ROUNDTABLE | PIPEWORK MATERIALS FLUID ASSETS Appropriate material selection for pipework is essential if HVAC systems are to be fully optimised. At a roundtable sponsored by Geberit, experts from across the supply chain discuss the current issues around pipework specification. Amanda Birch reports T here was a groundswell of opinion at CIBSE Journals roundtable that better education and training are crucial if improvements are to be made to the design and installation of sustainable pipework. The event, which focused on the importance and appropriateness of material selection when specifying pipework, was sponsored by Geberit and held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London last month. The roundtable debated issues on the benefits of using multi-layer, plastic and metal pipework in different applications, the embodied carbon of materials and the issue of overheating. It also considered how divergent practices in pipe sizing, including reduced diameters to avoid stagnation and larger pipes to diminish pressure drops, can deliver safe system design. Jonathan Gaunt, associate director at Cundall and chair of the Society of Public Health Engineers, said there is a nervousness in employing different systems and specifying different materials because there are so many aspects to consider. These days, we dont just have a straightforward domestic water supply, we have reclaimed systems, greywater, blackwater, rainwater harvesting and solar, said Gaunt. There are more and more high-rise buildings, particularly in London, which emphasise the issues with pressurised systems, pressure regulating and managing those pressures, which leads to the pipework material and the jointing systems. Weve had rogue issues with pipework jointing systems, so we need to breathe some sanity into it so that people understand what the issues are and what the pitfalls are, to make sure the right systems are being used. Mark Davis, contracts director at Kylemore Services, agreed adding that the systems cant be blamed for these mistakes, its often the installers not being given the right training. Davis said many apprentice plumbing and heating engineers have never been taught the basics, like soldering copper pipework, and suggested that there is too much emphasis on Sponsored by price to the detriment of good training and getting the right skills. There should also be a separate training module on plastic pipework as there are a lot of different plastics on the market, he added. But its not just improving the training of plumbing and heating engineers. Many young consultant engineers entering the workplace have little onsite experience. Davis said they often invite consultants and clients to training refresher days they organise, which have been very successful. Gaunt agreed that this is a good, forward-thinking idea. Young consultant engineers often come from a theoretical, academic background with little experience of onsite installation, said Gaunt. Some consultants offer their employees four to six-week placements with contractors, and toolbox talks are also very helpful. The roundtable was chaired by CIBSE Journal editor Alex Smith, top 54 October 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Oct19 pp54-56, 58 Roundtable.indd 54 20/09/2019 16:07