting and stormwater management, to storage and fully biological purification of sewage. |
| Employees : | 220 |
| Year established : | 1974 | Business : | Manufacturer |
| Company name : | Graf, Otto, GmbH | |
| Street : | Carl-Zeiss-Strasse 2-6, D-79331 | |
| City : | Teningen | |
| Website : | www.graf-online.de | |
| E-mail : | info@graf-online.de | |
| Phone : | 49 (0)7641-5 89-0 | |
| Fax : | 49 (0)7641-5 89-50 | |
| Office Type : | Head office | |
| Country Name : | Germany | |
Be smart and save – use rainwaterThe company Otto GRAF GmbH from Teningen, founded more than 45 years ago, offers rainwater harvesting systems for individual as well as industrial use, in many different sizes and designs.
As a result of increased water consumption in the last several years, water is becoming increasingly scarce. Even more significant, however, than the problem of quantity is the water quality. Due to more and more extensive contamination with harmful substances, phosphates, pesticides and other chemical substances, water treatment is becoming not merely more difficult, but also more expensive. Statistics document that only one person (in Germany) uses, on average, 150 litres of valuable drinking water each day. However, for approximately 50% of uses, drinking-water quality is not imperative, e.g. for flushing the toilet, operating the washing machine, irrigating gardens and parks, operating a car wash, etc. Especially for these purposes, the use of rainwater enables savings of approx. 75 litres per person and per day.
In addition to cost savings, the use of rainwater involves additional advantages:
• it is free of charge
• it must not be pre-treated
• it offers protection from calcification of the washing machine
• it is an optimum medium for plants to absorb minerals, etc.
The collected rainwater is channelled through a preliminary filter (e.g., a Graf Optimax filter) into the rainwater reservoir. This can be installed underground, or also above ground. From there, the water is carried with the aid of a pump via separately laid mains to the user stations. Should a drought occur, drinking water is supplied to the mains via an automatic replenishment system.
Although the filters typical to this market are equipped with fine strainer inserts, small dust particles do accumulate in the rainwater tank. These particles collect at the bottom of the tank to form a layer of sediment, and gradually convert to minerals. The sediment layer is absolutely significant to the water quality and should not be destroyed by re-suspension or too-frequent cleaning of the tanks. Therefore, the tank should only be cleaned every 10 to 15 years. Also, any concerns regarding the hygienic quality of the rainwater can be dispelled. In this regard, scientific studies have indicated that rainwater harvesting systems designed according to the latest insights warrant sufficient purification of the rainwater.
Local Infiltration Gaining Increasing Significance|
The public demand for two-dimensional, local rainwater harvesting and management is continually growing due to ever more frequent flood catastrophes. Otto Graf GmbH from Teningen is meeting this demand with its Rain Bloc inspect system. The new infiltration module combine the requirements for an ecologically sound approach to rainwater with the possibility of saving sealing fees. The Rain Bloc has three times the storage volume of a conventional gravel ditch. The low requirement for ground excavation means a substantial cost saving. Additionally, the easy installation, high infiltration performance and diverse usage possibilities all speak highly in this product's favour. The revised Rain Bloc inspect is particularly suitable for public and commercial usage. It can be used for roof, square and road drainage and for drainage of industrial property. The lorry-bearing version guarantees extreme load capacity thanks to its stable column structure. The infiltration module can carry up to 10 tons per sqm for a short time with a earth covering of 80 cm. The standard car-bearing version can bear a short-term load of 7.5 tons per sqm. Thus, there are no limits on the use and design of the surface above; parking, gardens, roads – anything is possible. Installing the module is easy, fast and variable. The Rain Bloc inspect can be installed in rows or block form, with a maximum of 10 layers, depending on the local conditions and the desired storage capacity. The system has already been installed at several large properties, such as shopping centres and stadiums. The unique inspect rim facilitates flexible laying of inspection channels within the infiltration system. The inspect rim is already prefitted and only has to be installed in the tried and tested rain bloc system. The infiltration system can be inspected easily with a push-rod camera through the opening of diameter DN 150. Crossing inspection channels can also be laid easily. Combining rainwater harvesting with a GRAF infiltration system is ideal. By harvesting rainwater 50 % of drinking water can be replaced with no loss of convenience. With downstream infiltration you not only save expensive drinking water, but also the sewage fees. Reproduction free – copy requested. The pictures may only be used for newspapers and magazines and only for editorial publications. To ensure our continued copyright over usage of the pictures, reproduction is only permitted with the source stated as “Otto Graf GmbH”. |
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| Press contact |
| Otto Graf GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse |
| Phone: 07641/589-0 |
| E-Mail: info@graf.info |
| Internet: www.graf.info |
Modular system covers manifold applications |
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The Graf brand has stood for innovations in plastic products for more than 45 years. Graf is presenting the new Carat S wastewater tank to the public for the first time at the IFAT in Munich from 5th to 9th May 2008. “The wastewater tank is the next logical step in the Carat model range”, reports Graf Managing Director Otto P. Graf. The tank series, which is already successfully introduced for rainwater harvesting, now meet the necessary requirements equipped with a flexibly positioned baffle and CE certification. With this new product, Graf is now also setting new standards in the wastewater sector with regard to quality and stability of plastic tanks. The Carat is produced using injection moulding – an unique production method worldwide for tanks of this size. This gives the components of the underground tank extraordinary fitting accuracy. Its construction with an encircling H-profile guarantees high stability: The Carat can be installed in groundwater up to the middle of the tank. Additionally, load-bearing capacity of up to 12 tons can be realised when combined with an appropriate tank cover. The tank is available in sizes 2,700, 3,750, 4,800 and 6,500 litres. Sets of two or more underground tanks are offered for larger storage volumes.
Reproduction free – copy requested. The pictures may only be used for newspapers and magazines and only for editorial publications. To ensure our continued copyright over usage of the pictures, reproduction is only permitted with the source stated as “Otto Graf GmbH”. |
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| Press contact |
| Otto Graf GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse |
| Phone: 07641/589-0 |
| E-Mail: info@graf.info |
| Internet: www.graf.info |
Moving bed solution by GrafThe simple and cost-effective moving bed solution can be assembled with the the Carat S modular system for wastewater products.
Graf Picobell offers a simple technology and, at the same time, a high cleaning performance. The system‘s technology comprises just one air compressor, a pipe ventilator, sludge removal and the carrier material. Graf Picobell works completely without electronic control, pumps and magnetic valves. A further advantage of the Moving Bed system is that the high cleaning performance is also maintained with strong underfill.
The compact and quiet air compressor of the Graf Picobell is integrated into a compact housing. It reduces the system's energy consumption to a minimum and is easily installed in the plant room of the house. Additionally, this means the system does not need consistent integration of live technology in the tank. All the movement processes are performed by the whisper quiet air compressor.
The carrier material is constantly mixed in the wastewater through aeration. The biofilm, which is responsible for cleaning the wastewater, settles on the Picobells. The unique, lamellae-shaped design gives the carrier material a maximum surface and this is where the cleaning power lies. During the mixing and swirling the Picobells will get automatically cleaned. The possible degradiation with the time of the cleaning performance belongs now to the past. Additionally the need for maintenance is kept to a minimum.
The treatment plant can be assembled very easily with the modular system. It is available up to a capacity of maximum 18 inhabitants.
Otto Graf GmbH has been offering high-quality plastic products for 40 years. The company started out making plastic products for viticulture, such as wine barrels and harvest troughs. However, GRAF’s continual growth was also a result of the successfully sold composters and plastic containers for industry. Graf first developed products for rainwater harvesting in 1974 – a pioneering step at that time. Today, the majority of turnover comes from products connected to rainwater management.
Commitment to Germany as a location
GRAF is investing more than 20 million euros in a new production site at the company’s headquarters in Teningen near Freiburg (Baden). One of the most up-to-date production plants for plastic products anywhere in the world has emerged here on an area of 155,000 m2 – this corresponds to 31 football fields. Choosing Germany as the location was easy. On the one hand we feel an obligation to the site because of our history. On the other, we would like to offer our customers products of the highest quality. This is only possible with qualified and motivated employees. As a result, investment in a low wage country was never discussed.
Quality is at the forefront
What you need most to ensure consistent, high product quality are optimised production processes and outstanding quality management. Every individual tank at GRAF is checked with regard to dimensional accuracy, wall thickness and weight. All production parameters, e.g. material composition, all machine settings and also the staff involved in the production process, are documented for each individual product.
Our range: diverse and impressive
GRAF has 40 years’ experience of developing and producing extremely high quality plastic products. We are now the market leader in Germany and Europe for plastic rainwater collectors. Thanks to one of the largest ranges available on the market, we are in a position to offer you the right rainwater harvesting system for your needs.
Our strength: innovation and customer proximity
Our company is always open to new ideas and customer requests. These motivations flow directly into the development of new products. As a result, we are now one of the most innovative companies in the plastics industry. All components, e.g. filters, controls and naturally the tanks, are developed by our own development department. Today, six employees are responsible for the continued development of the Graf range. Our innovative edge is reflected in numerous patents, property rights and awards.
Polyethylene – clear advantages compared with concrete
Due to substantially lower weights, PE tanks up to 6,500 l volume can be installed without cranes; the associated costs fall. PE tanks impress because of their smooth inner and outer surfaces, which guarantees high water quality and easy cleaning.
Our employees: highly motivated and experienced
We now employ more than 220 people at our two locations at Teningen (Baden) and Dachstein (Alsace). Together we have more than tribled our turnover in the last 10 years and created over 100 new jobs – a success, which is the result of the know-how, commitment and performance of our employees.
Our goal: your satisfaction
More than 100,000 satisfied customers are already benefiting from the advantages of the GRAF product range. Let us convince you too!
 | Diamond drinking water reservoir Containers made from robust, long-life polyethylene Food-safe design with test certificate in accordance with KTW recommendation Easy to transport, install and quick to fit due to low weight. Easy to clean due to smooth tank interior surfaces TÜV safety-tested |
 | Herkules percolation shaft TÜV safety-tested Awarded product of the year by the German Trade Association for Plastics Processing (FKVV) Cost-effective thanks to good price-performance ratio Patented fast connection (no screws required for fitting) Durable seal through solid profile sealing (lifetime of over 25 years proven in laboratory tests) Can be extended as required. Volumes of several 1,000 l are possible using preformed connections and connection points Easy to transport due to low weight and practical size (fits through every 80 cm wide door) |
 | Rainwater Harvesting Complete packages The right one for every situation GRAF complete packages include all system components needed for rainwater harvesting. The Carat underground tank packages consist of 4 components of the Carat module system: 1. Carat underground tank The Carat underground tank is the foundation of the modular system. 2. Cover suitable for pedestrian loading or suitable for vehicle loading 3. Extension Pack Contains all components needed in the tank 4. Technical Pack Garden or household use |
 | Septic tank three chambers Septic tanks with partial biological processes are used to extract floating and removable substances. Due to the sizing of 1500 ltrs per inhabitant, the wastewater passes through the system in approx. 10 days. This allows the microorganisms that have emerged in the sludge to effect partial breakdown of the organic waste, in addition to pure mechanical purification (partial biological purification). These septic tanks require 1500 ltrs per inhabitant and must comprise at least 3 chambers. |
