HOW ECOFLEX CAN BENEFIT YOUR DISTRICT HEATING SCHEME
Ecoflex underground, pre-insulated pipe is an ideal solution for local and district heating networks. Here, we discuss the key features that make it the superior specification.
Uponor has engineered Ecoflex to offer superior insulation performance with cross-linked microcellular polyethylene (PE-Xa) foam, or highly effective PUR foam, an advanced EVOH oxygen barrier and a water repellent closed cell structure to provide specifiers with the reassurance that the pipe will maintain a consistent temperature, regardless of the length.
For example, Ecoflex Thermo VIP offers a revolutionary low lambda value insulation material that complements the CIBSE CP1 Code of Practice at <0.004 W/mK. This performance is 10 times better than soft foam insulation and 5 times better than hard foam insulation.
Furthermore, plastic piping is corrosion resistant, therefore extending the lifetime of the product, for long term peace of mind. As a consequence, the formation of biofilms, sludge and debris is far less likely to occur inside the pipes.
Ecoflex pre-insulated pipes are manufactured according to European Standard BS-EN 15632 and certified according to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. For further reliability, we also use independent 3rd party organisations to certify the quality and performance of our products. For example, Uponor Ecoflex Thermo pipes, Wipex fittings and Ecoflex accessories are all subject to WRAS and Kiwa approval and certification. Our Ecoflex Thermo heat loss values are also endorsed by the DIN Certco certification.
Notably, Ecoflex Thermo VIP combines the best heat loss performance for flexible foam insulation pipes on the market with outstanding flexibility. The flexible design and small diameter are easier to handle, helping to reduce the installation time of the pipes by up to 20% compared to hard foam insulated flexible pipes, and by more than double compared to steel pipes.
This flexible design feature is also ideal when working on tightly branched networks, smaller sites or where the pipework must work around existing features such as buildings or landscape. The pipe can bend and adjust to these as needed without compromising on the quality or performance of the product, and without requiring additional connections.
Furthermore, the outer diameter of Ecoflex Thermo VIP is up to 30% smaller than alternatives on the market. This means that the trenches running from a heating network to a building can be narrower, further saving time and labour.
Heating and cooling
Hot and cold water
Cold water supply
We can offer additional resources to ensure your project runs seamlessly, with support at every phase to offer product demand planning; design services and CAD drawings; feasibility analysis; heat loss calculations; installation training; and post installation quality assessments.
Uponor is a member of key industry body, the UK District Energy Association (UKDEA) where we collaborate in sharing best in class technology and manufacturing standards to help drive best practice in the delivery of district energy schemes across the UK.
Click here to see how Ecoflex has benefitted projects worldwide.
To discuss your Ecoflex project, contact us today by email: customersupport.uk@uponor.com, or call: +44 (0)1923 381212.
Best in class insulation
Whatever the scale of the project, it is imperative to minimise heat loss where possible. As a major component of the scheme, the pipework is critical to the success of the system and its thermal performance is a key consideration.Uponor has engineered Ecoflex to offer superior insulation performance with cross-linked microcellular polyethylene (PE-Xa) foam, or highly effective PUR foam, an advanced EVOH oxygen barrier and a water repellent closed cell structure to provide specifiers with the reassurance that the pipe will maintain a consistent temperature, regardless of the length.
For example, Ecoflex Thermo VIP offers a revolutionary low lambda value insulation material that complements the CIBSE CP1 Code of Practice at <0.004 W/mK. This performance is 10 times better than soft foam insulation and 5 times better than hard foam insulation.
No leaks and engineered to last
Unlike metal, Ecoflex can be delivered to match your project’s required measurement in one continuous, coiled length (up to 240 metres) allowing for easy transport and delivery to site. With no joins, there is less chance of leaks, resulting in a far more reliable installation.Furthermore, plastic piping is corrosion resistant, therefore extending the lifetime of the product, for long term peace of mind. As a consequence, the formation of biofilms, sludge and debris is far less likely to occur inside the pipes.
Ecoflex pre-insulated pipes are manufactured according to European Standard BS-EN 15632 and certified according to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. For further reliability, we also use independent 3rd party organisations to certify the quality and performance of our products. For example, Uponor Ecoflex Thermo pipes, Wipex fittings and Ecoflex accessories are all subject to WRAS and Kiwa approval and certification. Our Ecoflex Thermo heat loss values are also endorsed by the DIN Certco certification.
Time savings equal cost savings
Time, space and costs are important to every project. Ecoflex pipe can be delivered in pre-cut lengths and delivered to site as needed, and as there are no joins to manage, no specialist welding skills are required to install Ecoflex, thereby saving time and labour costs.Notably, Ecoflex Thermo VIP combines the best heat loss performance for flexible foam insulation pipes on the market with outstanding flexibility. The flexible design and small diameter are easier to handle, helping to reduce the installation time of the pipes by up to 20% compared to hard foam insulated flexible pipes, and by more than double compared to steel pipes.
This flexible design feature is also ideal when working on tightly branched networks, smaller sites or where the pipework must work around existing features such as buildings or landscape. The pipe can bend and adjust to these as needed without compromising on the quality or performance of the product, and without requiring additional connections.
Furthermore, the outer diameter of Ecoflex Thermo VIP is up to 30% smaller than alternatives on the market. This means that the trenches running from a heating network to a building can be narrower, further saving time and labour.
A quality solution for every type of brief and budget
Our product range for district heating networks is based on Uponor’s strong experience and know-how. The Ecoflex portfolio contains a comprehensive range of products for both heating and cooling networks as well as for hot water distribution and drinking water for both new build and refurbishment applications in the domestic and commercial sectors.Heating and cooling
Hot and cold water
Cold water supply
Working with a total solutions provider
With over 30 years of research and experience, and more than 35 million metres of pipe installed worldwide, Uponor’s unrivalled expertise will ensure that your project delivers heat energy efficiently.We can offer additional resources to ensure your project runs seamlessly, with support at every phase to offer product demand planning; design services and CAD drawings; feasibility analysis; heat loss calculations; installation training; and post installation quality assessments.
Uponor is a member of key industry body, the UK District Energy Association (UKDEA) where we collaborate in sharing best in class technology and manufacturing standards to help drive best practice in the delivery of district energy schemes across the UK.
Click here to see how Ecoflex has benefitted projects worldwide.
To discuss your Ecoflex project, contact us today by email: customersupport.uk@uponor.com, or call: +44 (0)1923 381212.