INDUSTRY COMMENT Practice Makes Perfect


In his latest column Pete Mills, Commercial Technical Operaons Manager for Bosch Commercial & Industrial looks at what 2021 has in store for heat networks


the last year or so, we may have seen some short-term benefit of lower emissions from transport because of the COVID pandemic. However, for home heating it is the opposite case, with so many of us working from home. This emphasises the importance of tackling emissions from heating, particularly if post- pandemic the trend for working from home continues.


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Although much of the 10-point plan revealed last year by the Prime Minister was focussed on the important benefits that hydrogen gas could bring to tackling this problem, heat networks still are a key route to decarbonising homes in dense urban areas. Heat networks are the only technology available that can effectively make use of waste heat at the scale needed to reduce the primary energy use. They are also the most versatile heat delivery system when it comes to utilising different heat sources.


Regulaons and


pracces behind heat networks need to be brought up to speed to match the tracon the implementaon of heat networks is making. Luckily that is just what’s happening


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So with this in mind, the regulations and practices behind heat networks need to be brought up to speed to match the traction the implementation of heat networks is making. Luckily that is just what’s happening.


Time for change


This year has already started to be an important year in UK heat network development. We are midway through the consultation process looking at overall regulation of the industry, under the Heat Networks: building a market framework. This will be a very significant move as the industry looks to address some of the issues around service levels and heat network performance that have been seen in a relatively small number of schemes. Regulation should raise the industry to a similar level as other utilities to ensure consumer protections are hard wired in from the start. A recent publication from Citizen Advice has once again highlighted the immediate need to address, in particular, service levels and transparency to consumers.


Using what we’ve learnt


Over the years knowledge and experience has been gained by the industry in terms of


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


ecarbonising the energy used to heat domestic and commercial buildings understandably continues to be a key aspect of Government policy. Over


how heat networks perform under UK requirements. This has been captured in the latest update of the formally named ‘CIBSE CP1(2020): Heat Networks a Code of Practice for the UK’ which was released earlier this year.


First unveiled back in 2015, the code of practice has done a great deal to improve the performance and delivery of heat networks in this country. Its latest iteration CP1 (2020) looks to have a similar impact, as it sets out to make use of the code more transparent, verifiable and consistent. When first released CP1 was the CIBSE’s first code of practice document. This meant it started out as sat between a process to follow and a technical guide. There was no clear indication in which technical solution would be best, but instead encouraged flexibility and innovation to result in the optimal solution.


The latest version continues this approach, whilst adding more technical guidance and tighter processes. Thanks to an additional spreadsheet, it is now possible to log evidence during the heat network development at key stages, Such as planning, design, installation and commissioning. Combined these show the client how the scheme is compliant to the code of practise.


Also there is now much more responsibility emphasised upon the client during the process, although it does understandably recognise that it is more likely to be a qualified heat network specialist working on behalf of the main client. The improved demarcation of roles and responsibilities that CP1 now contains should act as a reference for the legal agreements that are often necessary for the larger schemes.


Communicating Commission


One of the best elements of CP1(2020) is its recognition that commissioning is the most important stage when it comes to a heat network scheme. Regardless of how meticulously designed or professionally installed the heat network may be, if it isn’t commissioned in the right way it will always fall short on performance.


Ensuring the information is communicated clearly between the design team, to the installation team and finally to the commissioning team is key. The


aforementioned spreadsheet will enable this clear flow of information.


Also, the relevant sections of the code referring to commissioning have been revised, particularly around the requirement for acceptance testing. Acceptance testing will greatly improve the benefits of the heat network for both end users and those operating the scheme. Individual dwellings will be required to verify that the design performance is being met. Time must be allocated within the overall program of works to ensure that this stage can be met, as without it, the evidence to show the network is working at full capability will not be available.


CP1(2020) is a great step in the right direction for the implementation of heat network schemes in the UK and hopefully is already being welcomed but the industry. Heat networks will continue to grow but only if there is evidence for both customer satisfaction and carbon savings. The code ensures this is available whilst pointing the UK towards net zero buldings.


MEET THE EXPERT: VIEGA Q&A


What to Consider when selecting a Press Connection System


Here, Glen Peters, technical support manager at Viega, looks at what engineers need to consider when selecng a press connecon system and why it is important for all members of the team to be well informed.


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ith the complexity of buildings and tight project deadlines that need to be met, ensuring that each stage of the build is


completed as efficiently as possible is vital. When it comes to selecting the pipe connection method for a project, the benefits of press connection technology simply outweigh that of traditional welding and soldering methods.


Why is it so important to understand these systems?


The array of options available to customers means that a full understanding of how the products work and what’s on the market is essential for selecting the right system. Every system is different and there are a number of factors that engineers need to consider including material suitability, energy efficiency such as pressure loss and zeta values, and hygiene and bacterial contamination. The specification, design, proper installation and post-project maintenance all contribute to an installation that will perform successfully for years to come.


What should engineers consider when selecting a press connection system? When selecting a system, engineers need to consider its suitability for the application – is it for drinking water, heating and cooling systems, or technical gases? For example, customers in the industrial manufacturing sector will require a very high degree of purity for their pipework sealing elements, as this ensures they are compliant with current regulations.


Similarly, when selecting a material, it is vital to consider its resistance to corrosion, both externally and internally, and its sealing element resistance as this can all have an impact on how the system performs. At Viega, we work alongside designers, specifiers and end-users to ensure that the product selection is correct, taking into account the application, pressure losses, design flow rates and pipe and connector sizes.


What are the main innovations in press connection systems?


As it is a cold applied solution, which therefore avoids the need for hot works, the installation of press connections is straight forward and requires minimal preparation of the pipe. Its versatility means it can be used on metals such as copper, stainless steel and carbon steel, as well as plastic multilayer pipe in a variety of sizes, and at a range of temperatures and pressures.


Press connection systems often feature a double pressing, which creates a permanent connection that resists both torsional and longitudinal forces. The nature of the press connection method means that the fitting is either fully pressed and secured or missed entirely. If this is the case and a leak is discovered, the missed fitting can be pressed immediately without the need to drain the section of pipework.


Viega’s press connections come with our very own SC-Contur technology which guarantees a visible escape of water from the connection during testing or when the system is filled for the first time. It can also be dry tested with an inert gas where a measurable drop in pressure will occur if a connection has been missed. For new-build and retro-fit construction, this prevents any potential remedial work later on.


What are the benefits of press connection technologies compared to traditional soldering and welding methods?


The pipework connection methods that have traditionally been preferred, such as welding can present a number of safety issues, especially in light of new evidence that confirms a link between exposure to welding fumes and cancer.


By switching to press connection systems, there is no heat source or use of oils and chemicals during installation – this removes the health and safety risk of fire or accidental damage. Furthermore, press connection solutions can achieve up to 60% reduction in installation time for sizes up to two inches, and 80% for XL sizes.


What other factors need to be considered?


When selecting a pipework system, cost should not be the only reason to specify a product. We have seen cases where customers have selected poor quality products for high end projects and the piping systems have caused leaks and property damage. The cost of remedial work and poor service later on outweighs the minimal savings made in the beginning. In addition, a good product application should always be backed by a solid technical and commercial support team. This support system will assist architects, specifiers and contractors in every step of the process from design to installation and after care. This service support can really make all the difference, especially when working on high-end projects where a tight budget or timeline is in place.


www.viega.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2021 21


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