ASK THE EXPERT Meeting the product selection challenge
Andrew Coy, territory product manager at Wavin, explains how product selection is vital for a successful specification and installation in water supply systems.
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arge-scale commercial and public sector infrastructure demands more complex and robust water supply systems. The pressure is on for engineers and installers to meet these demands and deliver
the projects more efficiently. From high- rise to healthcare, the hygiene, testing and performance requirements of each sector differ, further complicating specifying decisions.
How can performance requirements differ between projects?
Certain sectors demand more from their water supply systems. This is often dictated by more stringent building and hygiene regulations, or the need to move water further and at higher pressures. These specific considerations put extra emphasis on the design of water supply systems and their correct installation. Press-fit systems are designed to meet these specifications and deliver the superior performance required. In health and social care environments, strict hygiene guidelines require water to be stored and delivered at higher temperatures, in order to prevent the build-up and transfer of bacteria. Harsher and more frequent cleaning regimes also mean that chemical cleaning elements can be introduced to the water system. As a consequence, pipes with higher heat and corrosion resistance, such as multi-layer composite pipes that contain both metal and plastic elements, are required. Across high-rise developments, there is increased demand on the pumping system to supply water to upper levels. High-performance pipes combat this by featuring larger inner diameters, to reduce friction and allow water to be delivered at an increased flow rate.
What does this mean for installers?
At the installation stage, the spotlight moves onto fittings and connections, which need to match the high level of performance and durability as the pipes. Press-fit connections meet these requirements, but with a number of different pressing profiles on the market, installers often need specific tools for each installation. Having to purchase a new tool to suit a specific profile, or arriving on site to find the right one isn’t available, causes costly delays. More importantly, inadvertently using the wrong tool could lead to a drop in performance, or risk dangerous leaks. Engineers can work proactively to prevent these issues by choosing fittings that cover multiple pressing profiles.
How can manufacturers help installers test their systems?
Testing is a crucial, but often overlooked, part of the installation stage. It takes time. Ensuring a complete system is leak-free and can withstand the required temperature and pressure can raise its own issues. In healthcare settings, water is not permitted as a testing medium. Despite providing an immediate indication of any leaking fittings, introducing water to the system at an early stage in the construction process poses a serious risk of the build-up of Legionella bacteria. On sites exposed to the cold, there is also a risk of frost damage occurring if, following the testing process, water is left in unused systems. Manufacturers are beginning to recognise this, and some of the latest fittings are designed to be tested with both air and water. With an acoustic leak feature that emits an audible whistle where air is escaping, Wavin’s latest Tigris K5 and M5 fittings have been developed with a quicker
and easier testing process in mind, even when testing with air. It’s currently the only product on the market with this feature, which can save valuable time and ensure a secure connection between pipes. Specifying products for a high-performance water supply system can be challenging for engineers and installers who are feeling the pressure to deliver projects quickly and to a premium standard. As a manufacturer we are proud to continue to innovate in order to provide installers with products which both meet stringent specifications and ensure a swift and easy installation process. To find out more about the new Tigris range, visit:
https://www.wavin.com/en-gb/
24 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2023
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