Piping Technology

Pipe systems, network structure, laying methods and thermal expansion

Piping technology covers the physical realization of a heat network – from the choice of pipe system and network structure to laying and statics. Material selection, insulation standard and laying method affect heat losses, thermal expansion and the service life of the route. This topic area compares pipe systems and addresses network topology, civil works and structural design.

4 articles in this category

Pipe Systems Compared

Overview and comparison of pipe systems for thermal networks: KMR, MMR, PMR, PE pipes, ductile cast iron, GRP, and SMR

Network Topology and Structure

Thermal network topology: pipe hierarchy, radial, ring, and meshed networks compared. System variants and selection criteria for planning.

Pipe Installation in District Heating

Open-trench and trenchless installation of district heating pipes: route planning, trench profiles, bedding and the cost share of civil works in network projects.

Pipe Statics: Thermal Expansion & Stress

Thermal expansion and stress in district heating pipes: calculation formulas, cold installation, pre-stressing and expansion compensation — explained with worked examples.

Other topics

Building Simulation Dynamic simulation, summer heat protection, BIM and comfort analysis
Heat Generation Heat load demand, generation concepts, energy storage and efficiency
Network Design Pipe dimensioning, loss calculation, network temperatures and heat density
Network Hydraulics Pressurization, pressure profiles, operating modes, control and simulation
Cold District Heating 5GDHC networks, dimensioning and prosumer concepts
Plant Engineering Transfer stations, pumps, heating curves, hydraulic balancing and domestic hot water
Planning Supply area, planning phases and project workflow
Economics Economic analysis, funding, tariff design and contracts
Operations Optimization Return temperature, temperature reduction, monitoring and digital twin

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