Hep20 Technical Handbook

Hep 2
O ® Precautionary Advice
Trouble Free Installation
of Hep 2 O ®
Most installers that have worked
extensively with Hep 2 O ® will have
experienced the odd problem from
time to time. Based on customer
feedback and over 20 years
experience in dealing with such
occurrences, the following are
simple but effective precautionary
steps that when taken will ensure
trouble free installation.
Potential joint problems can be
divided into two main categories,
and can also be used as the basis for
appropriate specification clauses.
Pipe derived problems
By far the majority of problems
occur because the pipe end inserted
into the fitting has been damaged in
some way. This can create a leak
pathway via the scratch or indent
for water to pass. This type of
damage can occur at various points
along the route to finally
commissioning the plumbing system.
But in general taking a few
precautionary measures can
eradicate any such problems:
• take care in how and where the
product is stored, retain pipe in
protective packaging until it is to
be used.
• never use an open bladed knife
to remove the pipe packaging.
• always use the attached shielded
blade tool to remove packaging
and cut on the inside of the coil,
thus enabling the pipe to be
contained within the packaging
until the last metre.
• when threading pipe through
holes in stone, brick and block
walls always use a pipe sleeve or
alternatively a small piece of foam
pipe insulation to protect the
pipe from the rough surface.
•
ensure exposed first fix pipework
is protected after initial installation
if further connections are to be
made to the pipe. By simply
pushing a temporary end
protector onto the pipe, it ensures
that no debris will enter the pipe
and furthermore it will protect the
pipe end from damage.
Fitting derived problems
Problems can arise for a number of
reasons, such as grit or debris
ingress into the joint prior to
coupling, or sometimes the
inadvertent omission of an integral
component part of the joint due to
past interference by the installer or
a possible third party. Again taking a
few general precautionary measures
can eradicate any such incidents:
•
store materials in a secure place
free from dust and dirt etc.
•
keep fittings in their bags until
ready for use.
•
when fittings are de-mounted
ensure they are correctly reassembled.
•
do not take joint components
from new fittings to replace
damaged or lost components in
other fittings.
•
always follow the do and don’t
guidelines leaflets included with
all bags of fittings.
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Where Not to Use Hep 2 O ®
The Hep 2 O ® system has been
designed and tested to meet the
requirements of modern heating
and water distribution systems.
Testing has not been carried out to
determine suitability for other
purposes and therefore should not
be used for instance, in the
following applications:
• conveyance of gas.
• conveyance of fuel oil.
• in areas contaminated by
petroleum and oil derivatives.
• compressed air.
• Hep 2 O® is not suitable for use
in systems where the water
carried in the pipe contains a
high concentration of chlorine
e.g. swimming pools or
decorative water features.
• Hep 2 O® will not be affected by
those levels of chlorine expected
in UK water supply (typically less
than 0.5ppm). Short term
chlorination for disinfection will
not have an adverse effect on the
system. See page 44.
• Hep 2 O® should only be used for
the secondary circulation of a solar
heating system, not for a primary
circuit as temperature cannot be
thermostatically controlled.
• Hep 2 O® should be protected at
all times from exposure to direct
sunlight and ultra violet light.
• Hep 2 O® should not be installed
in ringmain installations.
A ringmain is a water-replenished
circulating system maintained at a
constant high temperature to
provide a permanent source of hot
water to its distributing pipes.
Typical locations where ringmain
systems are used are hospitals or
hotels which distribute constant hot
water to wards or rooms at a
distance from heat source.
This restriction does not apply to
domestic systems operating
intermittently at temperatures less
than 65°C where a design life of 50
years as detailed in BS 7291: 2001
can be expected.
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