INDUSTRY NEWS


PIPE SYSTEMS


ability to lay dual pipes (flow and return) next to each other in one fully insulated system. So, where can such flexible pipe systems add value? Certainly, in many city-wide schemes with district heating mains, such as Sheffield, Leicester and Nottingham, a sound business case can be made for the inclusion of ‘plastic’ for secondary systems, based on network design, ease of installation and whole life cycle costs. Any reluctance is as much to do with historic attitudes to materials usage, but the opening up of the DHS ownership and management market looks set to bring with it a more open attitude to plastic based on proven cost advantages, ease of installation, low maintenance, eco-benefits benefits and enhanced return on investment (ROI) when replacement schedules are taken into account.


Indeed, the emergence of Energy Service Companies (ESCo) provides an apt moment to take stock of how we intend optimising the value of district heating schemes in the future, particularly since source heat is now being delivered in many more ways, including smaller scale biomass energy systems. Moreover, scheme owners owe it to the populations they serve to provide the most cost- effective service available, such as in social housing properties where utility cost is key for users or in high profile publicly-funded developments where ROI, energy efficiency and environmental benefits are key considerations. More information from www.flexenergy.co.uk


*Sales Director, Flexenergy Ltd, which manufactures insulated pipe solutions for district heating schemes.


July 2014 9 9


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