Member Article

New District Heating Scheme Replaces Steel with Plastic

The life cycle and environmental benefits of pre-insulated polybutene pipe technology were central to a decision to replace a legacy steel pipe district heating scheme in Wandsworth.

The Flexalen 600 pipe Pb technology, specified for the project by district heating materials specialists Flexenergy, was chosen for its sustainability and performance qualities, and is now helping to meet the heating and hot water needs of more than 160 households in the London borough.

A total of 1140 metres of the low carbon pre-insulated pipe was supplied for the project after the steel network was coming to the end of its useful life. The new pre-insulated plastic network enables the scheme to benefit from enhanced thermal efficiency, recyclability and an extended life cycle of plastic over steel.

In addition, the pipe is easier to install than steel, being delivered to site in coils or in pre-fabricated sections, while electrofusion jointing means security and reliability for the network.

Flexenergy has seen a growing demand for its pre-fabricated and pre-insulated Flexalen pipe work, as Sales Director, Sandy Fairley explains: “Many contractors are now choosing our fully welded, all plastic, corrosion-free pipe work solution for district heating schemes, which can deliver optimum flow temperatures of 70 degrees centigrade for an estimated 98 years! As a result, whole-life network costs are improved considerably, particularly when coupled to the very low maintenance requirement of plastic systems.

“The product is environmentally-friendly and perfectly in tune with 21st century requirements for secure, low maintenance, low carbon, sustainable and energy efficient district heating and community heating networks.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .