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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 |
Be smart and save – use rainwater
Be smart and save – use rainwater
The 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.
The 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.
Modular system covers manifold applications
Modular system covers manifold applications
The Graf brand has stood for innovations in plastic products for more than 45 years.
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. Graf has already accessed the export markets with the export version of the underground tank, the Carat S. The Carat S tank is consisting of two stackable half-shells. This unique product design allows to ship up to 8 times more tank volume compared to a conventionally designed tank. Graf is offering a module system for wastewater around the Carat S, which means that tailor-made solutions can be put together for any application. In addition to the underground tank, the three components of cover, baffle and technical pack can be selected individually. Thus, different systems emerge, from the sealed collection tank, to multi-chamber tanks, up to fully biological treatment systems.
About us
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. | |
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