friartuck
Mechanical
- May 31, 2004
- 402
I have an unusual problem, though I think it is not unique.
I am currently designing the Heating, H&CWS to a school. Unfortunately, the planners insist on an unusual shape and the Architect has obliged by creating a building in the shape of a long sweeping 'S'. The corridor is about 2m wide (which is where I will be running my mains).
Now heres the problem.
a. Expansion. I will get some weird expansion problems since I can't guide the pipe or anchor it in any prticular place.
b. I have offtakes or side connections passing from the mains into classrooms. The pipework movement (Which is not predictable)will create stress on the branches.
c. I wanted originally to use fully welded steel for the mains and branches to minimise risk of leaks and solder ring copper joints for the hot and cold water services.
I have looked at plastic pipework...and there are lots of systems available. Push fit, crimp fit, pressfit, steel ring gripping 'o'ring sealed this and that...but has anybody had any experience with plastic pipework that is competitively priced (Plastic manufacturers seem to take the mick with their pricing even though the materials must be much lower than steel or copper....boy that bugs me)
I have used Uponor Unipipe in straight runs and GF Instaflex but I'm am not sure of the suitability. Will I get problems with supporting, bracketting, expansion, movement hardening etc??
Has anybody got any recommendations. My first opinion is to stick with traditional methods and make all mains welded or soldered.
answers on a postcard
Friar Tuck of Sherwood
I am currently designing the Heating, H&CWS to a school. Unfortunately, the planners insist on an unusual shape and the Architect has obliged by creating a building in the shape of a long sweeping 'S'. The corridor is about 2m wide (which is where I will be running my mains).
Now heres the problem.
a. Expansion. I will get some weird expansion problems since I can't guide the pipe or anchor it in any prticular place.
b. I have offtakes or side connections passing from the mains into classrooms. The pipework movement (Which is not predictable)will create stress on the branches.
c. I wanted originally to use fully welded steel for the mains and branches to minimise risk of leaks and solder ring copper joints for the hot and cold water services.
I have looked at plastic pipework...and there are lots of systems available. Push fit, crimp fit, pressfit, steel ring gripping 'o'ring sealed this and that...but has anybody had any experience with plastic pipework that is competitively priced (Plastic manufacturers seem to take the mick with their pricing even though the materials must be much lower than steel or copper....boy that bugs me)
I have used Uponor Unipipe in straight runs and GF Instaflex but I'm am not sure of the suitability. Will I get problems with supporting, bracketting, expansion, movement hardening etc??
Has anybody got any recommendations. My first opinion is to stick with traditional methods and make all mains welded or soldered.
answers on a postcard
Friar Tuck of Sherwood
