EZ Flow

Canadian Shield Consultants are pleased to introduce an environmentally sound and cost effective alternative to gravel. EZflow comes as pre-assembled, lightweight units that may be transported and put into place by a single worker. They are easily joined together with an internal coupling to exactly fit installation specifications. They may be used in conjunction with additional 10-foot lengths of EPS aggregate without the pipe when additional absorption is needed. The patented EZflow geo-synthetic aggregate is produced from recycled polystyrene and is engineered for optimum performance with consistent form. The overall design provides 35 percent more surface area and void volume than crushed stone. Its greater surface area also helps prevent premature clogging by dirt.

 

Applications

 

Light weight and easy to use, EZflow drainage systems require none of the gravel normally used in applications such as:

• Foundation drains

• French drain

• Interceptor drains

• Landscaping drains

• Roof run-off drains

• Septic systems

• Golf courses

• Sports complexes

Benefits

 

Saves Time and Money

Pre-assembled 10-foot lengths of EPS aggregate and pipe eliminate the need for special arrangements such as dump trucks to haul stone and the separate handling of stone and pipe.

 

The lightness of the EPS aggregate saves on transport cost and on labour costs, especially in steep terrain where wheelbarrows and/or shovels would be required to transport gravel on site.

 

Built to Perform

The combination of plastic pipe and EPS results in lightness and flexibility which offers several advantages.

 

During installation, soils with clay cannot be tightly compacted at the soil/aggregate interface, thus the likelihood of failure due to low permeability is minimized.

 

Light weight results in less force on the interface after installation, even when the aggregate is very deep.

 

EZflow Drains are virtually indestructible by either the live or dead loading.  In very deep trenches or under high fills, the relative compressibility of the assembly as compared to the adjacent soil causes nearly all loading to be borne by the soil.

 

Flexibility allows for installation along contours or around corners.  The uniform size of EZflow Drain assemblies prevents an uneven trench bottom or lack of required aggregate depth from being hidden during inspection.

 

Environmentally Friendly

All materials used in this assembly are inert in the expected environment.  Nondegradable unit materials possess comprehensive strength that withstands soil pressure.

 

Finally, EZflow Drains make use of EPS which would otherwise be waste material, saving valuable landfill space. Using EPS also conserves stone. One hundred pounds of EPS aggregate replaces eight tons of gravel!

 

FAQs

 

Does EZflow crush?

The tough bead was engineered to withstand the weight of a backhoe when covered with the minimum of 6″ – 10″ of backfill.

 

What is the lifespan?

When buried in the ground the geo-synthetic aggregate will not breakdown.  Exposure to the typical elements of groundwater or household chemicals will have no impact on the beads.  The expanded polystyrene is a highly stable compound.  The expected life span is indefinite.  It is predicted that the product will last well over 100 years.

 

Is it safe for the environment?

The geo-synthetic material does not leach and it contains no harmful materials that could be released into the ground water.  All materials used in the assembly are inert in the expected environment.  These materials are effective in demanding environments, and they will not contaminate the ground water.

 

Is it flexible?

The tight pack of the aggregate around the pipe allows for the bending of the unit without crimping the pipe.  It can easily bend around the corner of a house in a foundation drain without the need for additional connectors or hardware.

 

Is it recycled?

EPS which would otherwise be waste material, is used, saving valuable landfill space.

 

Is EZflow a food source?

There is no nutritional value in polystyrene and thus it attracts no termites, ants, or rodents.

 

Will EZflow absorb chemicals?

Polystyrene is an inert, large molecular weight compound that does not breakdown in aqueous solutions.  Polystyrene does not act as an absorbent like activated carbon, nor is polystyrene very permeable to liquids.  The chemical resistance of polystyrene is well known.  It is not attacked or degraded by long exposure to either bleach, soap solutions, or common household products that are poured down the drain.  Polystyrene is virtually resistant to all aqueous media including dilute acids and bases.
 

What is the temperature stability?

Polystyrene has the ability to tolerate temperature ranges.  It has a continuous use temperature ranges from -108 to +175  degrees Fahrenheit. It is not brittle at subzero temperature. Over time it may soften in boiling water (212  degrees Fahrenheit).  Products made of polystyrene will not be affected by the harshest of temperature climates or change.