Commercial heating
Pressing in the pipeline
Antony Corbett, product manager for Geberit explains why press fitting systems are becoming the connection method of choice for commercial applications
T
raditional jointing methods, using screwed or soldered connections can be unsuitable
and impractical for some jobs while the ease of installation and array of fit- for-purpose pressing systems available, make them a suitable alternative.
Out with the old
The safety considerations (no fire risk) of the press fittings were among the main considerations for the National Grid when it undertook the gas piping upgrade on Cleethorpes Pier. Switching from expensive bottled LPG to mains gas, the project was part of a complete refurbishment of this iconic Victorian landmark, which completed in April last year.
The National Grid usually uses
traditional welded steel and screwed piped fittings, but chose Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel instead for its corrosion resistant properties and the fact no hot works were required; a key consideration for the engineers working in difficult, cramped conditions, often deluged by waves and adverse weather conditions. James Whitmore, network supervisor I&C for the National Grid, said: “Cleethorpes Pier’s upgrade to mains gas has gone extremely well, with Geberit Mapress proving itself to be a viable solution for the National Grid on future projects.”
In with the new
With the right manufacturer training, pressing systems are straightforward to fit, with a clean, safe and reliable connection easily achieved with a
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cutter, deburrer and pressing tool. The corrosion resistant properties of the stainless steel also made it suitable for this project, with the gas pipework being routed under the pier. The lightweight material also made it easier to lift into place.
A further benefit for the National Grid was the reduction in time on site, which equated to a financial saving. According to a BSRIA report, the pressing system can save 28% in costs thanks to the speed and ease of installation. Part of this efficiency comes from the fact that there is no downtime with pressing, as pipework can be installed while the system is still wet and no cooling times are required. This makes it suitable should
repair work need to take place, particularly on commercial projects such as public buildings. Creating a neat, clean finish, press fitting means the risk of damage to existing fixtures and fittings is reduced, making it suitable for refurbishment jobs and pipework in tight spaces.
Safety first
As work can be completed more efficiently, tight deadlines can be met without compromising on safety. On the contrary safety is enhanced, with any connections that aren’t properly fixed during installation automatically detectable during the leak test. This allows for the quick rectification of problems, while assisting in minimising the risk of system failure. Further security is provided by
indicator foils which are removed after the correct pressing operation.
March 2017
ViewPoint M
Consideration for modulation
By Ideal Commercial Boilers’ Chief Commercial Officer, Darren Finley
odulation is an essential capability of modern condensing boilers. There are
of course many factors that combine to create the impressive efficiencies today’s boilers are capable of delivering, but modulation plays a crucial role in helping the boiler meet the demand placed on it at any given time as efficiently as possible. In the most basic sense, modulation prevents the inefficiencies of on/off
cycling, and by matching the output power to the thermal load of the system, a modulating burner can manage the return flow temperature, which is of course the number one influence on the efficiency of a boiler. Commercial systems typically have to cope with a far greater spread of demand than the average domestic system. Domestic systems typically only require an ability to adjust outputs according to the external temperature and comparatively predictable demands from a handful of users. In this situation, a modulation rate of up to 5:1 is almost always adequate. In a commercial scenario however, demand can vary dramatically and
unpredictably, so a greater scope of operation can deliver significant benefits, both in terms of the efficient use of fuel, and the longevity of the system. It’s for this reason, commercial boilers are usually engineered to offer a modulation rate that affords more control over the supply of the correct amount of heat for the demand. Another consideration in a commercial application is downtime. While no one enjoys being without heat and hot water for any period of time, in many commercial applications, downtime – whether for routine maintenance or due to mechanical breakdown – can be disruptive, expensive, and even damaging to reputation or health. A cascade set up can therefore offer the best of both worlds. So, for
example, rather than one or two higher output units, multiple boilers arranged in a cascade will provide the same output and an even greater modulation rate of 5:1 per boiler installed. This configuration allows each boiler to modulate up until the demand
requires output from a further unit, and so on until the demand is met. Work is shared equally between the units in operation, meaning each boiler can operate at its optimum efficiency. And in the unlikely event of one of the boilers failing, the system will
remain in operation, and for routine maintenance, each boiler can be taken offline independently of the others, again allowing for continuation of supply. In summary, a boiler’s modulation rate has a significant influence on its ability to operate at its most efficient point. In commercial applications, where demand can fluctuate dramatically, a higher turndown rate allows these efficiencies to be maintained. Correct specification, as ever, is therefore imperative.
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