HEATING & PLUMBING PIPE
DREAMS
As builders merchants face increasing demand for sustainable and
cost-effective solutions, the need for efficient piping systems has never been more critical. BMJ talks multi-layer press-fit systems .
W
ith ever-evolving building efficiency schemes and ambitious emissions targets, builders merchants play a
crucial role in supplying products that meet modern requirements.
From stocking the right products to advising customers on installation and operation, any opportunity to offer solutions that reduce energy consumption and operating costs is valuable for merchants looking to stay competitive.
Antony Corbett, product applications engineer at Geberit, says: “This search for these efficiencies extends to piping systems, where traditional materials may be susceptible to corrosion and scaling but also contribute to significant heat loss if unlagged. “Contemporary solutions like multi- layer piping systems offer an attractive alternative that can benefit both merchants and their customers.”
Introducing multi-layer Multi-layer piping offers a solution which provides an attractive combination of flexibility and ease of installation, contributing to reduced labour costs and downtime. “A multi-layer piping system typically consists of three layers. In the case of Geberit FlowFit, there’s a central aluminium layer which makes the pipe strong yet flexible, with a plastic (PE-RT Type II) layer either side of this to resist corrosion and ensure a smooth internal bore,” explains Corbett. “Each material brings its own performance benefits. The aluminium layer, for example, offers the mechanical stability necessary to
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ensure that the pipe remains in position but also flexible enough to enable it to bend into the required position. It also provides the pipe with an oxygen diffusion barrier, making it suitable for central-heating systems and ensuring it is detectable by electronic devices following installation.
“For builders merchants, multi-layer piping systems present an opportunity to streamline inventory while offering customers a versatile product suitable for various applications.”
Delivering benefits
Multi-layer piping is not a new technology, but one that has come to the fore as the sustainability focus continues to grow, thanks to a host of benefits throughout the project lifecycle.
Corbett comments: “For installers, it is quicker and easier to fit than welded copper or more traditional steel piping joints because there is no need for hot works or consumables on site. Multi-layer piping that harnesses press-fit technology, such as Geberit FlowFit, extends these benefits even further, with reliable connections and less tooling needed in the van. In fact, Geberit FlowFit fittings come in eight dimensions, with only two pressing jaws required for the entire range. “A further benefit is the ability to work more quickly in tight spaces, improving speed without compromising on quality so installers can move onto their next job. For merchants, the ease of installation translates to happier customers and fewer returns or complaints.” With sustainability in mind, the excellent thermal insulation properties of multi-layer systems minimise heat loss.
Corbett explains: “The polyethylene inner layer ensures pipes are resistant to cracking, ageing, and general wear and tear. Strong
corrosion resistance and smooth internal surfaces to prevent scale build-up also contribute to an extended service life, delaying the need for unplanned replacement of pipes in the future. Even when they do need replacing, after 25 to 50 (or more) years, these systems are 100% recyclable.
“Part of the Geberit FlowFit portfolio is a bag which can be attached to the pressing jaw to collect discarded pressing indicators. These can then be returned to Geberit, contributing to site recycling targets.
“Geberit FlowFit has been designed with swept interior geometries on bends and tees that minimise turbulence and pressure losses. This flow-optimised design allows water to travel through the pipe with less frictional loss than older systems. By maintaining high fluid velocities with less pressure sacrifice, Geberit FlowFit enables designers to optimise pipe diameters, freeing up space for other services. “With less water volume tied up in the piping network, Geberit FlowFit systems can also carry heated water to appliances markedly faster than oversized pipes, delivering both space and speed efficiencies.”
A proven solution
With all of this in mind, multi-layer piping is a proven solution, based on technology first used more than 60 years ago, but which is becoming increasingly popular to overcome flexibility, durability and efficiency challenges in line with green building principles. By stocking Geberit FlowFit, Corbett says that merchants can offer their customers a solution that addresses the growing demand for flexible, durable, and efficient piping systems and position themselves as forward-thinking suppliers in an increasingly competitive market. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2024
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