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.
Overview: Piping Technology
Piping technology deals with the physical construction of a heat network. The articles in this topic area are aimed at planners who, after hydraulic sizing, have to decide on pipe system, network structure and installation – decisions that account for a large share of the investment costs and determine the service life of the route.
The comparison of pipe systems contrasts bonded plastic jacket pipes, metal and plastic medium pipes, steel casing pipes and other systems, and names selection criteria such as temperature and pressure limits, insulation performance and costs. The article on network topology describes pipe types, the number of conductors and network structures such as radial, ring and meshed networks, together with their effect on security of supply and extensibility.
The articles on pipe installation and civil works and on pipe statics and thermal expansion cover execution: laying methods, route planning, construction sequence and how temperature-related changes in length are accommodated. Pipe system and insulation series feed directly back into the heat losses calculated under network design.